Can I get flight following without a transponder?


Can I get flight following without a transponder? You will need at least a radio and a transponder to get flight following. The requirement for a radio is self-evident. The transponder isn't an absolute, cast-in-stone requirement, but in most cases ATC will not give you flight following if you don't have a transponder.


Is transponder check required for VFR?

For VFR operations, the FAA requires all transponder-equipped aircraft to be inspected to verify the proper operation of the transponder.


Can you fly with no transponder?

A transponder is not required unless an aircraft is operating: In Class A, Class B, or Class C airspace. Above 10,000 feet Mean Sea Level (MSL), excluding airspace below 2,500 feet Above Ground Level (AGL).


Can you fly over Class B airspace without a transponder?

Radio Procedures for Class B Airspace Unlike Class C airspace, a simple acknowledgement by ATC is not sufficient for you to enter Class B airspace. You must also receive clearance and a unique transponder squawk code to enter.


Can you overfly Class C airspace?

Can we fly over it? Technically yes, BUT it's still a very bad idea because a motor out would force you to descend through the Class C airspace. We CAN'T fly here without special permission from ATC. Permission should be obtained in advance by telephone (some controllers will accept a radio call).


Can a plane be tracked without a transponder?

From the 1940s to the early 1960s, ATC only had primary radar available. Over half a century later, when an aircraft's transponder fails, modern radar controllers are trained to use some “back to basics” primary radar techniques to work around the problem and identify aircraft.


Is it legal to turn off transponders?

If requested by ATC, pilots are allowed to turn off the transponder.


When should I turn off my transponder?

If it's failing and/or on fire, you want the power off. Two: operationally, it is sometimes necessary for ATC to request planes on the ground turn off their transponders to declutter the radar.


Do you need a transponder above Class C?

While you don't need an operable transponder to fly below a Class C shelf, you will need one to fly above Class C airspace. As you approach a Class C airport, you'll contact that airspace's approach control. Call ATC on the radio before you're in Class C airspace and make sure to tell them: Your position.


What happens if pilot turns off transponder?

It's also worth noting that if the transponder is switched off you generally only lose two pieces of information: the flight identification (mode A & mode S data) and altitude (mode C data). Primary radar will still paint a target (albeit unidentified) as long as the aircraft is within radar range.


Which transponder code to avoid?

Code 0000 should never be assigned or used. However, NASA recommends that crews set 0000 after landing to help detect when a clearance has not been received. Resetting the transponder to 0000 (four zeros) after landing can help you, or the next crew, detect lack of a PDC.


Can ATC see aircraft without transponder?

A Primary Radar System. Typically located on the control tower or other strategic location on the airport, the Primary Radar antenna is able to detect and display aircraft that are not equipped with or have malfunctioning transponders or ADS-B.


Can you fly over Class C airspace without a transponder?

Two-way radio communications and operational transponder are normally required for operations within Class C airspace, but operations without radio communications or transponder can be conducted by LOA, facility directive, or special arrangement with Class C airspace controlling facility.


What happens if you fly without ADS-B?

You may fly without ADSB under the Class B or Class C shelf provided you remain outside of any Mode C veil. §91.225 tells you where you cannot fly. It says you cannot fly within the lateral boundaries of the Class B or C airspace or above the airspace.