Where is a transponder required in aviation?


Where is a transponder required in aviation? A Mode C transponder gives air traffic control (ATC) your altitude and an identification code. Specifically, a Mode C transponder is required if you wish to operate in Class A, B, or C airspace, at an altitude of over 10,000' MSL, or within a 30-nautical mile radius of the primary airport in Class B airspace.


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.


What are the three types of transponders?

Transponder
  • Transponder A: sends back a transponder code to ATC.
  • Transponder C: sends a transponder code plus altitude information to ATC.
  • Transponder S: sends a transponder code plus altitude information to ATC, and receives and reports information to other transponders of the same type.


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.


Which airspace is uncontrolled?

Class G airspace (uncontrolled) is that portion of airspace that has not been designated as Class A, Class B, Class C, Class D, or Class E airspace. Rules governing VFR flight have been adopted to assist the pilot in meeting the responsibility to see and avoid other aircraft.