All operations within Class C airspace must be in

All operations within Class C airspace must be in

• A. Compliance with ATC clearances and instructions
• B. An aircraft equipped with a 4096-code transponder with Mode C encoding capability
• C. Accordance with instrument flight rules
• D. Visual flight rules only

Answer: (B)

Radar surveillance in Class C airspace relies on you being identifiable and trackable by ATC. To do that, you must have a functioning transponder that provides a discrete code and altitude information. The 4096-code transponder with Mode C encoding capability is the standard setup because the 12-bit discrete code lets ATC identify your aircraft, while Mode C adds altitude data to your radar return. This combination is what lets ATC assign vertical and horizontal separation safely in this busy, controlled airspace. While complying with ATC clearances and instructions is required in Class C, and IFR operations use the same general rules, the specific equipment requirement (an altitude-reporting transponder) is the defining feature tested here. The other statements are true in a broader sense but do not specify the essential equipment needed to operate within Class C.

Radar surveillance in Class C airspace relies on you being identifiable and trackable by ATC. To do that, you must have a functioning transponder that provides a discrete code and altitude information. The 4096-code transponder with Mode C encoding capability is the standard setup because the 12-bit discrete code lets ATC identify your aircraft, while Mode C adds altitude data to your radar return. This combination is what lets ATC assign vertical and horizontal separation safely in this busy, controlled airspace.

While complying with ATC clearances and instructions is required in Class C, and IFR operations use the same general rules, the specific equipment requirement (an altitude-reporting transponder) is the defining feature tested here. The other statements are true in a broader sense but do not specify the essential equipment needed to operate within Class C.