Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Practice Exam

Which airspace requires transponder with altitude reporting capability before entry?

1. Class C

2. Class D

3. Class E

4. Class A

The correct answer is: Class C

Class C airspace requires that all aircraft operating within it are equipped with a transponder that has altitude reporting capabilities. This is essential for maintaining safety and ensuring effective air traffic control, as it allows controllers to monitor and communicate with aircraft in this busier airspace. Class C airspace generally surrounds airports with a higher volume of traffic and, as such, it is crucial for pilots and air traffic controllers to have accurate altitude information. This helps pilots avoid potential collisions and allows for effective management of both arriving and departing aircraft. While other classes of airspace may have different requirements, like Class D which only requires communication with air traffic control, or Class E which has more flexible rules, they do not mandate a transponder with altitude reporting before entry as Class C does. Class A airspace also has transponder requirements, but it applies primarily to aircraft flying at altitudes above 18,000 feet mean sea level, thus making Class C a clear choice for the question's specific requirements prior to entry.