14 CFR 91.215 — ATC Transponder and Altitude Reporting Equipment and Use
Transponder with Mode C required in Class A, B, and C airspace, above Class B and C, and above 10,000 MSL (with exceptions).
Regulation Text
All airspace: Each person operating an aircraft in controlled airspace must operate with the applicable equipment: in Class A, B, and C airspace; in all airspace above the ceiling or lateral boundaries of Class B or C airspace up to 10,000 feet MSL; in all airspace at and above 10,000 feet MSL (except below 2,500 feet AGL); within 30 miles of certain primary airports in Class B airspace (the Mode C veil).
Note: This is an excerpt. Refer to the full regulation in eCFR for the complete text.
Plain-English Explanation
A transponder with Mode C (altitude reporting) is required in: Class A, B, and C airspace; within 30 nm of Class B primary airports (the Mode C veil); above the ceiling of Class B or C airspace up to 10,000 MSL; and at or above 10,000 feet MSL (except when below 2,500 AGL). You can fly in Class D, E, or G below 10,000 MSL without a transponder in most cases. If your transponder fails, you can request an ATC deviation to fly without it.
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