FAA Instrument Rating Airplane (IRA)Regulations and CurrencyMedium
A pilot plans an IFR flight that will pass through Class B airspace surrounding a major terminal. Beyond the instruments required by 14 CFR 91.205(d), what additional equipment must the aircraft have installed and operating per 14 CFR 91.215?
- ADME
- BA second VOR receiver
- CADF
- DMode C transponder with automatic altitude reporting
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: D. Mode C transponder with automatic altitude reporting
14 CFR 91.215 requires an operable Mode C transponder with automatic altitude reporting for flight within, above, or in the outer 30-mile veil of Class B airspace (and within Class A/C airspace, above 10,000 MSL, etc.), independent of the instrument list in 91.205(d).
Why the other options are wrong
- A. DME is required for certain operations above FL240 with VOR/DME routes, not generally for Class B.
- B. A second VOR is not a regulatory requirement tied to Class B airspace.
- C. ADF is not required equipment for Class B operations.
Transponder Requirement — 91.215
14 CFR 91.215 mandates an operating Mode C transponder with automatic altitude reporting in specified airspace, including Class B, Class C, above 10,000 ft MSL (with exceptions), and within the Class B 30-NM veil.
- Required in Class A, B, C airspace and above 10,000 ft MSL (excluding below 2,500 AGL)
- Also required within the lateral limits of a Class B 30-NM Mode C veil
- Separate from the general IFR instrument list in 91.205(d)
Memory trick: 'Big airspace, big blip — Mode C required'