FAA Sport Pilot Airplane (SPA)RegulationsHard
A sport pilot plans to fly a light-sport airplane equipped with an electrical system into the Class C airspace surrounding a busy regional airport. What equipment requirement under 14 CFR 91.225 must be met before entering that airspace?
- AThe aircraft is automatically exempt from ADS-B Out because it is a light-sport aircraft
- BThe aircraft must be equipped with and operating ADS-B Out equipment
- CThe aircraft must have a Mode C transponder only; ADS-B Out is not required in Class C airspace
- DADS-B Out is required only if the flight occurs at night
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. The aircraft must be equipped with and operating ADS-B Out equipment
14 CFR 91.225 requires ADS-B Out equipment for flight in Class B and Class C airspace (among other designated areas), regardless of aircraft category, as long as the aircraft has an electrical system. Light-sport aircraft with electrical systems are not automatically exempt.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. LSA status does not exempt an aircraft with an electrical system from the ADS-B Out mandate.
- C. A transponder alone is insufficient; ADS-B Out is specifically required in Class C airspace under current rules.
- D. The requirement applies regardless of time of day.
ADS-B Out Requirement (91.225)
Aircraft with electrical systems must have operating ADS-B Out equipment to fly in Class B and C airspace, above 10,000 ft MSL (excluding below 2,500 ft AGL), and other designated areas.
- Applies to Class B and Class C airspace
- Exception exists for aircraft without an electrical system
- LSA status alone does not exempt equipped aircraft
Memory trick: ADS-B needed wherever a Mode C veil/transponder used to be required, plus more