Mode C in Delta

I'm pretty sure when the transponder is on standby it only gives the aircraft's callsign. So the Seneca must of had been only showing its call sign and nothing else.

Hmmm. I thought standbuy only warmed the thing up. I think when it turned to "On" it will only show the Squak code. As far as I know, it will only show a callsign if the controler assigns one. Someone please correct me if I am worng. I am a pilot, not a controler, and it says no where in the regs that you have to be smart to be a pilot:crazy:.
 
AIM 4-1-20

The source for this is
§ 91.215 ATC transponder and altitude reporting equipment and use.

c) Transponder-on operation. While in the airspace as specified in paragraph (b) of this section or in all controlled airspace, each person operating an aircraft equipped with an operable ATC transponder maintained in accordance with §91.413 of this part shall operate the transponder, including Mode C equipment if installed, and shall reply on the appropriate code or as assigned by ATC.
 
I'm pretty sure when the transponder is on standby it only gives the aircraft's callsign. So the Seneca must of had been only showing its call sign and nothing else.

On radar, an airplane squawking standby looks the same as one with the transponder turned off or one with no transponder at all. The best you'll see is a primary target.
 
The source for this is
§ 91.215 ATC transponder and altitude reporting equipment and use.

c) Transponder-on operation. While in the airspace as specified in paragraph (b) of this section or in all controlled airspace, each person operating an aircraft equipped with an operable ATC transponder maintained in accordance with §91.413 of this part shall operate the transponder, including Mode C equipment if installed, and shall reply on the appropriate code or as assigned by ATC.

Thanks for the reference. I knew I read it somewhere but I couldn't find it in the FAR. The AIM was the best I could do.
 
Not required in Class D. I often ask "if equipped please check mode c". If the answer is neg. mode c I simply request the pilot advise of any alt changes and type a fixed alt in manually. This does not alleviate me from any responsibility but I think a good practice when issuing traffic advisories. Lets take for example I request a pilot tell me if they are changing altitude and are neg. mode c. They dont and I dont issue traffic because it should be no factor. I feel Ive done what I could to provide the best service I could but thats the end of it. I make a request, pilot is now responsible to keep me up-to-date so as to get the best service. Fair enough?
 
Mode C is NOT required outside of the class B/C veil of 30 miles. a Class D in itself does NOT require you to have a working mode C to operate in the airspace.

however...if u have the equipment and ATC tells you to turn on your Mode-c, then guess what? you have to turn on your Mode-C. you can surely tell them that you don't have it or that you don't want to turn it on. They can surely tell you that you can "sit your happy ass outside the Class D and stand-by".
 
Mode C is also required above 10,000 MSL when above 2500 AGL.

Do you ATC guys ever get someone requesting an IFR flight plan with no transponder? /X
 
I had my transponder fail while on an IFR cross country during my instrument training; we couldn't make it back VMC so we filed /X for our trip back. All the other equipment was working so the airplane was airworthy and IFR legal. ATC wanted lots of altitude reports since we were a primary target on their scope.
 
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