Transponders Above Class C Airspace

"Papa3" wrote in message
ups.com...
On May 7, 7:55 pm, "BT" wrote:
91.215 (b)(4) states that all aircraft operating above Class B and C
airspace up to 10,000MSL require transponders.
The "glider exemption" described in 91.215(b)(3)(ii) states a glider (no
factory electrical generation system) can operate without a transponder
within 30nm of Class B airspace as long at they operate below the ceiling
of
Class B or Class C airspace or 10,000MSL WHICH EVER IS LOWER.

Most ClassB in the US go up to 10,000MSL, so that would be moot, but
there
are a few that do not, LAS for example. There is talk of lowering the PHX
to
9,000MSL.

The way 91.215(b)(iii) is worded, raises a question. There are many Class
C
airspace designations well outside the 30nm ModeC veil associated with
Class
B airspace. Can one legally fly above these Class C areas with no
transponder?

BT

"Jim Vincent" wrote in message

...



A recent discussion on transponders in gliders brought up the issue of a
transponder in Class C airspace. Recognizing that gliders are not
required
to have one since they don't have electrical systems, the issue was
whether
one is required if you are above towered airspace, such as Class C.

I had been told second hand that a transponder is required within the
lateral boundaries. A friend took the initiative and called the local
FSDO for clarification. While a transponder is not required, it is a
good
idea, and it is an especially good idea to contact the tower well
beforehand on the off chance of a descent in to the airspace.

A quick survey: Since this aspect of the regs is somewhat open to
interpretation, is your local FAA person telling you that a transponder
is
required? What is your personal policy and understanding of the reg?
If
the consensus is that a transponder is required, should associations
such
as the SSA for badges and the OLC ding accordingly?- Hide quoted text -

- Show quoted text -

I've overflown Allentown Class C airspace on several occasions without
a transponder. I've spoken with both the FSDO and the Tower Boss, and
their interpretation was that I can do this as long as I complied with
the ATC Authorized Deviations bit which comes near the end of
91.215. In practice, this meant calling them up on the phone on the
day of a planned record flight prior to takeoff. This was followed
with a radio call while still a good 20 miles or so outside their
airspace.

On two occaisions, their "body english" on the radio was along the
lines of "yeah.. whatever." On the third, the guy was all gung-ho and
gave me traffic advisories every few minutes (to the point where it
was almost embarassing). He wished me good luck after clearing their
lateral boundaries and asked me to call in with results !

YMMV.

P3


P3, it was the Allentown airspace I was thinking of. A friend was flying
back from Grimes and overflew the Class C, staying just a few hundred feet
above the airspace. I agree with your recommendation that it would be
prudent to contact ATC before flying over the airspace.