4
$\begingroup$

Everything is legal / airworthy. Except: Transponder is installed. It does work. It has NOT been inspected in any time frame that would show it is properly maintained.

Flight is Golf, Echo, Delta < 2500 AGL

Can I shut off the transponder and fly legally?

Improve this question
$\endgroup$
4
  • 1
    $\begingroup$ Are you flying in controlled airspace? $\endgroup$
    – GdD
    Sep 8, 2020 at 13:07
  • $\begingroup$ I already stated where the flight will be. E is controlled. I love how all FAA questions are 50% yes, 50% no $\endgroup$
    – chup
    Sep 11, 2020 at 21:09
  • $\begingroup$ "Flight is Golf, Echo, Delta", you likely wanted to write "airspaces used are classes D, E and G" but you had not enough time, given that you have no time to select helpful answers. $\endgroup$
    – mins
    Nov 22, 2021 at 16:47
  • $\begingroup$ I still dont have a helpful answer. 1/2 contradict the other 1/2 $\endgroup$
    – chup
    Dec 24, 2021 at 14:30

3 Answers 3

Reset to default
6
$\begingroup$

Yes, you can in the US in Class D, E & G airspace according to 14 CFR 91.215. You will need to placard the transponder INOP, and make a note in the aircraft logbook. But, you must stay out of any Mode C Veils, and further than 30 miles from Class B airports. Also, stay below 10,000 feet MSL unless that means you are below 2,500 feet AGL. However, you can request a deviation to 91.215 from ATC in advance.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
0
$\begingroup$

NO.

The FARs are pretty clear about this. If it is installed it must be inspected within 24 months—otherwise you can’t fly (with some exceptions e.g. ferry permit). If it passed inspection, it must be on. If it fails then you may fly with an inoperative transponder (with some exceptions and notifications as described in the FAR). You can’t turn it off and fly legally.

In your case you cannot fly because you have an operable transponder that has not been inspected (and passed) in the previous 24 months and you want to fly in controlled airspace.

§91.413 ATC transponder tests and inspections.

(a) No persons may use an ATC transponder that is specified in 91.215(a), 121.345(c), or §135.143(c) of this chapter unless, within the preceding 24 calendar months, the ATC transponder has been tested and inspected and found to comply with appendix F of part 43 of this chapter; and

§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, unless otherwise directed by ATC when transmitting would jeopardize the safe execution of air traffic control functions.

(d) ATC authorized deviations. Requests for ATC authorized deviations must be made to the ATC facility having jurisdiction over the concerned airspace within the time periods specified as follows:…

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
1
  • 3
    $\begingroup$ 91.413 No persons may "use" 91.215 ..."maintained in accordance with" I'm leaning to the side of it being acceptable. $\endgroup$
    – chup
    Sep 11, 2020 at 21:14
0
$\begingroup$

Most of the Airspace specified in paragraph (b) of 91.215 is: B, C, Mode C Veils, and the airspace overlying B & C.

Improve this answer
$\endgroup$
1
  • 3
    $\begingroup$ Welcome to Aviation.SE! Answers here should be complete and stand on their own. You can edit your answer to add more information. $\endgroup$
    – fooot ♦
    Nov 22, 2021 at 2:08

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.