True or False: When in Mode C, a transponder will still reply to a Mode A interrogation.

True or False: When in Mode C, a transponder will still reply to a Mode A interrogation.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Only during system checks
• D. Only if modified

Answer: (A)

A transponder in Mode C is designed to provide altitude information along with the identification code when interrogated. However, it is also backward compatible, which means that it will respond to Mode A interrogations as well. When a Mode A interrogation is received, the Mode C transponder will respond with just the identification code, omitting the altitude data since Mode A does not require it. This compatibility allows for seamless interaction with older systems that may not support the additional features of Mode C. This illustrates the importance of transponder functionality and compatibility in aviation communication, ensuring that aircraft can still be detected and identified by air traffic control systems using various interrogation modes.

A transponder in Mode C is designed to provide altitude information along with the identification code when interrogated. However, it is also backward compatible, which means that it will respond to Mode A interrogations as well.

When a Mode A interrogation is received, the Mode C transponder will respond with just the identification code, omitting the altitude data since Mode A does not require it. This compatibility allows for seamless interaction with older systems that may not support the additional features of Mode C.

This illustrates the importance of transponder functionality and compatibility in aviation communication, ensuring that aircraft can still be detected and identified by air traffic control systems using various interrogation modes.