Which FAA exams test 14 CFR 91.130?

This regulation is tested on the following FAA exams: PAR, IRA, CAX. These include the FAA Private Pilot (PAR), FAA Instrument Rating (IRA), FAA Commercial Pilot (CAX).

Part 91General Operating and Flight Rules

14 CFR 91.130 — Operations in Class C Airspace

Requires two-way radio communication, operative transponder with Mode C, and ATC communication before entering Class C airspace.

Regulation Text

Each person operating an aircraft in Class C airspace must meet the following requirements: establish two-way radio communication with the ATC facility providing air traffic services prior to entering the airspace; maintain such communications while within the airspace; and have an operable radar beacon transponder with automatic altitude-reporting capability.

Note: This is an excerpt. Refer to the full regulation in eCFR for the complete text.

Plain-English Explanation

Class C airspace (usually around busy airports with approach control, surface to typically 4,000 AGL) requires two-way radio communication AND a transponder with Mode C altitude reporting. You must talk to approach control before entering, not just the tower. Class C has both an inner ring (5 nm) and outer ring (10 nm) with different altitude limits. Remember: Class C = Communication + transponder with C (Mode C).