All operations within Class C airspace must be in

• A. An aircraft equipped with a 4096-code transponder with Mode C encoding capability
• B. An aircraft with a basic transponder only
• C. An aircraft with GPS overlay
• D. Any VFR aircraft without transponder

Answer: (A)

In Class C airspace, you must be in two-way radio communication with ATC and have a transponder that provides altitude encoding. The option stating a 4096-code transponder with Mode C encoding capability fits this requirement because Mode C transmits both the squawk code and your altitude to ATC, enabling proper separation and identification. A basic transponder without altitude encoding wouldn’t meet the requirement, GPS overlay is not relevant to the transponder capability, and operating without a transponder is not allowed in Class C.