For flights in Class A airspace, what equipment is mandated?

In Class A airspace, the regulations require aircraft to be equipped with a coded transponder that has altitude reporting capabilities, often referred to as an Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) transponder. This requirement is crucial for maintaining safety and effective air traffic control in the high-altitude environment where Class A airspace exists, typically above 18,000 feet mean sea level.

The coded transponder plays a key role in allowing air traffic controllers to track aircraft and ensure safe separation between them. The altitude reporting function enhances this tracking capability by providing real-time altitude information, which is essential for managing the vertical spacing of aircraft flying at those higher altitudes. Therefore, having this specific type of equipment meets the operational needs of safe and efficient air traffic management in Class A airspace.