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Condition for operating with a transponder on

Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice question 25 of 34 on Regulations / Operating Rules. ACS element UA.I.B.K27 · difficulty: recall. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Remote Pilot (Part 107) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONUnder § 107.52, a small unmanned aircraft system may be operated under part 107 with an ATC transponder turned on only if

  1. Athe operation is otherwise authorized by the Administrator
  2. Bthe transponder is set to code 1200 and the aircraft remains below 400 feet AGL
  3. Cthe remote pilot in command notifies the nearest ATC facility before the flight
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. the operation is otherwise authorized by the Administrator

  • A — correct § 107.52 states that, unless otherwise authorized by the Administrator, no person may operate a small UAS under part 107 with a transponder on.
  • B — incorrect § 107.52 contains no code or altitude condition. Only an authorization from the Administrator permits operation with the transponder on.
  • C — incorrect Notifying an ATC facility is not the condition in § 107.52. The section requires authorization by the Administrator.

BACKGROUND

Section 107.52 prohibits operating a small unmanned aircraft system (small UAS) under part 107 with an ATC transponder on, unless otherwise authorized by the Administrator. A companion rule, § 107.53, prohibits operating with Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) Out equipment in transmit mode, again unless authorized by the Administrator. Both sections were added in 2021. Neither section provides a self-executing exception based on transponder code, altitude, or notification.

STUDY TIP

Treat the transponder and ADS-B Out rules as a pair: both are prohibitions with a single exception, authorization by the Administrator.

KEY POINTS

  • § 107.52: no operation under part 107 with a transponder on unless the Administrator authorizes it.
  • § 107.53 applies the same structure to ADS-B Out in transmit mode.
  • No code, altitude, or notification exception exists.

SOURCES

  • 14 CFR 107.52
  • 14 CFR 107.53
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MORE ON REGULATIONS / OPERATING RULES

SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on 14 CFR part 107, 14 CFR part 89, and the FAA Remote Pilot – Small UAS Study Guide (FAA-G-8082-22). Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.