I believe that the answer is wrong to this question, albeit that the intent is correct.
A mode c transponder when interrogated replies with ID and pressure altitude. The ground station determines position based on the angle of interrogation and the distance based on the time for the radar pulse to get there and be returned.
So the ground station can tell your position and height, but the transponder only replies to the interrogation with the code and altitude.
So the answer should be closer to A, bearing in mind that code is also transmitted. The answer of D mixes both the transponder and ground station functions.
Mike
Thanks for that. I have reworded the question as follows -
A ‘mode C’ transponder transmits information that allows a ground station to determine-
[a] an aircraft’s height only
[b] an aircraft’s type
[c] an aircraft’s position only
[d] an aircraft’s height and position
The answer remains [d].
Your feed-back is greatly appreciated.
