Which team has the shared responsibility of validating Mode C?

The radar team has the shared responsibility of validating Mode C because they are specifically tasked with monitoring and verifying transponder activity, including altitude reporting capabilities. Mode C transponders provide altitude data to air traffic control, which is crucial for maintaining safe separation between aircraft, especially in busy airspace.

The radar team utilizes radar systems to receive this information and can cross-check the transponder altitude against actual radar returns. This oversight is essential to ensure that the altitude data being reported by aircraft is accurate and that any discrepancies or issues can be promptly addressed for the safety of all users in the airspace.

Other teams, such as flight service or ground control, typically deal with different aspects of flight operations and may not be directly involved in the technical validation and monitoring of transponder signals and their altitude reporting. Similarly, the approach control team focuses on managing aircraft as they approach an airport, handling aspects of sequencing and spacing without the primary responsibility for validating Mode C.