Use of a transponder in aircraft flight required.

This bill requires all aircraft operating in navigable airspace over Minnesota to use an active transponder that automatically responds to air traffic control radar signals. The law applies to any person flying aircraft in state airspace and takes effect immediately upon final passage. The commissioner of public safety may grant limited exemptions for specific flights involving compelling security concerns or extraordinary circumstances, but these exemptions must be time-limited and geographically restricted to only what is necessary for the flight. The legislation amends existing state aeronautics statutes to establish this new operational requirement.