VFR Certifications

Straightforward, honest certifications for recreational pilots who fly in visual conditions—without the upselling or unnecessary expenses

If you fly recreationally, take friends and family on weekend trips, or are building hours under Visual Flight Rules, you deserve honest certification services that respect your budget and your aircraft. At The CERTMAN, we understand that VFR flying doesn’t mean cutting corners on safety—it means being smart about what you actually need.

What is VFR Certification?

VFR (Visual Flight Rules) certification refers to the transponder and equipment testing required for aircraft operating under visual flight rules in controlled airspace. Unlike IFR operations that require both transponder and pitot-static certifications, VFR pilots typically only need transponder/altitude encoder certification—unless they plan to fly in specific airspace or conditions.

The key regulation for VFR pilots is FAR 91.413, which requires transponder and altitude reporting equipment to be tested and inspected every 24 calendar months if you operate in Mode C required airspace. This includes most Class B and Class C airspace, as well as operations above 10,000 feet MSL (with some exceptions).

VFR Flying: Keep It Simple, Keep It Safe

Visual Flight Rules mean you navigate by looking outside the cockpit—using visual references like landmarks, horizons, and other aircraft. You fly in good weather (Visual Meteorological Conditions), maintain visual separation from other traffic, and generally stay out of clouds.

Most recreational pilots, student pilots, and weekend flyers operate exclusively under VFR. It’s straightforward, cost-effective, and perfect for local flying, sightseeing, and short cross-country trips on clear days.

Do I Need VFR Certification?

The answer depends on where you fly. Here’s the breakdown:

You DO Need Transponder Certification If You:

Fly in or through Class B airspace (major airports)
Fly in Class C airspace (medium-sized airports)
Operate above 10,000 feet MSL (except when below 2,500 feet AGL)
Fly within 30 nautical miles of certain Class B airports (Mode C veil)
Use flight following or other ATC services that require transponder
Plan to fly cross-country trips into controlled airspace

You May NOT Need Certification If You:

Important: Even if not legally required, transponder certification is often recommended for safety and operational flexibility.

Not Sure If You Need Certification?

Call The CERTMAN for a straight answer. We’ll ask about where you fly, what airspace you typically operate in, and whether your current setup requires certification. No sales pitch—just honest guidance on what’s actually required for your flying.

VFR vs. IFR Certification: What's The Difference?

Requirement	VFR Pilots	IFR Pilots
Transponder Certification	Required if flying in Mode C airspace (Class B, C, or above 10,000')	Required for all IFR operations
Pitot-Static Certification	NOT required for VFR-only operations	Required every 24 months for IFR
Typical Cost	Lower (transponder only)	Higher (transponder + pitot-static)
Weather Requirements	Clear skies, good visibility	Can fly in clouds, low visibility, IMC
Airspace Access	Most airspace except Class A (above 18,000')	Unrestricted access to all airspace

Bottom Line: If you’re a VFR-only pilot who doesn’t need IFR capability, you shouldn’t pay for pitot-static certification. We’ll only recommend what you actually need for your type of flying.

Why VFR Pilots Choose The CERTMAN

We understand recreational flying—and we respect pilots who want to keep costs down without compromising safety.

No Upselling

We come to your hangar anywhere in Michigan and Northern Ohio. No ferry flights, no shop scheduling headaches, no wasted flying time.

Safety First

Every certification meets or exceeds FAA standards. Your safety is never compromised—that’s been our number one priority since 1989.

Proven Track Record

Built on the 35-year reputation of Top Flight Avionics, known for fixing things others can’t and treating every customer with integrity and respect.

Clear Explanations

We’ll explain exactly what’s required for your type of flying in plain language—no confusing jargon or unnecessary complexity.

Quick Turnaround

VFR transponder certifications typically take 1-2 hours. You’ll be back in the air the same day.

Safety First

Simple doesn’t mean sloppy. Every certification meets FAA standards—your logbooks will pass any ramp check.

What's Included in VFR Certification?

When you schedule transponder certification with The CERTMAN, here’s what we provide:

Comprehensive Transponder Testing

Mode A/C Transponder Verification: Testing reply efficiency, frequency stability, and transmission accuracy
Altitude Encoder Testing: Ensuring accurate altitude reporting to ATC for separation services
ADS-B Out Compliance: Verification that your ADS-B equipped aircraft meets current regulations
System Functionality Checks: Complete operational testing under all required conditions
FAA Documentation: Logbook entries, certification paperwork, and test results for your records
24-Month Certification: Valid for two full calendar years from the month of certification

Honest Assessment Included

If we find issues during testing, we’ll explain exactly what’s wrong, why it matters for safety, and what your options are. Sometimes that means a simple repair we can do on-site. Sometimes it means monitoring a marginal system more closely next cycle. We give you the information you need to make smart decisions about your aircraft.

What About Pitot-Static Testing?

If you fly exclusively VFR and don’t plan to file IFR flight plans, you do not need pitot-static certification. However, some VFR pilots choose to maintain pitot-static certifications anyway because:

It provides operational flexibility if weather or routing requires occasional IFR flight
It can increase aircraft resale value for buyers who want IFR capability
It ensures altimeter and airspeed systems are checked for accuracy and safety

Our recommendation: We’ll discuss your flying habits and future plans, then recommend what makes sense for you. No pressure, no upselling—just honest advice based on your actual needs.

Common Questions About VFR Certification

How often does my transponder certification expire?

Every 24 calendar months. If your last certification was in January 2023, it’s valid through January 31, 2025—regardless of the specific date in January it was performed. This is a calendar-based expiration, not a rolling 24-month period.

Can I fly without transponder certification?

Yes, but with significant limitations. You can fly in uncontrolled airspace (Class G) and at airports without Mode C requirements. However, you cannot fly in Class B or C airspace, above 10,000 feet MSL in most areas, or within Mode C veils around major airports. For many pilots, these restrictions effectively ground the aircraft for practical purposes.

What if I'm a student pilot—do I need certification?

It depends on where you’re training. If your flight school operates out of a Class C or Class B airport, you’ll need transponder certification to legally train there. Many student pilots get their transponder certified as part of initial aircraft setup, even if not immediately required, because it opens up more training airspace and cross-country route options.

How much does VFR transponder certification cost?

Contact us for current pricing. Because we’re mobile and only certify what you need, VFR pilots typically save significantly compared to shop-based services that recommend unnecessary additional testing. We provide transparent pricing with no surprise add-ons.

What if my transponder fails certification testing?

We’ll diagnose the issue and explain your options. Common problems like antenna issues, connection problems, or minor repairs can often be fixed on-site (with 10% off labor). For more complex repairs, we’ll provide detailed documentation so you can make informed decisions. We never pressure you into expensive replacements if repair is a viable option.

Should I upgrade to ADS-B if my transponder is older?

If you’re flying in airspace that requires ADS-B Out (most Mode C airspace), it’s already mandatory. If your current transponder is Mode C only and still working, we’ll tell you honestly whether it’s worth upgrading or if you should continue with what you have until it needs replacement. We consider factors like your flying patterns, the transponder’s condition, and your budget—not just our ability to sell you new equipment.

Schedule Your VFR Certification

Keep your aircraft legal and safe without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a weekend warrior, student pilot, or recreational flyer, The CERTMAN delivers honest assessments and professional certifications at your hangar.

Mobile service • No upselling • Fair pricing • Michigan & Northern Ohio