Today I had to fly the Merlin to SAT. While waiting on Mrs. Bossman the Bossman and I started talking. As usual he just starts grilling me on everything.

We got onto the topic of airspaces. He asked me what airspace I thought SAT was in. I said Class C. He bet me a 6pack of beer on it that it was Class D. I'm looking at the sectional and it still says C yet he tells me to keep reading my books. Am I missing something? Please don't tell me that it's class D up to 2500agl and 4nm of the airport then surrrounding space is C.

Secondly he asked if a transponder was required. I said that it is required when operating above or within Class C. So after some BS calls and a second 6pack of beer bet he starts asking me if a C-172 without a transponder could fly in. We argued back and forth for awhile however we never came to a conclusion. As usual the FAR's always have loopholes. Such as, "except if authorized by ATC" before the transponder req. FAR 91.216.

What say you?
Tony feel free to toss on in. I need something concrete. Hopefully in my favor. There's a 12pack of Budweiser I've been eyeballing at the store for the past 3 months I'd like to get my hands on.