What does the alerting service provided by a transponder include?

The alerting service provided by a transponder primarily involves altitude reporting, which is crucial for air traffic management. Transponders accurately relay altitude data to air traffic control, enhancing situational awareness for both controllers and pilots. This altitude information is vital for maintaining safe separation between aircraft, especially in controlled airspace.

While traffic information can be a part of the overall service provided by certain surveillance systems, the core function of a transponder is to provide altitude reporting in conjunction with identification and, in some cases, additional data such as aircraft velocity during specific operations. Basic communication and flight planning are not directly related to the functionality of a transponder; instead, they fall under the purview of other aviation systems and procedures. The transponder's role is distinctly focused on enhancing the safety and efficiency of air traffic operations through precise altitude reporting and identification.