Pace
“But if its not unilateral or at least nearly a majority use we are all wasting our time.”
The vast majority of Transponder fits in UK SEP aircraft are not mandated. Most people think it is a good idea, if their aircraft is capable, it gets fitted (out of there own pocket). I fall into this category, as do many other pilots and owners who are restricted to VFR by aircraft type (in my case) or pilot qualification, or both.
If we can prove that Flarm / PCAS works well then lets try and persuade the BGA to recommend it on Gliders, and the LAA / BMAA to recommend it where possible on their aircraft (weight shift may not work). There may be no point in some vintage and training machines fitting it, but if the majority “go any distance” aircraft had it we would all be a bit safer. As we are talking about portable battery powered devices you could even get your own, so you would always have it with you…
This is an argument we can probably win. Trying to push transponders is doomed, and of almost no help unless you have some form of CAS as well, which 90+% of aircraft do not have.
Rod1
Last edited by Rod1; 17th June 2009 at 12:51.