Does this really apply to all aeroplanes? As I understand it, "Mode S in 2008" is a mix of a "transponder in all aircraft" requirement from ICAO and the CAA's desire to have Mode S replace Modes A and C. However, I thought that the exact meaning of "all aircraft" was still to be decided and aircraft with no electrical systems (including gliders) were likely to be exempt?
If all does mean every last Luton Minor and Evans VP-1 then I agree, what b@stards. It is bad enough to force people with a CofA to spend the better part of five grand on a transponder, but it's downright daft to expect a permit aeroplane with no electrical system to have one of any type. But if all does mean all then I wonder if it's partially our fault. Are the powers that be even aware that it's going to screw over a large number of basic PFA aeroplanes, or have we done such a poor job of representing ourselves that they have no idea that these aeroplanes even exist?