Transponders…
How does the average VFR pilot know their transponder is serviceable? I know for a fact that not all pilots turn them on… how often have you been given traffic on a VFR flight and then spoken to the aircraft and asked “have you got your transponder on?” then suddenly someone pops up on TCAS.. Now you will not know they are there, not be able to speak to them if they are not on the same frequency and what’s more even if they are listening out the decision made to reply to an all stations call are put in the hands of the least experienced…
As for see and avoid even given TCAS and directed traffic and being in contact with other traffic it is some times difficult to acquire a conflicting aircraft until after you have passed, at least now you are able to arrange your own separation OCTA with other aircraft because they are on the same frequency.
It’s a wonder air services haven’t suggested the fitting of car horns to aircraft to supplement the use of headlights I mean landing lights…
