Originally Posted by
Funkie
IO540Robin – You seem against the idea of having such equipment fitted to you’re a/c. Can I ask why?
The way that I look at transponders is in the realm of flight safety. It’s a relatively inexpensive bit of electronic magic, that when the proverbial hit’s the fan and you are getting even a FIS from a chap/chapess with radar, SAR will have an infinitely better chance of getting to you. Of that there is no doubt.
It actually depends on what a/c I am flying. When flying an aircraft with no power supply - just a battery then I will chose the most appropriate use of the limited life of the battery. I would prefer to power my radio and my GPS.
If I am told I have to power a transponder as well, then I have a decision to make as to which one(s) I don't use
As I fly almost exclusively in areas of poor radar service for GA (they tell me to standby a lot) I get little back for any potential spend.
You might say that by transponding I am helping flight safety by letting guys with deeper pockets than me see me on their TCAS. I don't have that luxury myself, although I have been nearly run down a few times by pilots flying straight and level and acting in what I can only describe as a bovine manner, ignoring the rules of the air.
I am still alive, as I don't trust anyone to take care of my life for me when in the air.
You have to remember that most of the policies emenating from the CAA are designed to help well-equipped aircraft. Very little is designed in for PFA-types or show any understanding of issues, such as power requirements, radiation issues or w/b when an aircraft, flown single-seat is already at MAUW
What may be being suggested is that the lightest and cheapest aircraft are to be not only equipped with a transponder but also a TCAS. 2 pieces of expensive kit, costing more than the purchase value of, say, an Evans VP, but adding nothing to the owner/operator, who has been flying safely for many years without them.
Yes, in certainly areas in the SE or around the tight spots we need to be sure we are flying safely - that might involve simply weaving to show a bigger profile. But in some areas in the south and west the need has not been demonstrated