I’m not too sure there are that many types, even PFA or on Permits, that would be that financially hit to the extent that a basic Garmin GTX320A would render them grounded!! It’s all in context. Do you fly in controlled airspace frequently, mixing with the big boys, or in the open FIR at higher altitudes? If not, then why bother with such equipment?
Airliners are on very shaky ground when operating in the open FIR on a RIS, which is a very good reason to have a transponder. Recall incident with Flybe Dash 8 and a couple of Fast Blacks over the Irish sea?? I wonder how many times you have flown fairly close to the base of overcast cloud and never thought that something may be descending through it?? A transponder in this case would make you more visible to ATC (if within radar range which is very likely) and the a/c if TCAS was installed. In fact, it could save your bacon!!
Funkie ...
Robin has pretty much addressed what you have said, but just to re-iterate.
I would be financially hit! and so would others like me. My T31m has cost me around £2500 to buy as a glider and convert. I'm a farm manager on a pretty low wage and have 5 kids. Operating a small single seater from a home strip is about the only way I can afford to fly. Quite apart from the fact that there is physically no room, enough power or payload to carry a transponder ... it would also cost more than the flippin aeroplane!
You say "Do you fly in controlled airspace frequently, mixing with the big boys, or in the open FIR at higher altitudes? If not, then why bother with such equipment?" ... No I don't, and I wouldn't bother, it's the fact that it may be made compulsory that gets me bothered!
The point I was making is that TCAS is bl@@dy useless as an aid to cover your arse if not everybody carries one. If the likes of me are allowed to continue to operate non transponder equipped (which I sincerely hope is the case) then TCAS in non controlled airspace is not going to help much is it?
SS