I think there may be some confusion about RVSM and loss of transponder...I indicated that I thought RVSM should be discontinued , but meant it in the sense that it should be discontinued in general and not neccessarily in this one case due to xpndr failure. I was quite happy with 2000' spacing at higher altitude, but do not want to see the thread get too off course.
As to the honeywell bit about xpndr AD...
I think that there will be plenty of blame to go around, though for the life of me, not too much on the GOL crew.
While looking out the window is still a way not to hit someone else, it cannot really work that well at a 1000mph closing speed. A first you see a spot smaller than a bug on your windshield, then you shudder in delayed fear when you realize its a plane.
Seperation is ATC business
Visual scanning for other planes is a pilot's job, both sides here.
if there was any monkey business with transponder/ etc...we will have to wait and see...but anyone who doesn't think monkey business doesn't happen hasn't been around that much.
j