Keef, the point is that ALL aircraft will have to be fitted with Mode S transponders regardless of the type of airspace they inhabit. <img src="eek.gif" border="0"> . .I do agree about the inability for Guvmint bodies (and especially EuroGuvmint) to retract silly decisions. Mmmm I can see a change of wunderplane coming up soon. Rats.
As I've been asking in ATC Issues, what will my donation to the electronics industry do for flight safety and ATC in general? Centre of a doughnut is my opinion so far, especially if ATC are going to have to filter out the returns from the LowNSlows of the aviating fraternity. <img src="mad.gif" border="0">
I operate from a grass strip slap bang under LTN approach. We have a formal arrangemen with LTN to do so. It works well. Imagine if I pop up into our circuit (switch on transponder as an easyJet 73 is overhead (me 500'agl them 2,000'agl). The drivers of said 73 will be really thrilled to have their TCAS alert going off as they set up their approach. Safety, not.