IO540 - You make a good point about the Avdyine Ryan TAS 600 which IS a good system. I had a C172SP G1000 until a few weeks ago (upgrading to C182T) and I have to say a couple of things related to this thread which are a bit peripheral, but very relevant.
Somebody said Mode S is a waste......well, it was badly handled which we all know. If it was one rule for all then fine ...that I do agree with.There are big benefits to be had but we all have to sing from the same hymn sheet.
The TAS600 I had fitted to the 172 because I wanted extra security. NOT replacement for the Mk 1 eyeball and it is amazing how many other targets are spotted by it. Most new Cessnas have already got the TIS system inbuilt but as EASA can't agree (par for the course) on a common frequency to transmit the data, it means that we again have to pay over here for something that is fitted to the aircraft and stops working as soon as you leave mainland USA.
The second point I wish to make is that many pilots (even within my own club) do not like talking to big airports. For some reason they will transit one of the busiest corridors (from the CT /Nuneaton up to Tatenhill) without speaking to anyone. Absolute madness. All it needs is education from the instructor to begin with and confidence and pre-planning. My instructor had a job keeping me OUT of Birminghams area
. I enjoy talking to controllers and it is a two way thing. You inform them and they inform you. However, you would be amazed at the number of people transiting North right across the CT without a thought for anyone on approach to R/W 23. I have seen and heard it and it is obvious they are not on frequency or if they are, completely oblivious to what danger they could be causing. As it is Class G they feel it is theirs to do what they want with.
I am only a 150hr PPL but do take my flying and communication seriously and so should others. All discussions on this forum are very helpful as the threads often jog a memory or invoke a thought and if that one thought saves a life then well done PPruNe.