Xponder control
Question from SLF but nevertheless an EE who flies a fair bit.
Hopefully, my question is technical enough to be posted here:
Wasn't a recommendation from the 9/11 commission to remove the
ability to switch off transponders from the flight deck? I understand
the need to prevent squawking on the ground but that could be easily
controlled by airspeed or the WoW signal. Additionally, is there a need
for pilots to control Mode S to mode C in certain countries or situations?
This is naturally brought to mind with the MH370 tragedy.
TIA to those who shed some light on this. Apologies if this has
been answered before and I missed it.