Mode S: do we need it in GA?
I fly a group owned touring plane, and we are having a discussion (about money) and whether we really need to upgrade a perfectly serviceable Mode C to a Mode S.
One or two members have IMC rating, in fact one is progressing to PPL-IR.
The rest of us are VMC only, but like to know where we are.
Having tried to understand the rationale, I am still struggling to see why, or where, we would need Mode S. Apart from local flights in SW England/Wales, the typical routes include Lancashire, Ireland, Channel Islands, France and the near Continent. The furthest we have been is Switzerland. It's 99% UK.
I'd like some input, but please be clear about the difference between opinion and fact.
Thanks