BT,

I know they are "exempt" from the rule - but that's bad terminology really,
they are simply compliant with the rule by not having transponders - not
really "exempt" from the rule in the pure form of the regulatory meaning - I
thought Ian was alluding to some other exemption the SSA had (besides the
data plate exemption).

My additional respectful comment to Ian is that the FAA is not going to
review any "previous or current exemption" - there isn't one. I presume the
FAA could try to re-write the rule - but you can bet that would lead to a
brick wall called the AOPA and EAA. As pointed out above by others in this
thread - gliders are a minority of the aircraft that enjoy the provisions of
the existing rule allowing aircraft *originally certificated* without an
electrical system to not have a transponder in certain airspace... blah blah
blah ad infinitum.

I see a dissenting vote has made a comment to the rule. It will be fun to
read the final rule and the FAA's reply to the comments - but I suppose you
have to like this sort of thing ;-)

This is a real tempest in a teapot, isn't it? My personal vote is to save my
coppers and buy a transponder someday, I really like the idea of showing up
big and bright on everybodys radars and TCAS's, and if I don't maybe I'll be
lucky enough to still be able to use my chute.

Jim