Not fatal to the glider or occupant, but possibly fatal to the scheme of
"transponders will solve midair problems". Probably a poor choice of
wording on my part.

OK, I try again. My comments came from personal observation and quotes
from FAA officials in response to problems in the Denver area. Just as
Eric's comments come from his knowledge and contacts with the FAA.
While there are policies at the agency level, implementation around the
country may vary. The transponder is just one tool in a set of tools
used by ATC to perform their tasks. ATC will manage those tools in a
manner that allows them accomplish their mission.

My real point, which got lost in the details, is simple. For the most
part, the ATC system is not designed for General Aviation. It is
designed to keep things from bumping into the airliners. It is not
designed for our kind of flying. My assertion is that simply adding a
transponder to our gliders will not necessarily improve the situation.

I believe that there needs to be an educational outreach on both sides
that lets each see what the needs and concerns are in a particular
geographical area. For instance, the practices used in the Reno area.

I have visited the local radar facility on several occasions. The folks
there are very helpful and very interested in where and how we fly. Our
understanding where and how they route the airliners in our area helps
us. It is time well spent. BTW, the right of pilots to visit FAA
facilities was just reaffirmed. Contact your local radar facility and
arrange a tour. It may just give you the information you need to help
your decision on that transponder installation.

But remember, it takes more than a transponder to keep two aircraft from
going bump!

Dave

Eric Greenwell wrote:


The essence of the VFR 1200 code is that ATC _doesn't_ need to "work"
with you: that's why it's a "VFR" code. You just fly around, minding
your own business like the airplanes flying VFR, and their radar will
pick you up. They want to know where the VFR traffic is so they can
direct the IFR traffic away from it. Folks, we aren't that special. The
only place in the USA that I know of that has a different situation is
at Reno, where gliders may use the 0440 code to identify themselves as a
glider. It's not required that gliders use it, only that they are
allowed to use it as an aid to the Reno controllers. If you use 1200,
they'll still see you.

Note that it's not just the IFR and TCAS traffic that can be steered
away from you, but also VFR aircraft using "flight following", and the
already mentioned skydivers.

If you think you need a transponder, but are concerned that it will be
just "so much extra ballast and power draw", please, please, contact the
ATC in your flying area and ask them if they will see you on their
radar! My experience is they will be delighted to have you equipped with
one.