Fox Two wrote:
Mike Schumann wrote:
Can ATC see you without a transponder?

Mike Schumann

Sometimes. In a non-transponder equipped glider, ATC can usually see
your primary radar return if your groundspeed is above 60 knots (this
depends on several factors). When my groundspeed decreases
significantly (common when climbing in mountain wave), ATC usually
informs me that they have lost radar contact, and ask me for a position
update.

I almost received a waiver from ATC to climb VFR above FL180 once, but
a supervisor stepped in at the last minute and denied my request.
Gliders are not exempt from having transponders in Class A airspace; I
don't think he had a problem with the VFR waiver.

Interesting stuff.

Chris Fleming, F2
El Paso, Texas
I'm told some soaring pilots operating locally request discrete
transponder codes and receive flight following and are offered climbs
and cruise blocks above FL180 occassionally. Useful when cloud base
may exceed FL240. This may be more common in California/Nevada due to
long time agreements and experience. A former partner of mine once
wrote up an article for the PASCO newsletter about blocking FL220-260?
and cruising about 115miles from Truckee to Mt Whitney without turning.
I don't think he was transponder equipped for that flight.

Frank Whiteley
Colorado