Doug Haluza wrote:
Ramy wrote:
Encourage pilots to install a transponder and turn it on.

Agreed, transponder use is a good thing. This is why we need to
actively discourage posting 18K flights on OLC (without an
explanation). People use the OLC to see what more experienced pilots
do. If they see this, they will emulate it. And if they do they will
have to turn their transponders off, otherwise ATC will see them going
over 18K. So clearly this would compromise safety in multiple ways.


I sure hope that pilots don't turn off their transponders if they
accidentally go over 18K, this would be a serious and intention
violation. At least with a transponder on, while violating the FARs,
they pose less collision risk then below 18K without a transponder.

Now if you can follow that argument, the sunset argument is not that
different. If people see flights continuing well past sunset, they will
think that's OK, and they will do it too. If they are trying to be
competitive, they will stretch the limits even further. So clearly we
need to discourage this as well.


Agreed, but you would have achieved much better results and response if
instead of enforcing it retroactively you would clearly publish the
rules (instead of hidden behind the "about" link) and enforce it going
forward (preferably automatically). The olc currently has a repository
of 4 years worth of thousands of flights, including quiet a few winning
flights, which ended after sunset. Should we remove them all?

Ramy