Tim Mara wrote:

We have an FAA exemption from requiring transponders in all gliders based on
our "inability" to properly power the additional load transponders require
and an exemption based on the )fact) that we don't normally fly in congested
airspace and in IFR enjoinments....having said that, the FAA is acutely
aware that there is a growing number or transponder equipped gliders, many
of which can routinely be found running down the airways and flying near
military and commercial airliners.

Which gliders did even before they carried transponders - VFR airspace
is where we fly. I'm told by SSA members that routinely talk to the FAA
on airspace matters that the FAA is indeed "acutely aware" that more and
more gliders are carrying transponders, and the FAA is very pleased
about this!

I continually hear that "we have to fly
though this heavy traffic area, this is just where we need to go to get to
the best soaring" or similar comments....the truth of the matter is, as long
as we have this attitude

Are these pilots flying in airspace legally? If so, and they have
equipped their glider with a transponder to make their flight even
safer, that seems like a great attitude.

I'm not sure I really understand the rest of what Tim was suggesting,
but I agree the MRX or similar unit is an excellent way to start. It
will still be useful, even it you later decide a transponder is
worthwhile. It may even persuade you to get a transponder, if you
discover (as a few pilots have) that you are not seeing all the traffic,
even after it's alerted you to the traffic.

--
Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA
* Change "netto" to "net" to email me directly
* "Transponders in Sailplanes" http://tinyurl.com/y739x4
* "A Guide to Self-launching Sailplane Operation" at www.motorglider.org