I am concerned about the "transponders are the fix" attitude. Tucson
Soaring Club has bought transponders for all or our two place ships.
We talk with approach control before beginning operations and many of
us monitor if not talk to to approach while flying. We are also on
the ATIS for Tucson. Most club members think they are safe with the
transponders and are not as vigilant to "see and avoid". My closest
call has been with a Bonanza, overtaking me on a high speed descent
into Ryan field. All that I heard was the engine noise as he buzzed
by me at 1&1/2 wingspans at 9000'. He was not talking to approach
contol, had not listened to Tucson ATIS, did not have a TCAS and was
most likely not looking outside the cockpit for traffic. I would
rather exercise diligence myself with a Zaon MRX and have the
additional heads up to allow for me to "see and avoid". I already
will not do long straight runs without turning to clear myself of
traffic inbound or outbound from Tucson.

Randy "AV8"