By the way, any UK glider operator proposing to fit a transponder has
to pay attention to EASA requirements, in many cases. As I have
recently written elsewhe

Most UK gliders are now regulated under EASA, and all modifications
for those must have EASA approval. I am told that instrument panel, or
wiring, or extra battery provision, are all modifications requiring
approved schemes. I understand that BGA is negotiating with CAA to try
to simplify and make practical obtaining such approval, more like how
we used to be able to make technical and safety improvements, with BGA
Technical Committee approval, before EASA and CAA regulated gliders;
but I won’t believe it is possible, seeing how Europe works these
days, until it is done. As far as I know, few if any EASA
modifications to fit transponders, including details of wiring and
battery changes, have been officially approved. A transponder on a
long glider flight is likely to need at least one extra 7 amp hour
battery, maybe more. I have specifically been told that to fit to my
Lak 17A a Trig 2-unit transponder (the only one I am sure will fit),
and an additional battery, needs all that installation to be approved.
The Lak factory has EASA approval to a modification which specifies
antenna, 3 specific models of transponder which do not include the
Trig, and as far as I can see does not provide for any additional
battery nor the wiring changes to feed the remote amplifier unit and a
lead from there to the small control unit in the instrument panel.
EASA thus prevents me from having a transponder. I have no design
authority, nor skills or facilities, to research it, build a prototype
installation, and then conduct whatever ground and flight tests are
required etc., to submit a properly engineered modification scheme for
EASA approval.

[To run Flarm, I use a separate battery, and it is all personal carry-
on equipment. PCAS is self contained, or can use a lead from the same
carry-on battery, so I regard it all as personal equipment. I have, of
course, ensured that it all safely stowed. PCAS and Flarm rest on
Velcro-type strips in top of my instrument panel coaming. Carry-on
transponders do not exist.]

Chris N.