On Feb 8, 9:53*pm, WaltWX wrote:
There will be enormous pressure to equip all aircraft.. glider,
balloons, etc ... with ADS-B down to ground level. I'm not saying I
agree with this. Perhaps this will spur stronger interest in low cost
low power GPS tracking technology.

ADS-B could easily be low cost low power GPS tracking technology.
MITRE demonstrated an inexpensive battery powered UAT transmitter
using cellphone technology nearly a decade ago. The FAA has simply
been unwilling to relax certification requirements for low power VFR-
only equipment. They would probably save money overall if they
accelerated the nationwide ADS-B ground station rollout, gave all
active under 12,500 lb general aviation aircraft a free ADS-B out
setup, and pulled the plug on the radar equipment a few years after...

Marc