On Wednesday, September 5, 2012 8:37:15 AM UTC-6, Mike the Strike wrote:
I've had a transponder in my glider since 2006 and, like John, have the benefit of watching commercial airliners diverted around me. I also once saw a pair of F-16s pulling a high-g maneuver to avoid me. However, it doesn't confer immunity from all power traffic, especially light twins and some military aircraft. The nearest collision I've had was another glider flying head-on under a cloud street - we passed within 100-feet of each other.



I'm not sure the FAA always pays a lot of attention to glider traffic after I inadvertently flew into Mexico and back not too long ago - that usually brings Border Patrol aircraft on your tail! They either didn't notice or decided to ignore me!



Mike

Mike, UF, John and Dave,
Thanks for the responses. I fly in two areas of heavy power and airliner traffic and your comments validate my concerns. It makes me wonder if we will have both the TX and PF functions combined into one unit someday. For now I will live with two separate installations.