On Feb 14, 7:44 am, "Tim Mara" wrote:
absolutely....installing a transponder doesn't require any documentation if
it's in a experimental other than maybe a logbook entry and a new
wt/bal......BUT turning it on does!
Any Transponder equipped aircraft has to have a static system test and be
signed off by an approved avionics repair station prior to use....these all
then can be monitored by ATC... without this what is to prevent a
transponder equipped glider flying at 10,000' and reporting to ATC that he
is actually at 9000' and directly in line with the flight path of a 747!

Even worse would be the glider reporting it was at 9000' and have the
747 at 10,000'. ATC deals with this by acknowledging the VFR target
might not be reporting until they've had contact with the pilot and
verified the altitude.

Also.....consider, a Transponder equipped aircraft is also REQUIRED to have
the transponder ON and reporting at all times from wheels up to wheels
down......not just as I have heard many glider pilots saying they "only use"
the transponder when they are flying at or near areas of high traffic....
think about this....

A lot of us have thought about this, including people in the FAA, and
decided it's a lot better to have a transponder on in areas that need
it, instead of risking a dead battery (meaning NO radio or
transponder) later in the flight, or discouraging pilots with marginal
batteries from installing a transponder. I covered this in the the
"Guide". Take a look at that section and see if it promotes flight
safety better than strict adherence to the "always on" rule; also,
take a look at the "Why doesn't the SSA ..." section that addresses
the FAA's official position.