(USA) NTSB issues recommendations to the FAA and the SSA regarding transponder use in gliders

MITRE is currently testing an ADS-B UAT transmitter that is the size of a
pack of cigarettes, runs for 14 hours and 4 internal AA batteries, and has a
parts cost of ~$150. With this kind of technology, there is no reason that
any aircraft, balloon, hang glider, or parachutist should be flying around
without one. Hopefully we'll see this commercialized within the next year
or so.

Mike Schumann

"Ron Gleason" wrote in message
...
On Apr 2, 7:25 am, "Mike Schumann"
wrote:
Voluntary compliance is great. However, there are always people who
don't
get it and create situations that give the rest of us a black eye or
worse.

I don't think that it is unreasonable to require that all aircraft
(gliders,
balloons, etc.) who fly above 10K or near major airports are transponder
equipped. I would hope that rather than forcing everyone to install Mode
C
(an antiquated technology), that we could get the FAA to accelerate the
deployment of ADS-B ground stations in strategic areas, and let gliders
and
balloons meet the transponder requirements with low cost ADS-B
transceivers,
which will hopefully be available within the next year or so. A side
benefit of this, is that the power draw for ADS-B UAT transceivers should
be
a lot lower than Mode C.

Mike Schumann

I think this idea is bad and wrong. Not all aircraft that flies above
10K can feasibly fly with a transponder. Where can store the
transponder when flying my hang glider or paraglider? The technology
is not there to cover all aircraft.

Ron Gleason
DG303 N303MR




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