New Nationwide Squawk Code

This is a classic example of why we should have a formal relationship
with AOPA, so that we can leverage their expertise in governmental
relations and other areas, where we will never have the kind of
resources that they do. In addition, having our headquarters in the
middle of nowhere can't help matters.

Mike Schumann


On 4/3/2010 3:45 PM, Greg Arnold wrote:
I think Cindy and the other unpaid volunteers are doing a great job.

However, why is the SSA relying upon unpaid volunteers for this type of
work? Can't the SSA hire a professional with contacts at the FAA to deal
with the FAA? Maybe pay AOPA to use one of their people part time?

The SSA has no problem paying employees to fulfill tee shirt orders, but
no money to pay someone to deal with the FAA?



On 4/3/2010 12:30 PM, CindyB wrote:

Dave:

It irks me a bit that you would sling rocks at SSA on this topic.

We wouldn't have this option of a nationwide, glider TXP code if it
weren't
for SSA asking for it.

If you want to fault us for not knowing when FAA finally enacted this
(eight years after the request began, and through several followup
inquiries,
and them enacting it in a publication where we didn't quite expect),
then
perhaps that makes you feel better.

And like many things legislative for gliders, all soaring pilots will
benefit from this whether or not they happen to be SSA members.
If folks find value from our efforts, maybe they will please renew
their
memberships in SSA.
I appreciate that someone(anyone) shared the information that this did
hit the street, as I don't spend every dark night trolling through
new federal publications . . . .

IMMEDIATELY - SSA provided informational guidance to members
through a news item on their web page. And the same guidance was
sent out to SSA Directors to share into the local levels.

I think it is appropriate that you use 1200 when you are 'acting' like
a powered piece of air traffic. When you transition to a soaring
activity and are more distant from downtown, you might like to
switch to a 1201 code use to enhance our 'visibility' as a
sailplane operation in the entire aviation/ATC community with your
very capable machine.

That would be an additional service to soaring.
(Now I'm headed back out to fly some wave lift.)

Sincerely,
Cindy B
Region 12 SSA Director



On Apr 2, 8:59 pm, wrote:
Hi Gang and Fred
If I am flying my motor glider say in the San Francisco Bay Area to
San Jose in the self powered mode should I use 1200 or 1201. Think
about it? My Stemme is a glider (axillary powered) by FAA rules and
according to this ruling I should squawk 1201. How would ATC
interpretate this? That I am an unpowered glider surely? No I will use
1200 so that they know I have power.
I wish we had a more active involvement in this decision making -
the SSA does not seem to me capable of doing a good job here. Gliders
are considered below the radar and not worth consideration by most of
the flying community - a pity.
Dave






--
Mike Schumann