"Saryon" wrote in message ...
On Mon, 8 Mar 2004 18:36:59 -0500, "Ron Natalie"
Hmm.. Well, it would appear that my book is wrong. Although that
wouldn't be the first time. It says "There are no communication or
equipment requirements for aircraft flying VFR in Class E airspace."

There is no requirement to HAVE a transponder in class E (as long as
you're outside the places that specifically require it like the Class B veils).

However, the rule says if you've got an operable transponder, you must turn it on in controlled
(class E or better) airspace.

The wiggle room is that if it's out of inspection, you can argue that it's
not "operable" and just leave it off if you are outside airspace that specifically
requires it.

Turning it off if you've got a working one is stupid. There was a midair a few
years back (Atlanta area if I remember) that involved one aircraft who INTENTIONALLY
shut off his transponder. Might it have been avoided with ATC getting mode C from
both? Who knows, but the rules are pretty clear.

Mine goes as part of my pretakeoff checks (set DG, Strobes on, pump on, transponder on).