Dear "Soarin",
I appreciate your thoughts and perspective on the transponder issue. I do
however, disagree with several of your comments, and though not generally
inclined to argue complex issues on RAS, I think it would be a disservice to
the soaring community to leave those comments on public record without
response.
First, as mentioned in a previous post under a separate thread, it's much
more difficult than "an extra $50 battery" to power a transponder
(especially earlier generation and encoding transponders) for extended
flights.
Second, I'm not expecting a "big surge in glider pilots installing
transponders" as a result of this petition. I think however, there would be
a significant increase in safety if the few sailplane pilots who operate
near congested airspace were enticed to install transponders and use them
when in these areas. Unfortunately, some pilots place legality over safety.
They will not install transponders so long as turning them off in remote
areas is illegal and leaving them on limits the capability of their
sailplanes.
Third, though not a lawyer, I don't see the "hold harmless" clause as a
conspiracy. I think it's standard practice. It looks like the SSA is taking
prudent steps to maintain the viability of the organization, as every member
would hope and expect.
Fourth, and most emphatically, transponders can not be easily installed in
sailplanes. Many sailplanes have no electrical systems at all. Many don't
have the panel space. None with earlier generation transponders have the
battery power for extended or consecutive flights. No commercial operation
I've seen has the money to pay for transponders for their trainers and
rental ships. Frankly, without the current exception to the transponder
rule, I don't think there would be any commercial operators or tows left in
the U.S. We'd be stuck with motorgliders (which I personally don't find to
be sporting at all).
The FAA was aware of the difficulty of installing and operating transponders
in sailplanes when they wrote the current FARs. They realized the
implications transponder requirements would have on soaring. They knew that
most sailplane operations were conducted in remote areas, off airways, and
at altitudes with little or no other air traffic.
I'm confident they are still aware of these issues today. And I'm confident
that if they've forgotten the SSA will, as before (thanks Judy!), remind
them.
Mike Koerner