wrote:

The typical knee jerk reaction is to shout "transponders for all" is
not the solution.
Plus it would need to be implemented on a national scale..

It wouldn't have to implemented nationally to be beneficial. High use
areas like Minden would be the place to start because it would reduce
the risk the most, and the glider pilots that fly there could install
transponders without the FAA requiring it. The FAA could deal with it
using the "veil" concept like the Class B areas have, but not exempt
anyone. In this case, it'd take a 45 nm veil to include the collision
point; however, the veil wouldn't have to be circular.

Hands up who has the panel space and budget right now for a
Transponder?

I'm sure both the owner and pilot of the ASG 29 could have easily found
both. That still leaves a lot/some pilots at Minden that would choke on
the $2500-$4000 it would take to install one, but EVERYONE can afford a
TPAS type unit at $500-$1500 (and no installation or testing costs). I
can't say it would have prevented this accident, but people that use
them seem to be quite pleased.

Several years ago, I decided I wouldn't fly at Minden anymore until I
had a transponder. Seeing airliners close enough to recognize the
airline persuaded me it was worth the money, even though I don't fly
there very often. I've jad one for several years now, and decided it's a
good value even in the lower density traffic of the Pacific Northwest
where I fly most of the time.

--
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Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA

www.motorglider.org - Download "A Guide to Self-launching Sailplane
Operation"