Batteries, Solar Panels, Transponders, etc.

Marc Ramsey wrote:

the local ATC folks are aware that a lot of gliders have limited
battery capacity, so
they don't get uptight when we disappear...


Nevertheless an aircaft that has a transponder is required by the regs
to have it operating, or does it? Do Reno area gliders have an LOA
that exempts them?

ref 91.215 ... (c) Transponder-on operation. While in the airspace as
specified in paragraph (b) of this section or in all controlled
airspace, each person operating an aircraft equipped with an operable
ATC transponder maintained in accordance with §91.413 of this part
shall operate the transponder, including Mode C equipment if installed,
and shall reply on the appropriate code or as assigned by ATC.

So you can't use it unless it meets 91.413, but if it does it must be
on. The regulation is convoluted and and lawyers may disagree on
whether the exemption still applies after a transponder has been fitted
to an airctaft that didn't need to have it.


Andy