Many transponders in close proximity

jettester wrote:

#8. If two or more of you are operating on the same squawk code, and
end up with converging tracks or converging altitudes (if Mode C
equipped), you WILL set off ATC's traffic warnings (unless they turn
them off for all other traffic in your/their vicinity).

This must be a common occurrence at Minden. Perhaps someone can tell us
if this situation is one reason to have separate code for gliders, since
they could turn off the collision warning for 0440?

#9. Transponders are a good thing to have if ATC can "see" you, and
their participating traffic has TCAS.. it will "point" you out to that
traffic. TCAS uses the ATC radar to relay your transponder code and
altitude (if Mode C equipped) to that traffic.

I didn't understand this at all: why would TCAS send an aircraft's code
to ATC, when ATC can already get it when they interrogate the aircraft's
transponder?

#10. I spoke truthfully about their (ATC) not seeing you if climbing
too rapidly (or descending). It may X'out your info on their scope as
well as your altitude.

If the limit is set at 1500 fpm, that won't be a problem very often,
even at Minden. And TCAS will still see you, right?

--
Note: email address new as of 9/4/2006
Change "netto" to "net" to email me directly

Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA

"Transponders in Sailplanes" on the Soaring Safety Foundation website
www.soaringsafety.org/prevention/articles.html

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