From: "ANDREW WRIGHT" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
In your opinion what is the best transponder option for gliders. (i.e lowest power consumption and weight.)
Andrew,
I haven't done the figures but my gut feeling is that for operations out of Gawler (which is where I think you fly from), the cost effective option is a really good pair of sunglasses, a canopy polish and a good night's sleep.
I don't believe the cost of a transponder and attendant power supply/antenna and fitting costs (I would estimate about $5-6000 total min) is justified unless you value your life at several billion dollars. The collision probability with a TCAS equipped aircraft (and they're the only ones a transponder will help you with) is that low.
There's a lot of scary talk about jets but it isn't really that dangerous. The real worry is and always has been (in order):
1. OTHER GLIDERS
2. THE TUG
3. Other VFR aeroplanes
And the only answer to all of those is... KEEP LOOKING!!!!
Graeme Cant
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