Tow planes and transponders

[Andy[_1_]]

Worldwide, what exemptions from transponder equipage apply to glider
tow planes (assuming built and certified with an electrical system)?.

How typical is it that tow planes are not equipped with a mode C or
mode S transponder?

Andy

[BT[_3_]]

In the US, there are no exemptions that I am aware of for Tow Planes.
14CFR 91.215 applies. It is rather extensive.
91.215 (b) All aircraft in airspace described in (b)(1) through (b)(5) must
have Mode 3A, C or Mode S.
(b)(1) All aircraft in Class A, B or C
(b)(2) All aircraft within 30nm of Appdx D airports .. (Mode C Veil) up to
10,000MSL
(b)(3) starts the exemptions..
(b)(4) above the ceiling of Class B, Class C up to 10,000MSL
(b)(5) All aircraft (except gliders, balloons, no electrical power).. etc
(b)(5)(I) above 10,000MSL

Bottom line, any aircraft , outside of 30nm from a "Class B airport" and
below 10,000MSL (or 2500AGL if higher) would not need a transponder.
A tow plane is not exempt just because it is towing.

If any aircraft flying more than 30nm from a Class B airport and outside of
Class C airspace, and stays below 10K, no transponder required.

"Andy" > wrote in message
...
> Worldwide, what exemptions from transponder equipage apply to glider
> tow planes (assuming built and certified with an electrical system)?.
>
> How typical is it that tow planes are not equipped with a mode C or
> mode S transponder?
>
> Andy

[BT[_3_]]

May we ask why the question?
If your tow location is more than 30nm from a Class B airport and tow stays
below 10K MSL, then transponder is not required.

We are within the 30nm ModeC Veil and need a transponder. When we know it
has failed, we have been able to call and get approval to tow, remaining
within 4nm and 5K AGL of the satellite airport.
BT

"Andy" > wrote in message
...
> Worldwide, what exemptions from transponder equipage apply to glider
> tow planes (assuming built and certified with an electrical system)?.
>
> How typical is it that tow planes are not equipped with a mode C or
> mode S transponder?
>
> Andy