As to a transponder, and its vitial importance to the system (and to my
TCAS when sharing the airspace with VFR aircraft) a transponder's proper
functioning has importance to everyone using the system. Your proper
tire inflation does not.

Improper tire inflation can have a significant adverse impact on the
system and on safey, especially at busy airports such as those in class
B. Improper fueling can too, but I do fuel my own aircraft on occasion
rather than pay a professional.

The issue isn't whether the item in question is of "vital importance"
but whether it is simple or tricky to fix, which relates to the
likelyhood of a non-pro causing problems. It is not unreasonable to
expect that a stuck ident button is simple to fix. It is also not
unreasonable to expect that it could be tricky to fix. Therefore the
question is perfectly reasonable, and replies should be helpful rather
than insulting.

Jose
--
Money: what you need when you run out of brains.
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