Derek Copeland wrote:

I know that a UK pilot removed a transponder aerial
from his glider part way through a Nationals competition
because he was losing too much performance in relation
to his competitors in similar gliders.

What serious competitors will do to gain a perceived (or imagined)
edge would stun Ripley's most jaded researchers.

Though the difference may be quantifiable by theoretical
aerodynamicists, are the numbers measurable in actual performance? I
am always open to citations of flight tests which may demonstrate such
differences.

Here we should be addressing the cost/benefit relationship for
ourselves. I fear that it will require government mandate and
resulting high production levels to bring the unit price down. But we
could do that ourselves to some degree by establishing a demand to
serve our own safety interests.

I have ordered a PCAS (less than $500 from Tim Mara at Wings and
Wheels http://www.wingsandwheels.com/page4.htm) Now the problem is
where to place it in my 1-26E. I may have to buy a different glider
just to accommodate the new PCAS unit. ;

I'd buy a Standard Cirrus like yours, but I'm addicted to Aluminum.


Jack

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At 17:42 01 September 2006, Jack wrote:
Derek Copeland wrote:

If any anti-collision device of about the size, cost
and power consumption of a small portable GPS unit
becomes available, then I might be prepared to buy
one, especially if it doesn't require an externally
mounted aerial that reduces glider performance.

Derek, on how many of your best days of the year could
you tell the
difference with a tiny external 1030-1090 MHz antenna?
Yes, it's
expensive, but let's not get silly about performance
degradation.

Not keeping the pieces of the glider flying in close
formation will
degrade your personal performance considerably.


Jack