Tim Mara wrote:


...a Transponder equipped aircraft is also REQUIRED to have
the transponder ON and reporting at all times from wheels up to wheels
down....


Yes, we keep bumping against this reg whenever the subject comes up.

What is the rationale behind such a requirement?

Whose interests does it serve to differentiate between uninstalled
transponders and unused transponders?

Is it just another example of bureaucratic passive/aggressive
bitchiness, or is there an actual Safety of Flight context that
thoughtful glider pilots can appreciate?



Jack