On Mar 6, 11:47 am, Darryl Ramm wrote:
If you are in close truly close formation (which might happen in some
buddy flying) ATC may prefer you to deactivate the transponder on all
but one aircraft in the formation.

Correct, that is what was suggested by ATC... Especially if a glider
has been issued a discrete code. If the glider is on the discrete code
during tow, turn the transponder in the towplane to Standby until the
glider releases. All but one glider in the thermal or group flight
turns their transponder to SBY.
(Think of what these standby transponders do for PCAS use.)

The point of my initial post is that there is a lot more to using a
transponder in an aircraft that is routinely maneuvered close to other
aircraft than first meets the eye!
And keep looking out the window.
Jim