Would the transponder have prevented this? Yes, if the glider had a
correctly functioning mode C transponder and the bizjet had a TCAS
system selected on and the bizjet pilots promptly followed any RA. A
lot of ifs there.

With a BizJet, Turboprop or Airliner with TCAS? Maybe.. or at least given
the pilots a heads up they were not alone and put the eyes into a quadrant
of airspace or a blind reaction to RA warnings.

If it had been a smaller, non jet with no TCAS capability?.. NO.. No chance
at all for a warning.
If the non TCAS equiped airplane was talking to ATC, where ATC "might" have
been able to issue a traffic warning? Maybe

Is TIS service from Reno Approach available in that area? A transponder
"might" have made a difference in a TIS service area IF the airplane had a
TIS display capability.


I don't beleive that transponders are the magic sheild that some do.
There are far too many airplanes that do not have this installed.

I agree, a Transponder is not a force field to keep threats away, and a lot
of people cruise just below Class A airspace so they don't need ATC
assistance or have to deal with IFR clearances.

BT