Transponder Inspection Not Required?

On May 4, 9:52*am, Steve wrote:
This is a curious question. Presumably you went to the expense and
bother to install the transponder so that ATC and TCAS equipped aircraft
can determine your position and altitude and take appropriate action. If
your equipment isn't working properly, then when you most need it the
other aircraft won't have the correct info they need to avoid a collision.

This is safety equipment. If you're going to carry it, get it properly
maintained. Do you get your parachute repacked regularly? Same issue.

Steve

You are correct. It is safety equipment, as I noted in my original
posting: i.e., "Ignoring the safety issues of flying around
with a transponder that may not be reporting accurate info..." It is
also true that many pilots (including me) have been dissuaded from
purchasing and installing transponders not only because of cost but
because of the additional burden of initial and periodic inspection.
Your logic could also be applied to argue against glider pilots being
allowed to switch off transponders when not in crowded airspace in
order to save limited battery power, something that many within our
movement advocate. Frankly, your argument could also be used to
require universal use of transponders. There's always a way to
"mandate" additional safety, by requiring more equipment, more
training, more licensing, or simply by prohibiting flying gliders in
the first place. The question most of us want answered is how best to
balance safety with the practical considerations of the real world.
Some have argued that it would be better if more glider pilots
installed transponders even if they didn't always switch them on. My
question--while not taking sides--leads to a similar thought: might it
be better if more glider pilots installed transponders even if they
weren't all inspected within 24 months so long as we're not using them
for IFR purposes?

I'm still not sure of the regulatory question. For the record,
however, I wasn't advocating a position. This is a relatively
unfamiliar area to me. On the subject of parachute packing (not to
open this subject again; let's save it for the off season!), I have
occasionally been guilty of strapping on a chute that was out of
repack interval on the theory that this is safer than wearing no chute
at all, in particular when the only person who would be harmed if the
chute doesn't work is me.

Chip Bearden
ASW 24 "JB"
USA