Glider specific transponder codes

Why doesn't the SSA get together with AOPA and the FAA and get this
implimented nation wide. This would be a benefit everywhere.

Mike Schumann

wrote in message
ups.com...



Also any other XPDR equipped pilots here in the Rocky Mountain area
please weigh in on the subject.

The unique transponder codes made available by Reno Approach
Control/Tower, (local ATC folks), have been in use for quite some time.
I suspect that Carl Harold knows the history behind it.
In order to get something like that going, you will need to get one,
preferably all the local clubs in the Denver area together and discuss
this with both the Denver Approach Control/tower and the Denver ARTCC
located in Longmont CO. Being feds, they are most likely not
interested in entering into what is called a "Letter of Agreement",
much like the one you have for your wave window. You will need to get
help from the folks at Reno Approach who helped set all this up.
One of the ways to approach your local ATC types is to SHOW them what
has been accomplished in Reno. Just talking about it won't cut it,
trust me on this. Before you set up a meeting with them, you will need
to have copies of all that has been done in the Reno area along with
you.
The approach control will have to get the local Air Route Traffic
Control Center in Longmont to go along with the program, much the same
as Reno Approach did with the Oakland ARTCC.
I think the tact you will have to take is that the camel already has
it's nose under the tent, so you ATC might as well let the rest of it
in. Good luck.

Zulu




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"Mike Schumann" wrote in message
.. .
Why doesn't the SSA get together with AOPA and the FAA and get this
implimented nation wide. This would be a benefit everywhere.

Mike Schumann


Mike,

No offense, but that's really a silly question! (grin) The reason we do not
have a single discrete, nation wide transponder code is 'cause that would
make too much sense. This is the sort of thing that gets way-laid in
bureaucratic red tape forever.

Oh, and they will also probably answer that there are not enough transponder
codes available as it is, so they can ill afford to assign gliders one (as
is done at Reno ATC).

I attended the NTSB's Minden meeting after the jet vs. glider mid air. I
asked about a single code for gliders and was told it was apparently
requested years ago by the SSA. They have also requested an exemption from
the "always on" transponder rule for gliders - - no movement on either,
that I've heard.

I also suggested streamlining the xponder installation and extra battery
installation approval requirements for gliders (as they did for shoulder
harnesses for classic aircraft over a decade ago).

all the best,

bumper