Notable Power Flarm saves - Is it 'worth it'?

"Surely you're joking? And if not, how is that possible?"

Nope. No joke. As to "how," you go to FAA dot Gov and download FAA Form 8130-6 "Application for US Airworthiness Certificate" and fill it out. Your aircraft must be in compliance with all Airworthiness Directives. You need an inspection by a "Certificated Mechanic," possibly an inspection by an "FAA Designee" or FAA Inspector. There may be a Flight Test period (generally five hours TT for Phase 1). Your Operating Limitations will be spelled out as part of the new certificate and will place certain restrictions on use of the aircraft. A yearly Program Letter must be filed with the local FSDO.

Going from Standard Category to Experimental is relatively simple. Trying to go from Experimental to Standard is nearly impossible, so this decision should be carefully considered, as it may affect the value of your aircraft. However, many gliders operate under "Experimental" limitations without much in the way of restrictions. It is just that certain things are easier to accomplish mechanically with an Experimental Certificate. In this case, as Darryl states:

"For 2020 Compliant ADS-B Out in a certified glider today you are looking at: Trig TT22 (~$1,900) and TN70 (~$1,900) plus install costs.

For 2020 Compliant ADS-B Out in an experimental glider today you are looking at: Trig TT22 (~$1,900) and TN72 (~$350)"

The price point of the TN70 at $1,900 vs $350 for the TN72 is what is driving my decision.

"Thanks for equipping with a transponder..."

Darryl- I have been flying with a Becker 3401/5401 Transponder/ Control Unit for over 9 years. It didn't pass re certification this year due to an undetermined problem (spurious altitude deviations according to the test equipment). Rather than throw money (possibly LOTS of money) at an old piece of equipment, I chose to go with a new Trig TT22. As to adding the TN72, that will depend on whether to go to Experimental Category. For ADS-B In, I am using PowerFlarm and my LXNav S80 display.

If I can determine the problem with the Becker, I will probably fix it and sell it, or possibly sell it "as is" with the caveat that it needs diagnosis, repair and a new approval.

On Wednesday, May 2, 2018 at 10:24:27 PM UTC-7, wrote:
"Thanks for equipping with a transponder..."

Darryl- I have been flying with a Becker 3401/5401 Transponder/ Control Unit for over 9 years. It didn't pass re certification this year due to an undetermined problem (spurious altitude deviations according to the test equipment). Rather than throw money (possibly LOTS of money) at an old piece of equipment, I chose to go with a new Trig TT22. As to adding the TN72, that will depend on whether to go to Experimental Category. For ADS-B In, I am using PowerFlarm and my LXNav S80 display.

If I can determine the problem with the Becker, I will probably fix it and sell it, or possibly sell it "as is" with the caveat that it needs diagnosis, repair and a new approval.

You can always add a TN72, just on a type certified glider it can only do SIL=1/TABS.

On the Becker transponder... the encoder and cabling is always suspect there. Ideally have a technician test it with a know good encoder and cabling on a bench... but it's probably not worth much not working. I've seen used working Becker ATC4401 transponders selling for ~$600 with encoder.... that can be a nice deal for folks who have older gliders and want to add a Mode C transponder.