Originally Posted by
ryane946
Whoever said that gliders need transponders is completely clueless. Most the gliders I have flown don't even have a master switch (or a battery for that matter.) Remember that most gliders are only a few hundred pounds. Adding any weight extremely effects the preformance of the glider. Remember, gliders don't have engines!!! A high L/D ratio is crucial!
So what? As far as I am concerned glider pilots can make any and all safety sacrifices in the interest of recreational performance...as long as they stay the h&ll out of controlled airspace! Maybe times have changed and the skies have gotten too crowded, but I should NOT be getting surpised by a glider when I have 90 passengers behind my door. That was not even a little bit funny!
Transponders, Li batteries, or radar reflector beacons don't weigh or cost that much...I've used them in the military, and they are man-portable.
FWIW, I am willing to accept some personal risk in my own recreational pursuits, but I really try to exclude unsuspecting non-participants from my risk envelope.