Originally Posted by iansherwood74
How much does a transponder weigh???
To answer your question, I have not the slightest clue how much a transponder costs. But I have a better question for you. What are you going to hook it up to?? After all, most the gliders I have flown don't even have master switches. Better yet, how much does a transponder cost in relation to a glider?? I wouldn't be surprised if the transponder costs as much or more than the glider itself.
There is a reason why the Federal Aviation Administration does not require gliders to have transponders. Same reason why crop dusters don't need transponders. Same reason why there are all these crazy rules in the FAR's. The FAA makes decisions that are the most efficient for the safe and PRACTICAL operation of aircraft. Why don't Cessna-172's have TCAS??? Because they are too expensive and not needed. Same reason with gliders and transponders.