Transponder issue may just now become law ?

[ZULU1]

With the latest shocking news of the terror incidents in the UK, this must place pressure on the requirements for transponders.

eish ZULU1

[Biggles]

If you want to fly un-noticed into the Sandton Tower just turn off the transponder...

[John Young]

With the latest shocking news of the terror incidents in the UK, this must place pressure on the requirements for transponders.

Eish ZULU1 – 8 to 10 planes targeted – plans to cause unimaginable damage and consequent loss of human life, but –

ZULU1, where is the connection to transponders? On Microlights? Am I missing something here?

[Junkie]

Im all for it - but we need a cost effective and compact system for our machines - anyone out there up to the challenge - what do they cost anyway

[John Young]

Im all for it - but we need a cost effective and compact system for our machines - anyone out there up to the challenge - what do they cost anyway

They cost about R14 000 and consume some 15 amps per hour – need a rather large power source / supply for microlights.

[ZULU1]

John; a few years ago the UK almost banned microlights and so on because of foot and mouth, you could only take off and land at the same point, the UK CAA is very strict... After 911 they discussed at length regarding fitment of transponders so they could see where people are with respect to safety and security both on and above the ground. Corridors everywhere.

This disgusting latest incident may just tip the balance and with it a worldwide consequence. Thank God they were caught..someone in the British Police needs a Knighthood.

As regards a transponder I had one on CEW a few years ago, it worked wonderfully and was a pleasure to use.
A Filser now is about ZAR15k from Composite Technologies that is Mode A, C and S with altitude encoder and all the other good things.

eish Zulu1

[Junkie]

Is it easy to install - What are trike considerations

[ZULU1]

The biggest problem is the ZAR 15k !! but I spent a few hours fitting mine as I made it "quick removable" and laser cut the brackets and so on. The antenna ground plane was under the back seat (an Aquilla), I cut up an ally curry pan, the type sold in Chakas kraal with dimples and all. The deep section was cut away to create two legs, the pot being about 200mm in diameter. The little stub antenna screwed in neatly. I fitted the transponder just below the front seat and it hung down, the enclosure came from Electro Mechanica. It was larger than the newer Filser as it had a alti encoder in it. The Filser should be easier to fit, it replaces the Altimeter. Enough interested parties I could make up a fitting kit for them. Will dig up the pics and post them. Its use was wonderful, called Deben approach, and squawked, down the beach front Sunday morning with a height and a vector, a real pleasure, even big iron could see you and was also pleasant. Some chaps at the club toyed with the idea of sharing one, which is a good idea as its quick fit is convenient, saves sand ingress on the beach when not needed. But for us at Ballito/La Mercy to travel to the South Coast it saves the flight around Alveston tower to the South Coast. ATC Deben gave me a letter allowing three trikes on 1 transponder...and stated - behave yourself !!
I even flew into Virginia with it, used to fly- taxi to the end to dodge the landing fees bike...he still caught me though. With the ZAR 15k would definitely buy another one and would really enjoy it.

eish ZULU1

[Biggles]

Zulu1

Being a techie maybe you could explain what makes a transponder so expensive? I thought that all it was was a tranmitter squacking a code on radar frequency?

And will the proposed legislation insist on altitude encoding?

Could the cost come down if it becomes a worldwide necessity?

And I still don't see the piont... it can be turned off if you are doing something you shouldn't be doing... adn then your invisible aslong as they don't have tracking radar(think its called tracking radar). Which apparently most civil airports don't have anyway...

[Leprachaun]

Hey Zulu1 , its all good an well , but ze PRICE - its a great idea to fit it , but >>>>>
What about our own hitech Gurus , Rainier and Philipe - come on guys local is lekker , most trike fly skydat and some will soon have the Enigma , so wheres the check your mate ?????

[Chaz]

Gee wonder if CAA would consider a "pulsating" Taxi hooter fitted to my trike. :D :D :D

Your's in Flying
CHAZ

[Morph]

Actually there's a lot to be said about this idea.

If you have an engine out and have to do an emergency landing, animals and humans on the ground cannot hear you dropping in on them. Could be very useful. We often have cattle, sheep and birds on the runways, people on the beaches etc.

[Biggles]

Morph why not fit one of those sirens the stuka dive bombers use That would definitelyy get the people off the beach!!!

On a more serious note, whenever the transponder issue comes up there is usally a enigmatic reference to alternative technology... is that a stall tactic or are there cheaper alternative out there?