AnnDover wrote:I too frequently fly with my Mode S Transponder off when in good VMC conditions. The reason being I fly a sailplane which has limited availability of electrical power and my flights are mostly over four hours and can exceed nine.
This ensures I am able to use it when flying in cloud, limited inflight visibility, entering TMZs, to ease Class D airspace penetrations, and when operating near or within active MATZs.
It would be nice to believe other pilots flying in uncontrolled airspace displayed good airmanship by maintaining an adequate lookout. Sadly I know that is not the case as so many appear to believe their plethora of avionic gadgets absolve them from this vital part of basic airmanship.
I don't think lack of battery power is usable these days as a reason to turn off or not have a transponder - battery technology has improved, and it's fairly straightforward to keep the transponder on.
But having a transponder is more to do with ATC being able to see you than other aircraft. You need (eg) ADSB ES with the transponder to help with the latter.
And I don't know any pilots who think that electronic conspicuity avoids having to look out.
Paul