I keep wondering when I am flying VFR and getting "flight following" with ATC and my transponder is accurately reporting my altitude, why it is necessary to spend the time and money to get a transponder check every 24 months. I never fly under IFR but I do fly through and in Class C and B airspace often. If the purpose of the transponder check is verify the accuracy of your transponder, couldn't that be accomplished by checking in with ATC and verifying their altitude readout matches your actual altitude? Or am I missing something else that makes the transponder check by a qualified avionics tech necessary?
If I am not missing something that affects flight safety, I am thinking that the transponder check could be accomplished by the pilot and logged much like the required VOR check every thirty days for IFR operations. I realize that would require a change to the FAR's which is probably impossible.
If I am not missing something that affects flight safety, I am thinking that the transponder check could be accomplished by the pilot and logged much like the required VOR check every thirty days for IFR operations. I realize that would require a change to the FAR's which is probably impossible.