How'd you like to have go buy a brand-new transponder so that you can quickly indicate that you're being hijacked? Of course; realizing how pervasive an issue (not!) this is to the average Cessna or Piper pilot, AOPA thinks this makes no sense whatsoever. As usual, we agree.

AOPA has told the FAA it is strongly opposed to requiring "hijack" transponders in general aviation aircraft. Following the 9/11 terrorist hijackings, FAA is proposing that all aircraft be equipped with transponders that would permit the pilot to send the "hijack" code by pushing one button. And once the code is activated, the pilot couldn't turn it off in the air. AOPA says that's too expensive and unneeded for general aviation.

The FAA proposal would require replacing all of today's transponders.

"Unlike commercial air carrier operations, GA pilots know the passengers on board and what they are carrying," said Melissa K. Bailey, AOPA vice president. "Also, GA aircraft are used for personal and business transportation, just like an automobile, and the nature of these operations makes the application of this rule to Part 91 operations unnecessary."

The FAA has extended the public comment period for the proposed rule until April 18, 2003.

FMI: www.faa.gov, www.aopa.org, http://dmses.dot.gov/docimages/p74/211809.pdf