Greetings Hook,
Thanks for your very civil response devoid of pejorative statements and dismissive comments.
In fact I am NOT an anti-government person and strongly believe in our government - the best in the world, and I would like to keep it that way through mature discourse and a reasonable, logical conversation with whoever will listen. I love my country even though I realize we don't always make the right policy decisions initially...that is OK.
Privacy - we deserve it and should continue to question why anyone needs more data on us where there are other means to already get it.
Legacy - I can assure everyone what we see of adsb today will look nothing like it in 10, or maybe even 5 years.
RPV's - The "Next Gen" policy initiative for our skies is making room - a lot of room - for remotely piloted vehicles in our future. Plans and resources are already aligned for RPVs to accomplish a host of activities in the public and private sector. ADSB is one of many ways to integrate these "drones" into our airspace. The downside is you get to pay for all of it.
TSO vs. Non-TSO: I am happy all you experimental guys get to benefit from FAR LESS EXPENSIVE systems for your light aircraft. I only wish I could buy what you can right now. Is it logical that I should not be able to? I do not see that logic. Essentially, I have to have the same system a commercial 747 would have to have, or perhaps an F-15 fighter. Really? I again call for reform and relief on this aspect. I am hoping the administration/agency will put safety BEFORE legacy compliance and allow everyone to have adsb out at lower cost through a rollback on regulations. If a NON-TSO adsb out can pass the airborne test, why not allow it for many more certified light aircraft?
Airspace: Please keep in mind the MODE C Veil is part of adsb airspace - and THAT is the part taking away the MOST airspace from everyone. I think we can all live with Class A, B, C, and above 18,000, or even 12,000 if we had to. Guys like me are literally boxed in up here in the northeast part of the United States. I do not see MODE C airspace going away as then how would you define the airspace where folks need to have adsb? There has got to be a clear line on the chart for VFR pilots to stay out of if they are not equipped.
Rebate: Fair point on the cost of the rebate, but you are lucky - most of us are not. Many times controllers in Philly or NYC do not have the time for even VFR flight following. Check the latest AOPA mag for the average of what it costs to get the rebate - it is actually close to $500 on average (depending on what you fly).
Fundamentally, I do see some goodness in adsb, but not as much for "the little guy" as I do for the majors. This is supposed to reduce space between aircraft in congested areas and enhance commercial operations. It will also allow the fleet of RPVs to share our airspace. They are coming, like it or not.
OK, I can see the benefit in adsb, but please, please, please do not forget the little guys in general aviation who are "plankton on the food chain" of aviation. We'd like to keep flying in this great nation of ours without the tremendous cost ($5,000 average around here) of installing a box that essentially lets us know where traffic is around us. (If you don't fly in poor weather, the weather function is novel, but not useful)
Thanks everyone for the civil discussion - I have noticed on this site there is not a lot of name calling and put-downs you see elsewhere - greatly appreciated.
Mike Marra, N94