At 09:32 AM 24/05/05 +1000, you wrote:
>Hi
>
>I was just looking over the BGA pages and came across a mention of FLARM
>(see http://www.flarm.com/index_en.html)
>
> Flarm warns against aircrafts and obstacles.
>
> The small-size, low-cost, low-power device FLARM broadcasts its own
> position and speed vector (as obtained with an integrated GPS) over
> a license-free ISM band radio transmission. At the same time it
> listens to other devices based on the same standard. Intelligent
> motion prediction algorithms predict short-term conflicts and warn
> the pilot accordingly by acoustical and visual means. FLARM
> incorporates a high-precision WAAS 16-channel GPS receiver and an
> integrated low-power radio transceiver. Static obstacles are
> included in FLARM's database. The collision warning algorithms were
> calibrated and optimized using thousands of flight logs. No warning
> is given if an aircraft does not pose an immediate threat.
>
>Is this compatible/comparable with the system here in Australia (whose
>name currently escapes me)?
>
>I also wonder when exactly a glider in the same thermal as you is deemed
>to 'pose an immediate threat'?
>
>--
>Robert Hart [EMAIL PROTECTED]
>+61 (0)438 385 533
>Brisbane, Australia http://www.hart.wattle.id.au
Interestingly the IGC has banned the use of FLARM in contests as it
breaches a rule that says you can't transmit data from one glider to another.
ADSB would seem to have the same problem so a little re thinking by the IGC
would seem to be in order so that glider pilots could benefit from
collision protection. Glider pilots probably stand to benefit most from
this as enroute collisions between powered aircraft at Australian traffic
densities are extremely unlikely. Gliders tend to concentrate in the same air.
FLARM was developed by the Swiss for use in the mountains where there are
likely to be lots of head on conflict cases developing. Don't know how it
helps when you go around a corner of the mountain and suddenly get line of
sight on a rapidly closing glider. The signals won't go through the hill.
It will help avoiding things like power lines and transport cables which
can be a significant hazard in the mountains in Europe. As ADSB gives you a
GPS receiver it should be able to do the same thing.
As for costs, last I heard ADSB fit was quoted at something like A$7000 per
aircraft just for the GPS/1090 transmitter. Allegedly Airservices are going
to subsidise this. If you believe that I've got a nice bridge for you.
Mike
Borgelt Instruments - manufacturers of quality soaring instruments
phone Int'l + 61 746 355784
fax Int'l + 61 746 358796
cellphone Int'l + 61 428 355784
Int'l + 61 429 355784
email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
website: www.borgeltinstruments.com
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