Mike
If this Flarm system or something better (and immediately available) is not
picked up and implemented this year as the system of choice for OZ, then the
Pilots, Owners and the umbrella organization all need to have a good hard
look at themselves.
As previously mentioned by others in this Forum, the key is that all/most
Sailplanes need to be fitted for it to be effective.
Given the reports back from Europe, the key issues for us are simply:
a Is this the best available system?
b Is something better on the horizon that is soon to supersede it?
c Is Flarm the defacto standard in Europe?
d What is the best way to implement it here?
All of the above seems to be an appropriate role for the GFA to take,
action, publicise and provide the necessary leadership in this key area. But
a long evaluation and decision making time is not warranted and in my view
it would be a travesty if this opportunity is wasted or someone here thinks
they should now try from somewhere near scratch to come up with a better
Aussie mousetrap.
If the Swiss Rescue Helicopters have evaluated it as being also the best for
them, then it might even be a no-brainer for us.
Look at what the basic pilots from Europe have said on the other thread and
all of us should make up our minds.
I wonder what other members of this Forum, more experienced than me, have to
say on this.
Regards & thanks for your reply
Geoff
----- Original Message -----
From: "Mike Borgelt" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To: "Discussion of issues relating to Soaring inAustralia."
<[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, July 04, 2005 4:08 PM
Subject: Re: Fw: [Aus-soaring] FLARM
At 01:56 PM 4/07/05 +1000, you wrote:
I have initiated and am in the midst of a thread on The Glider Forum
where
European pilots speak of Flarm in glowing terms ... both in the
Mountains
and the Flatlands.
It appears that the IGC has not banned its use and 2 pilots report good
practical results with Flarm when used in contests.
Technically, under the FAI rules it was prohibited under the rule that
prevented data interchange. This was pointed out in an article in
Aerokurier magazine. Common sense has prevailed according to John Roake's
latest column on gldingmagazine.com
Now we have what appears to be a proven and popular system that is
reasonably economical for Cost and Power.
52mA and A$1000 approximately per aircraft.
Given that mid-airs are a/the major safety issue for our sport, what are
we waiting for?
Is it a fact that the spectrum is available or not?
Of course it is. Every wireless device attached to your PC uses it as well
as your microwave oven.
If it is, the GFA should consider lobbying/acting to ensure that the
system is picked up for OZ and EVERY owner should be encouraged or
incentivised to install ASAP.
Given the general acknowledgement that we have a mid air problem in
gliding
you would think this would already be being done wouldn't you? Don't hold
your breath.
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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