I too want to be safe, however, I would be somewhat concerned if we just
decided to implement something like this without somebody providing some
scientific results of it's use.
The issues we may have is with the large number of new "toys" that we are
finding in the cockpits of gliders. A lot of which are taking the pilots
attention from outside of the aircraft to the inside.
In fact it's not uncommon to find some new pilots who have never know any
different and think that you "need" all of this technology to fly long
distances.
Part of the problem has got to be pilots not looking out of the cockpit,
the other part has got to be how difficult it is to see other gliders,
esp
head on. The third part is simply that we can do all things at once and
sometimes you will simply never see the other aircraft in which case
something along these lines would indeed save lives.
Bernard Eckey has just ordered some new tips for his 25 which he has
asked
to high intensity leds (I believe) to be fitted to see if that improves
the ability of other pilots to see his aircraft. Bernard, perhaps you
could enlighten us to exactly what you've done.
I'd be interested if somebody can point me towards some information
regarding these FLARMs.
Regards
Sean
---- Geoff Kidd <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
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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