Comments in-line.
 
Sadly, it looks like those (myself included) pro Flarm being mandatory for Competitions have articulated their arguments weakly - The 2 comps I did this year were very close to voting to make it mandatory anyway. Those who are arguing against have not flown with this. I respect your point of view, but do believe that many of the criticisms would go away if you did see this in use - most of us had those exact same reservations before the trials.


From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Peter Creswick
Sent: Tuesday, 28 March 2006 11:18
To: Discussion of issues relating to Soaring in Australia.
Subject: Re: [Aus-soaring] Queensland Easter Competition and FLARM

As I said before, it does have a use in the alerted see and avoid realm, but I don't see it as "the" answer, that  
> so many on  various web sites and forums, particularly the European ones, seem to think it is, and I see down  
> sides, and council caution.  
 
Totally agree with you here on see and avoid. This is a device that might help when things go wrong - would you propose removing TCAS from commercial aircraft for the same reasons ? TCAS is a device that might help when things go wrong (it's not fool proof).
 
I believe that Flarm, with the downsides properly managed gives us a far better position than without it.
 
I have had plenty of cases in the last fifty plus years where the latest and greatest turned out to be a monumental flop,  
> and in a couple of cases, disasters, requiring back to square one.  I am always "suspicious" of those who leap on the  
> band wagon of something the latest and greatest, and just go hell for leather for it.  It reminds me of Lemmings, and it  
> makes me nervous.  
 
Again, I agree. I was highly sceptical before using it. I was willing to have an open mind though.
 
Demanding, as some have, that this, something still very new, unique, still in development, from a single manufacturer, 
> that is proprietary and expensive, that there is limited experience of, be made mandatory, and asserting that non  
> agreement with such mandating is cause for excluding people from flying in comps, is "evangelical fervour" 
 
Ok, here we have some misconceptions.
 
1. This is not a new technology - it is new to Australia though - it has been in use for a few years now.
2. Everything in use in Aviation is "still in development" !
3. There is not a single manufacturer of units. There is at least 1 non OzFlarm unit in use locally.
4. I have already stated that I don't perceive this as expensive where compared to the other mandatory items I need for a comp - remember we are ONLY talking about mandating use in a comp.
 
The organisers are also trying to ensure that units are available for rent to those who can't afford or don't wish to purchase one.
 
THERE IS NO BARRIER to competing due to this !
 
 
 
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