Ramy wrote:
I don't recall seeing this mentioned here but apparently Flarms are
now available in the US.
See discussion on Williams Forum:
http://www.soaringnet.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=2404

From Rex Mayes:

We would like to examine the level of interest in using FLARM in
gliders flying at WSC to improve safety with collision avoidance
technology.

Learn about FLARM.

http://www.flarm.org/index_en.html

Flarm is being introduced to the US market this Summer. It is an $800
alternative to a $3000+ transponder/ PCAS system.

The downside is that Flarm will only interact with other flarm units.
It will not see tansponder signals. Tcas and Pcas will not see Flarm
so it does not solve Glider/ GA or Glider/ airliner conflicts.

I think promoting it as an IGC recorder with collision avoidance
technology would be an easy sell to pilots that want an IGC recorder.
For $800, you are getting the avoidance capability almost free.

Still, that would make it's installation in gliders go at a slow pace,
since so many of us already have IGC recorders. Personally, I have no
interest in one unless I were to fly at a very busy glider area like
Minden (I already have an IGC recorder, transponder, and PCAS). Perhaps
the commercial soaring operators and clubs in those areas could rent
FLARMS to visiting pilots, even make them mandatory for getting a tow.

--
Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA
* Change "netto" to "net" to email me directly

* "Transponders in Sailplanes" http://tinyurl.com/y739x4
* Sections on Mode S, TPAS, ADS-B, Flarm, more

* "A Guide to Self-launching Sailplane Operation" at www.motorglider.org