Powerflarm results @Seniors
I have installed several FLARM units. Most installations have been
successful, i.e. the detection range is larger that the green area
indicated in the FLARM range analysis. However in one LS-7 I have
not been able to locate antenna right yet. It looks like the compass
of that plane, located on top of the instrument panel, is blocking the
field into 11 clock direction.
My opinion is, that FLARM is a good tool when the antennas are
correctly positioned. It might give you that critical 10 seconds time
to react. However. antenna positioning remains largely unsolved
problem. I await with interest the development of two antenna
systems for PowerFLARM.
We use LED based simple FLARM displays which show the nearest
airplane, green when no danger, and red/alarm in danger.
Additionally we are building connections to devices like Winpilot or
XCSoar to show all nearby traffic detected by FLARM. That is also
great when you are flying with other people - you know where they
are, and what they are doing. Each FLARM unit has it's own code,
and you can nickname them. You might like to know if it's the local
von Richthofen approaching from sun's direction, or someone more
friendly.
At least I know couple pilots who - uh - need more clearance, I
think...
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