At 02:32 18 October 2012, Eric Greenwell wrote:
On 10/17/2012 6:35 PM, Craig R. wrote:
Time to state the obvious. After reading the comments in many of the
recent PowerFLARM threads, many folks want to use PowerFLARM for
�leeching�. Many are asking for programs to expand and simplify the
use of that data. While that information is a byproduct of the
important aspect of PF collision avoidance data, I think it has
hidden issues.With the PF data, some of that inaccuracy
goes away. Certainly, you won�t use this information on every thermal
throughout the day, but 3 or 4 spotted thermals can be the
difference between an average day and a very good day.
....

Will this data go away or will people stop using it in this format?
Of course not. However, I would like to see people consciously use
the PF data for collision avoidance and ignore the leeching aspects.
Pilots that continue to learn and improve are better and safer. That
is good for everyone. I know that �ain�t going to happen� so
stealth
mode FTW ;-)

If everyone has the technology to "leech" it is not unfair. Consider the
case where a field of gliders launches into the blue. One pilot happens to
bimble into a really good thermal and wins the day, is that not luck?
Should luck have a place in competition? GP drivers slipstream other
drivers, they have technology to make it even more efficient. There is not
that much skill in finding lift, luck plays a big part, the skill is in
using it so perhaps, given that Pandora's box is open, developing
technology that is freely available to anyone that wants it is the only way
to level the playing field