US: Flight Recorder Alert

(AKA: Da Badgelady Speaks! Please use '
to respond... and bear in mind it's the busy season!!)

Problems encountered evaluating FAI badge claims documented
by flight recorder (“FR”) prompt the following notice
to pilots and Observers:

- if possible, retain the original flight file in FR
memory at least until you have received confirmation
that your claim has been evaluated.

- download data using the FR manufacturer’s “data-xxx”
program, where “xxx” is the three-letter identifier
for that manufacturer. If you do not have a copy of
this software and the “vali-xxx” program for your FR,
download one or both from:
http://www.fai.org/gliding/gnss/freeware.asp

- do NOT rename any file intended for submission

- DO make a copy of the original download for your
own evaluation purposes using the programs of your
choice.

- DO keep at least one copy of the original download
untouched by any/all programs including those written
by third party vendors and “manager” packages that
came with or appear to have been written for the FR.

- PLEASE (!) use the FR manufacturer’s “Vali-xxx” program
to check file security before submitting a badge or
record claim. (To use this DOS program, change directories
as needed to access the drive and directory where the
program is installed. Type “vali-xxx” , where “xxx”
is the FR manufacturer’s 3-letter identifier. Type
a space. Type the complete path and file name of the
file you with to validate and press enter.)

-“Vali-xxx” may and often will return a security warning
for a file handled any way other than outlined above.
Unfortunately, if no clean copy of the original download
exists, no such file is useable for FAI badge or record
purposes.

Judy
Da Bulls, Da Bears, Da Badgelady