PowerFLARM leeching comments

When the first vario was put into a glider, it presumably gave the pilot a
competitive advantage.


So does every move forward in soaring and cruising performance.


Then came flight computers.


With GPS, another competitive advantage arose for those who had it.


Radio and team flying was another instance.


Before long, there will be UAVs flying around, quite possibly using thermal
detection and perhaps broadcasting for the benefit of other UAVs where
there are thermals and what their strength is. if we could latch onto that
data, it could transform cross-country flying.


No good trying to stop progress, in my opinion. Live with it.


Chris N

On Thursday, October 18, 2012 9:45:02 AM UTC-5, Chris Nicholas wrote:
When the first vario was put into a glider, it presumably gave the pilot a

competitive advantage.





So does every move forward in soaring and cruising performance.





Then came flight computers.





With GPS, another competitive advantage arose for those who had it.





Radio and team flying was another instance.





Before long, there will be UAVs flying around, quite possibly using thermal

detection and perhaps broadcasting for the benefit of other UAVs where

there are thermals and what their strength is. if we could latch onto that

data, it could transform cross-country flying.





No good trying to stop progress, in my opinion. Live with it.





Chris N

Non of your examples take the experience, knowledge and the benefit of risk taking from one competitor and freely give it to another. Other than radio/team flying. However in radio team flying you get to choose who you share info with. Why would anyone ever start first into the blue with full up FLARM? You'd be a fool to do so, your risk/reward would be useless. It will be a race to see who starts last and who starts behind who. Pointless to even race.
Stop progress? Never, develop away, use whatever you'd like when flying for fun, but every form of organized racing has rules.
Perhaps I'm in the minority, but when I think Soaring I think of Hawks and Eagles, not UAVs and data link.
I have serious issue with a safety device that drives pilot's eyes into the cockpit.
WR