Thomas Borchert wrote:

Personally, I think FLARM is a dead end, since it is a niche solution
not endorsed by any ATC authority and S mode, TCAS and ultimately ADS-B
do exactly the same thing, will become viable in gliders and integrate
into what the ATCs of the world have in mind. Which, in turn, will lead
to a market size capable of financing certification for onboard units.


Hi Thomas,

I am not sure about Flarm being a dead end.
S mode and TCAS do not solve the problem with fixed obstacle like a
cable or an antenna. Therefore S mode or TCAS is not a complete
substitute of Flarm. In the data base of the European alpine obstacles
more than 54000 objects are saved.

If we talk about powered flying obstacles it would be really great to
have a small, affordable TCAS consuming far less power than today's
units. But how many years will it take? I definitely prefer a affordable
unit that is now available and helps to safe lives now not in a yet
unknown future.


But: The spread of FLARM units in Europe still is impressive.

But it is not only Europe! Have a look at Australia and an Namibia/South
Africa. There is even a compatible product manufactured in Australia
(OzFlarm). Overall their are about 6000 units (Flarm and compatible
products) in use.

Bear


NB Swiss insurance companies supported the development of Flarm. Swiss
insurance companies are well know to be able to judge were they get a
benefit. They apparently came to the conclusion that Flarm decreases the
damage frequency.