Flarm has been mandatory in Australia for at least the last 3 years in
National and regional comps. There has been no mid-airs in comps in that
time. There were on average probably one ore a little more mid-airs a year
before that.
It won't stop them all, I nearly got cleaned up by an inexperienced Pilot
this year but at least I knew he was there and I took avoiding action.
The last WGC in Hungary had about 70% Flarm, I reckon the guys without it
[on purpose for "tactical" reasons] were idiots!!
Initially the units were $500, now still under $1000 and can be linked to
maps etc. Towplanes have them too!
You guys in the US really should get on board! Whatever frequency your
government will allow should be able to be programmed in both Euroflarm
and Ozflarm.
I am seriously considering if I will fly in Uvalde or any further WGC
without mandatory Flarm.
Tom Claffey