On 10/26/2010 10:46 AM, kd6veb wrote:
It is a useless device until the use of Flarm
by the gliding community reaches critical mass (usage). That is
unlikely to happen here in the US for several years at best.
I don't know the situation where you fly, or what you mean by "critical
mass", but it sounds like at least 25% of the most active pilots in our
area (Washington state) have ordered, or have stated their intent to
order, a PowerFlarm. Once they are in use next year, and the other
pilots hear reports about how well it works, I'm sure it the percentage
will be much higher by the end of 2011. In any case, I think even a 25%
installation rate puts it in the "useful" category for my purposes.
I expect our regional to have greater than 75% equipage, in part because
many contest pilots will own a unit, and because others will be able to
borrow units from pilots like myself, who won't be flying in the contest.
The US as a whole may not get nearly as high because there are areas
with a low glider density, but I'd expect any busy area, like Minden
(think of running the Whites), will quickly exceed the 25% point next year.
I agree a transponder is a very useful device in many areas, and I've
had one for 8 years.
--
Eric Greenwell - Washington State, USA (change ".netto" to ".us" to email me)
- "Transponders in Sailplanes - Feb/2010" also ADS-B, PCAS, Flarm
http://tinyurl.com/yb3xywl
- "A Guide to Self-launching Sailplane Operation Mar/2004" Much of what you need to know tinyurl.com/yfs7tnz