On Nov 18, 6:54*am, DaleKramer wrote:
Evan,

Because I have acted on this report so quickly, there is nothing on
the earth to scorch. *I would never do that anyway.

I have done the honorable thing and withdrawn when I feel that I can
no longer support the direction that this has taken.

I have been completely up front and open about my intentions and
everything that has happened.

The only thing withheld has been the specific terms of the tentative
agreement with FLARM Technology at their request.

Everything relevant to the program has been published and the next
volunteer can easily proceed.

I wish everyone the best but I choose not to participate.

Dale

Like virtually all US competition glider pilots, I think the
introduction of PowerFlarm will result in a significant improvement in
safety and I look forward to getting one myself. Even though I live in
free-wheeling regulation-free Arizona, where I can drive a motorcycle
without a helmet and carry a concealed firearm without a permit, I
encourage colleagues here also to acquire a PowerFlarm.

However, on mandatory use in 2011 I am with the committee on this
one. To mandate the use of a device which has yet to be fully tested
and receive FCC approval is premature. All complex electronic devices
like this require a learning curve in their introduction and usage and
a period of time to eliminate glitches and upgrade firmware. I would
be extremely surprised if the first units to arrive work seamlessly
from the get-go. I'll buy mine from the second batch to arrive here
after my colleagues have done the trouble-shooting!

I also have some concerns about a rental program requiring the
temporary installation of a unit. I like stuff bolted to my panel and
I like to be fully familiar with electronics before I fly in a
demanding contest. I am not sure that having a significant number of
pilots in a contest with a loose device Velcroed or duck-taped to the
glider and having them read the user manual in a gaggle is the best
way to proceed.

No criticism intended to those who tried to get the program going -
just my perspective on a difficult issue.

Mike