On Monday, October 1, 2012 10:43:12 PM UTC-7, (unknown) wrote:
Hey John: How about we all look outside for things we would prefer not to midair? The nature and volume of discussion regarding "climb maximizer" screens suggests that many pilots are seriously focused "head-down" while thermaling. I know everyone will soundly proclaim that this is absolutely not the case and that they are maintaining an appropriate traffic scan and situational awareness while simultaneously checking the maximizer screen but I do not believe it. Are glider pilots becoming the airborne equivalent of the modern teen-ager who walks into the shopping mall fountain, head-down while staring at their electronic devices? I tend to believe this is true which leaves me horrified. The solution? FLARM, of course! Addictions come in many flavors.

Unknowen. You are certainly not wrong here but not correct either.
Looking, glancing and referring to a "climb maximizer" is NO DIFFERENT than looking, glancing and referring to a vario. I read statements previously in this thread that one should only fly by the sound of an audio and the seat of the pants but I would very much doubt if anyone actually consistently does this. After all I can't remember the last time, if ever I seen a sailplane without a visual vario. The matter affect why would anyone spend in some cases thousands of dollars on a vario if not to use it?! I for one would glance at the vario OR climb maximizer once or twice in a turn and I'm sure this takes away very little from my situational awareness.
6PK