FLARM in Stealth Mode at US 15M/Standard Nationals - Loved It!

FLARM or no FLARM (or Stealth Mode current or proposed Competition Mode), there have always been and will always be leeches. I am still completely unconvinced that a pilot can take advantage of a supposed strong thermal (or gaggle) identified solely by FLARM and outside of visual range. I would love to see some SEEYOU evidence of that (I would be impressed with even ONE example). So far, astonishingly after the dramatic statements up and down this thread, I have seen nothing in terms of a replay example. I just honestly do not believe that one can leech effectively outside of visual range. This is simply overhyped in my mind until I see real examples.

This debate comes down to people who don't like/want tech and people who can accept another variable (natural technology innovation) into the mix. I don't mind Flarm or competitors seeing me on their screen. Its fun to see how other pilots are doing around me to be honest. Its fun when I notice them being there when I had missed them visually. This experience is much like Condor (highly competitive by the way) with the visual range setting. Condor racers turn it off in the big races (Stealth Mode), but leave it on for the easier going nightly events (last I checked). For beginner and advanced Condor pilots alike, it is simple fun to see how the race is progressing (at least within mile or two) in real time (racing) rather than being alone and "sneaking around" by yourself all day only to see what happens in the evening (after calculating scoring for AAT, HAT's...you know the drill).. We are also talking on "the radio" with TeamSpeak (program for gaming chat).

My ONLY problem with FLARM is that an arms race may (has) develop(ed) with special antennas, amplifiers, tin foil hats (antenna covers intended to block signal), etc. The game is to maximize an unfair advantage for yourself and to maximize the disadvantage for competitors. As with all games, there will be prodigies (tech savvy) at this new variable (skill). No other soaring technology really allows such a large of a variance in the usability of the available information. A GPS logger works or it does not. Varios are, for the most part, all the same. There is really not much difference between a smart phone with XC Soar (free) and an LX 9000 ($5000). While I am still unconvinced that the information FLARM provides is highly actionable (tactical), you CAN modify level of value to you to your competitors. This is quite unique, quite unsportsmanlike and quite sad.

With FLARM, I have done some more research and there are some clear, inexpensive and easy methods to "stacking the deck" in ones favor. In other words, FLAT OUT CHEATING! This is a big red flag. All the little intangibles such as IDing competitors in the start area or tracking them add up. One can easily exploit this advantage. If necessary, we would all simply have to learn how to manage and eventually master these "techniques." No big deal, but unfortunate to people who don't want to manage another variable. For these reasons, I support Stealth Competition Mode.

That said, if assurances could be made that the potential of each Flarm was the same (impossible), I would be fine with leaving it alone and accepting the new technology. Its fun and fairly harmless if equally available. In general, I think it is dangerous to let the RC ban or limit anything more than they already have.......BUT...this one makes good sense.....for the 3-4 years before ADSB :-). Then it will be weapons free electronic "vision" again and we will not be able to "ban" it.

This is a another very difficult decision for the RC. Do we accept it now or hold out a few years? I will vote for COMPETITION MODE. I also vote for strict rules against tin foil :-) and any non approved equipment (antennas, amplifiers, trained pets with excellent vision, etc) in the cockpit.