Anti Collision Warning

"Dave Martin" wrote in message
...

So all we need is a simple instrument that meets the
following criteria.

1. It will detect at least 40 gliders in close proximity.
2. Plus those within a 5 nautical mile range.
3. Work out their relative positions.
4. Assess the collision threat of each and every one.
5. Feed the information to the pilot of each glider
in a readable format that can be assessed within the
bat of an eyelid.
6. Develop the instrument with little financial assistance
from within the movement.
7. Ensure every glider has the equipment fitted.
8. Ensure the equipment works with very little power
consumption.
9. Ensure that the cost is no more that a launch fee.
10. Make fitting compulsary to ALL aircraft flying
in uncontrolled airspace.


The above vastly overstates the issue. It's yet one more "do nothing"
argument. Make the problem seem too difficult and people will give up.

Listing the nearby gliders is very easy. You don't need to list them by
contest ID just the number within a reasonable distance. Those beyond 1 Km
are of little interest. You aren't interested in the relative positions of
all gliders, only those that represent a non-zero probably of a collision.
At any instant, out of 40 gliders, only one or two might represent a real
hazard.

This is a very easy bit of computer programming. Devices that do almost
exactly this are already available as consumer devices. (FRS walkie talkies
with integral GPS ~ $150US) Only small improvements are needed for glider
use.

Making every glider carry one is not likely or necessary but it could become
a requirement for contest flying. Clubs with a large fleet might decide to
install them. Most gliders fly within a local area so local rules will
work.

This device need only work with gliders. The rest of the aircraft fleet
will use transponders. For protection from these, you need a transponder
too.

Bill Daniels