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In article , Denis Flament moncourrieles
writes
Ian Strachan wrote:

At the last IGC Plenary meeting earlier in 2003, a new approval level for
GNSS flight recorders was agreed. This was for "all IGC badge and
distance diploma flights" and was in addition to the existing levels for
"all
flights" and "badge flights up to and including Diamonds". The latter is
used for types of recorder units that do not have their own GPS receiver
but rely on a separate GPS unit connected to the recorder by cable.

Let's admit that this third level was necessary... Now the problem is
that most people refer to "IGC approved" loggers, not mentionning
whether it is for "all IGC badge and distance diploma flights" or
"all flights" or "badge flights up to and including Diamonds" ... in
fact most glider pilots ignore that there are different level of IGC
approval !

May I suggest that there be somewhat shorter names such as "approved
level 1, 2 or 3" or "class A, B or C" ? Things would be clearer this way.

That may well happen, but the initial announcement need to be clear
about the intention.

It was suggested:

A: All Purposes including World Records.
B: Badges and Diplomas
D: Badges up to Diamond

Or did D stand for Diplomas?


Now, what about World Championships ??? Are they less important that
world records ??? I don't think so. One could say that it is more
difficult to cheat in a Championship than for records, that's right, but
it is not impossible (and it already happened !), and the stake is
higher too.

You (GFAC) didn't say anything about which approval level would be
appropriate for World Championships, did you ? If I read the rules for
these Championships, it says (Annex A 5.4.a) : "All GNSS FR’s approved
by the IGC up to two months prior to the Opening Day shall be accepted."

Does it mean that all loggers SHALL be accepted, whatever their approval
level ???

I don't think it is within GFAC's remit to say what should or should not
be used for World Championships. That is for the Annex A team to decide
upon.

Same question for national records or Championships, what type of
approved loggers would you recommand ? I understand that for these type
of performances NACs may have their own rules, and allow
non-IGC-approved loggers (which is not even permitted for a mere 50 km
silver D badge, but this is another debate...), but I think that IGC
should emit at least a recommendation.

Again, not within GFAC's remit to decide. It is up to the NAC and
Competition Organisers concerned. No doubt GFAC will advise when and if
requested, but to proffer a recommendation unasked might not be welcome.

On the necessity of the action of downgrading the approvals, waiting for
proof that the security has been broken is rather "Closing the Stable
Door after the Horse has Bolted". Prevention is better than cure.

In 1994 the security level of the time was judged to be sufficient,
bearing in mind the power of the PCs available at the time.

In 2004 ten years will have passed and the Power of PCs has made serious
advances, or if you prefer, the security of the early Recorders has been
seriously degraded.

Tim Newport-Peace

"Indecision is the Key to Flexibility."