OK. That is funny! Thanks bumper.

Better yet. Perhaps (he says - fearing it may actually happen) the SSA
should require the use of FLARM traffic alert devices. They would increase
safety in contests- AND they would allow us leachers to know where all the
nearby gliders are!!! But unfortunately, the FLARM units are not being sold
in the US due to liability issues. I do wish we could use them here in the
US but hope the SSA never mandates them or anything like them.

Actually, I firmly believe that in 10 years we will be able to see all
nearby traffic on our moving map screens. That will (in my opinion) greatly
improve safety and make soaring contests more fun. It would be much more
like a sailboat race where you can see where your competitors are. Is that
a bad thing? I'm sure the traditional contest pilots will say NO WAY, but
I think it would be fun. Leaching is not inappropriate in sailboat racing.

Good Soaring,

Paul Remde

"bumper" wrote in message
...

"Stewart Kissel" wrote in
message ...
I would think a more discretelly sized race number
would be plainly visible while thermalling, but much
harder to see at a distance by leeches.



Hey, now wait just a minute, leeches deserve a fighting chance and to be
safe while leeching. If you have small contest numbers then the leeches
might have to resort to using binoculars. Do you have any idea how hard it
is to fly safely while looking through binoculars?

Next thing you know there'll be a rule banning binoculars.

bumper