FLARM
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
FLARM is an electronic device to alert pilots to potential collisions between aircraft.
FLARM obtains its position from an integral GPS and then broadcasts this with data about speed and course. Its receiver listens for other FLARM devices within 2-3 kilometres and processes the information received. Motion-prediction algorithms predict potential conflicts for more than 50 other signals and warn the pilot using sound and visual means. FLARM can also store information about static aerial obstacles, such as cables, in a database. Because of its short range FLARM is not currently approved for commercial aviation though higher power versions may become available. The FLARM protocol itself is proprietary and is licensed to manufacturers, contrary to earlier advertising claiming it would be released as an open protocol.
Unlike conventional transponders in aircraft, FLARM has a low power consumption and is relatively cheap to buy (520 euro plus tax) and to install. Furthermore conventional Airborne Collision Avoidance Systems (ACAS) are little use in preventing gliders from colliding with each other because these aircraft are frequently close to each other without being in danger of collision. ACAS would be giving out continuous and unnecessary warnings in these circumstances, whereas FLARM only gives alerts to aircraft posing a collision risk. However the short range of the present power output makes FLARM unsuitable for avoiding collisions with fast moving aircraft.
First sales were made in 2004. Currently there are over 6,000 FLARM units in use mainly in Switzerland, Germany, France, Austria and Australia. It is now being adopted in the UK after the telecom authority and Civil Aviation Authority confirmed it was acceptable.
