FLARM
What is FLARM?
The FLARM collision avoidance system was developed for glider pilots, by glider pilots. FLARM warns FLARM-equipped pilots of impending collisions plus gives the location of non-threatening nearby FLARM-equipped gliders. It only works if both gliders have FLARMs. FLARM knows about the unique flight characteristics of gliders, and stays quiet unless there is a real hazard.
Flarm also "sees" transponder and ADS-B equipped aircraft but those aircraft do not see Flarm equipped aircraft.
Articles on Flarm
Soaring Magazine, May 2014, pages 24-36
"In the United States 60% of the glider midair collisions have been in the vicinity of the local airport or in the traffic pattern..."
"...40% of the gliders involved in midair collisions over the past twenty years were flying in contests."
"PowerFLARM costs about the same as a parachute and it gets used a lot more often....avoiding a midair collision is clearly preferable to a bailout after the fact."
Accidents: Difficult 10 months in US Soaring, mid-air collisions
Understanding Flarm
Link to website with most up to date manual
Video: FLARM warning on ClearNav Multifunction Display
Simulation showing what FLARM (previous generation hardware) units would have displayed in the gliders which were involved in a 2010 mid-air collision. Had they both been equipped with FLARM technology, the accident could have been avoided.
Buying Flarm
FLARM Notes & Purchase - Cumulus Soaring
There are multiple sources to purchase your Flarm but Paul Remde at Cumulus Soaring gives excellent support in all areas from understanding what to get and helping you set it up in your glider.
Installing Flarm in your Glider
#1 Start at the link above to Cumulus Soaring
FLARM Installation Notes/Blog with Pictures
SCOH Specific Flarm Equipment
Basics - Using Flarm equipment in SCOH club gliders
Adjusting Volume and Downloading IGC Files on SCOH's ASK21