Flarm (short for Flight Alarm) is becoming popular in the UK but has a long way to go to match the UK`s share of the 11,000 or so now used, mainly in Europe and Australia The product is licensed to be made by other than Flarm Technology GmbH of Switzerland and so you will find different versions around; but the important thing is that they all use the same algorithms and are interoperable with each other.
The situation in the UK that the CAA has a policy of no objection and we are now waiting for Ofcom to issue its approval, for its use of 868.2 MHz, a licence free band in Europe, and this is expected any day.
I admit to a commercial interest in Flarm as the UKs main vendor but it is a reality, it does work and at around £500 incl VAT for a fully portable system it might just help avoid that near miss frightening you or worse as it gives a warning out to a range of mile or 2 and helps you to look in the right direction and take the appropriate action. Made originally to enable glider pilots to avoid hitting each other when flying in the Alps its usefulness has now been recognised as far wider. Of note, it contains a database of obstructions (currently Alpine cables and masts) but it could easily be loaded with a regional database of TV masts, high tension wires, and the like. This could be of interest to helicopter operators.......
I`ll publish more info once Ofcom has issue formal approval. Meanwhile, there is info on
www.Flarm.com and
www.lXavionics.co.uk
John Delafield
LX avionics Ltd