Flytec Flarm

Installation option for the FLYTEC-Avionic instruments 6020 and 6030 – FLARM for hang-gliders and paragliders.

The collision warning device is already available since 2004. Meanwhile about 14.000 instruments are warning worldwide the pilots of helicopters, sailplanes and light aircraft against the risk of collision.  Now the new FLARM-transponder for hang gliders is on hand.

Indeed, by cooperating with the FLARM developers, FLYTEC has found an ingenious solution. Their two most popular multifunction instruments for hang glider pilots, the FLYTEC 6020 and FLYTEC 6030, may now be fitted with the so called “passive FLARM”. This part is the intrinsic FLARM-transponder. It is a tiny electronic unit, which is a built-in
component of the instrument. It responds, under low power consumption, to the signals of collision warning devices of other aircraft it has received. Due to this system the pilots in cockpits of helis, sail gliders or other aircraft are able to notice paragliders and hang gliders over a distance of several kilometres and may therefore react accordingly. The operating distance is sufficient for a sailplane pilot, usually cruising at a speed of 100 km/h to 180 km/h, to dispose of more than half a minute to accomplish an emergency turn.

When a complete FLARM-device is charged at the price of more than one thousand Swiss franks, the new FLARM-transponder is available as an option for a new instrument at the price of 115,00 Swiss franks, and as add-on kit for the price of 165,00 Swiss franks. The re-fitting is carried out by FLYTEC. The operation of the FLARM-transponder is resulting in power consumption of the instrument being higher by one third. However, it may be switched-off. Since hang gliders and paragliders are moving at different speed and agility, the pilot of the hang glider can select himself the type of his glider which should be signalled.
In consideration of the safety related interest of the module, this enhancement of the FLARM device was financially supported by the Swiss hang glider association (SHV) and also by REGA. Moreover, both developing companies FLARM and FLYTEC renounce to carry entirely forward the remaining development and manufacturing costs on the unit’s sales price. This decision has been taken with the hope that the FLARM-transponder will be distributed amongst the hang gliders as numerously as the FLARM complete device is to be found on board of motorised aircraft and helicopters.