{"id":6395,"date":"2025-01-25T16:53:45","date_gmt":"2025-01-25T15:53:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pilot-hub.com\/?p=6395"},"modified":"2025-01-25T16:53:47","modified_gmt":"2025-01-25T15:53:47","slug":"flarm-collision-warning-system-abolition-of-the-mandatory-software-update","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pilot-hub.com\/en\/flarm-kollisionswarnsystem-abschaffung-des-verpflichtenden-software-updates\/","title":{"rendered":"FLARM collision warning system: abolition of the mandatory software update"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why was the annual update necessary until now?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Since the introduction of the FLARM system, it has been mandatory to use the software <strong>updated every 15 months at the latest<\/strong>. If this did not happen, the device stopped working - it could no longer send or receive signals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The idea behind it was understandable:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>FLARM wanted to ensure that all users <strong>are always travelling with the latest software<\/strong>to ensure smooth compatibility between old and new devices.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The annual update has fixed bugs and added new functions.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The developers argued that this <strong>the system integrity<\/strong> and prevents older devices from becoming incompatible.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, this regulation also led to frustration:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Many pilots found the annual update annoying<\/strong> and unnecessarily complicated.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Especially for <strong>Older devices<\/strong> the procedure was cumbersome.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Anyone who forgot or failed to carry out the update suddenly had a <strong>non-functional device<\/strong> on board.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With the new <strong>FLARM software 7.40<\/strong> this restriction no longer applies: <strong>The traffic warning function remains active even without an update.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What changes does the new software 7.40 bring?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With immediate effect, the annual update is no longer a prerequisite for operation. This means that<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>FLARM devices continue to function even without a software update.<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>Basic function of the traffic warning is retained<\/strong>regardless of the software version.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The <strong>Mutual recognition of FLARM signals is ensured<\/strong>even between older and newer devices.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>New features, bug fixes and improvements<\/strong> is still available, but the update is no longer mandatory.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Nevertheless, FLARM strongly recommends <strong>Continue to update software regularly<\/strong>as new versions often:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Optimised algorithms for collision avoidance<\/strong> contain<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Compatibility improvements with other systems<\/strong> bring along<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Possible software errors<\/strong> fix<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>FLARM: A proven collision warning system with worldwide distribution<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">FLARM has been a <strong>Important component of aviation safety<\/strong>especially in gliding, but also in motorised aircraft, microlights and helicopters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How does FLARM work?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>FLARM is a <strong>GPS-based collision warning system<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It transmits its own <strong>Position, speed and direction of flight<\/strong> from.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Other FLARM devices within range receive this data and calculate possible <strong>Conflicts or collision risks<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If a <strong>Potential collision recognised<\/strong> the system issues a warning so that the pilot can react accordingly.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The system is often used with <strong>ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance - Broadcast)<\/strong> but differs in some respects.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>FLARM vs. ADS-B: Differences and challenges<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">While ADS-B is becoming the standard in commercial aviation and in more and more general aviation aircraft, FLARM has a different target group.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Advantages of FLARM<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Especially for the <strong>Gliding and sport flying<\/strong> developed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Easy integration into smaller aircraft<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Works without <strong>Expensive transponder installations<\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Allowed <strong>direct data exchange between aircraft<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Disadvantages of FLARM<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>No official certification<\/strong> for global air traffic<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reduced range<\/strong> than ADS-B, as it transmits on a non-aviation-certified frequency<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Limited detection of commercial aircraft<\/strong>that only use ADS-B<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The shorter range of FLARM is often criticised. While <strong>ADS-B transponders can transmit at high power over 100 nautical miles (NM)<\/strong>the range of FLARM is usually only <strong>5 to 10 NM<\/strong>depending on the antenna placement and the environment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Despite these limitations, FLARM remains a <strong>Efficient solution for close range<\/strong>especially for aircraft that are in <strong>confined airspaces such as gliding areas, aerodromes or mountain regions<\/strong> move.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Future prospects: Is FLARM still up to date?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The aviation industry is constantly evolving, and many experts see the future in <strong>integrated systems<\/strong>that combine FLARM, ADS-B and other technologies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Some possible developments in the coming years could be<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>FLARM with ADS-B Out function<\/strong> for better recognisability by traffic control and commercial aircraft<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Extended range<\/strong> through new transmission frequencies<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Merging with U-Space technologies<\/strong>to safely integrate drone traffic<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">With the new software change, however, FLARM is taking an important step in the direction of <strong>User friendliness<\/strong>by removing one of the biggest hurdles for pilots - the annual update.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Conclusion: A useful aid for FLARM users<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The abolition of the mandatory annual update is a <strong>a welcome relief for all FLARM users<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>The <strong>Basic function remains active<\/strong>even without regular updates.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pilots no longer have to worry about <strong>take care of regular updates<\/strong>to keep your device operational.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Nevertheless, it is still advisable, <strong>update the software regularly<\/strong>to benefit from improvements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">FLARM remains a <strong>Important instrument for collision avoidance<\/strong>especially in the gliding and sport flying community. The changes show that the system is evolving to better meet the needs of pilots - without jeopardising safety.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity is-style-dots\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Source references:<\/strong><br><a href=\"https:\/\/www.fliegermagazin.de\/news\/flarm-software-jetzt-ohne-ablaufdatum\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.fliegermagazin.de\/news\/fussball-em-2024-sorgt-fuer-zahlreiche-sperrgebiete-im-luftraum\/#:~:text=Drei%20Sicherheitsstufen%20w%C3%A4hrend%20der%20Fu%C3%9Fball%2DEM%20202&amp;text=Die%20Flugbeschr%C3%A4nkungsgebiete%20befinden%20sich%20immer,Luftraum%20vormittags%20normal%20nutzbar%20sein.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Aviation magazine<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The FLARM collision warning system, which is widely used in gliding in particular, has undergone a significant change: the previously mandatory annual software updates are no longer required to maintain the basic traffic warning function.<\/p>\n<p>The new software version 7.40 ensures that the basic collision warning function is permanently retained, regardless of whether the device is regularly updated. This is a significant relief for many pilots who use FLARM to increase flight safety.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":6396,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[54,55],"tags":[],"module":[],"class_list":["post-6395","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-allgemein","category-safety"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pilot-hub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6395","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pilot-hub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pilot-hub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pilot-hub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pilot-hub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=6395"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/pilot-hub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6395\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6397,"href":"https:\/\/pilot-hub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/6395\/revisions\/6397"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pilot-hub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6396"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pilot-hub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6395"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pilot-hub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=6395"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pilot-hub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6395"},{"taxonomy":"module","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pilot-hub.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/module?post=6395"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}