PowerFLARM Logger IGC Approval

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PowerFLARM Logger IGC Approval
The PowerFLARM has been approved by the IGC for badge flights up to and including the three diamond badges.  It is not approved by the IGC for world records or national records.  However, in October, 2015, the SSA approved the use of products like the PowerFLARM for National and State Records (see below).


From the FLARM IGC Approval Document
(i-ii) IGC-approval Level. This is for badge flights up to and including the three Diamonds. This type of recorder can also be used in gliding competitions in which the organizers allow this level of IGC-approval. The Levels of IGC-approval are listed in Annex B to the Sporting Code for Gliding, para 1.1.3.3.
(Download full document here: IGC-approval_powerFlarm-IGC_2013-2-28a.pdf or here: http://www.fai.org/component/phocadownload/category/?download=6600:igc-approvalpowerflarm-igc2013-2-28a)

From the IGC Sporting Code, Section 3, Annex B
1.1.3.3.3 IGC - approval for badge flights up to Diamonds . This approval level applies to Flight Recorders that may be used only for evidence for FAI/IGC Silver, Gold and Diamond badge flights, although for competition flights, see 1.1.3.3.6. This level may be used for recording systems that have significantly lower standards of security and other characteristics compared to those with higher levels of approval. For instance, this level includes systems that use a separate off-the-shelf GNSS unit (for the design and security of which, IGC has no influence) connected to the Flight Recorder unit by cable. These assessments will be at the discretion of the IGC GFA Committee (GFAC). (AL1)

US National & State Record Rules - 2023
https://www.dropbox.com/s/uu321wqk83vfo7u/SSA%20Competition%20Rules%202023.pdf?dl=1 or less directly, here: http://www.ssa.org/BadgesAndRecords?show=blog&id=938
(Only relevant parts included here)

6.2. For National Records: b. Documentation must be provided by a Flight Recorder IGC-approved at the “All Flights”, “All Badges” or “Up to Diamonds” level 
(The PowerFLARM meets the "Up to Diamonds" level.)

6.3. For State Records: a. Documentation may be provided by any means acceptable for FAI Silver badge flights.
(The PowerFLARM exceeds that level.)

IGC Enable
PowerFLARM units have an optional "IGC Enable" license which determines whether or not that particular PowerFLARM is enabled with IGC Approval for badge flights.

Early PowerFLARM units all had the "IGC Enable" set. Then for a few years the IGC Enable license was an extra cost option. All PowerFLARM units sold after February, 2016 have the IGC Enable License included by default.

If the IGC enable is not set, flight logs from the unit can be used for the Online Contest (OLC), but not for badges. If the IGC Enable is set, then the flight logs can be used for both OLC and IGC badge flights. Below are some notes on how to determine whether the IGC enable has been set in a particular PowerFLARM. Also, U.S. National Soaring contests require that the PowerFLARM has the IGC Enable set.

  • “IGC Enable License” not enabled
    • Not IGC Approved for badge flights
    • OK for OLC (Online Contest) flights
    • File still validates OK in the IGC Shell program
    • FLARMDEV.CSV diagnostic file shows “LIC=AUD:0;ENL:0;AZN:0;IGC:0;RFB:0;TIS:0” (or similar)
    • Flight log file header first line: “AXFLxxx” (where xxx is the unit’s IGC serial number)
    • Flight log file header contains: “HFFTYFRType:PowerFLARM
    • Flight log file header contains: “LFLA00103307LIC AUD:0;ENL:0;AZN:0;IGC:0;RFB:0;TIS:0” (or similar)
  • “IGC Enable License” enabled
    • IGC Approved for badge flights up to and including the three Diamonds
    • Not IGC approved for record flights
    • Some U.S. National soaring contests require that the IGC Enable be set.
    • FLARMDEV.CSV diagnostic file shows “LIC=AUD:0;ENL:0;AZN:0;IGC:1;RFB:0;TIS:0” (or similar)
    • Flight log file header first line: “AFLAxxx” (where xxx is the unit’s IGC serial number)
    • Flight log file header contains: “HFFTYFRType:PowerFLARM-IGC
    • Flight log file header contains: “LFLA00103307LIC AUD:0;ENL:0;AZN:0;IGC:1;RFB:0;TIS:0” (or similar)

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