Here you find some important information on FLARM for Volirium, Flytec and Bräuniger varios.

FLARM questions and answers

What is FLARM?

FLARM is a radio-based collision-avoidance system developed by the Swiss company FLARM technologies.

Who uses FLARM?

Nearly all sailplanes in the Alps are equipped with it, as well as more and more helicopters and small motorized aircraft. In Switzerland, all rescue and army helicopters use FLARM.

How does FLARM work?

FLARM devices contain a GPS receiver, or receive GPS from an external receiver. They then use this data to calculate their own trajectories. Over radio, all devices within radio range form an ad-hoc network to exchange positions and trajectories. If two trajectories intersect, the corresponding devices put out an alert, so that the affected pilots can take evasive action.

How does FLARM work for paragliders and hang-gliders?

Since paragliders and hang-gliders are relatively slow compared to other aircraft, avoiding oncoming traffic is not really an option. This is why FLARM for free-flyers acts as a beacon: It sends out a “trajectory” that has basically the shape of a bubble around the pilot. Any FLARM-equipped aircraft whose trajectory intersects such a bubble gets a warning and can avoid getting too close to the paraglider or hang-glider. The concept is similar to the rear light on a bicycle: The cyclist does not get an active benefit out of it, but gains visibility, and therefore safety.

What about other FLARM functions?

Obstacle warnings

FLARM devices built for sailplanes or motorized aircraft often also include information about airspaces as well as obstacles. While airspaces are usually covered by the free-flight varios themselves, the FLARM obstacle database and warnings would be useful for us as well. We are working with FLARM technologies to make their obstacle warning system available to paraglider and hang-glider pilots as well.

Live tracking

The Open Glider Network (OGN) maintains a network of FLARM ground stations which report received position data to a central server. This can be used for live tracking, also by paraglider and hang-glider pilots.

FLARM for paragliding and hang-gliding

Flytec and Bräuniger

The Flytec 6020 and 6030 (aka Bräuniger IQ Competino+ and Compeo+) can be equipped with a FLARM beacon module. This upgrade is available from Volirium (Switzerland), Vario-Service (Germany) and Naviter (Slovenia).The Flytec 6030 is available from Naviter and all Flytec dealers.

The Bräuniger IQ Motor+ vario for motorized hang-gliders and paragliders always includes the FLARM beacon module.

Volirium

We are currently collaborating with FLARM technologies to integrate their newest FLARM technology in the Volirium P1. This will be an optional upgrade, available to all existing P1 and Flytec Connect 1 (requires the P1 upgrade). Sign up for our newsletter to be the first to hear about FLARM availabilitiy for the P1.

Important: Mandatory annual FLARM software update

In order for FLARM to work, the software on all FLARM devices must be updated at least once every 12 months. Download the FLARM update instructions for Flytec and Bräuniger varios:

New FLARM antenna for Flytec and Bräuniger varios


The FLARM antenna originally installed in Flytec and Bräuniger varios can break internally under certain stresses, losing its effectiveness. Since spring 2018, a new FLARM antenna is available which is more robust and also more effective. Installation of the new FLARM antenna is offered by Volirium (Switzerland), Vario-Service (Germany) and Naviter (Slovenia).