A significant update to the GPS Flight Recorder function of FLARM-IGC units is now available. Owners are advised to incorporate this as soon as possible. It is available through a web download, as described below.
FLARM-IGC owners may recall that in 2012, software appeared on the web from an unknown source that enabled false Flarm-IGC files to be produced that passed the IGC electronic validation check. To counter this, a security update to Firmware Version 5.8 is now available via:
www.flarm.com/support/updates/index_en.html
and click on “flarm_508fw” on the right hand side of the page to download this file. This file will update a FLARM-IGC unit to Firmware 5.08 standard using the standard FLARM update procedure (via a micro-SD card or a PC-based update). Note that an update to the Flarmtool utilities program incorporating V5.08 is also available by clicking “Installation V5.08” on the right hand side of the same web page.
** Important Note ** Owners should note that the IGC-approval for earlier versions of Firmware (from V4.0 to V5.6) will be withdrawn on 30 April 2013. This is to ensure that the possibility of false IGC files being produced using the malicious software referred to above, is eliminated.
A revised IGC-approval document is available on the IGC and GFAC web pages:
www.ukiws.demon.co.uk/GFAC/approvals/flarm-igc.pdf
or
www.fai.org/gnss-recording-devices/igc-approved-flight-recorders
For electronic validation of IGC files produced with V5.8 firmware, use either the latest Flarmtool program (see above) or the free IGC Shell program together with the latest Flarm DLL file which is named IGC-FLA2.DLL to differentiate it from the earlier file IGC-FLA.DLL.
For the IGC Shell program and DLL files, including the new IGC-FLA2.DLL, see:
www.ukiws.demon.co.uk/GFAC/downloads.htm or www.fai.org/gnss-recording-devices/free-software
The above may seem complex, but Flarm owners are used to making regular updates that in the past have been to optimise the Flarm Traffic Avoidance and warning system. The difference with this update is that it increases the electronic security both of the Flight Recorder facility and of future downloaded IGC files.
In view of the important of this security update, please give this announcement publicity so that current owners and users of FLARM-IGC units are aware of it, and its implications. The Flarm company are doing likewise through their normal channels of communication to Flarm owners, gliding software producers and OLC organisers.
Ian Strachan
Chairman IGC GFA Committee
www.fai.org/gnss-recording-devices/igc-approved-flight-recorders
