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Why is this Issue so Important Now??

Notes:

Since there’s not a major history of accidents involving midairs with gliders, why is this an issue?

Because there are HINTS of emerging problems . . Like the two recent NMACs with gliders.

And there are clear and major changes in the operations of GA aircraft in the mid-Atlantic area since 9/11. One important change is the movement of GA aircraft based close to the DC area further away to avoid conflicts with new security issues. Much of that movement is into areas where there is already a high level of glider activity, many at mixed-use airports.

Finally, a midair between two GA aircraft is a very serious accident, but a midair with an airliner will be catastrophic. Such an accident may be perceived as low risk of occurrence (I.e.g, we’ve never had one) but of extraordinary high risk to the aviation community. And the potential for such conflict is growing.