\(k\)-arcs and partial flocks (Q1899394)

Using the relationship between partial flocks of the quadratic cone \(K\) in \(\text{PG} (3,q)\), \(q\) even, and arcs in the plane \(\text{PG} (2, q)\), it is shown that large partial flocks of \(K\) containing approximately \(q\) conics are always extendable to a flock. Then new and short proofs are given for a theorem of Thas on linear flocks, a theorem of Johnson on translation generalized quadrangles and a theorem of Glynn on ovoids.