CompRulesRCThermalSoaring

For Open, 100s and Mini Glider events the entrant must be the genuine owner of the model(s) flown but need not necessarily have constructed his own model. Top

2.3 RAFMAA RULES

Duration Task

The aim of this event is to make 5 precision flights each of increasing duration and ending with a spot landing. The event is flown at the Main Championships and to enable competitors to fly in other classes, flights may be made at any time during the Championships at the discretion of the Glider CD. The following rules apply:

Models. Any non-powered glider may be used.

Launching. Launching shall be by means of hand tow line, optional pulley system, bungee, or power winch at the CD's discretion.

Tow Lines. The length of hand tow lines or bungees shall not be more than 150 metres under a 2 Kg load

Flights. Each competitor must make 5 fights with the following target times: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10 minutes. Target flight time is to be declared by the pilot within 30 seconds of release from the towline. Once declared this time may not be changed.

Attempts. Only ONE attempt is allowed at each flight. An attempt is made when the model leaves the launching hand under the pull of the launching apparatus.

Timing. The duration of the flight shall be measured in seconds from the time that the model is released from the tow line until it touches the ground or comes into contact with a solid object in contact with the ground.

Scoring. One point is awarded for each second flown up to the flight target limit. One point is deducted from the score for every second flown beyond the target time. One hundred bonus points are awarded for landing within ONE metre of a marked target spot reducing by 5 points for each metre error to a minimum of 30 points at 15 METRES; beyond this ZERO bonus is scored (see table). The distance is measured from the nose of the model when at rest. If the target time is exceeded no bonus will be added to the competitor's score. The competitor's final score is the total sum of the flying scores plus the landing bonuses. The maximum possible score is 2,300 points.

NB: The model must NOT be stopped on landing (e.g. by feet, kitbags, model boxes, dogs etc.) otherwise ZERO bonus points are scored no matter where the model comes to rest. Top

Thermal Cross Country

The aim of the Thermal Cross Country event is to fly a glider round a course set by the Glider CD in the shortest possible time whilst incurring the lowest number of penalty points. The pilot must also round all the turning points. The event is flown at the Main Championships and to enable competitors to fly in other classes, flights may be made at any time during the Championships at the discretion of the Glider CD except that if more than one round is flown and the course is changed; each competitor must attempt each course to score for that round. The following rules apply:

Models. Any non-powered glider may be used with no restriction on the number and usage of functions. Internal ballast is allowed but cannot be altered in any one round. A competitor may use a maximum of 2 models but models cannot be substituted nor parts interchanged between them once an attempt is under way.

Launching. Launching shall be by hand tow only. Line length shall not exceed 150 metres measured at a tension of 2 Kg.

Helpers. Each competitor may have one helper and one towman; the helper and towman may not change roles during an attempt. The helper may also be the time-keeper at the discretion of the Glider CD.

Start. Timing will commence when the model enters the course in flight with the pilot positioned behind the start point on a line at right angles to the line of sight of the first pylon/landmark. A maximum of 3 minutes flying time from tow line release is allowed before the model enters the course. Any number of attempts of less than one minute between tow line release and re-launch are allowed for the first launch of any one round, even if the model has entered the course.

Running. The pilot shall not run at any time whilst his model is in the air. Any infringement noted by the time-keepers will attract a penalty of 5 times the duration of the infringement in seconds.

Re-launches. Any number of re-launches is permitted but will be noted by the time-keeper and each re-launch will incur a time penalty of 60 seconds. Each launch shall be made from the position that the model comes to rest. If this is impossible due to an obstruction, the time-keeper may move the model to a new position as close as possible to the original on a new line at right angles to the line of sight of the next pylon. Each reposition shall attract a penalty of thirty seconds. If the pilot moves the model other than immediately prior to re-launch, he will be disqualified. Airborne or 'landing' models will have right of way at all times over models at re-launch. Flagrant disregard of right of way will attract disqualification. After a re-launch the model must turn back (if necessary) and re-enter the course in flight at the position where it came to rest.

Course Markers. The pilot must round each pylon/landmark himself and must fly the model through 360 degrees around each pylon/landmark, witnessed by the time-keeper. Cutting of corners by pilot or model will require another attempt at that particular pylon.

Timing. The timing will cease when the pilot and model have successfully round all pylons/landmarks and both pilot and model cross the starting point on a line at right angles to the line of sight of the last pylon/landmark.

Scoring. Each competitor's score will be his total time taken in seconds plus any penalties incurred during the round. If more than one round is flown, the score will be the aggregate of all rounds flown. The winner will be the competitor with the lowest aggregate score. In the event of a tie on points then the competitor with the lower number of re-launches will be deemed the winner. Top

Electro Slot

The aim is to achieve the longest glide times possible, following a timed motor run up to, but not exceeding, 10 minutes per round using readily available electric models. The following rules apply:

Competition Format. The competition shall consist of three rounds (time permitting). 2 attempts may be made in each round. An attempt may only be called if the model is back on the ground within 30 seconds of launch

Models. There are no limitations as to model size and type. The model must not have a telemetry system or any auto-stabilisation devices. The same model must be used for all three rounds

Climb Phase. The motor run times start upon release of the model and shall be as follows:

Models up to 2m wingspan – 30 seconds
Models over 2m wingspan – 20 seconds

The motor run must be continuous. Entrants are not allowed to use up a portion of their motor run and keep the remainder for later in the attempt. The round will score zero if motor run time is exceeded

Glide/Scoring Phase. Scoring starts immediately from motor shutdown. One second of gliding equals one point up to a maximum of 600 points (10 mins). One point per second will be deducted from the score for every second that the glide phase exceeds 10 mins. E.g. A glide of 10mins 25secs will score 575 points.

Spot Landing Bonus. There will be a spot landing bonus of 50 for landing on the spot designated by the comp director. 2 points will be deducted from the 50 point maximum for every metre away from the spot the model lands measured from the nose. Models landing 25 metres or more away from the spot will receive no spot landing bonus. Top

2.1

2.2

2.3

Error (metres)

15+

Bonus Points

100

Thermal Cross Country

Electro Slot

Competition Rules

Sections

Radio Controlled Thermal Soaring

Contents