The Official Rules for
Gyps Africanus
To Be Held at Mafikeng, South Africa
17th to 31st December 2000
Legend : Local rules shown in italics in the context of the main rules.
Passed by IGC meeting in Seattle, USA, on March 13th, 1999
This version is a complete update of the Annex,
Incorporates all previous amendment lists
Effective Date: 01 October 1999.
CONTENTS
GENERAL
*
1 CHAMPIONSHIPS *
2 OBJECTIVES OF THE CHAMPIONSHIPS *
3 GENERAL REQUIREMENTS *
4 RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ORGANISERS *
5 CHAMPIONSHIPS OFFICIALS *
6 CHAMPIONSHIPS CLASSES *
7 ENTRY *
8 NATIONAL TEAMS. *
9 GLIDERS AND EQUIPMENT *
10 CONTEST NUMBERS *
11 INSURANCE *
12 REGISTRATION *
13 PENALTIES, COMPLAINTS, PROTESTS *
14 RESULTS AND PRIZEGIVING *
15 SAFETY *
16 EXTERNAL AID TO COMPETITORS *
17 BRIEFING *
18 TASKS *
19 COMPETITION FLYING PROCEDURES *
20 SCORING *
21 CALCULATION OF SCORES *
PRELIMINARY REMARKS
- This document (titled Annex A) contains the rules applying to all official FAI international soaring championships. Championships will be run according to these rules. Any proposals for modifications must be noted in the Local Regulations circulated to all IGC delegates at least three months prior to the IGC meeting where they will be considered. The proposals must refer to the paragraphs affected and give reasons for the modification.
- This latest version of Annex A has been reorganised into three sections:
- General, containing rules regarding the organisation of the event;
- Flying, containing rules specific to the flying operations; and
- Scoring, containing rules specific to scoring procedures
- The Local Regulations are shown in italics in the body of this document and have been approved by the IGC. The Rules will be circulated to the NAC's not later than 60 days before the opening ceremony.
- An international competition will be held at the same site in the year before the Championships, and will be conducted under Local Regulations as close as possible to those to be used at the actual Championships.
- Entry forms containing the information mentioned in the FAI Sporting Code, General Section 3.8 shall be circulated to the NAC’s together with the official invitation not later than eight months before the opening day. Preliminary entries may be requested. Provisional entry lists shall be circulated after the closing date and about one month before the opening day.
- In these rules "Championships" includes both World and Continental Championships unless otherwise stated.
- In this Annex the words "must", "shall", and "may not" indicate mandatory requirements; "should" indicates a recommendation; "may" indicates what is permitted; and "will" indicates what is going to happen.
- In this document, wherever the word he, his or him is used, it should be taken as he/she, his/hers or him/her.
- GENERAL
- CHAMPIONSHIPS
The name of the event: GYPS AFRICANUS
Location: Mafikeng, South Africa.
25 48.281S 025 32.404E
Entry fee $400.
Practice period: 5th November to 16th December 2000
Competition Dates: 17th to 31st December 2000
Pilot registration to be completed by 16.00hrs 16th December 2000.
Pilots’ meeting 18.00hrs 16th December 2000.
The airfield will be available for training flights from 5th November 2000.
Preliminary Entries By: 31st May 2000.
Final Entries By: 31st August 2000.
Communications To:
The Soaring Society of South Africa, 1 Leicester Road, Kensington,
2094 Johannesburg, SA.
Fax: +27.116225363
Tel: +27.116152461
Email: gypsafricanus@sssa.org.za
The Contest Site boundary is defined the perimeter fence of the Airfield.
The Championships are organised by The Soaring Society of South Africa under the aegis of the Aero Club of South Africa, The International Gliding Commission, and the FAI.
Director: Dick Bradley: dbradley@pixie.co.za
Deputy Directors:
Operations: Brian Spreckley: 101355.2447@compuserve.com
Scoring: Paul Armstrong: wa@global.co.za
Met: Helmuth Fischer:
Administration: Carol Clifford: bobcar@global.co.za
OBJECTIVES OF THE CHAMPIONSHIPS
The objectives are:
- To select the champion in each competition class on the basis of the pilot's performance in the tasks set;
- To foster friendship, co-operation and exchange of information among soaring pilots of all nations;
- To promote worldwide expansion of the public image of soaring;
- To encourage technical and operational development of the sport;
- To encourage the development of safe operational procedures, good sportsmanship, and fairness in the sport of soaring.
GENERAL REQUIREMENTS
- The Championships shall be controlled in accordance with the FAI Sporting Code, General Section and Section 3 (Gliders & Motor Gliders), and specifically with this document which constitutes Annex A to Section 3.
- Any competitor or Team Captain violating or tolerating the violation of these rules shall be suspended or disqualified from the Championships.
- The winner in each class is the pilot having the highest total score, obtained by adding the pilot's points for each championships day.
The Winner in each class will be awarded the the title of Gyps Africanus Champion, provided that there were at least four championship days in that class.
In order that a day may be counted as a championships day, a launch opportunity (an Official Competition Launch) shall have been offered to each competitor in the class in time for the competitor to carry out the task of the day in question (see 20.5).
- The total period of the event shall not exceed 16 days. At least one non-flying rest day shall be given during the period, although the Organisers may declare further rest days for stated reasons such as pilot fatigue.
- The official language of the Championships shall be the English language; this shall include all regulations and information circulated to the competitors, any public announcements during the event, and briefings. The language of the Organisers and additional languages may be used at their discretion.
RESPONSIBILITIES OF THE ORGANISERS
- The Organisers shall provide competitors and Team Captains with all complementary information upon arrival at the contest site.
- The Organisers shall provide an electronic version of the start, turn point and control point data base in the IGC recommended standard file format for turn point data files to each competitor. All necessary data, including airspace restrictions will be distributed as soon as possible in advance of the Championships. It is the responsibility of the competitors to load these into their flight recorders or other navigational equipment. Some FR manufacturers will offer assistance at the site, but the Organiser can accept no responsibility for the correct transfer of data.
- Any matter intended to have the force of a competition rule must have been approved as a minimum by the IGC Bureau, if necessary by post. Only minor matters may be approved by this method.
- The Organisers shall provide all facilities necessary for the satisfactory operation of the Championships.
- Full meteorological information shall be provided during the Championships, access to which shall be available to competitors and assistants in addition briefing material supplied to the competitors.
- The meteorological, GNSS and other flight data from the championships are the property of the Organisers and may be distributed and published.
- The Organisers shall pay due regard to safety in all aspects of the championships.
- The Organisers shall form a Pilot Safety Committee.
- Pilot Safety Committee (PSC) will be established, consisting of three competing pilots, one from each class, who are elected by the pilots of their respective classes at the opening briefing.
- The PSC will be available to hear complaints from the contestants related to safety and flying standards during the competition.
- Any complaint received by a member of the PSC against any competitor must be recorded and such action taken as deemed necessary.
- The PSC shall take action in the case of any complaint in the form of an inquiry, and if considered necessary a verbal or written warning should be issued. Serious cases should be referred to the Competition Director.
- It is intended that considerable discretion should remain with the PSC to deal with complaints without involving the Organisers. However, the PSC acts in an advisory capacity only and is not empowered to impose penalties. Any serious breach of the rules or any accidents are the responsibility of the organisers.
CHAMPIONSHIPS OFFICIALS
- The Championships Director
- The Championships Director shall be in overall operational charge of the Championships and be approved by the IGC. He shall have Deputy Directors and technical officials to assist him.
- The Championships Director is responsible for good management and the smooth and safe running of the Championships.
- He shall make operational decisions in accordance with the rules of the Sporting Code and of the Championships and publish these without delay. All official notifications and operational directives will be posted on the Contest Notice Board in the briefing hall and in each teams mailbox.
- He may penalise or disqualify a competitor for misconduct or infringement of the rules.
- The Director is responsible for publishing the official entry list, for issuing daily results with the minimum of delay, and finally for reporting the full results to his NAC and to FAI.
- The Director or his named deputy shall be available at the contest site at all times while Championships flying is in progress.
- CHAMPIONSHIPS CLASSES
- Championships shall consist of three classes; Open, 15m, and Standard Classes as described in the main body of the Sporting Code, Chapter 6.
- Two-seater gliders may compete in the Open Class either flown solo or dual.
- Motor gliders shall be permitted to participate in their appropriate classes, provided they have IGC approved MoP recorders. If the MoP is started at any time after the glider has made a valid start the competitor will be scored as if he had landed out at the last valid fix before the MoP was started. (see 19.7.1.1.3)
ENTRY
- Application for Entry
- Application for entry shall be accepted only on the official entry form, submitted by the competitor’s NAC and accompanied by the entry fee in full. Incomplete entry forms or those containing inaccurate information will not be accepted
- Entry Fee
- The entry fee shall cover all operational costs during the Championships, except that aero tows may be paid as used, at the discretion of the Organisers.
- If the Championships do not take place, entry fees shall be returned in full. If, for reason of force majeure, they are stopped or cancelled, the unused portion of the fees shall be returned.
- A competitor who withdraws shall have no right to the return of any fees.
- Pilots.
Any number of entries up to 80, with a maximum of 30 gliders in each of the Std and 15M classes and 20 in the Open class will be allowed.
- Rejection of Entries.
The organising NAC may not reject any entry to the Championships made in good faith and complying with the terms of entry.
- Conditions of Entry
A competitor, by entering the championships, agrees to be bound by these Rules and the Local Regulations issued for the Championships, and any rulings and requirements stated by the Organisers at any briefings.
- NATIONAL TEAMS.
- The Team Captain, the competitors and their crew members by virtue of entering are deemed to accept without reservation any consequences resulting from the event. see 11.
- Pilot Qualifications
- Hold a gold badge, or, hold a silver badge and have competed in at least two National Championships;
- Have flown at least 250 hours as a pilot in command, of which at least 100 hours must be in gliders;
- Hold an FAI Sporting Licence with a current FAI stamp;
- Hold a Pilot Licence or equivalent document issued or endorsed by the authorities of the country in which the glider is registered. A African glider may be flown by any pilot who has a valid licence issued in accordance with ICAO standards.
- Know, understand, and abide by the FAI Sporting Codes and the Rules and Regulations issued for the event.
- A Team Captain may be a competitor or assistant but preferably be additional to them. He should be the same nationality as the NAC he represents but a substitute of another nationality, holding written authority from the NAC concerned, may be accepted at the discretion of the Organisers.
- An assistant may be of any nationality.
- GLIDERS AND EQUIPMENT
- The competitors shall provide gliders, trailers, retrieve cars, and other equipment, including GNSS Flight Recorders, radios, oxygen systems, parachutes, and survival equipment of a performance and standard suitable for the event.
- No instruments permitting pilot to fly without visual reference to the ground may be carried on board, even if made unserviceable. The following instruments may not be fitted:
- Bohli, Schanz, KT1 or other gimballed compass
- Turn indicator
- Artificial Horizon
- Any navigational equipment is permitted.
- To encourage lookout audio outputs from variometers, GNSS navigation devices and glide computers are strongly recommended.
- Each competing glider must have been issued a valid Certificate of Airworthiness or Permit to Fly not excluding competitions.
- The Organisers have the right to inspect a competing glider at any time during the Championships up to the Prize Giving.
- The airworthiness, safety and safe operation of competing gliders and any associated equipment and vehicles, as appropriate, shall be the responsibility of the competitors at all times.
- The Organisers may require gliders to be marked with high visibility markings to improve in-flight observability.
- Damage to a glider must be reported to the Organisers without delay. A damaged glider may be repaired. The following items may be replaced instead of being repaired: control surfaces; the complete horizontal stabilizer; airbrakes or flap surfaces; canopy; undercarriage gear and doors; propellers; non-structural fairings; and, wing tips and winglets but not the entire outer wing panels.
- If the damage was no fault of the pilot, the whole glider or any part of it may be replaced with the consent of the Director of the Championships. Landing damage is normally assumed to be the fault of the pilot.
- During the Championships, on days when tasks are set, gliders entered in the event may only be flown on Championships tasks, except that the Organisers, at their discretion, may permit a glider to be test flown.
- The Organisers may require competing gliders to carry GNSS data transmitters to enable the public display of GNSS flight records during competition flights. Such a display will not begin before the start line is opened and the actual position of the gliders will be displayed with a time delay of at least 15 minutes. This delay may be reduced to zero prior to the finish.
- CONTEST NUMBERS
- The contest numbers, as validated by the Organisers, shall be displayed on the underside of the right wing, approximately 2.5 m from the centreline of the glider with the top of the figures or letters towards the wing leading edge. The height of the letters or figures should be not less than 80% of the wing chord.
- The contest numbers shall also be displayed on both sides of the tail fin and/or rudder. These must be at least 30 cm high.
- Contest numbers shall consist of not more than three letters or figures or a combination of letters and figures.
- The Organisers may require competitors to modify contest numbers that they deem to be similar, confusing or not complying with this paragraph 11. Competitors not complying with the organiser's requirements may be denied competition launches.
- INSURANCE
- Third party insurance to the amount of SA Rands 2,500,000.
- Personal medical insurance is required for all team members, covering accidents and sickness, including any local hospital costs and the costs of transport back to the team member's home country.
- Documentary proof of insurance, or medical insurance, shall be provided to the Organisers in English.
- Required insurance will be available for purchase at the contest site.
- REGISTRATION
- On arrival at the contest site, each Team Captain and his competitors shall report to the Organisers' Registration Office to have their documents checked and to receive any supplementary information.
- Pilots whose documents are not correct, or who have not submitted documents, or have submitted incorrect documents will be prohibited from flying until the correct documents have been submitted.
- The Organisers, if appropriate, shall require the following documents and translations:
- For the pilot:
- Proof of nationality (Passport or identity document) or certificate of residence (FAI General Section 3.7);
- Valid Pilot Licence issued in the country of registration of the glider being flown or equivalent document and proof of qualification regarding hours and badges;
- Valid Radio Licence
- FAI Sporting Licence valid for the year of the event.
- Proof of personal insurance see 11.3.
- For the glider:
- Valid Certificate of Airworthiness or Permit to Fly; and
- Third party insurance certificate for the glider see 11.1.
- The telephone number of the on board cell phone.
- Valid FR calibration certificate for primary and secondary FRs.
- Team Captains and Assistants:
- Personal medical insurance certificates.
- The following documents shall be carried on board the glider:
- Glider flight manual
- Glider log book
- C of A or Permit to Fly
- 3rd party insurance certificate
- Pilot’s licence or equivalent.
- PENALTIES, COMPLAINTS, PROTESTS
- Penalties and Disqualifications
- The Championships Director may impose penalties for infringement of the rules. The severity of the penalties ranges from a minimum of a warning to disqualification as appropriate to the offence. A list of standard penalties is given in 21.2.5, offences not covered by this list may be penalised at the Championships Directors discretion.
- Penalties shall be listed on the score sheet of the day on which the penalty was given.
- If a penalty is imposed on a day, which does not meet the requirements of a Championships Day (see 3.2.1 and 20.5), or non-competition days, or during the practice week, then the penalty shall be added to the competitor’s cumulative score. This rule is intended to apply to penalties that are awarded for disciplinary reasons and not penalties that are awarded for a technical failure such as a height penalty at the start.
- A competitor who has been disqualified shall surrender his Sporting Licence according to the Sporting Code, General Section 5.3.
- Complaints
- The purpose of a complaint is to obtain a correction.
- At any time during the Championships a complaint may be made through the Team Captain to the Championships Director or his designated official. Such complaint shall be dealt with expeditiously.
- If a competitor has no Team Captain, he may lodge the complaint himself.
- RESULTS AND PRIZEGIVING
- Results
- Definition of status of results:
- Performance: The competitors' results expressed in distance, speed, or time, and may be displayed on screens only;
- Preliminary results: Performances converted to points, before any verification, and may be displayed on screens only;
- Unofficial results: Preliminary results after verification of flight records from all competitors and including penalties;
- Final results: Unofficial results after expiry of the protest time and after all protests have been dealt with.
- All Unofficial and Final results shall be published with minimum delay clearly indicating the status of the result and the time of publication and with the pilots ranked by their performance for the day. Unofficial results shall include the expiry time for protests and unofficial results and Final results shall be signed by the Championships Director or his nominated Deputy.
- The cumulative scores of the Championships shall be final 4hrs after the completion of the final task provided all the complaints have been finalised, otherwise 2hr after the last complaint was finalised. They shall be published before the Prize giving is held.
- SAFETY
- Each glider shall be flown within the limitations of its Certificate of Airworthiness or Permit to Fly.
- The maximum take-off weight in each class:
|
Standard |
525 kg |
|
15 m |
525 kg |
|
Open |
750 kg except that two seat motor gliders that exceed this limit with two crew members on board will be allowed to compete, but may not take disposable ballast. |
Any manoeuvres hazardous to others shall be avoided and may be penalised. Unauthorized aerobatics are prohibited.
Competitors shall avoid dropping water ballast in any manner likely to affect other competing gliders.
On every flight each occupant of a competing glider shall use seat belt and shoulder harness and wear a serviceable parachute. The pilot should have access to at least 1l of drinking water that is accessible in flight and at least a further 1l should be stored in the glider for use in the event of out landings.
Cloud flying is prohibited.
Competitors shall comply with the Local Regulations and any requirements stated at briefings regarding operations on the Championships site and the airspace regulations in force during the Championships.
- The Organisers may establish areas around the contest site within which continuous circling is prohibited or is permitted in one direction only.
The Organisers shall ensure that the release zones and the release altitudes for launching are selected to enable competitors to land safely for a relaunch at the contest site if they fail to find lift. This should allow competitors adequate time and altitude to search for lift after release. (see 19.3.9)
Once launching has started, the Organisers may suspend towing if it is dangerous to continue. If the suspension is sufficiently long to give an unfair advantage to those already airborne, the Championships Director shall cancel the task.
- The Organisers may delay or cancel the opening of the start gate if they consider that the conditions are not suitable for the task to be flown safely.
- If the task for a Class is cancelled, competitors in that class who are already airborne shall land without delay.
A competitor involved in a collision in the air shall not continue the flight but land as soon as practicable. Both pilots will be scored to the point of collision.
Glider damage during the Championships shall be reported to the Organisers. The glider may be repaired (see 9.6).
EXTERNAL AID TO COMPETITORS
The following limitations are imposed so that the competition shall, as far as possible, be directly between the individual competitors, neither controlled nor helped by external aid.
- Radio Transmitters and Transceivers
- Radios are for voice transmissions between team members and between them and the Organisers only. They may not be used to contact Air Traffic Services other than for obtaining permission from an airfield to land on it, unless there are specific requirements by the Organisers. Any other data transmission between competitors or between them and the ground, except as required by the Organisers is prohibited.
- Transmissions may only be made on frequencies prescribed by the organisers.
- The Organisers shall designate common radio frequencies that shall always be used by competitors for flight safety. A single frequency should be designated for the launch, start, finish, and landing. One frequency should be designated for each Class flying within a common task area.
- Competitors shall maintain a listening watch on the designated safety frequencies, except that a competitor may use other designated frequencies for short messages, for example, to communicate start times and to contact their Team Captain. These alternative frequencies shall not be used while thermalling with other gliders or within a 20 km radius of the designated start areas.
- Other Types of Aid
Leading, guiding, or help in finding lift by any non-competing aircraft is prohibited. Competing gliders abandoning their task must land or return to the competition site without delay.
BRIEFING
- During the training and championships flying periods, a briefing shall be held each morning at which full meteorological and operational information concerning the task of the day shall be given.
- All pilots shall attend briefing. In the event that a competitor is unable to attend, for reasons beyond his control, he shall be represented by his Team Captain.
- Flight and safety requirements given at briefing shall carry the status of Local Regulations.
TASKS
- The following tasks will be set:
- Assigned Speed Task (AST) or speed task around prescribed turn points
- Designated Time Assigned Area Speed Task (AAT)
- Assigned Speed Task (AST)
- The Organisers shall set a number of Turn Points in a sequence (see 19.5.2 and 19.6.4).
- To complete the task the competitors shall pass through these Turn Points in the correct sequence and cross the finish line.
- The score given to each competitor shall take into account the marking distance, as defined in section 20, and the speed achieved over that distance if the pilot completes the task.
- Designated Time Assigned Area Speed Task
- The Organisers shall define areas, which the competitor will have to enter in a prescribed order and a designated time for the task.
- An area may be defined as follows:
- As the area between two radials originating at a start point, or any other designated turn point, and located between a minimum and/ or maximum distance from that point, or
- As the area enclosed by a circle of a given radius, centred on a designated turn point.
- The competitor shall fly the greatest possible distance via these areas in the designated time.
- To complete the task the competitor must provide a GNSS flight record with a valid start and at least one valid GNSS fix in each area in the prescribed order and cross the finish line.
- The score given to each competitor shall take into account the marking distance, as defined in section 21, and the speed achieved in the designated time and the speed achieved if the pilot completes the task.
- A task shall not be cancelled unless 15.9, or 19.3.2 or 19.3.10 applies, or the weather deteriorates to the extent that the task may not reasonably be attempted.
- Where possible the classes shall fly different tasks with turn points and routes chosen to minimise any head-on conflicts. The minimum distance of any leg will be 50 km. This minimum distance requirement shall not apply to the leg from the last Turn Point or control point to the finish line.
- COMPETITION FLYING PROCEDURES
- Procedure for checking take-off Mass
- Each glider will be weighed in its "tow out" configuration with all removable equipment onboard. The main wheel weight determined by the scrutineers will be used as the reference weight. Gliders who exceed their reference weight must discharge water ballast to achieve their reference weight at the weighing point without incurring penalties.
- The Launch Grid.
- The grid is defined as the area on the runway where competing gliders are assembled in a pre-determined order prior to launching
- The classes shall be launched in separate groups.
- The complete grid order shall be drawn by lot before the first flying day. The grid order shall advance progressively by 2/7 of the number of gliders in each class, or by entire rows provided that there are approximately 2/7 of the gliders in each class allocated to each row, after each Championships Day.
- The grid order and the sequence of the classes shall be published in the early morning. Gliders must be on the grid at the time specified by the Organisers.
- Only gliders on the grid at the time of the start of the launch shall affect the opening and/ or closing times of the start. Gliders that are absent will be deemed to have been offered an official competition launch.
- Checking the take-off weight shall normally be completed before the gliders reach the grid. Adding weight beyond the weighing point is prohibited.
- Launching and Aero Tow Procedures
- A Competition launch is an official launch provided by the organisers from the grid during the designated launching period.
- If a launch is delayed because of a failure by the organisation the opening of the start gate will be correspondingly delayed, or the day cancelled.
- Each glider is permitted a maximum of three competition launches per day. However, if a pilot postpones his first launch on his own initiative, or he is not ready when his turn comes up, he shall be deemed to have been offered a competition launch see 3.2.1 and shall be moved to the back of the grid for his class.
- Towing patterns, release areas, and release height or altitude shall be given at Briefing. The release areas shall be separated by at least 5Km and a release area shall only be used by one Class at a time. A release area may be used by a subsequent Class once the start gate for the initial Class in that same area has opened.
- Pilots shall not release until after the tow pilot has rocked the wings of the tow plane. Pull-ups before releasing are prohibited.
- A competitor requiring a second or third launch shall be launched after the completion of the class launch in progress at the time the competitor is ready for such a launch. The Organisers shall designate a re-landing area, which shall be shown at briefing.
- Relighting gliders that require re-ballasting will have to be reweighed. The competitor must be prepared for the time delay that he will suffer because of this.
If the Organisers delay the start of launching, other relevant times shall be delayed accordingly.
- A competitor landing outside the contest site boundaries after an official competition launch shall not have any further competition launch on that day. Contest site boundaries shall be designated by the Organisers and displayed on a map.
- A failed take-off or a failure of the tow plane resulting in jettisoning or premature release of a glider shall count as an official competition launch only if the pilot elects to stay airborne. It shall not count as an official launch if the pilot lands immediately, even if the landing is outside the contest site boundaries provided that it was unsafe to return to the contest site, and the pilot or the pilot’s crew reports to the launch point without delay. The organisers will decide if this situation constitutes a failure to offer the pilot an official competition launch, which would cause the day to be cancelled. See 3.2.1
- The launching period shall be announced at briefing and given on the task sheet. The end of the launching period shall be before finishers are expected.
- The launch should be organised so that the time to launch each class is as short as possible
- Motor gliders may self launch but if a MG that has a MoP capable of being started in flight launches by aero tow, the engine must be started and run for at least two minutes to provide a positive record on the GNSS log. This must be done on the ground after the logger has been switched on but before take off.
- General Control Procedures
- Flights shall be controlled by GNSS flight recorder (FR).
- Two GNSS FRs may be used. One being designated to the Organisers as the primary recorder and the other one as a back-up. The Organisers shall only require the backup FR in the event that the primary FR fails. The competitor must inform the organisers of any change of the glider’s equipment including the designation of the primary FR.
- Penalties may be imposed by the Organisers for unauthorized interference with the GNSS equipment, data or internal program.
- GNSS FRs recording intervals shall be set to 10 sec or less. Non-compliance may be penalized.
- FRs shall be turned on at least 5 minutes before takeoff to establish an altitude baseline.
- Motor gliders, including gliders with sustainer engines, shall comply with all requirements for gliders and carry FR’s that have an IGC approved MoP function. Self launched motor gliders shall follow the same climb out pattern as the aero towed gliders in their class and shall shut down their MoP in the designated release area. If the MG requires a relight it must land at the contest site before restarting its engine to take another launch. If the MG starts its MoP before the start it will be treated as a landing out before the start.
- Start Procedures
- Multiple observation zones defined by a circle of 0.5km centred on the start point. Each pilot is allocated two start points for each competition day with a maximum of 15 pilots allocated to each start point. Start points will be allocated to competitors before the first competition day on a random basis by the organisers. All classes will have the same start points. Pilots will be notified privately of their start points, but they may share this information with others if they wish. The organisers will not make the allocation public.
- The start for a class shall normally be opened 20 minutes after the take-off of the last glider in the class, which was in it’s specified grid position on time and launched from it’s designated position.
- Opening of the start shall be announced by radio on the competition frequency.
- A maximum altitude expressed in QNH will be imposed 10 min before the opening of the start gate. Typically this limit will be 200m less than the prevailing mean cloud base. The limit will be announced by radio 15 minutes before the start gate opens. This limit will remain in force until the pilot has completed a valid start. If the pilot wants to restart he must remain below the height limit for 10 minutes before restarting. If the pilot exceeds the height limit penalties will be applied. The limit will apply within 20km of either of the pilots designated start points.
- If there is no proof that the competitor had a valid start after the opening of the start for his class, he shall be scored zero points. If a valid start is completed after the closing of the start gate then the start time shall be given as the gate closing time.
- Pilots shall communicate their start times to the Organisers via their team captains or his designated representative within 30 minutes of their last valid start to an accuracy of two minutes of the actual time recorded by their FR. These times shall be used for display of performance and for preliminary results. Penalties may be given for non-compliance or incorrect notification.
- The Organisers shall publish starting times as quickly as possible.
- A new start invalidates all previous performances of the day.
- Incorrect start procedures may be penalised.
- GNSS Start Procedures. A start is valid if the GNSS log has at least one valid fix in the observation zone or if a straight line joining two consecutive valid fixes passes through the observation zone and the glider is below the designated start height. If the pilot misses the observation zone but there is a valid fix in the an area described by a 1km radius centred on the start point or a line joining two consecutive valid fixes passes through this area and the glider is below the designated start height the start will be accepted as valid but will be subject to penalties.
- Turn Point and Assigned Area Procedures
- Turn points are GNSS coordinates.
- The glider shall pass through the turn point zones or assigned areas in the correct sequence as designated by the Organisers.
- Incorrect turn point rounding will be penalized.
- The Turn Point Zone for a GNSS turn point shall be a cylinder of 0.5km radius centred on the turn point coordinates. A GNSS recorded turn point rounding is valid if the FR shows a valid fix in the turn point area or if a straight line joining two subsequent valid fixes falls within the GNSS Turn Point Zone.
- To have reached an assigned area there must be at least one valid GNSS fix in the area.
- Out landings
- Real Out landings
- A competitor who has landed out shall contact his team captain by telephone without delay giving him the information specified on the out landing form. The team captain shall hand the completed out landing form to the Organisers without delay. Non-compliance may be penalised.
- The Organisers shall assist competitors and crews in every possible way to locate gliders that have outlanded.
- If a number of gliders all outland within the boundaries of the same field, airstrip or airfield, they shall all be scored as having landed at the same position as that which yields the average distance for all aircraft in the group.
- The starting of a motor glider's MoP is regarded as an out landing. The marking distance shall be calculated to the last valid fix before the MoP was started or to any other previous valid fix that yields a greater distance.
- Out landings with a functioning GNSS FR
- The position of the glider after out landing shall be determined from the last valid fix on the GNSS FR after the glider has come to rest.
- The out landing certificate must be filled out by the pilot, but the two witnesses are not required if the flight is verified by a valid GNSS FR record. (Note: As the pilot may not be aware of a failure of his FR(s), it is advisable that the signatures be obtained.)
- Out landings when the GNSS FR is not functioning
- The out landing certificate must be filled out by the pilot and signed by two independent witnesses.
- GNSS Out landings. A GNSS out landing is the claimed termination of the flight at given co-ordinates as recorded by the FR. The purpose is to eliminate the risks involved in a real out landing. A competitor may continue the task or land elsewhere and claim any such point.
- The competitor shall be scored as if the claimed point were the landing point, should the distance to that point yield a greater distance than the actual landing point.
- Finishing
- General
- The finish line shall be a straight line at the elevation of the airfield that is clearly identifiable on the ground. The finish line may not exceed 2,000 m in length, and shall be so placed that gliders can safely land beyond it, if required.
- The Organisers shall establish a number of final turn points or control points prior to the finish line to align all finishing gliders with the desired direction of finish.
- To complete a task, the glider shall correctly transit one of the final turn points as specified at briefing and cross the finish line unassisted, in the direction specified at briefing. However, a glider landing back at the airfield without crossing the finish line shall be deemed to have finished and shall be given as a finish time, being the time at which the glider stops moving plus five minutes.
- The finish line shall be crossed in the direction given at the daily briefing or as a rolling finish. The crossing of the finish line will be controlled by the FR and visually by the finish line officials. Pilots finishing in the wrong direction will be penalised.
- Competitors shall call the finish line when they are 25 km out on the competition frequency and then remain on that frequency for the remainder of the flight. The finish line will acknowledge their call by repeating the call sign. At the control point 7 km from the finish line gliders must call again and advise whether they will be doing a flying or a rolling finish. The acknowledgement will be the contest number. The circuit pattern and runway alternatives for the finish direction to be used will be given at briefing.
- All crossings of the finish line shall be manually timed as backup for the GNSS timing.
- The finish line officials shall repeatedly announce strength and direction of the wind, together with other significant meteorological data at the contest site.
- The finish line shall be closed:
- at sunset; or
- when all competitors are accounted for; or
- when there is no more possibility of gaining speed points; or
- at a set time announced at briefing.
- Finish Time
The finish time shall be interpolated, to the nearest second, from the last GNSS fix prior to the finish line and the first fix after the finish line. If the primary and back-up GNSS unit (if carried) both fail to record the finish, then the manual timing of the finish line crossing shall be used.
- Landing
- The Local Regulations shall define the landing procedures, and give the radio frequency for landing, which preferably should be the same as the finish line frequency.
- Hazardous manoeuvres when approaching and after crossing of the finish line shall be penalised. Having crossed the finish line the competitors shall land without delay.
- Landing later than the end of legal daylight shall be penalised.
- Aero Tow Retrieves
Aero tow retrieves will be permitted provided the glider has landed on an airstrip that is safe to tow out of and that the tug and glider can be back at the contest site within the limits of legal daylight.
- Flight Documentation
All flight documentation, including GNSS recorders, and out landing certificates shall be handed in at the competition office within 30 minutes of the gliders landing time at the contest site even if the task was cancelled and the competitor didn’t make a valid start. In the case of an out landing the flight documentation must be handed into the competition office immediately the glider returns to the contest site. The Organisers may also require back-up documentation. This must be delivered to the competition office within 2hrs of the pilot or team manager being notified that the backup logger is required. Non-compliance may be penalised.
- SCORING
- General Requirements
Scoring systems used in World and Continental Championships should previously have been tested in National Championships and fulfil the following requirements:
- Be fair;
- be reasonably simple;
- be easy to understand for pilots, media and the public;
- enable the Organisers to publish results quickly; and
- encourage competitors to their best individual performance.
- Common Rules
- Each competitor shall be given daily points based on his performance on each championships day.
- The score given to each competitor shall be expressed to the nearest whole number, the value of 0.5 being rounded up.
- Flights that have been disqualified shall be given zero points for the day, but shall be included in the scoring formula.
- Cumulative and final scores shall be calculated by adding the points obtained each day on the nominated scoring system.
- Assessment of Marking Distance
- Assigned Speed Task (AST)
- The marking distance is the sum of the legs correctly completed (commencing from the start point) in the proper order and the distance achieved on the next leg attempted but not completed, if any.
- The achieved distance of the uncompleted leg is the length of that leg less the distance between the Landing Place and the next Turn Point, or Goal in the case of the last leg, with the provision that if the achieved distance of the uncompleted leg is less than zero, it shall be taken as zero.
- Designated Time Assigned Area Task (AAT)
- The task is defined by the competitors start point, any number of assigned areas and a finish line. Competitors must have at least one valid GNSS fix in each of the assigned areas in the order they were specified on the task sheet. The marking distance (overall distance flown) is calculated from the competitors start point to the finish line via the valid GNSS fixes (Scoring Points) in the assigned areas. The scoring point chosen in each area is that GNSS fix which gives the competitor the best possible overall distance flown. Only one point can be selected in any one area.
- Calculating the Designated Time distance or the total distance flown if there is an out landing. If the competitor has outlanded the marking distance shall be the sum of the distances up to the Final Scoring Point in the last assigned area before the out landing or the designated time expired plus the distance to the landing point determined as follows. The Final Scoring Point in the last assigned area shall be that point in the area that maximises the length of the last completed leg. The distance to be added for the incomplete leg shall be calculated by the following method. The distance from the landing place to the nearest point of the next area, control point or finish line, subtracted from the distance between that point and the previous scoring point.
- Assessment of Speed on Tasks
If the multiple start system is used (Start Options 2 and 4) the speed will be calculated from the actual start time and position. The start time will be interpolated to the nearest second from the last valid GNSS fix prior to leaving the start observation zone and the first valid GNSS fix outside the observation zone.
- Assigned Speed Task (AST)
Speed points will be given only to competitors achieving valid finishes based on the speed achieved which is calculated by dividing the marking distance by the elapsed time on task.
- Designated Time Assigned Area Speed Task
Speed points will be awarded for the speed achieved on completing the task by crossing the finish line or, the speed achieved in the designated time, whichever gives the competitor the best score .
- Championships Day
A Championships day is defined as one on which more than 25% of the competitors in the class who had an official competition launch on that day, fly a marking distance of at least 100 km. (see 3.2.2)
- CALCULATION OF SCORES
The Organisers shall score competitors according to either:
- The 1000 point system.
- Calculation Of 1000 Point Scores For Assigned Speed Tasks.
- The score given to each competitor shall be expressed to the nearest whole number, the value of 0.5 being rounded up.
- Maximum Points Available Pm (subject to correction by the day factor f) is the least of either: Pm = 1000 or: Pm = (5 x D) - 250 or: Pm = (400 x D/V) - 200 where: D = the maximum marking distance of the day in km, and V = the best speed of the day in km per hour.
- Speed Tasks
Pu (uncorrected points) = Pd + Pv
Pd (distance points) = Rd x (1 – (2 x Rn)/3) x Pm
Rd = Marking Distance
Actual length of the task flown by the competitor.
Rn = number of competitors exceeding 2/3 of best speed
number of competitors with a competition launch on that day
Pv (speed points) = 2 x (Rv - 2/3) x Rn x Pm
Rv = Competitor's Speed
Best speed of the day
When Pv is negative it shall be ignored; it shall also be ignored for non-finishers.
- Distance Tasks, or Speed Tasks Without Finishers Distance points are available for all tasks (refer 21.3)
Pu (uncorrected points) = Pm x Rd
where Rd = Competitors Marking distance
Maximum marking distance flown
- Penalties
Any penalties shall be deducted after the score for the day has been calculated and shall not change the day factor (if applicable).
- Day Factor
The Uncorrected Points Pu are multiplied by a Day Factor f to give the Corrected Points Pc. The Corrected Points Pc determine the score for the day.
Pc = f x Pu , and f = 1.25 x n/N
n = the Number of competitors who achieve a Marking Distance of at least 100 km;
N = the Number of competitors having had competition launch.
When f exceeds 1 it shall be taken as 1.
- Calculation Of 1000 Point Scores For Designated Time Assigned Area Speed Tasks
- The score given to each competitor shall be expressed to the nearest whole number, the value of 0.5 being rounded up.
- Maximum Points Available Pm (subject to correction by the day factor f) is the least of either: Pm = 1000 or: Pm = (5 x D) - 250 or: Pm = (400 x D/V) – 200.
where:
D = the maximum marking distance in the designated time of the day in km, (Designated Time Distance) and
V = is the corresponding speed in km per hour.
The score for the task is built up as follows:-
- Points are calculated using the standard FAI speed formulae. All speeds that are better than 66.67% of the best speed will get the same distance points, Pd as allocated by this formula. Competitors with speeds that are less than 66.67% of the best speed will only get points Pd awarded pro-rata relative to 66.67% of the winners speed.
- Timeout Speed is the speed achieved in the designated time for the day.
- A reduction factor Fr is applied to the competitors Timeout Speed, this reduction will be up to a maximum of 10% of the competitors Timeout Speed. The Timeout Speed will be factored by the ratio of finishers to non-finishers, starting at 100% when there are no finishers, decreasing to 90% when 80% of the competitors have finished.
- To ensure that the most beneficial speed is used for scoring a competitor, the competitors speed used for scoring is the greater of :- the speed for completing the task or Fr * Timeout Speed
- The Marking Distance for the competitor is calculated by multiplying the competitors speed by the Designated Time.
- The Best Speed for the day is the greatest competitors speed for the day.
- Designated Time Speed Points
Pu (uncorrected points) = (Pd + Pv)
Pd (distance points) = Rd x (1 – (2 x Rn)/3) x Pm
Rd = Competitor speed
2/3 of the Best Speed of the day
If Rd is greater than 1 it shall be taken as 1
Rn = number of competitors exceeding 2/3 of best speed.
number of competitors with a competition launch on that day.
Pv (speed points) = 2 x (Rv - 2/3) x Rn x Pm
Rv = Competitor's Speed
Best speed of the day)
If Pv is negative it shall be ignored.
Fr = Non finishers points reduction factor.
Fr = 1 – 0.125(N1/N): if N1/N >0.8 then N1/N shall be 0.8
N1 = The number of competitors who complete the task and cross the finish line.
N = The number of competitors who have accepted a competition launch.
- Penalties
Any penalties shall be deducted after the score for the day has been calculated and shall not change the day factor (if applicable).
- Day Factor
The Uncorrected Points Pu are multiplied by a Day Factor f to give the Corrected Points Pc. The Corrected Points Pc determine the score for the day.
Pc = f x Pu , and f = 1.25 x n/N
n = the Number of competitors who achieve a Marking Distance of at least 100 km;
N = the Number of competitors who have been offered a competition launch.
When f exceeds 1 it shall be taken as 1.
- List of Standard Penalties
|
Type of Offence |
First Offence |
Subsequent Offence |
Max Penalty |
|
Overweight of W kilograms |
W x 2 pts |
n x W x 2 pts |
n x W x 2 pts |
|
Wrong, late or missing information |
|
|
|
|
Documentation not complete |
No launch |
No launch |
No launch |
|
Scrutineering not complete |
No launch |
No launch |
No launch |
|
Notification of start time > 30 min after start |
Warning |
10 pts |
25 pts |
|
Declared start time differing from the real time |
Warning |
10 pts |
25 pts |
|
Changing FR without advising the Organisers |
10 pts |
20 pts |
25 pts |
|
Incorrect FR adjustment (Time interval between fixes > 10 sec) |
Warning |
10 pts |
25 pts |
|
Late delivery of documentation (FR, out landing certificate) |
Warning |
10 pts |
25 pts |
|
Late delivery of backup documentation |
Warning |
10 pts |
25 pts |
|
Incomplete out landing report |
Warning |
10 pts |
25 pts |
|
Incorrect Start point (Start Options 2 & 4) |
|
|
|
|
Valid Start at Incorrect Start Point |
100 pts |
100 pts |
100 pts |
|
Incorrect transiting of Turn points/Start points |
|
|
|
|
Between 0.51 and 1.00 km |
50 pts |
50 pts |
50 pts |
|
More than 1.00 km |
No Control |
No Control |
No Control |
|
Exceeding start height limit |
0.2 pts/m |
0.2pts/m |
0.2pts/m |
|
Dangerous or hazardous flying |
|
|
|
|
Cloud flying |
100 pts |
Day Disqualification |
Disqualification |
|
Circling in wrong direction in the local zone |
Warning |
(n-1) x 25 pts |
Disqualification |
|
Circling in the start zone |
Warning |
(n-1) x 25 pts |
Disqualification |
|
Towing: early or late release |
Warning |
(n-1) x 25 pts |
Disqualification |
|
Towing: pull-up before release |
Warning |
Day Disqualification. |
Disqualification |
|
Finish line: crossing below altitude limit |
Warning |
(n-1) x 25 pts |
Disqualification |
|
Finish line: incorrect approach direction |
Warning |
(n-1) x 25 pts |
Disqualification |
|
Landing: incorrect landing lane |
Warning |
(n-1) x 25 pts |
Disqualification |
|
Flying above the absolute altitude limit (defined at briefing) if excess altitude < 100m |
1 pt/m |
n pts/m. |
Day Disqualification |
|
Flying above the absolute altitude limit (defined at briefing) if excess altitude > 100m |
Day Disqualification. |
Day Disqualification. |
Disqualification |
|
Starting above the altitude limit |
5 pts/m |
5 x n pts/m |
Day Disqualification |
|
Entering restricted or closed airspace |
Day Disqualification. |
Day Disqualification |
Disqualification |
|
Landing after legal daylight |
10 pts/min |
Day Disqualification |
Disqualification |
|
Cheating or falsifying documents |
|
|
|
|
Falsifying documents |
Disqualification |
Disqualification |
Disqualification |
|
Attempt to obtain external help for finding lift from non competing glider or airplane |
Day Disqualification |
Disqualification |
Disqualification |
|
In flight use of Cell phone |
Day Disqualification |
Disqualification |
Disqualification |
|
Other Violations |
|
|
|
|
Flying under influence of alcohol |
Day Disqualification |
Disqualification |
Disqualification |
|
Positive doping control |
See FAI policy |
See FAI policy |
|
|
Wing Span Penalty in 15m & STD Class (#) |
1 pt/cm |
1 pt/cm |
1 pt/cm |
(#) If the span of a glider in the 15 m Class or in the Standard Class exceeds 15,000 mm, a penalty of a fixed number of points shall be subtracted from the daily score. The number of daily penalty points is obtained by subtracting 0.3 cm from the measured over span, then rounding this number to the nearest whole cm.
Examples:
- A 2.7 cm over span will give daily penalty points of 2.7 - 0.3 = 2.4 which is then rounded down to 2 points.
- A 3.9 cm over span will give daily penalty points of 3.9 - 0.3 = 3.6 rounded down to 3 points.