Fenn Brothers Electric Fun Day - Sunday 15th May 2022 - 12:15. West Row

In previous years, the club ran an 'Electric Competition' at the start of the flying season. For historical reasons the three rounds in the competition were primarily aimed at powered gliders - with 'floaty' models having a significant advantage. Consequently, the number of participants was fairly small.

This format, first run in 2019, is less intense and designed to appeal to a wider range of members. The events are suitable for both hand-launched models and those fitted with undercarriage - the only stipulation is that entries must be electric powered.

Members not taking part are free to fly once the competition is over - expected to be around 2:30 – 3:00pm.

Spectators are welcome and we hope to run a BBQ.

General Rules

• Normal site safety rules and procedures apply.
• Pilots without an ‘A’ Certificate may take part provided that they are capable of flying basic circuits safely.
• Any fixed wing model may be used in any of the three events.
• Each competitor is allowed 2 attempts at each event. The ‘best’ result counts towards the competitor’s final score.
• No restriction on the number or capacity of batteries.
• No restriction on the use of timers and other aids.
• The adjudicators’ decisions are final.
• Above all, competitors must have fun!

Each competitor will be issued with a scoresheet which they must retain and present to their adjudicator for completion after each event. Completed scoresheets to be handed in at the end of the competition so that the overall results can be tabulated.

Note:

It would be useful to hear from any members who would be willing to act as adjudicators/timekeepers – this is not an onerous or difficult task. The way that the events
are organised means that it is possible to compete and be a timekeeper or adjudicator.

Event 1 – Spot Landing

Each competitor has two attempts at landing in a designated area marked on the runway.

The area consists of a central 15m landing area with a 10m 'apron' at each end, as shown below. The upwind end of the area will be adjacent to the pilot position.

Competitors fly one at a time, accompanied by an adjudicator.

For each of the two attempts:

• The pilot takes off/launches the model and flies one 'sighting' circuit.
• On the second circuit, the pilot must announce his intention to land, or 'wave off'.
• If the pilot 'waves off' he must land on the next circuit or lose the attempt.

Scoring for each successful landing is as follows:

• All Models:
  • 5pts for touching down in either apron (regardless of where the model comes to rest).
  • 10pts for touching down in the landing area (regardless of where the model comes to rest).
• Models with undercarriage:
  • 5pts for coming to rest in either apron.
  • 10pts for coming to rest in the landing area.
  • 0pts for any model taxiing after coming to rest.
• Models without undercarriage:
  • 5pts for coming to rest in the landing area.

Maximum scores:

Models with undercarriage:        2 x (10pts + 10pts) = 40pts

Models without undercarriage:   2 x (10pts +   5pts) = 30pts

Event 2 - 15 Second Dead Stick

Each competitor has two attempts at maximising the duration from a 15 second motor run.

Competitors fly one at a time or in small groups, accompanied by an adjudicator/ timekeeper. For each attempt:

• Models take off or leave the launcher's hand on the timekeeper’s signal and gain as much altitude as possible.
• On the timekeeper's second signal (after 15s) pilots must close the throttle and begin a controlled descent.
• Timer values are recorded as each model touches the ground – no time recorded for landings which miss the runway
• No time recorded for use of the motor during the descent.
• The duration of each attempt is capped at 6 minutes. The timer will announce the end of the attempt, after which motors may be used without penalty.

Scoring:

When all competitors’ have completed their attempts, the durations are arranged in descending order and points are awarded as follows:

Event 3 - 3-circuit Targa

Pilots must estimate the time it will take to take off / launch, fly three circuits and land. The shortest permissible time estimate is one minute.

Having specified a target time (minutes and seconds), the pilot then has two attempts to match it.

Pilots compete one at a time, accompanied by an adjudicator/timekeeper.

• The timer is started when the model leaves the ground / the launcher’s hand.
• The timer is stopped when the model first touches down.

To meet the requirement for 3 circuits, the model must pass the pilot position twice and land before passing it for a third time.

Circuits may be any size and need not be consistent. However, the model must not reverse direction (vertically or horizontally) on any circuit. ‘S’ turns are permitted.

Scoring

For each attempt, seconds over or under the target time are deducted from a total of  50pts.

0pts for an attempt in which the pilot does not complete, or exceeds, 3 circuits or includes prohibited manoeuvres.

Minimum score per attempt 0pts.

The event took place after the Club's participation in the BMFA Centenary Record attempt, during which it became clear that the Easterly wind was fairly strong and a bit gusty. In the end only 4 members (3 of whom are previous winners) decided to take part.

The results in two of the three events were very close, and the overall result would have been quite different if 2 competitors hadn't failed to score (*) in the Deadstick event by crashing or missing the runway. Steve Rolph regained the trophy with a score of 117 points.

 Images from the World Record Attempt and the Fun Day (click to enlarge).

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View the embedded image gallery online at:
https://newmarket-mfc.org/index.php/about-the-club/club-events/electric-fun-day-2022#sigProIdf9c3d572d1