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Memorial Day & BBQ  Sunday 14th September

 ** Cancelled due to bad weather **  

 

Electric Fun Day - Sunday 18th May 2025 12:15 - West Row

The Electric Fun Day is a light-hearted competition for fixed wing electric models. There are three events which are all suitable for both hand-launched models and those fitted with undercarriage, as described below. You can mix and match models for the different events.

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

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 count towards the competitor’s final score.
  • Each attempt is scored by an adjudicator, whose decision is final
  • No restriction on the number or capacity of batteries.
  • No restriction on the use of timers and other aids.
  • 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.

* Our planning consent limits i.c. flying on Sundays to 3 club events. This event is electric only; i.c. flying will be permitted at the remaining 3 events this year.

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).
    • 0pts for touching down anywhere else

  • 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.
    • 0pts for touching down anywhere else

Maximum scores:

Models with undercarriage:        10pts + 10pts = 20pts

Models without undercarriage:   10pts +   5pts = 15pts

Minimum score: 0 pts

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:

Longest (or capped) duration: 50pts
Next longest duration: 45pts
Next longest duration: 40pts
etc.  
Minimum score:   0pts

 

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.

 

Results and photo.

 The day started overcast with a blustery crosswind, but by the time the gazebos and BBQ were set up the wind had moderated (a bit...) and patches of blue sky had started to appear.
 
Attendance overall was ~25 (including two local residents who came along to see what we do !) and 7 members entered the competition - the results are shown in the table below.  As in previous years those at the bottom failed to score in one of the elements - including one 'rapid unscheduled disassembly' during the dead-stick !
 
Congratulations go to Steve Rolph who took the trophy - again ! 


  Spot Landing Dead Stick Targa Overall
Name Score Rank Score Rank Score Rank Score Rank

Steve Rolph

20

=1

45

2

50

=1

115

1

Adrian Addison

20

=1

35

3

50

=1

105

2

Peter Bishop

15

=4

30

4

48

=4

93

3

Peter Rand

15

=4

25

5

48

=4

88

4

Ian Sewell

20

=1

50

1

-

7

70

5

Larry Ward

15

=4

-

=6

48

=4

63

6

Paul Hart

10

7

-

=6

50

=1

60

7