GDSHS F5J CLUB CONTEST
                         ON 07JL19

Background:

This contest replaces the ALES 3 contest normally run by Gerry Marcicki but he ask me to do this one for him and I have accepted the challenge. Following is some stuff you may want to know before coming to this contest.

The difference between the US TD Electric contest (ALES) and the European TD Electric contest (F5j) is somewhat dramatic, the US version is simple by comparison and is based upon a “level playing field” by starting all contestants at the same launch height whereas the European version is based upon “individual skill at finding lift at low altitudes”. There are differences in format also that an ALES pilot could be “caught out” in if they did not read the rules in detail and really understand them.  I suggest you read the FAI rules
(see below)  closely before coming to the field because although this contest is meant to get you initiated into the F5j format to see if we as a club want to migrate to the more complicated format (from ALES), or not.

In order to test the club for this format without making it too difficult for those that do not have the different equipment that F5j requires (from ALES) and to ease the membership into this new format. I will run the contest rather loosely with respect to the FAI rules set (you still need to know them to see what I am talking about, so go look them up).

Specific Line Items that may differ from the FAI or ALES rules:

1. We will allow the use of the CAM altitude switch and the contestant can set it to whatever they want but the altitude used in scoring will be the set value plus      20M. The 20M was determined by testing last year by several of our club  members to set up the TALES rules and it was determined that most planes overshot the 100M set limit by 20M. So 100M=120M, 150M=170M, and 200M=220M. Know that the penalty is 0.5 point/M up to 200M and over 200M is 3 points/M so an 160 point penalty at 200M.
FAI legal switches and Altitude Permit switches will be used as per the FAI rules.

2. We will allow restarts to save your plane but of course it will zero the flight same as ALES.

3. There will be no 10 second launch window, the round clock starts at the initial buzzer and ends at the final buzzer. This means most pilots will launch at the buzzer but if you wait, your timer starts the watch at your launch but ends at the final buzzer so you cannot get the maximum time.

4. The final buzzer is the end of the round this means that the watch stops and if you have not landed before the buzzer, it is zero landing points.

5. Landing Points will be by our ALES tapes that max at 50 points.

6. Scoring will be done using Glider Score and the audio will be set to 3 min between groups if more than one group. I will probably allow more time between rounds to enter scores etc.

7. There will be no protection for teams.
If you have any questions let me know before hand as once the contest starts I expect you to know what you are doing. I may have missed something here so let me know if I did.


Jack Iafret
Official ORF



2019 F5J Contest Rules & Modifications
Class F5J - Thermal Duration Gliders with Electric Motor and Altimeter/Motor Run Timer (AMRT)

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5.5.11. CLASS F5J - RC ELECTRIC POWERED THERMAL DURATION GLIDERS
THERMAL DURATION GLIDERS WITH ELECTRIC MOTOR AND ALTIMETER/MOTOR
RUN TIMER (AMRT)
Note: Refer to the Sporting Code volume EDIC - Electronic Devices in Competition, Section 1
“Technical Specifications & Guidance” for the documentation regarding specifications and
guidance for the altimeter/motor run timer (AMRT).
Object: To provide a man-on-man contest for competitors flying electric powered radio-controlled
thermal duration soaring gliders. Several qualifying rounds will be flown in the contest. In
each qualifying round, competitors are divided into Groups. Each Group flies in a designated
Working Time and competitor’s scores in each Group are normalised to produce meaningful
scores irrespective of changing weather conditions during the competition. The competitors
with the top aggregate scores in the qualifying rounds then fly a minimum of two (2) or a
maximum of four (4) Fly-off rounds, as a single Group to determine the final placing. The
exact number of Fly-off rounds will be announced by the Organiser before the start of the
event.
5.5.11.1. General Rules
5.5.11.1.1. Definition of a Radio Controlled Glider with Electric Motor
A model aircraft which is equipped with an electric motor to provide propulsion only for the
purposes of launching, and in which lift is generated by aerodynamic forces acting on
surfaces which remain fixed (except control surfaces). Model aircraft with variable geometry
or area must comply with the specification when the surfaces are in maximum and minimum
extended mode. The model aircraft must be controlled by the competitor on the ground,
using radio control. Any variation of geometry or area must be actuated at distance by radio
control.
5.5.11.1.2. Prefabrication of the Model Aircraft
There is no requirement for the competitor to be the builder of the model. Refer C.5.1.2. in
CIAM General Rules.
5.5.11.1.3. Characteristics of Radio Controlled Gliders with electric motor and altimeter/motor
run timer (AMRT).
a) Maximum Surface Area 150 dm2
Maximum Flying Mass 5 kg
Maximum wingspan 4 m
Loading 12 to 75 g/dm2
Type of battery Any type of rechargeable batteries
Type of motor Any type can be used
b) Radio equipment not using Spread Spectrum technology to International Standards
must be able to operate simultaneously with other equipment at 10 ΚHz spacing below
50 MHz and at 20 KHz spacing above 50 MHz. When the radio does not meet this
requirement, the working bandwidth (max. 50 KHz) shall be specified by the competitor.
c) To ensure randomness of the starting order among the successive rounds, competitors
not using Spread Spectrum technology equipment must enter three different transmitter
frequencies with 10 KHz minimum spacing. The Organiser is entitled to use any of these
three frequencies for setting the flight matrices. Once the competitor is allocated one of
these three frequencies he must not change to another frequency for all flights during the
whole of the preliminary rounds other than for re-flights. In case of a re-flight the
competitor can be called to use any of these three frequencies for this re-flight only, as
long as the call is made at least 1/2 hour prior to the beginning of the re-flight in written
form to the competitor (or team manager where applicable). The content of this
paragraph (c) is not applicable, if the competitor uses a Spread Spectrum technology
system.
d) Any device for the transmission of information from the model aircraft to the competitor
is prohibited. A Spread Spectrum technology receiver that transmits information back to
the competitor-operated transmitter, is not considered to be a “device for the
transmission of information from the model aircraft to the competitor”, provided that the
only information that is transmitted, is for the safe operation of the model aircraft, ie
signal strength and voltage of the receiver battery but not any positioning or height
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information.
e) The competitor may use no more than three (3) model aircraft in the contest. The
competitor may combine the parts of the model aircraft during the contest, provided the
resulting model aircraft conforms to the rules and the parts have been checked before
the start of the contest.
f) All ballast must be carried internally and fastened securely within the airframe.
g) The underside of the model aircraft must not have any protuberances or arresting
devices (eg bolt, sawtooth-like protuberance, etc) that will cause the model aircraft to
slow down on the ground during landing. A folding prop or the tail, including the fin, is
not considered a protuberance or arresting device.
h) Each model must be fitted with an approved AMRT in accordance with the Technical
Specification published in F5J Altimeter/Motor Run Timer Technical Documentation.
The essential functions of the AMRT are:
i) To record and display the maximum height attained (Start Height), above a
ground level reference between the instant of motor start and 10 seconds after
the motor is stopped and
ii) To restrict the operation of the motor by the competitor to a single continuous
run not exceeding 30 seconds.
i) Installation of the AMRT in a competitor’s model shall be in accordance with the
requirements as detailed in the Technical Guidance Documentation.
j) Proper operation of the AMRT including any associated display and its compatibility with
other control equipment installed in the model is the responsibility of the individual
competitor.
k) To facilitate initial technical processing, all AMRTs must be easily removable for
compliance checking.
The receiver command signal connection to the AMRT must be easily accessible so that
at any time during the competition the Organisers have the option of installing a
monitoring AMRT via a branching Y lead.
To enable the timekeeper to record data required for scoring purposes there must be
easy access to the display or the connector for a plug in display. It must not be
necessary to disconnect the AMRT from the receiver and/or the ESC (Electronic Speed
Controller) or to remove it from the model,
The use of an additional extension cable is permitted for connecting the display. It is the
responsibility of the competitor to ensure that any incorrect connection does not result in
damage to the AMRT or the display.
l) Any device other than an approved AMRT which is carried in or on the model and which
enables total or partial independent control over the model’s electric drive motor
operation, is prohibited. Receivers and ESCs are not affected by this rule.
5.5.11.2. Competitors and Helpers
a) The competitor must operate his radio equipment himself.
b) Each competitor is allowed one helper. At World and Continental Championships, when
a team manager or assistant team manager are allowed, they are permitted to help the
competitor.
c) Any use of telecommunication devices (including transceivers and telephones) in the
field by competitors, helpers or team managers is not allowed.
5.5.11.3. The Flying Site
5.5.11.3.1. a) The competition must be held on a Flying Site of sufficient size to accommodate the
specified layout and having reasonably level terrain, which minimises the possibility of
slope and wave soaring.
b) There must be no significant obstructions within 100 metres of the launch/landing spots
such that the launch and landing flight directions are hindered.
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c) The flying site must include one clearly marked launch/landing spot for each competitor
in a Group. Launch/Landing spots must be arranged cross wind with a minimum
distance between them of ten (10) metres.
d) The flying site must also include a six (6) metre wide clearly marked access corridor
positioned upwind of and with its nearest edge being at least fifteen (15) metres from
the launch/landing spots. (Note. If light or variable wind directions are expected, the CD
may chose to place additional launch/landing spots downwind for later alternative use,)
The access corridor must extend ten (10) metres beyond the first and last
launch/landing spots.
e) The access corridor is provided to define the area of the flying site that is to be used by
competitors, helpers and team managers to move to and from the launch/landing spots
and to provide a defined area for the movement of other people associated with the
administration of the contest. It must remain clear of unnecessary obstructions.
5.5.11.4 Safety Rules
(a) Every single infringement of the safety rules will be penalised by the deduction of
points, as detailed below, from the competitor’s final score. Penalties shall be listed on
the score sheet of the round in which the infringement(s) occurred.
(b) The Contest Director must define the Safety Area. This includes the access corridor
and any other restricted flying areas. (ie low flying over campsites, buildings, roads etc)
(c) Any infringement of the Safety Areas as defined by the CD - 300 points.
(d) No part of the model aircraft must land or come to rest within the access corridor - 300
points.
(e) The model aircraft must not contact any person within the access corridor - 1000 points.
(It is recommend that any model aircraft joining a model aircraft already established
circling in lift should maintain the same direction of circling as the original model
aircraft.)
5.5.11.5. Contest Flights
5.5.11.5.1. (a) The competitor will be allowed a minimum of four (4) flights in the qualifying rounds.
(b) The competitor will be allowed only one attempt at each flight.
(c) There is an attempt when the model aircraft is released with the motor running by the
competitor or his helper.
(d) All attempts must be timed by a timekeeper. If no time has been recorded, the
competitor is entitled to a re-flight according to the priorities set out in paragraph
5.5.11.6.
5.5.11.6. Re-flights
a) The competitor is entitled to a re-flight if:
i) his model in the process of being launched, collides with another model in the
process of being launched;
ii) his model, in flight, collides with another model in flight;
iii) the attempt has not been judged by the timekeeper;
iv) his attempt was hindered or aborted by an unexpected event, not within his
control.
b) To claim a re-flight the competitor must ensure that the timekeeper has noted the
hindering condition and must land his model as soon as possible after the event.
If the competitor continues to launch or continues to fly, after the hindering condition
affected the flight, he is deemed to have waived his right to a new Working Time.
c) A Working Time is to be granted to the competitor according to the following order of
priorities:
i) in an incomplete Group, or in a complete Group on additional launching/landing
spots; or
ii) in a new Group of minimum six (6) re-flyers. The new Group of re-flyers can be
made up by other competitors selected by random draw. If the frequency or
team membership of the drawn competitor does not fit or the competitor will not
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fly, the draw is repeated; or
iii) If this is not achievable, then with the original Group at the end of the ongoing
round.
iv) In priority-cases ii) and iii), for the competitors allocated the re-flight, the result of
the re-flight is the official score. For the other competitors, the better of their
score in the ongoing round and the re-flight score will become their official score
Any competitor of this Group who was not the competitor to whom the new
attempt was allocated will not be entitled to another Working Time in case of
hindering during the re-flight.
5.5.11.7. Cancellation of a flight and/or disqualification
The Flight is cancelled and recorded as a zero score if:
a) the competitor used a model aircraft not conforming to any item of rule
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Working Time, by audible signal; see 5.5.11.14.1 for details.
e) An audible signal must be given when eight (8) minutes, of the Group's Working Time
has elapsed. Additionally the final ten (10) seconds must be indicated audibly by a
countdown.
cont/
f) The end of the Group’s Working Time must be positively indicated by an audible signal,
as for the start.
5.5.11.9. Control of Transmitters
For transmitter and frequency control see C.16.2 in CIAM General Rules.
5.5.11.10. Launching
a) Prior to launch all AMRTs must be initialised on the designated launch/landing spots, at
ground level and the initialisation observed by the Timekeeper.
b) The general direction of the launch must be set by the Contest Director. All launches
must be made in this general direction even in zero or variable light wind conditions. A
penalty of 100 points will be applied for any breach of this rule.
c) The motor must not be run before the start signal is given. A penalty of 100 points will be
applied for any breach of this rule.
d) Unless otherwise specified by the Contest Director, models must be launched within
four (4) metres of the competitor’s launch/landing spot. An attempt is annulled and
recorded as zero, if the model aircraft is not launched within the above specified
distance.
e) The launches must be straight forward, with the motor running. Any other type of launch
is not allowed. A penalty of 100 points will be applied for any breach of this rule.
f) An attempt is annulled and recorded as zero, if the model aircraft is launched before the
start of a Group's Working Time.
g) Timekeepers must be in a position behind the pilot to observe the launch but must not
impede the pilot or his helper.
5.5.11.11. Landing
a) Before the contest commences, Organisers must allocate a launch/landing spot to each
competitor for each round. It is the competitor's responsibility to ensure that he always
uses the correct spot for landing.
b) The direction of the final approach to landing must be set by the Contest Director. All
final approaches must be made in this direction even in zero or variable light wind
conditions. A penalty of 100 points will be applied for any breach of this rule.
c) Timekeepers must be in a position behind the pilot to observe the landing but must not
impede the pilot or his helper.
d) Timekeepers, helpers and competitors must not hinder other competitors or their helpers
on adjacent spots.
e) After landing, competitors may retrieve their model aircraft before the end of their
Working Time providing they do not impede other competitors or model aircraft in their
Group.
5.5.11.12. Scoring
a) The attempt must be timed from moment of release from the hand of the competitor or
his helper to either:
i) The model aircraft first touches the ground; or
ii) The model aircraft first touches any object in contact with the ground; or
iii) Completion of the Group's Working Time.
b) The flight time in seconds, must be rounded down to the nearest second.
c) One point will be awarded for each full second of flight within the Working Time, up to a
maximum of 600 points (ie 10 minutes maximum) for the preliminary rounds or 900
points (ie15 minutes maximum) for the Fly-off rounds.
d) The recorded Start Height in metres shall be rounded down to the nearest metre.
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e) Each metre of the recorded Start Height results in a deduction of half (0,5) a point up to
200m and three (3) points above it.
f) Where the score is negative (below zero), a zero score will be recorded. Note that any
penalty points applied in the round will remain effective. (5.5.10.12.10).
g) A zero score will be recorded for overflying the end of the Group's Working Time by
more than one (1) minute.
h) A landing bonus will be awarded in accordance with distance from the launch/landing
spot marked by the Organisers according to the following tabulation:
Distance (m) Points
Up
to 1 50
2 45
3 40
4 35
5 30
6 25
7 20
8 15
9 10
10 5
over
10 0
i) The landing bonus distance is measured from the nose of the model aircraft at rest to
the centre point of the launch/landing spot allocated to the competitor. A dedicated nonelastic tape marked in bonus (landing) points is the means, by which this distance is
measured.
j) If during the landing procedure the model aircraft touches the competitor or his helper (or
the team manager if present) or any deliberately placed obstruction, zero landing bonus
must be allocated.
k) No landing bonus will be awarded if the model aircraft overflies the end of the Working
Time for the Group
l) The competitor who achieves the highest aggregate of points comprising of flight points,
plus landing bonus points, less launch height deduction, will be the Group winner and will
be awarded a corrected score of one thousand (1000) points for that Group.
m) The remaining competitors in the Group will be awarded a corrected score based on their
percentage of the Group winner's total score before correction (ie before being
normalised for that Group) and calculated from their own total score as follows:
Competitor’s own score multiplied by 1000
Highest points total scored in the Group before correction
n) Penalties shall be listed on the score sheet of the round in which the infringement(s)
occurred. All penalties are cumulative and will be deducted from the competitor’s total
score at the end of the preliminary rounds. Penalties earned in the preliminary rounds
are not carried forward into the fly-off rounds.
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5.5.11.13. Final Classification
a) If four (4) or fewer qualifying rounds are flown, the aggregate score achieved by the
competitor, will be the sum of his scores for all rounds flown. If more than four (4) rounds
are flown, then his lowest score will be discarded before determining his aggregate
score.
b) The CD may elect not to have a fly off. This decision is announced in the invitation or
before the start of the competition.
c) At the end of the qualifying rounds 30% (rounded down) of competitors with the highest
aggregate scores will be placed together in a single Group comprising a minimum of six
(6) and maximum of fourteen (14) for the fly-off rounds. For operational reasons the CD
may set a lower maximum
d) A minimum of three (3) or maximum of four (4) fly-off rounds should be flown.
Exceptionally the CD may reduce to two (2) in the case of bad weather or poor visibility
e) The Working Time for the fly-off rounds will be fifteen (15) minutes duration. An audible
signal must be given at the start of the Group Working Time and at exactly thirteen (13)
minutes and at exactly fifteen (15) minutes. Additionally, the final ten (10) seconds must
be indicated audibly by a countdown. See 5.5.10.14.1
f) The scoring of the fly-off rounds shall be as in section 5.5.11.12.
g) Final placing of the competitors who qualify for the fly-off, shall be determined by their
aggregate scores in the fly-off rounds; their scores in the qualifying rounds being
discarded.
h) In the event that two or more competitors have the same aggregate fly-off score, final
positions of those competitors shall be determined by their respective position in the
qualifying rounds; the higher positioned competitor being awarded the higher final
position.
i) The national team classification is established after the completion of the championship
by adding the aggregate scores of qualifying rounds of the three members of the team
together. In the case of a national team tie, the team with the lower sum of place
numbers, given in order from the top, wins. If still equal, the best individual placing
decides.
5.5.11.14. Advisory Information
5.5.11.14.1. Organisational Requirements
a) The Organiser shall ensure that each competitor has no doubt about the precise second
that a Group Working Time starts and finishes.
b) Any audible signal may be by automobile horn, bell or public address system etc. It must
be remembered that sound does not travel far against the wind; therefore the positioning
of the audio source must be given some thought.
c) The audible signal must be clear and unambiguous in its meaning.
d) To be a fair contest, the minimum number of fliers in any one Group is six (6). As the
contest proceeds, some competitors may be obliged to drop out for various reasons.
When a Group occurs with five (5) or fewer competitors in it, the Organiser should move
a competitor up from a later Group, ensuring if possible, that he has not flown against
any of the others in previous rounds and that his frequency is compatible.
e) For contests with 30 pilots or less at the beginning of the contest the organiser should
move up a competitor from a later group when a group occurs with four (4) or fewer
competitors instead of minimum six (6) at the beginning of the contest or cancel the
group and fill up the other groups accordingly.
5.5.11.14.2. Timekeeper Responsibilities
The Organiser must ensure that all timekeepers are fully aware of just how important their
duties are, their responsibilities and the requirements for safety on the Flying Site. The
Organiser must make certain that Timekeepers are fully conversant with the rules
particularly those that in certain cases require quick positive action to ensure that any
competitors chances in the competition are not jeopardised.
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Timekeepers must:
i) observe the initialisation of the AMRT;
ii) observe the launch, flight and landing, and record any breaches of the rules;
iii) time and record the flight time;
iv) measure and record the landing bonus distance;
v) observe and record the Start Height from the AMRT;
vi) not impede the pilot or his helpers nor hinder those on the adjacent spot