62 Radio Controlled Glider Competition

62.1 Scope

Radio Controlled Glider Competition comprises a single event open to any single-staged model rocket, one portion of which is radio controlled during flight, and returns to the ground in stable, gliding flight supported by aerodynamic lifting surfaces which sustain it against gravity. The entry may separate into multiple pieces, only the gliding portion is scored.

The purpose of this competition is to repeatedly achieve specified flight times, and land as close as possible to a designated spot consistently over a series of three flights.

 

62.2 Recovery

Any entry that descends with parachute and/or streamer recovery device(s) attached to the model shall be disqualified. However, other portions of an entry may deploy parachutes and/or streamers for recovery purposes. Any entry not under full control of its pilot at all times shall be disqualified.

 

62.3 Target

The contestant must choose their target time, in any 30 second interval from 30 seconds minimum to 8 minutes maximum, prior to any official flight by the contestant at the meet. If unusual weather or field conditions are encountered, the Contest Director may lower the maximum target time. However, if this is known prior to the competition it should be announced in all notices.

Prior to the first flight in the event, the Contest Director shall announce the location of the landing spot. The landing area must be kept clear of persons or other obstacles to a safe landing.

 

62.4 Timing

It is not the responsibility of the timer to inform the contestant of the time remaining to the target landing time. The contestant may designate another individual to be his/her helper for this event. Either the contestant him/herself or the helper is responsible for keeping the contestant informed of the running official flight time as indicated by the official timer's watch. It is recommended that there be only one official timer for this event.

 

62.5 Scoring

Radio Controlled Glider Competition shall be scored as follows: officials shall measure the distance between the nose of the model and the target spot. If the tip of the nose lands more than 50 meters from the target, or if the contestant catches or interferes with the landing of the model, the model shall be given a score of 100, otherwise, the model shall be given a score equal to its distance in meters.

The achieved duration of the model shall be divided by the target duration, and the result multiplied by 100. This figure shall be rounded to the nearest 0.1%. If the result is greater than or equal to 100, subtract 100 from it; otherwise subtract it from 100.

The distance score shall be added to the time score and the contestant with the lowest total error summed over three flights shall be the winner.

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