FAI Flying
What to expect at FAI Cups and the WSMC—(May 2024)
Planning or thinking about attending and FAI style contest? Here are some notes about flying in FAI-style contests for those who have never experienced it before. Much of the info you need to know is included with a Bulletin generated and emailed out for each contest. Usually there are several iterations of the Bulletin as the information becomes finalized.
- NOTE: If you are uncertain, ask questions, nobody minds.
Schedule – FAI contests are run on a strict schedule for when you fly each event and round. The schedule is included with each Bulletin – use the latest version.
- The first thing on the schedule is a Contestant’s Meeting, usually on the evening before flying begins. It is very important to attend this meeting. You will be given a number tag, called a pennie, – a label with your contestant number for the contest. When competing, you must have it attached to the front, outer garment you are wearing (shirt, jacket etc).
- The Contestants meeting is followed by a Model Check-in where your models are checked for being in compliance with any physical requirements (for example: length, diameter, weight). The judges will either put a sticker on or mark your model after being inspected. This is also when you turn in Scale models for static judging.
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- NOTE: your FAI competition number must be on the model
- It is a good idea to do as much prep for flight as you can after the models are checked in that night.
- Models can also be checked in on the field during the contest, but it is a good idea to take care of it as early as you can.
- For a Cup event, each round lasts about an hour.
Motors – Most contests these days will use a “common motor box” for most of the events. The contest organizers provide these motors (and regular ignitors). The cost of these motors is included in your entry fee. The Bulletin will specify which events use these motors and what motors and which delays will be available (usually for altitude, duration, and S8 events).
- For Cup contests, you are responsible for getting your own motors for the other events (usually Scale and S2P). Contact the organizers, or get someone who is driving to carry them for you.
- For the World Championships, the Team Manager takes care of getting the motors you need that are not provided by the organizers.
Launch Equipment – Cup and WSMC organizers seldom provide launch equipment. Sometimes they will provide launch rails for S2P. If they don’t say they are providing something in the Bulletin, plan on bringing it yourself.
- Most competitors plan on bringing their own launch equipment. That way you can fly the way you practice, and practice the way you fly.
- You are allowed to share equipment with others, but remember if you both fly the same event, you’ll have to take turns during the round using the gear.
Model Recovery –
- For Cup contests, you are responsible for recovering your own models.
- For the World Championships, your teammates will be recovering your models! However when not flying your event, you will be recovering your teammates’ rockets.
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- NOTE: Recovering models from other countries is not always appreciated. Sometimes they do not want you to touch their model. Unless you know what country the model is from (they are usually marked) and that it is ok with them to touch the model, it is best to leave it alone. You don’t want to be blamed for any damage on another country’s model. You can point them to model, if you like.
Altimeters – only altimeters specifically approved by FAI are allowed in FAI competition. These include the Polish-made Adrel and a Serbian device. The contest organizer will provide a computer to read the altimeter and reset it.
- Here in the US, Adrel altimeters are usually made available at Cup events at no cost (actually, there is a deposit ~$100, which you get back when you return the altimeter).
- You need to check-in the altimeter prior to prepping for launch.
- Do not remove the altimeter from the model until you are at the Returns table and in front of the Returns official.
Duration Events (except S8) –
- You fly three rounds and add the times together for your score.
- The timers stop timing your flight when they hit the Max time.
- Normally, you do not have to return the model unless there is a question about the flight (like did the engine eject or have a CATO).
- You are only allowed to use two models, so you have to recover at least one of your models to be able to fly a total of 3 times.
- If there is a tie for 1st place after 3 the rounds, an additional round is flown. You are allowed to use an extra model for the additional round.
Volunteer to help – If you are not flying an event and can spare the time, volunteer to help the Range Crew. They can usually use more timers. You might pick up some tips for making your models easier to see (and time).
Awards –
- Awards are usually distributed at the end of each days’ flying and the 1st place winner’s national anthem is played, like at the Olympics.
- It is considered good sportsmanship to stick around for the ceremony, even if your country did not place.