F5J FAI rules Jan2014(revised 05/02/2014)
Class F5J – Thermal Duration Gliders with Electric Motor and Altimeter/Motor Run Timer (AMRT)
SC4_Vol_F5_Electric_14_Rev_1 (05/02/14) Effective 1st January 2014 Page 33
5.5.11. CLASS F5J - THERMAL DURATION GLIDERS WITH ELECTRIC MOTOR AND
ALTIMETER/MOTOR RUN TIMER (AMRT)
Note: Refer to the new 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
Paragraph B.3.1 a) of Section 4, Part 2 (builder of the model aircraft) is not applicable to this
class.
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 ?Hz
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
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 a World Championship when a team
manager is allowed, he is additionally 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.
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 official 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
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
5.5.11.1;
b) the model aircraft loses any part during the launch or the flight, except
when this occurs as the result of a mid-air collision with another model
aircraft. Except that the loss of any part of the model aircraft during the
landing (coming into contact with the ground) is not taken into account;
c) the model aircraft is piloted by anyone other than the competitor;
d) during landing, the nose of the model aircraft does not come to rest within
75 meters of the centre of the competitor's designated landing spot;
e) the AMRT does not record any Start Height data.
A competitor shall be disqualified if, in the judgment of the Contest Director, there has
been intentional or flagrant violation of the rules or unsafe flying.
5.5.11.8. Organisation of the Flying.
5.5.11.8.1. Rounds and Groups
a) The flying order for the initial qualifying rounds must be arranged in accordance with the
transmitter frequencies in use, to permit as many simultaneous flights as possible. A
minimum of six (6) competitors should be scheduled for each Group.
b) The flying order must be scheduled in rounds sub-divided into Groups.
c) Other than in the Fly-off, the composition of Groups should minimise the situation
where any competitor flies against another many times
(Note In practice this will occur especially in competitions with small numbers but
such occurrences should be kept to a minimum.)
d In order to minimise the time needed to run the contest the starting order should
be arranged to get the minimum number of groups per round with the maximum
possible competitors in each Group.
(Note. However, in small competitions 3 x 6 may be more practical than 2 x 9. It is
recommended that groups with vacant starting positions are put at the end of
each round, to keep space free for any re-flights.)
5.5.11.8.2. Flying in Groups
a) Prior to the start of a Group’s Working Time competitors are entitled to five (5)
minutes preparation time during which they take position at their designated
launch/landing spots and prepare their models for flight. The preparation time
must not start before the end of the previous Group’s Working Time.
b) The Working Time allowed to each competitor in a Group shall be exactly ten (10)
minutes duration.
c) The Working Time for each Group must not start until the access corridor is clear
of all people. Any deliberate attempt to delay the start of a Working Time by a
competitor, his helper or team manager, by obstructing the access corridor will
result in a zero score for that round.
d) The Organisers must positively and unambiguously indicate the start of a Group's
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.
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
All provisions mentioned in Section 4, Volume ABR, section B.11 are applicable to this
class.
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 will 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.
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
non-elastic 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.
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) 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
c) 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
d) Where competitor numbers are under 20, the CD may elect to not have a fly-off
providing this decision is announced before the start of the competition.
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.
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 the 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.
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 and make certain that they Timekeepers are fully conversant with
the rules particularly those that in certain cases require a quick positive action in order not
to jeopardize a competitor's chances in the contest. to ensure that any competitors
chances in the competition are not jeopardised.
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 spots.
