Note to the HTML version : although this electronic version is as accurate as possible, the paper edition is the only official reference for all purposes ; this is provided for information only.
Local Regulations have been inserted after each corresponding paragraph of General Rules to make reading easier ; in General Rules differences from Annex A of Sporting Code, section 3 are in bold characters.
Contents |
Comments to the Rules |
These Rules follow the FAI Sporting Code Section 3, Annex A with the following exceptions:
1 Championship |
WGC 97 B.P. 26 - Aérodrome
04600 SAINT-AUBAN FRANCE
Tel : +33 (0) 4 92 64 30 11
Fax : +33 (0) 4 92 64 30 18
E-mail : WGC.97@wanadoo.fr
2 Objectives of the Championships |
The objectives are :
- to select the Champion in each competition class on the basis of the pilot's performance in the tasks set ;
- to select the winning team in the World Soaring Cup on the basis of the overall performance of all NAC pilots in the tasks set,
- to foster friendship, co-operation and exchange of information among soaring pilots of all nations ;
- to promote worldwide expansion of the public image of soaring ;
- to encourage technical and operational development of the sport.
3 General Requirements |
3.1 The Championships shall be controlled in accordance with the FAI Sporting Code, General Section and Section 3 (Gliders & Motor Gliders), and specifically with this document which follows Annex A to Section 3 with the exceptions listed in the Comments to the Rules.
3.1.1 Any competitor or Team Captain violating or tolerating the violation of these rules shall be suspended or disqualified from the Championships.
3.2 The winner in each class is the pilot having the highest total score, obtained by adding the pilot's points for each competition day. In case of a tie, see paragraph 19.2.3.
3.2.1 The winner in each class will be awarded the title of World Champion, provided that there have been at least four championship days in that class.
3.2.2 In order that a day may be counted as a championship day, a launch opportunity shall have been given to each competitor in the class in time for the competitor to carry out the task of the day in question (see also 23.4).
3.3 The winner of the World Soaring Cup is the team having the highest total score obtained according to the rules for the World Soaring Cup.
3.4 At least one non-flying day shall be given during the period, although the Organisers may declare further rest days for stated reasons such as pilot fatigue.
3.5 An official pratice period of seven days immediately preceding the opening of the Championships will be made available to all competitors.
3.6 The official language of the Championships shall be the English language; this shall include all regulations and information circulated to the competitors, any public announcements during the event, and briefings. The language of the Organisers and additional languages may be used at their discretion.
4 Responsibilities of the Organisers |
4.1 The Organisers shall provide competitors and Team Captains with all complementary information upon arrival at the contest site.
Local Rules 4.1 A listing of the co-ordinates of landing fields, as well as a catalogue with details on these strips will be provided for the information of the competitors. The Organisers will accept no responsibility for the accuracy of the coordinates and the exactitude of the information. The latter is as up to date as possible, but there is no guarantee that these fields will be harvested and safe for landing.
The Organisers will not accept responsibility for any damage or trespass actions arising from a competitor landing on these fields. It is the responsibility of the competitor, at all times, to determine that a field is safe to use.
4.2 Any matter intended to have the force of a competition rule must have been approved as a minimum by the IGC Bureau, if necessary by post. Only minor matters may be approved by this method.
4.3 The Organisers shall provide all facilities necessary for the satisfactory operation of the Championships.
4.4 Full meteorological information shall be provided during the Championships, access to which shall be available to competitors and assistants in addition to briefing material supplied to the competitors.
4.5 The meterorological, GNSS and other flight data from the Championships are the property of the Organisers. Such data shall be treated as confidential and only passed on to persons or organisations approved by IGC.
Local Rules 4.5 Flight data from all pilots may be used by the organisers to display one or several flights for public interest. Such a display shall not begin before the start line is closed and the actual position of a sailplane shall be displayed with a time delay greater than 30 minutes.
Flight data in numerical form shall remain confidential.
5 Championships Classes |
5.1 Championships shall consist of three classes: Open, 15 m and Standard Class as described in the main body of Section 3 of the Sporting Code, Chapter 6.
5.2 If any one class does not have at least ten participants from at least five NACs on the first Championship day, the contest shall take place but no Champion will be declared. Pilots from that class shall not be eligible to compete in the World Soaring Cup.
5.3 Two-seater sailplanes may compete in the Open Class either flown solo or carrying the same flight crew members (designated before the opening day) on every flight. Only the nominated pilot in command shall be listed in the results. Both crew members on board of the two-seater must fulfil the requirements for competitors in accordance with the FAI Sporting Code, General Section, 3.7.2.3.b.
5.4 Motorised sailplanes shall be permitted to participate in their appropriate classes, provided their means of propulsion are made unserviceable. They shall be launched and retrieved as sailplanes.
5.5 Pilot changeover from one class to another shall not be permitted later than two months before the Opening Day.
Local Rules 5.5 Deadline for changeover from one class to another will be 29 April 97.
6 Entry |
6.1 Application for Entry
Application for entry shall be accepted only on the official entry form and accompanied by the entry fee in full. Incomplete entry forms or those containing inaccurate information will not be accepted. After four months before the Opening day applications may be accepted only if there are vacancies, at the discretion of the Organisers. Exceptions may be made for applications from the opposite hemisphere.
6.2 Entry Fee
6.2.1 The entry fee is 3800 FF and covers all operational costs during the Championships, except that aero tows may be paid as used, at the discretion of the Organisers. Free entry will be offered to 20 overseas pilots.
6.2.2 If the Championships do not take place, entry fees shall be returned in full. If, for reasons of force majeure, they are stopped or cancelled, unused fees will be paid back.
6.2.3 A competitor who withdraws shall have no right to the return of any fees.
6.3 Pilots
6.3.1 Each NAC may enter up to 6 pilots plus 2 reserve pilots but not more than two plus one reserve pilot in any class. The number of allowable entries shall not exceed 120 total or 50 in any class.
6.3.2 After the closing date for applications for entry the NACs with reserve pilots may be entered in any class where vacancies exist, provided entry fees for the officially entered pilots have been received, on a first-come-first-served basis.
6.3.3 The current Champions may compete as additional members of their team in their respective classes.
6.4 Rejection of Entries
6.4.1 The organising NAC may not reject any entry to a Championship made in good faith and complying with the terms of entry.
7 National Teams |
7.1 Each NAC shall select its own Team Captain, competitors and asistants. The NACs shall certify to the Organisers (normally in the entry form) that the team members qualify under these rules.
7.1.1 The Team Captain, the competitors and their crew members by virtue of entering are deemed to accept without reservation any consequences resulting from the event (for instance see 11 on insurance).
7.2 Qualifications
7.2.1 A competitor must be a citizen or resident of the country of the entering NAC and satisfy the conditions of the FAI Sporting Code, General Section 3.7 on citizenship and representation, and must :
- hold a gold badge, or, hold a silver badge and have competed in at least two National Championships ;
- have flown at least 250 hours as a pilot in command, of which at least 100 hours must have been flown in a sailplane ;
- hold an FAI Sporting Licence with a current FAI stamp ;
- hold a Pilot Licence issued or endorsed by the authorities of the country in which the sailplane is registered, or of the country where the Championships take place ;
- know, understand, and abide by the FAI Sporting Codes and the Rules and Regulations issued for the event.
7.2.2 A Team Captain may be a competitor or assistant but preferably in addition to them. He should be of the nationality of his NAC but a substitute of another nationality holding written authority from the NAC concerned may be accepted at the discretion of the Organisers.
7.2.3 An assistant may be of any nationality.
7.3 Not more than one competitor and three assistants shall be permitted for each sailplane.
8 Team Captain's Responsibilities |
8.1 The Team Captain represents his NAC and is the liaison between the Organisers and his team members. He is responsible for their proper conduct and for ensuring that competitors do not fly ill or suffering from any disability which might endanger the pilot or others.
8.2 The Team Captain is also responsible for compliance by his team members with the terms of the Certificate of Airworthiness or Permit to Fly of the competing sailplanes and, where appropriate, with the laws of their own and those of the Organisers' country.
8.3 The Team Captain is responsible for ensuring that all members of his team receive and understand all information given at briefing.
8.4 A Team Captain not fulfilling these responsibilities according to this paragraph 8 may be suspended or disqualified in accordance with paragraph 3.1.1.
8.5 Team Captains' meetings shall be called by the Director of the Championships as required. If requested by five or more Team Captains, a meeting shall be held within 18 hours.
9 Sailplanes and Equipment |
9.1 Sailplanes, trailers, retrieve cars, and other equipment, including GNSS NAV loggers, barographs, cameras, licensed radios, oxygen systems, and parachutes shall be provided by the competitors and be of a performance and standard suitable for the event.
Local Rules 9.1 Competitors are recommended to provide a valid calibration trace for barographs. The Organisers will calibrate all barographs without a valid calibration traces if necessary. IGC approved electronic barographs shall be accepted.
9.1.1 No instruments permitting pilots to fly without visual reference to the ground (artificial horizons, turn and bank indicators or gimballed compasses, including Schanz compass) may be carried on board, even if made unserviceable.
9.1.2 Any navigational equipment is permitted.
9.1.3 To encourage lookout, audio instruments are strongly recommended.
9.2 Each competing sailplane must have been issued a valid Certificate of Airworthiness or Permit to Fly not excluding competitions.
9.3 Each sailplane shall be made available to the Organisers at least 48 hours before the Opening Ceremony for an acceptance check in the configuration in which it will be flown. This configuration shall be kept unchanged during the whole competition.
9.3.1 Configuration refers to the shape and dimensions of the primary structure of the sailplane, including movable controlling surfaces and landing gear. The configuration is considered to be changed if the shape or dimensions of the primary structure are altered.
9.4 The Organisers have the right to inspect a competing sailplane at any time during the Championship up to the Prizegiving.
9.5 A damaged sailplane may be repaired. The following items may be replaced instead of being repaired : Control surfaces, the complete horizontal stabiliser, airbrakes or flap surfaces, wing tips but not the entire outer wing panels, canopy, undercarriage gear and doors, non-structural fairings.
9.5.1 If the damage was no fault of the pilot, the whole sailplane or any part of it may be replaced with the consent of the Director of the Championships. Landing damage is normally assumed to be the fault of the pilot.
9.6 The Organisers, at their discretion, may permit a sailplane to be test flown.
10 Contest Numbers |
10.1 The contest numbers, as validated by the Organisers, shall be displayed on the underside of the right wing, approximately 2.5 m from the centreline of the sailplane with the top of the figures or letters towards the wing leading edge. The height of the letters or figures must not be less than 80% of the wing chord.
10.2 The contest numbers shall also be displayed on both sides of the tail fin and/or rudder. These must be at least 40 cm high.
10.3 Contest numbers shall consist of not more than three letters or figures or a combination of letters and figures.
10.4 Contest numbers shall be plain block style with a single colour which strongly contrasts with the sailplane's background colour.
10.5 The Organisers may require competitors to modify contest numbers which they deem to be similar, confusing or not complying with this paragraph 10. Competitors not complying with the Organisers requirements may be denied competition launches.
11 Insurance |
11.1 Third party insurance is the responsibility of the entering NAC. Third party insurance to the value of 5,000,000 FF is required for each single-seater sailplane. Third party insurance to the value of 10,000,000 FF is required for each two-seater sailplane.
11.2 Personal medical insurance is required for all team members, covering accidents and sickness, including any local hospital costs and the costs of transport back to the team member's home country.
11.3 Documentary proof of insurance shall be made available to the Organisers in English.
11.4 Required insurance shall be available for purchase at the contest site.
12 Registration |
12.1 On arrival at the contest site, each Team Captain and his competitors shall report to the Organisers' Registration Office to have their documents checked and to receive any supplementary information.
12.2 After the close of registration, no change of sailplanes or pilots shall be permitted. Pilots whose documents have not been checked and found to meet all requirements shall not be permitted to fly until the requirements are met.
12.3 The following documents - and translations, if appropriate - shall be required by the Organisers :
12.3.1 For the pilot :
- proof of nationality or certificate of residence (FAI General - Section 3.7) ;
- valid Pilot Licence (or similar) and proof of qualification regarding hours and badges ;
- FAI Sporting Licence valid for the year of the event.
12.3.2 For the sailplane :
- valid Certificate of Airworthiness or Permit to Fly ;
- third party insurance certificate for the sailplane.
12.4 More documents may be required by the Organisers.
Local Rules 12.4 The certificate of registration for the sailplane shall be required.
12.5 The Organisers shall state which documents shall be carried on board the sailplane.
Local Rules 12.5 The following documents shall be carried on board the sailplane :
- pilot's licence (or similar)
- certificate of registration
- certificate of airworthiness or permit to fly
13 Briefing |
13.1 During the training and contest flying periods, a briefing shall be held each morning at which full meteorological and operational information concerning the task of the day shall be given.
Local Rules 13.1 Briefing shall be held each morning, at 10.30 a.m. in the briefing hangar unless otherwise specified by the Organisers.
13.2 Attendance at briefing is compulsory for all pilots, except that a competitor who is unable to attend shall be represented by the Team Captain.
13.3 Flight and safety requirements given at briefing shall carry the status of Local Regulations.
14 Tasks |
14.1 Tasks shall be for speed or distance. The Organisers shall list in the local regulations the types of tasks that will be set.
Local Rules 14.1 Tasks shall be either speed tasks along a closed circuit or distance tasks as defined in Appendix 2.
14.2 A task shall not be cancelled unless 15.8 applies, or the weather deteriorates so that the tasks may not reasonably be attempted.
14.3 At their discretion the Organisers may set alternative tasks or tasks for one or two classes only.
14.4 Where possible the classes shall fly different tasks.
15 Safety |
15.1 Each sailplane shall be flown within the limitations of its Certificate of Airworthiness or Permit to Fly.
15.2 A maximum take-off weight of 750 kg in the Open Class and 525 kg in the 15-meter and Standard Class is imposed.
15.3 Any manoeuvres hazardous to others shall be avoided and may be penalised. Unauthorised aerobatics are prohibited.
15.4 Competitors shall avoid dropping water ballast in any manner likely to affect other competing sailplanes.
15.5 On every flight each occupant of a competing sailplane shall use seat belt and shoulder harness and wear a serviceable parachute. More equipment may be required by the Organisers.
Local Rules 15.5 All sailplanes shall carry an ELT (Emergency Locator Transmitter) on board.
The Organisers will impose color stickers on the sailplanes. The size and location of the stickers will be the same for all sailplanes in a class.
All sailplanes shall carry an oxygen system on board.
15.6 Cloud flying is prohibited.
15.7 Within a radius of 20 km around the contest site, all gliders shall circle to the left. Outside this area a sailplane joining another in a thermal shall circle in the same direction as that established by the first, regardless of height separation.
15.7.1 The Organisers may establish areas around the contest site over which continuous circling is prohibited.
Local Rules 15.7.1 Unless otherwise specified at briefing, circling inside the 3 km radius from any of the start points is prohibited.
15.8 Once launching has started, the Organisers may suspend towing if it is dangerous to continue. If the suspension is sufficiently long to give an unfair advantage to those already airborne, the Championships Director shall cancel the task.
15.9 A competitor involved in a collision in the air shall not continue the flight and shall land as soon as possible.
15.10 Sailplane damage during the Championships shall be reported to the Organisers. The sailplane may be repaired (see 9.5).
15.11 The Organisers may issue additional rules regarding safety.
Local Rules 15.11 No flight should be conducted above FL 125 without use of a serviceable oxygen system.
Landing later than 30 minutes after sunset shall be penalised.
16 External Aid to Competitors |
The following limitations are imposed so that the competition shall, as far as possible, be directly between the individual competitors, neither controlled nor helped by external aid.
16.1 Radio Transmitters and Transceivers
16.1.1 Radios are for communication between team members and between them and the Organisers only. They may not be used to contact Air Traffic Services other than for obtaining permission from an airfield to land on it, unless there are specific requirements by the Organisers.
Local Rules 16.1.1 Radios are for voice transmission only. Any data transmission between competitors or between them and the ground or other aircraft is prohibited.
16.1.2 Transmissions may only be made on frequencies prescribed by the Organisers.
Local Rules 16.1.2 The use of mobile-phones in sailplanes during flight is prohibited.
16.2 Other Types of Aid. Leading, guiding, or help in finding lift by any non-competing aircraft, or competing sailplanes not flying the task of their own class, is prohibited.
Local Rules 16.2 Any attempt to obtain external help in finding lift from non competing aircraft shall be penalised .
17 Championships Officials |
17.1 The Championships Director
17.1.1 The Championships Director shall be in overall operational charge of the Championships and be approved by the IGC. He shall have a Deputy Director and Technical Officials to assist him.
17.1.2 The Championships Director is responsible for good management and the smooth and safe running of the Championships.
- He shall make operational decisions in accordance with the rules of the Sporting Code and of the Championships and publish these without delay in a manner and at a place to be specified in the Local Regulations.
- He may penalise or disqualify a competitor for misconduct or infringement of the rules.
- He shall attend meetings of the International Jury and give evidence if requested.
Local Rules 17.1.2 Operational decisions will be published on the official information board. In some cases, decisions will be distributed directly to Competitors, Team Captains, Stewards and Jury Members.
17.1.3 The Director is responsible for publishing the officially accepted entry list, for issuing daily results with the minimum of delay, and finally for reporting the full results and details of any protests to his NAC and to FAI.
17.1.4 The Director or his named deputy shall be available at the contest site at all times during the Championships period.
17.2 Stewards
17.2.1 Stewards are advisers to the Championships Director.
17.2.1.1 They watch over the conduct of the Championships and report to the Director any unfairness or infringement of the Rules and Regulations or behaviour prejudicial to the safety of other competitors or the public or in any way harmful to the sport.
17.2.1.2 They assemble information and facts concerning matters to be considered by the International Jury.
17.2.1.3 They advise the Championships Director on interpretation of the Rules and Regulations and on penalties.
17.2.1.4 Stewards may attend the meetings of the International Jury as observers or witnesses.
17.2.1.5 Stewards have no executive powers. They may neither be competitors nor hold any additional position in the organisation.
17.2.1.6 Stewards must understand and be able to speak English and have extensive experience of soaring competitions.
17.2.2 The Organisers shall appoint three Stewards of nationalities different to that of the Organisers, except that in the event of a last minute failure to attend, a replacement Steward of any nationality and acceptable to other Stewards may be invited.
17.2.3 Two Stewards shall be present at the contest site throughout all major operational activities, such a task setting, launching, inspections, time keeping, checking of photographic evidence, etc.
17.3 International Jury
The International Jury deals with protests made by competitors.
17.3.1 The International Jury consists of the President and two members who shall be appointed by the IGC.
17.3.1.1 A member of the Jury must possess thorough knowledge of the FAI Sporting Code, General Section and Section 3, and Rules and Local Regulations for the Championships.
17.3.2 The President of the International Jury is appointed by the IGC and shall normally be an IGC Bureau member but may not be of the same nationality as the organising NAC.
17.3.3 In addition to being Chairman at Jury meetings, the President has the right to require the Organisers to abide by the FAI Sporting Code and the published Rules and Regulations for the Championships. If the Organisers fail to do so the President of the Jury has the power to stop the Championships until a Jury meeting has considered the situation.
17.3.4 The Jury has the right to terminate the Championships if the Organisers fail to abide by the FAI Sporting Code and the published Rules and Regulations. They may recommend to the FAI Secretary General that all entry fees be returned.
17.3.5 Meetings of the International Jury
17.3.5.1 Attendance at Jury Meetings is compulsory for Jury members, except for special reasons such as illness or emergencies. In such cases, an eligible replacement nominated by the Jury member concerned may be accepted by the Jury President.
17.3.5.2 A quorum for the Jury is 3/3
17.3.5.3 The Championships Director or his deputy has the right to be present at the Jury meetings, but without a right to vote.
17.3.5.4 Decisions shall be reached by a simple majority. A secret ballot shall be held if requested by a jury member.
17.3.6 Dissolution of the International Jury
17.3.6.1 The Jury shall only cease its functions after it has given its decision on all protests which have been correctly made. If no protests are outstanding, it shall not cease its functions until the time limit set for the receipt of protests following the last task.
17.3.6.2 The last action of the Jury is to approve the competition results of the Championships and declare the Championships valid, providing they have been conducted in accordance with the rules and the decisions of the Jury.
17.4 The travel and living expenses inside the Organiser's country for the International Officials (Jury Members and Stewards) are the responsibility of the Organisers. Other arrangements may be agreed upon with the individual Official.
18 Penalties, Complaints, Protests |
18.1 Penalties and Disqualifications
18.1.1 The Championships Director may impose penalties for infringement of the rules. The severity of the penalties ranges from a minimum loss of points to disqualification, as appropriate to the offence.
Local Rules 18.1.1 : A list of standard penalties is given in appendix 3.
18.1.1.1 Overweight :
Number of weight offences x overweight (kg) x 2 = penalty points.
18.1.1.2 Photo errors : minimum 10 points, maximum 100 points.
Local Rules 18.1.1.2 Photographs that show that the sailplane did not correctly pass through the specified observation zones of the start line or turn points shall be penalised as detailed in appendix 1.
18.1.1.3 GNSS errors : minimum 10 points, maximum 100 points.
Local Rules 18.1.1.3 GNSS records that show that the sailplane did not correctly pass through the specified start line or turn point shall be penalised as detailed in appendix 1.
18.1.1.4 Technical errors, such as wrong, late or missing information given by the competitor or his/her crew : Minimum a warning, maximum 50 points.
18.1.1.5 Dangerous or hazardous flying, non-compliance with any safety regulations, airspace infringements, including altitude limit exceedance : Minimum 50 points, maximum disqualification for the day.
18.1.1.6 Cheating or falsifying documents : Minimum disqualification for the day, maximum disqualification for the Championships.
18.1.1.7 Other violations : At the Championships Director's discretion.
18.1.2 Penalties shall be listed on the score sheet of the day on which the penalty was given.
18.1.3 A competitor who has been disqualified shall surrender his Sporting Licence according to the Sporting Code, General Section 5.3.
18.2 Complaints
18.2.1 The purpose of a complaint is to obtain a correction without the need to make a formal protest.
18.2.2 Prior to the Championships a complaint may be made by an NAC. Such a complaint may concern only failure of the organising NAC to comply with the regulations for entry or the eligibility or refusal of an entry. A copy of such a complaint shall be sent immediately to the Secretary General of the FAI, who shall keep the President of the IGC informed.
18.2.3 At any time during the Championships a complaint may be made, normally through the Team Captain, to the Championships Director or his designated official. Such complaint shall be dealt with expeditiously.
18.3 Protests
18.3.1 A protest against a decision on a complaint as described above in 18.2.2 must have been made prior to the start of the Opening Ceremony of the Championships.
18.3.2 When dissatisfied with a penalty or the decision on a complaint made during the Championships a competitor has the right of protest.
18.3.2.1 Such a protest shall be made in writing, in English, and be handed by the Team Captain to the Championships Director or his designated official together with the protest fee within 12 hours (6 hours on the last day) of the publication of the ruling or decision against which the protest is made.
18.3.2.2 If a competitor has no separate Team Captain, he may lodge the protest himself.
18.3.2.3 The protest fee is 500 FF. The protest fee shall be returned if the protest is upheld, or is withdrawn prior to the hearing by the Jury.
18.3.2 Protests may not be filed against the Championships' Rules.
18.4 Treatment of Protests
18.4.1 The Championships Director shall deliver a protest to the Jury President without delay.
18.4.2 The President of the Jury shall call a meeting of the International Jury within 24 hours (as soon as possible on the last day).
18.4.3 The Jury shall hear both sides on the matter of any protest, applying correctly the relevant FAI Regulations and the Rules of the Championships.
18.4.4 The Championships Director is bound by the decision of the International Jury.
18.5 Appeals
An NAC may appeal to FAI against a decision of the Jury in accordance with the provision of the FAI Sporting Code, General Section, Chapter 9.
19 Results and Prizegiving |
19.1 Results
19.1.1 Definition of status of results :
- Performance : The competitors' results expressed in distance, speed, or time ;
- Preliminary results : Performances converted to points, before any verification ;
- Unofficial results : Preliminary results after verification of flight evidence and indicating penalties ;
- Final results : Unofficial results after expiry of the protest time and all protests have been dealt with.
19.1.2 All results shall be published with minimum delay, clearly indicating the status of the results and the time of publication.
19.1.3 The cumulative scores of the Championships shall be final only after the Jury has ceased its functions. They shall be published before the Prizegiving is held.
19.2 Prizegiving
19.2.1 At the Closing Ceremony the flags of the countries of the competitors placed first (the Champions), second and third in each class should be flown and the national anthems of the countries of the Champions should be played.
Local Rules 19.2.1 The prizegiving ceremony will be held on Sunday 13 July at 11.00 H in the briefing hangar
19.2.1.1 The Local Regulations shall state what flags, discs or tapes should be brought by the competitors
Local Rules 19.2.1.1 An audio-cassette tape of their country's National Anthem is to be provided by each national team and at least one, plus as many additional National flags as they think they may win medals. Each team is responsible for providing all their national flags needed during the competition.
19.2.2 The FAI will award a Gold, Silver and Bronze medal in each Championship class to the competitors placed respectively first, second and third.
19.2.2.1 Up to 10 Diplomas will be awarded to the first third of the competitors in each class.
19.2.2.2 Awarded Challenge Cups shall be held by the winner until they are put back into competition for the following Championships.
19.2.2.3 The Organisers shall award prizes to at least the top 25% of competitors in each class, and give commemorative medals or badges to all competitors, their assistants and officials.
19.2.2.4 Small prizes may be given to the daily winners.
19.2.3 There shall be only one Champion in each class. If two or more pilots have the same number of points after the final competition day, the sequence between these pilots shall be decided by the daily results. The Champion shall be the pilot who has the most daily wins. If a tie still exists, the Champion shall be the pilot with the most second placings, and so on.
19.2.4 The FAI will award an FAI Diploma to each of the competitors representing the World Soaring Cup Teams placed respectively first, second and third.
20 Competition Flying Procedures |
20.1 The Launch Grid
20.1.1 The classes shall be launched in separate groups.
20.1.2 The grid order shall be drawn by lot before the first flying day and shall advance progressively by 2/7 of the number of sailplanes in each class after each Championship Day.
20.1.3 The grid order and the sequence of the classes shall be published in the early morning. Sailplanes must be on the grid at the time specified by the Organisers.
Local Rules 20.1.3 The gridding will normally commence at 8.30 H. The latest time permitted for gridding will normally be 11.00 H. The grid positions will be given by row and each daily rotation will be achieved by rotating the rows rather than rotating the positions of the individual sailplanes.
No vehicles may be used within the flight operations area except for bringing the sailplanes to the grid or from a landing place to the parking area. Vehicles are to be clear of the tow plane manoeuvring area prior to the commencement of the first launch.
20.1.3.1 Only sailplanes on the grid at the time of the start of the launch shall affect start opening and/or closing times.
20.1.4 Procedures for checking the take-off weight will be specified in the Local Regulations.
Local Rules 20.1.4 During the practice period, scales and officials will be available at the weighing point every day from 8.30 to 10.30 H. The organisation will not take responsibility for the results of weighing. All competitors will be weighed separately.
During the competition, the organisation will pick out a number of gliders for weight checking every day as they pass the weighing point on their way to the grid. The competitor does not have to be available during weight checks. Weight may also be checked on the grid. The competitor will be informed of the actual weight reading.
If the check shows that the sailplane is overweight, penalty points will be given according to the rules.
No adding of ballast is allowed on the grid.
Increasing ballast after a relanding must be performed at the parking area and a new weight check may be required. The competitor must be prepared for the time delay this check may cause.
The jettisoning of water ballast is allowed on the grid only with the permission of the competition management or a steward.
20.2 Launching and Aero Tow Procedures
Local Rules 20.2 The planned time for the first launch will be announced at briefing. The actual launch time will be confirmed on 129.90 MHz no later than 10 minutes before launching commences.
20.2.1 If a sailplane or pilot is not ready to be launched due to a fault by the Organisers, the launch in that class shall not be started.
20.2.2 Each sailplane shall be permitted a maximum of three launches per day. However, if a pilot postpones his first launch on his own initiative, or he is not ready when his turn comes up, he shall lose that launch.
20.2.3 Towing patterns, release areas, and release height shall be given at briefing.
20.2.4 Pilots shall not release until after the tow pilot has rocked the wings of the tow plane. Pull-ups before releasing are prohibited.
20.2.5 A competitor requiring a second or third launch shall be launched after the completion of the class launch in progress at the time the competitor is ready for such a launch. The Organisers shall designate a re-landing area which shall be shown at briefing.
Local Rules 20.2.5 Sailplanes landing back during the launch period are to land on the East side of the Airfield. Competitors landing back must call downwind on 129.90 MHz to alert the tow pilots and the ground controllers to their presence.
20.2.6 If the Organisers delay the start of launching, other relevant times shall be delayed accordingly.
20.2.7 A competitor landing outside the Saint-Auban airfield after a regular launch shall not have any further competition launch on that day.
20.2.8 A failed take-off or a failure of the tow plane resulting in jettisoning or premature release of a sailplane shall count as an official launch if the pilot elects to stay airborne. It shall not count as an official launch if the pilot lands immediately, even if outside the airfield, and reports to the launch point without delay.
20.2.9 The launching period shall be announced at briefing and given on the task sheet. The end of the launching period shall be before finishers are expected.
20.3 Start
20.3.1 The sailplane shall begin the task by passing through a departure point designated by the Organisers.
20.3.2 The departure point shall be clearly identifiable on the ground.
20.3.3 Starts shall be controlled primarily with a sealed GNSS flight recorder unit carried on board of each sailplane. A time recording camera or second GNSS unit may be used as back-up.
20.3.4 A least one valid start shall be made. The start time used for scoring shall be the time of the last valid start.
20.3.5 The start shall normally be opened 20 minutes after the take-off of the last sailplane in the class which was in its specified grid position on time.
20.3.6 Opening of the start shall be announced by radio.
Local Rules 20.3.6 Opening of the start shall be announced by radio on 123.65 MHz. A pre-announcement will be made five minutes before the opening of the start, e.g.: 'Start for the 15m Class will open at ... hour ... minutes'. The opening announcement will be of the form: 'Start for the 15m Class is now open'.
20.3.7 The closing of the start shall be announced at briefing and given on the task sheet.
20.3.8 A new start invalidates all previous performances of the day. Thus competitors shall avoid flying through the observation zone for their departure point during their task while the start is open. If they do fly through the observation zone they will be assumed to have restarted.
20.3.9 A height limitation for the start may be imposed.
20.3.10 Incorrect starts may be penalised.
20.3.11 If there is no proof that the competitor started between the opening and the closing time of the start in his class, he shall be scored zero points
20.3.12 Pilots shall communicate their start times to the Organisers within 30 minutes in writing via their Team Captain or his designated representative. These times shall be used for display of performance and for preliminary results. Penalties may be given for non compliance or incorrect notification.
Local Rules 20.3.12 The start times communicated to the Organisers shall not differ by more than two minutes from the correct start time.
20.3.13 Organisers shall publish the start times as quickly as possible.
20.4 Turn points
20.4.1 The sailplane shall pass through the turn points designated by the Organisers in the correct sequence.
20.4.2 Turn points are clearly identifiable points on the ground.
20.4.3 The Organisers shall prepare and distribute on arrival of the competitors a catalogue of departure, turn and position control points. Each point shall be shown on at least one photograph and a large scale map section. In addition, the geographical co-ordinates, altitude ASL, direction and distance from the contest site, and a short description shall be given.
20.4.4 Correct rounding of turn points shall be controlled primarily by a sealed GNSS unit carried on board of each sailplane. A time recording camera or a second GNSS unit may be used as backup.
20.4.5 Incorrect turn point rounding may be penalised.
20.5 Finish Line
20.5.1 To complete a task, the sailplane shall cross the Finish Line unassisted, in the direction specified at briefing.
20.5.2 The Finish Line shall be clearly identifiable on the ground, may not exceed 1,000 m in length, and shall be placed so that sailplanes can safely land beyond it.
Local Rules 20.5.2 The finish procedures will be described in the information kit delivered to each team on arrival at Saint Auban.
The finish procedure to be used will be defined at the briefing.
For safety reasons, mandatory position control points may be imposed at the briefing.
The GNSS procedures for these control points are similar to the procedures used for normal turn points.
20.5.3 Competitors shall announce their arrival on the Finish Line frequency by giving their contest number and the minutes to go. The acceptance reply will be the contest number. The Local Regulations shall state the procedure in detail.
Local Rules 20.5.3 Competitors shall announce their arrival on the finish line frequency of 123.65 MHz when about 10 kilometers from the line on final glide. The acceptance reply will be the contest number. Pilots shall provide the following information :
- Contest number;
- Minutes to go, and
- Intentions after crossing the line (i.e. landing straight in or speed finish).
20.5.4 The Finish Line Officials shall repeatedly announce strength and direction of the wind, together with other significant meteorological data at the contest site.
20.5.5 The Finish Line shall be crossed at a maximum height of 300m and a minimum height of 15m or as a direct landing. Correct crossing of the Finish Line shall be controlled visually by the Finish Line Officials.
20.5.6 The finish time shall be primarily measured on the flight record of the GNSS unit carried on board. The flight record of a second GNSS unit may be used as backup. If a second GNSS flight record is not available, conventional timing on the Finish Line may be used as backup. Conventional timing shall also be used for calculating performance and preliminary results.
Local Rules 20.5.6 The finish time shall also be measured by conventional timing if paragraph 21.6.2 of these local rules applies
20.5.7 The Finish Line shall be closed :
- at sunset ; or - when all competitors are accounted for ; or - when there is no possibility of gaining speed points ; or - at a set time announced at briefing.
20.6 Landing
20.6.1 The Local Regulations shall define the landing procedures.
Local Rules 20.6.1 Landing procedures shall be described in the information kit delivered to each team on arrival at Saint Auban and detailed at briefing. Sailplanes are to be removed from the airfield as soon as practicable after landing.
20.6.2 Hazardous manoeuvres when approaching and after crossing the Finish Line shall be penalised. Having crossed the Finish Line the sailplanes shall land without delay.
20.7 Outlandings
20.7.1 When landing out, the competitors shall comply with the instructions given in the Local Regulations. The competitors shall inform the contest site without delay. Non-compliance shall be penalised.
Local Rules 20.7.1 After an outlanding, competitors shall complete the outlanding report with the following information:
They shall provide this information to their Team Captain by telephone. To facilitate such reports the Organisers will supply a mobile phone to each Team Captain.
The Team Captain shall in turn complete an identical paper and deliver it immediately to the competition office. If a pilot cannot contact the Team Captain, he/she can always call directly to the competition office.
The Team shall advise the Organisers of the outlanding details before leaving Saint Auban airfield for the retrieve and telephone as soon as possible to the Organisers that the retrieve crew have found their pilots to allow them to know who is not yet accounted for.
20.7.2 The position of the outlanded sailplane shall be primarily determined from the flight record of the sealed GNSS unit carried on board. A second GNSS unit or a time recording camera along with the outlanding certificate may be used as backup.
Local Rules 20.7.2 If the GNSS procedure cannot be used, the position of the outlanded sailplane shall be determined from the outlanding certificate and from the photograph of prominent features of the landing place
20.7.3 Outlanding certificates must be signed by two independent witnesses.
20.7.4 The Organisers shall assist competitors and crews in every possible way to locate outlanded sailplanes.
20.8 Retrieves
20.8.1 The Local Regulations shall state if aero tow retrieves are permitted and in what way they will be handled..
Local Rules 20.8.1 Aerotow retrieves are permitted. It is compulsory to inform the competition office before taking-off for the aerotow.
20.9 Flight Documentation
20.9.1 All flight documentation such as GNSS records, films, barograms, list of overflown turn points, and outlanding certificates shall be handed in as soon as possible.
Local Rules 20.9.1 When landing at Saint Auban, all flight documentation such as GNSS records, films, barograms, list of overflown turn points and outlanding certificate shall be delivered to the Organisers within 45 minutes from time of landing. This delivery is compulsory even if the competitor did not make a valid start. Penalties may be given for late delivery.
21 GNSS Procedures |
21.1 Each sailplane shall be equipped with at least one IGC approved GNSS unit installed in a safe location in the aircraft. Competitors shall be responsible for the proper operation of their unit.
Local Rules 21.1 The flight record obtained with the primary GNSS recorder shall be the only documentation used for scoring as long as this unit works.
The GNSS record from the backup logger or photographic records of the flight shall only be analysed if the GNSS flight record from the primary GNSS logger is incomplete. For example, if a complete GNSS trace from the primary unit shows that a pilot was off sector, the data from the backup logger will not be verified and the film from the back up camera will not be developed.
GNSS flight recorder failures which cannot be detected by the pilot during the flight may happen. Therefore each pilot is responsible for providing backup documentation (flight record from a second approved logger or photographs ) if the primary GNSS flight record cannot be analysed.
When the primary logger is downloaded, the backup documentation will be requested if the record from the primary GNSS unit is interrupted for more than 70 s. In that case the pilot will have to bring his backup documentation to the Competition Office within 30 minutes after the request. Penalties may be given for late delivery.
The logger must be switched on before take off.
21.2 Description of Equipment
21.2.1 The GNSS unit must comply with the IGC requirements.
Local Rules 21.2.1 Only the following models of GNSS units shall be used :
No other makes or models shall be used to provide flight verification.
Any change of GNSS flight recorder unit (make, model or serial number) must be declared to the scoring office before the take off. Non compliance may be penalised.
21.2.2 The resident program in the GNSS shall be protected to prevent tampering. Any attempt to interfere with the equipment or data will be recorded electronically. Penalties may be imposed by the Organisers for interference with the GNSS equipment, data or program
21.2.3 The Local Regulations shall state any particular requirements for certain types of GNSS units.
Local Rules 21.2.3 The time interval between two fixes shall not be greater than 10s.
21.3 GNSS Start
21.3.1 The observation zone for a GNSS start shall be a sector of 3 km radius and 180° aperture angle centered on the departure point, oriented symmetrically to and remote from the outbound leg from the departure point. The configuration of the observation zone is illustrated in Appendix 1 of the Local Regulations.
21.3.2 A GNSS start is valid if the GNSS record shows that at least one valid fix is in the observation zone or if a straight line joining two consecutive valid fixes passes through the observation zone.
21.4 GNSS Turn points
21.4.1 The GNSS will record the passage of the sailplane through any turn point. It shall be the responsibility of the pilot to ensure that the sailplane is navigated to the turn points designated for the task of the day.
21.4.2 The observation zone for a GNSS turn point shall be the IGC quadrant of 3 km radius with the turn point at its apex, combined with a cylinder ("beer can") of 0.5km radius, centred on the turn point. The 90° quadrant shall be oriented symmetrically to and remote from the two legs meeting at the turn point. The configuration of the observation zone is illustrated in Appendix 1 of the Local Regulations.
21.4.3 A GNSS turn point is valid if the GNSS record shows that at least one valid fix is in the observation zone or if a straight line joining two consecutive valid fixes passes through the observation zone.
21.5 GNSS Method
21.5.1 The pilot must correctly pass through the GNSS start, pass through the designated GNSS turn point(s) and control points in the correct order and the Finish Line to complete a given task.
21.5.2 If the pilot has any reason to doubt the functioning of GNSS the photo procedure should be used to confirm the correct rounding of the designated start and/or turn point(s).
21.5.3 GNSS flight records not fulfilling the requirements of the prescribed start, turn point and/or control points rounding will be penalised or disqualified according to the guidelines given in the Local Regulations.
21.5.4 If examination of the GNSS flight record reveals that the sailplane has entered restricted or closed airspace, as detailed in the Local Regulations or at briefing, the pilot will be penalised.
Local Rules 21.5.4 Airspace restrictions will be defined in the information kit delivered to each team on arrival at Saint Auban.
21.6 Timing
21.6.1 The start time used for scoring shall be measured by interpolation between the time of the last record entry in the GNSS data log before leaving the observation zone for GNNS start and the time of the first record entry after leaving the observation zone. The start time will be rounded to the second.
Local Rules 21.6.1 If there is no valid fix in the observation zone, but if a straight line joining two consecutive fixes passes through the observation zone, the start time shall be obtained by interpolation between the times corresponding to these two fixes.
21.6.2 The finish time used for scoring shall be measured by interpolation between the time of the last record entry in the GNSS data log before crossing the GNSS finish line and the time of the first recorded entry after crossing the finish line. The finish time will be rounded to the second.
Local Rules 21.6.2 To take into account GNSS inaccuracies, the GNSS Finish Line used for finish time measurements shall be the 1km long Finish Line defined on ground, extended on both sides by 500m.
Conventional Finish Line time measurements will be used as backup if, due to the GNSS inaccuracies or failures, a sailplane appears not to have crossed the finish line on the flight record, whereas visual controls by the Finish Line Officials clearly demonstrate that it actually crossed it.
21.7 Outlanding
21.7.1 The position of the sailplane after outlanding shall be determined from the last valid fix when the glider comes to rest.
Local Rules 21.7.1 If outlanding occurs after sunset or closure of the finish line, the sailplane will be considered as outlanded at the position corresponding to the last valid turnpoint before sunset or closure of the finish line (or, if requested by the pilot, at the position corresponding to the last valid photo- or GNSS outlanding)
22 Photographic Procedures |
Local Rules 22. A complete record of the flight may be constructed by combining the GNSS and photographic records, provided each record fulfils all the necessary requirements regarding the procedures relevant for the respective records. No photographs of the departure point or turnpoints are necessary if the GNSS documentation shows that the start is valid and the turnpoints have been rounded in the right order, but the sequence of photographs detailed in 22.2.1, 22.2.2, 22.2.5 and 22.2.6 must be completed to validate the photographic procedure.
Competitors who choose to make a photographic record of the flight are not required to hand in the film after each competition day.
22.1 Each sailplane may be equipped with one backup camera, fixed in a mounting inside the canopy, so that each photograph shows the left wing tip. The camera should be a 35 mm time camera complying with the IGC requirements.
Local Rules 22.1 Photographic records shall only be analysed if the data from the primary GNSS flight recorder cannot be used for flight verification.
22.1.1 The focal length of the lens must not exceed 50mm.
22.1.2 Films will be supplied by the Organisers who may not be held responsible for defective films.
22.1.3 The clock setting buttons of the camera shall be sealed by an official before the camera is loaded with film. The same sealing may be used throughout the competition.
22.2 Sequence of Photographs
22.2.1 Two Photographs of the official clock. The time must be started before or simultaneously with the first photograph and not be stopped until the last photograph of the sequence has been taken. Detailed procedure is stated in the Local Regulations.
Local Rules 22.2.1 The camera clock shall be set so that the minute changes at the same time as the minute changes on the official clock. Two photographs must be taken, one not more than 10 seconds before the change of the minute, the one not more than 10 seconds after the change of the minute and the camera time must change between these two photographs.
The time will be checked occasionally by the Organisers.
22.2.2 Photograph of the declaration board taken before take-off.
22.2.3 One valid photograph of the departure point, from which the start time is determined.
22.2.4 Photograph(s) of the turn point(s) used in the correct sequence.
22.2.5 After completion of the task and crossing the Finish Line,
a) photograph of the landed sailplane, showing the contest number, and
b) one photograph of the official clock.
22.2.6 After landing out, photograph of the sailplane showing the contest number on the fin or rudder and prominent features of the landing place.
Local Rules 22.2.6 The photograph of the outlanded sailplane shall be taken as soon as possible after landing. If the GNSS unit does not work and if this photograph is taken after sunset or closure of the finish line, the sailplane will be considered as outlanded at the last valid turnpoint (or, if requested by the pilot, at the position corresponding to the last valid photo- or GNSS outlanding).
22.3 Photo Method.
The photo method stated in the FAI Sporting Code, Section 3, should be used except for the start.
Local Rules 22.3 The departure point shall be photographed from within the observation zone (180° sector with 3km radius) defined in 21.3.1.
The photographs of the turn points shall be taken from within the observation zone defined in 21.4.2 without the 500m radius " beer can " ( i.e. from the 90° FAI sector exclusively).
22.3.1 Photos shall be taken from a horizontal distance of not more than 3 km from the turn point.
22.3.2 Photos not fulfilling the requirements of the prescribed photo method shall be penalised or disqualified according to the guidelines given in the Local Regulations.
23 Scoring Systems |
23.1 General Requirements
Scoring systems used in World Championships should previously have been tested in National Championships and fulfil the following requirements :
- be fair, - be reasonably simple, - be easy to understand for pilots, media and the public, - enable the Organisers to publish results quickly, and - encourage competitors to their best individual performance.
23.2 Common Rules
23.2.1 Each competitor shall be given points based on his performance.
23.2.2 The score given to each competitor shall be expressed to the nearest whole number, the value of 0.5 being rounded up.
23.2.3 Any penalty points shall be deducted after the score for the day has been calculated and shall not change the day factor.
23.2.4 Flights which have been disqualified shall be given zero points for the day, but shall be included in the scoring formula.
23.2.5 No bonus is given for landing on airfields except for distance tasks.
23.3 Assessment of Marking Distance
23.3.1 The marking distance is the sum of the legs correctly completed in the proper order and the distance achieved on the next leg attempted but not completed, if any.
23.3.1.1 The achieved distance of the uncompleted leg is the length of that leg less the distance between the Landing Place and the next Turn Point, or Goal in the case of the last leg, with the provision that if the achieved distance of the uncompleted leg is less than zero, it shall be taken as zero.
23.3.2 A competitor properly controlled at a turn point cannot be marked on a distance less that the distance to that turn point, provided that the previous turn points have been reached in the correct order.
23.3.3 To reduce risks in outlandings the Organisers will allow GNSS- and photo outlandings. Detailed procedure are stated in Local Regulations.
Local Rules 23.3.3 GNSS outlanding is permitted. A competitor may pass through any officially listed GNSS turn point and be scored as if that were the landing point, should the distance to that turn point yield a greater achieved distance than the actual landing point. The observation zone for the turn point is a cylinder of 0.5 km radius (" beer can"). A competitor may continue the task or land elsewhere after passing any such point.
A GNSS outlanding must be claimed on the outlanding certificate when handing in the flight documentation at the end of the flight. Only one GNSS outlanding can be claimed on any one task, and the GNSS record must show this fix to be in the correct sequence.
A photo outlanding is also permitted. A competitor may photograph any officially listed turn point from within an observation zone which shall be defined as in 21.4.2, except that the 90° quadrant shall be oriented to the opposite of the inbound leg, and be scored as if that were the landing point, should the distance to that point yield a greater achieved distance than the actual landing point. A competitor may continue the task or land elsewhere after passing any such point.
A photo outlanding must be claimed on the outlanding certificate when handing in the flight documentation at the end of the flight. Only one photo outlanding can be claimed on any one task, and the photographic record must show this turn point to be in the correct sequence.
23.4 Championship Day.
A Championship day is defined as one on which more than 25% of the competitors in the class who have had a competition launch on that day, fly a marking distance of at least 100 km (see also 3.2.2).
24 Calculation Of Scores |
24.1 Maximum Points Available
The Maximum Points available, Pm, is the least of the following three values (subject to correction by the Day Factor, F).
The least of either : Pm = 1000 ; or, Pm = (5 x D) - 250 ; or, Pm = (400 x D/V ) - 200
where : D = the maximum marking distance for the day in km, and V = the best speed of the day in km per hour.
24.2 Speed Tasks
Pu (uncorrected points) = Pd + Pv
where : Pd (distance points) = Rd x (1 - 2/3 x Rn ) x Pm
Rd = Marking Distance/Length of the task
Rn = number of competitors exceeding 2/3 of best speed/number of competitors with a competition launch on that day
Pv (speed points) = 2 x ( Rv - 2/3 ) x Rn x Pm
Rv = Competitor's Speed/Best speed of the day
When Pv is negative it shall be ignored ; it shall also be ignored for non-finishers.
24.3 Distance Tasks, or Speed Tasks Without Finishers
Pu (uncorrected points) = Pm x Rd
where : Rd = Marking distance/Maximum marking distance flown
24.4 Day Factor
The Uncorrected Points Pu, are multiplied by a Day Factor, F, to give the Corrected Points, Pc.
The Corrected Points, Pc, determine the score for the day.
Pc (Corrected Points) = F x Pu,
and F = 1.25 x N1/N2
where : N1 = the number of competitors who achieve a marking distance of at least 100 km ;
and N2 = the number of competitors having had a competition launch.When F exceeds 1 it shall be taken as 1.
25 World Soaring Cup Rules |
25.1 Competitors
25.1.1 Every competitor entered in the FAI World Gliding Championships is a competitor in the World Soaring Cup, except that competitors entered in a class that does not have at least ten participants from at least five NACs, on the first Championship day, shall not be eligible.
25.2 Scoring
25.2.1 The maximum available points PM is to be 1000. The day factor F is to be 1.
25.2.2 Team points for each championship day (Pt) will be determined by dividing the total numbers of points gained by the Team (S Pn) by the number of team pilots having had a competition launch on the day (N1) (according to 3.2.2 and 23.4 of present Rules) :
Pt = S Pn / N1
25.2.3 The winning Team is the team with the highest total score, obtained by adding the team points for each competition day.
Local Rules : Doping controls |
The Organisers will perform doping controls in accordance with FAI Rules.
Appendix 1 |
Penalty sector for start point passed incorrectly : start non valid
(drawing not in this HTML version)
(Note : The start is valid provided the altitude is lower than the altitude limit , if any )
Penalty sector for turnpoint passed incorrectly :
between 45° and 90° (within 3 km) : 50 points ; else : turn point non valid
(drawing not in this HTML version)
(Note : For photographic procedures only the 90° FAI sector is valid)
Appendix 2 : Distance tasks |
Distance tasks will take place in a limited task area within a preset time period.
The boundary of the task area will be defined by the external line connecting a certain number of turn points defined at the briefing.
A pilot may choose to turn these points or any turn point inside the task area in any order. The observation zone of the turn points shall be as defined in 21.4.2, except that the 90° quadrant shall be oriented to the opposite of the inbound leg.
There is no limit to the number of turn points visited. However a pilot may use any turn point only once, except on the last leg where it is possible to land at any airport even if this airport has already been used or to make a GNSS or Photo-outlanding on any officially listed turn point, even if this turn point has already been used as a turn point.
The pilot shall declare at the end of the flight the turn points he has chosen and rounded and in what sequence they were overflown. If he has rounded the same turn point two or more times, he will have to declare only one of these visits.
Start and finish procedures shall be standard, except that the observation zone will be a cylinder of 3 km radius centred on the departure point.
The duration of the task, defined as the time interval between the start time and the finish or outlanding time, should be at least equal to a nominal time specified at the briefing. This nominal time shall be at least one hour shorter than the time interval between the scheduled start opening time and the finish line closure time .
The distance flown to be used for scoring will be the sum of the legs correctly completed (and the distance achieved on the last leg attempted but not completed, if any) between the start time and the closure of the finish line.
If a turnpoint is not correctly rounded the corresponding leg shall be measured from the preceeding valid turn point to the next valid turn point.
If the last leg is uncompleted and if landing occurs before closure of the finish line, the achieved distance will be the distance between the last valid turn point and the landing place provided the sailplane landed inside the task area. If this is not the case the achieved distance will be the distance between the last valid turn point to the point where the leg crosses the boundary of the task area.
A competitor who has not crossed the finish line before its closure will be considered as outlanded. If outlanding occurs after closure of finish line, the sailplane will be considered as outlanded at the position corresponding to the last valid turn point before closure of the finish line (or, if requested by the pilot, at the position corresponding to the last valid GNSS- or photo outlanding ). The task duration will also be considered as ending at this turnpoint.
If the task duration of a competitor is equal to or shorter than the nominal time allowed for the task, the marking distance shall be equal to the distance actually flown, as determined above.
If the task duration is greater than the nominal time, the marking distance shall be equal to distance flown x ( nominal time / task duration).
If the sailplane crosses the Finish Line correctly, a bonus of 50 km will be added to the marking distance.
If the sailplane lands on an airfield other than Saint-Auban before closure of the finish line, a bonus of 25 km will be added to the marking distance.
Landing more than 30 minutes after sunset shall be penalised.
Appendix 3 : List of standard penalties |
( points)
Offence : First Offence/ Subsequent offences /Max Penalty
( N= number of offences including the first one)
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