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Event Schedule
First Competition of 2010
Jan 10, 2010 There was no
competition in 2009 but will be at least one in 2010. It's happening at
the
Paratoys Salton Sea event and will be an abbreviated event with one
primary run at only three tasks. They'll be the most discriminating
tasks, however, starting with launch, flying the cloverleaf then doing a
spot landing.
This will be an extremely quick competition, run in mid-day since
on-shore flow makes the air flyable all day. Pilots must be signed up to
compete prior to noon on Friday and ready to launch by 2pm on Friday.
There'll be another run on Saturday in case of bad weather or the desire
to fly on both days. If flying is done on both days then the pilot's
best score will be taken.
All pilots must be ready to launch by the start time (penalties will
apply if not ready). We will start by launching the first three pilots
one right after the other. Pilot 1 goes into the cloverleaf then climbs
up his spot landing. Once he gets to altitude (minimum of about 300
feet) and sees the landing marker, he shuts off the motor to do a spot
landing.
The spot landing goal is to land on the spot and stop. Most points
will be awarded based on getting near the target but some points will
also be awarded for stopping quickly (having minimum energy on
touchdown.)
Eric Dufour, possibly Jeff Goin and a few others will will do a demo
just before the competition starts but will not be scored. This is for
U.S. Citizens or residents and will count towards your national ranking. If there is
no other competition in 2010, it will establish your ranking for the
year.
You can register by paying using the link below. The $20 will be used
for prize money to be given to the top 3 winning pilots in a 50/30/20%
to positions 1, 2, & 3. A minimum of 5 competitors is required. The
money will be refunded in the event not enough competitors register or
if the competition is unable to run due to weather. There is no other
refund available. Thanks and good luck!
So come on out and try your stuff! Even if you've never competed,
here is a great opportunity.
Here is a rough idea of the layout
which will inevitably change due to wind and terrain conditions at the
time. But it does give a good idea just how big the course is relative
to the field. Many pilots will go out a long ways away from the sticks
which is why this course takes so much room and must be as far as
possible from people, cars and gear.
U.S. Team Invited to the 2009 World Air Games
Jan 17, 2009 For the first time
ever, we are sending a U.S. Team to compete internationally, in the
World Air Games. Five U.S. pilots qualified among a field the world's
top entries will be representing the U.S. in this international event
June 6 through 13, 2009 in Turin, Italy.
Pilots are: Chad Bastian,
Jeff Goin,
Stan Kasica, Dave Fore and
Greg Hagg.
Many thanks go to Roy Beisswinger who was the driving force behind
insuring that we had a go at flying on a level playing field, so to
speak, in 2008. It was the Greenville qualifier that gave U.S. pilots a
chance to compete.
Traveling and shipping are expensive and the USPPA is hoping to help
out with expenses. If you would be willing to help, donations would be
greatly appreciated. One pilot will not be using any of the donated
funds since his employment allows inexpensive travel but the others must
buy very expensive tickets. Any help would be greatly appreciated. If
you are able and willing, your tax-deductible donations can be sent to:
USPPA
Team Competition Fund
931 West 75th Street
Suite 137-150, Naperville, IL 60565
Or you can donate through Paypal below. Use quantity to indicate how
many $10 increments and thank you!
Scoring
Overall
Pilots fly at events and score points. At each event,
the winner gets 1000 points and others get a percentage of 1000 based on
how they did relative to the winner. Events that have at least 15 pilots
count for maximum points while those having fewer pilots count less. The
pilots national standing is determined from the sum of his highest two
event scores for the calendar year.
Pilots must be members of USPPA or USUA at the time of their
competition to be tracked in the national standings.
Why
Compete?
Primarily this is a way to
add another layer of enjoyment for those who aspire to such things. Many
enjoy improving their skills and then comparing their efforts with
fellow pilots all over the country. Secondly, it makes for a more
enjoyable spectator activity as pilots stretch themselves and do
precision tasks that sometimes surprise the un-initiated (and the
initiated as well).
Pilots should also be
keenly aware of an increase in risk during competition. Whenever the
primary focus leaves the simple act of flying safely, there is added
risk. Additionally, pilots are doing more demanding maneuvers, closer to
the ground, and with the additional personal pressure of wanting to do
well. This is why a minimum experience is required (see the Rules
section).
