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Southern California AT-6

SCAT-6

Rules and Race Procedures

| Race Dates for 2003 | Location | Modification Notes | Signup |

The Chino Valley AT-6 Race is the foundation for these rules that govern this event of Sport R/C Pylon racing.

The intention of this policy is to create rules and procedures that will promote fair and fun competition in the safest manner possible. The basic concept of this event is to create an environment that is friendly to all skill levels of R/C pilots. Maximum effort will be made to keep the hardware/equipment as equal as possible as opposed to making them FASTER. The goal is to bring a new level of involvement to the “Beginner Ranks” of the R/C aircraft pilot. If you can share in our commitment to this policy we welcome you.

Thanks to,

Gary Matlack (Founder)

Steve Parola (Founder)

Concept and Intent

To bring to the Radio Control Community a racing event similar to the Full Scale Reno Style AT-6 and T-28 Class of racing. This class of racing is designed to bring the privately owned, sport pilots and aircraft into the sport of pylon racing by closely regulating the aircraft to minimize or eliminate the technical differences leaving the skill of the pilot as the determining factor. With Safety as a priority, close head to head competition will result in an atmosphere of fun and friendship.

The following rules and procedures are intended to EQUALIZE the playing field and leave only pilot skills and luck of the draw as the only differences. Realizing that it would require volumes to govern every aspect of every aircraft, these rules are written with the simple notion:

“If it makes your aircraft different from the others, it is NOT PERMISSABLE!”

Realizing that craftsmen have slightly differing techniques and results, the Great Planes AT-6 ARF was chosen to minimize resulting differences in construction techniques and results. Therefore, it is critical that the design and plans be carefully adhered to in order to prevent enhancing the speed of one entry over the other.

Recognizing that safety and reliability are necessary to the successful conduct of any event, certain modifications have been allowed that enhance safety and/or functionality of the aircraft system WITHOUT increasing the speed of the selected design.

BASIC RULES

Eligibility

All pilots must be current AMA members.
All Aircraft must pass a technical and safety inspection, as set forth in the rules and specification.
Pilots must be able to demonstrate safe predictable flying skills
Aircraft must have been test flown prior to competition.

MANDATORY EQUIPMENT

1. Great Planes #GPMA1245 Monokote Covered ARF AT-6 Texan

2. OS .46FX Engine #OSMG0646

3. Hobbico Mechanical Retracts #HCAP4010

4. Slimline Sport Scale Muffler #3218 Compact Pitts Muffler (see changes)

5. Radio and Equipment to fly said aircraft

BASIC RULES

AMA Safety Guidelines that include the AMA Aircraft Inspection Procedures will be followed as well as proof of current AMA membership is required.
Aircraft must be built to the manufacturer's specifications that come with the kit. EXCEPT AS LISTED IN THE MODIFICATION NOTES, ABSOLUTELY NO OTHER ENHANCEMENTS OR MODIFICATIONS TO THE AIRPLANE OR THE MOTOR ARE ACCEPTABLE.
Race Rules consists of the following:
A. Two pylon course
B. Ten lap race
C. Flying Start
D. Maximum of 5 Airplane Heat
Props and Fuel will be provided by the race and are:

A. Zinger Wood 11 x 7 Prop
B. Performance Plus 2 stroke 15% fuel (Note: Minimum size of fuel tank is 10 oz

Winners of each Trophy race will be tested for maximum RPM and minimum aircraft weight which are:
A. Maximum RPM = 17,000
B. Minimum aircraft weight = 6 lbs., 6oz - DRY
Winners of each Trophy Race will surrender their motor to Race Officials immediately after the race to be tested and later raffled off. Those winners will receive a new-in-the-box motor to replace the one that was surrendered. If the aircraft should crash after being declared the winner, a new motor replacement will not be provided. The motor must be in good working order.
Prizes/awards are at the discretion of Race and/or Club Organizers. This event will be of the "Fun Fly" flavor as opposed to the "Race Competition". That is why you must keep the spirit of this race in mind when assembling your aircraft and follow the rules that have been established for EVERYONE.
Race numbers and frequencies are on a first come basis. There will be no duplications of frequencies until more than 40 aircraft are entered at that time frequency control will be addressed. Go to http://hobbyclubusa.com/signup.htm to see the Sign-up List and instructions for reserving your Frequency and Race number.

AIRCRAFT SPECIFICATIONS

Push Rods, Linkages, Servos, and Control Surfaces:

Aircraft will use at least “Standard” (40oz torque) servos for all control surfaces. Any upgrades to pushrods, linkages, control horns, and servos are acceptable. The “ONLY” modification to control surfaces is taping or closing the hinge gap (see accepted modifications) each clevis must have a “keeper” installed for safety.

Radio – Batteries:

Standard transmitter batteries are acceptable. Receiver batteries must have a minimum rated capacity of 700 MAH. It is strongly suggested that larger capacity batteries be used. Keeping in mind there are 6 servos on board – one of which is a retract servo. If you have to ad weight to come up to the minimum, this is the place to add useful weight.

Propellers:

The Race Officials will provide Master Airscrew 11 X 7 nylon props at random to each entry. Absolutely NO Modification to the Propeller is Allowed.

Fuel:

The race Officials will provide “Performance Plus” 15% nitro fuel to each plane before each flight.

Engines:

All Engines will be of the exact same type OS .46FX with rear needle adjustment. “NO EXCEPTIONS”. Manufactures break-in procedures are the only acceptable enhancement allowed.

Exhaust System:

Stock Slimline #3208 Muffler is required. The only modification may be the addition of a 6-32 pressure fitting tapped into the body to permit normal tank pressure. No grinding – porting – enlarging - restriction or bending of the tubes is allowed.

Airframe:

The Great Planes #GPMA1245 kit is to be assembled as per the provided Mfg guidelines. As these airplanes are of the ARF design, there leaves little room for modification in the basic construction. DO NOT enhance any of the basic characteristics of the design i.e.: Dihedral, Leading/Trailing edge, airfoil etc. Keep it as stock out-of-the-box as possible. Center of Gravity may be adjusted to suit the pilot by location of radio and/or the use of a weighted prop nut.

Note: You are encouraged to change the appearance of your aircraft by changing the color only by recovering to suit your desire. In fact, the more unique your aircraft looks, the better. However, you must use Top Flight Super Monokote covering and resist the temptation to sand or reshape any of the parts of the airplane. While uncovered, wooden wingtips of the exact same outline as the stock plastic wingtips may be installed for durability.

Pilots and Crew Requirements:

Pilots must have a caller/observer while racing. Pilots must be current AMA members and it is strongly recommended that crew members/callers/observers be AMA members as well.

Pilots must posses and demonstrate acute awareness of other aircraft on the course and on the ground. They must be willing to yield to dangerous situations in support of safety, even at the expense of their aircraft. “SAFETY IS THE PRIME CONSIDERATION”.

All Pilots and Crew Members must conduct themselves in a manner displaying a high standard of good sportsmanship.

Midair Collisions:

Any aircraft included in a Mid-Air-Collision or hit by debris of any Mid-Air-Collision will be immediately grounded and receive a zero for that race. If the aircraft are repaired, they must be re-inspected before racing again.

Race Numbers:

Race numbers may be any number you like. They are mainly for identification purposes while in flight, but many racers like to have their numbers exclusively, so every effort to not duplicate numbers will be made. A list of everyone’s number will be posted on the Hobby Club USA website @ http://www.hobbyclubusa.com.

Weight:

Every Aircraft must weigh a minimum of 6lb, 6oz dry. Aircraft weight may be verified at any time during an event.

NOTE: All aircraft will fly with a full tank of fuel using the supplied 10oz. fuel tank – (no exceptions)

Race Format:

Maximum 5 planes per heat race.

Each race will be ten (10) laps.

Gold Trophy race will consist of the five (5) high points winners from the heat races.

Silver Race next 5 high points winners.

Bronze Race next 5 high points winners.

| Race Dates for 2003 | Location | Modification Notes | Signup |

Racing Procedures

Introduction:

The following, standard, AMAA racing procedures will be used. The purpose of drafting these racing procedures is to standardize the operation of SCAT-6 and AMAA sanctioned races and allow members, new and old, to review (prior to participation) how a typical race is conducted. Additionally, members will be aware of their responsibilities prior to, during and after a race.

Aircraft Entries:

You may register as many aircraft as you wish.

Each aircraft will be considered a separate entry.

Each aircraft must have one designated pilot. Only the designated pilot is allowed to compete with that entry.

A properly completed Aircraft Safety Inspection form is required for each aircraft at every race.

A backup aircraft and associated backup entry fee are permitted at promoter discretion. Backup aircraft must be registered and must pass all technical inspection requirements.

Prior to a Race:

Prior to a race, the race promoter will make available to race participants a race application form. Race participants must complete a race application form for each aircraft they intend to race and submit the form, with entry fee, to the race promoter.

Aircraft Safety Inspection forms are required for each race that an aircraft enters.

Race participants must obtain an Aircraft Safety Inspection form for each aircraft entered and, if possible, complete it (except for the portion the inspector will complete) prior to arriving at the race. Forms are available by writing to the promoter or by downloading from the Hobby Club USA website @ www.hobbyclubusa.com

Aircraft Owners are responsible to ensure that the aircraft meets all technical specifications, which includes the AMA Safety Rules, Specific Class Rules and Aircraft Specification Sheets. Please do not put the Technical Inspector in the uncomfortable position of “downing” your aircraft because it does not meet a technical specification. If you are unsure about a specification, contact your race promoter and rectify any problems prior to arriving at a race. All aircraft and radios must have range check inspections performed prior to racing.

Race Check-in:

Upon arrival to a race, locate the check-in area and register your arrival.

At check-in, you will be assigned your Pit Area. Any additional race information will be provided at this time..

Flight Line access is controlled through the use of I.D. Tags. Only Flight Line team members are permitted to obtain an I.D. Tag. Receipt of an I.D. Tag at Check-in is contingent upon the race team member’s completion of a Waiver of Liability form.

After Check-in, the Flight Line Access I.D. Tags must be worn at all times.

No person is permitted access past the Spectator Line unless they are wearing a valid I.D. Tag.

After race check-in, set up your pit area so that your aircraft may be inspected.

Pit Areas:

You will normally be assigned one pit area (size determined by race promoter) for each race entry. If you have more than one aircraft, you pit area size will be correspondingly increased to accommodate more aircraft. Please coordinate your pit area with the race promoter.

No motorized two wheeled vehicles are permitted to operate in the pits.

Engine run-ups are permitted in the pit area.

Please keep the appearance of your pit area professional and clean.

Alcoholic Beverages:

Alcoholic beverages will not be consumed at the race site by any race team member (including pilot, turn caller, pit crews, etc.) or any person involved with the operation of the race (including race officials, race workers, race site personnel, etc.) until Flight Lines close for the day or as specified by the race promoter, event organizer in accordance with specific AMAA regulations. Failure to comply may result in immediate disqualification.

Technical and Safety Inspection:

All aircraft must pass a static safety inspection and powered radio check prior to racing.

The static safety inspection must be completed prior to the powered range check. Please have your aircraft ready for inspection (wing, cowling and hatches removed) and your Aircraft Safety Inspection form available.

Upon completion of the static safety inspection, the operation of the aircraft flight control surfaces will be checked from a distance of 150 feet with the transmitter antenna collapsed. Upon successful completion of this inspection, the Aircraft Safety Inspection form will be signed off and retained by race officials until the entire race is completed or your aircraft sustains damage requiring re-tech. Congratulations! You are qualified to race!

Transmitter Impound:

At the beginning of any race day and prior to any flying, you must turn in your transmitter to the Transmitter Impound Station. Please be prompt.

Prior to each heat you are flying in, during Preliminary Staging, you may retrieve your Transmitter from the Transmitter Impound and keep it until your heat is finished. Immediately return your transmitter to the Transmitter Impound when you are finished with your heat,

You may retrieve your transmitter to perform any task with your aircraft as long as the frequency is available and not about to be used. It is highly recommended that you remove the transmitter frequency module when performing non-race testing in order to safeguard against any frequency interference mishaps. When you have completed our task, please promptly return your transmitter to the Transmitter Impound.

When racing has concluded for the day, you may retrieve your transmitter from the Transmitter Impound

Race Staging:

In order to know when to stage for a race, please keep track of the race matrix or appoint a team member to do so.

There are two staging areas – the Preliminary Staging Area and the Final Staging Area (Ready Box). Plan to stage in the Preliminary Staging Area at least two heats prior to the heat you are scheduled to race in. This is to allow time for de-fuel and fueling during Preliminary Staging.

Final Staging is assigned by numbers according to the heat race matrix. Stay in your assigned position. While in Final Staging, the heat prior to yours is racing – you are the next heat. All starting equipment should be ready and your aircraft fully serviced with fuel, etc. before your heat is called to the Race Ready Area.

As soon as all of the aircraft in the heat prior to your heat have landed, you will be directed into the Race Ready Area. Pilot and Turn Caller will proceed to the correct numbered position in the Pilot Station. Your aircraft, aircraft holder and aircraft starter will be directly in front of your pilot position in the Race Ready Area.

Engine Start and Takeoff:

Once the runway has been cleared of the previous race, your heat race will begin. If you are not in the Race Ready Area at this point, you have only two more minutes to arrive.

At the end of those two minutes the Race Ready Area is closed. No one may enter the Race Ready Area with any aircraft at this time. Your transmitter and aircraft receiver should be on and your aircraft starter positioned to start the engine. Check your flight controls now! The race official will signal all crews for engine start.

Takeoff will be in the order of your number unless an aircraft is having trouble. Do not launch if you are not ready. The pilot and turn caller should be in the Pilot Station and the aircraft launch person holding the aircraft. Confirm with each other that you are ready to launch. Once again, do not launch if you are not ready! When signaled by the race official, your aircraft launch person will walk the aircraft out to the center of the runway and point it down to runway in the direction of the launch. On the pilot’s cue, he/she will let go of the aircraft and then clear the runway directly to an area behind the Pilot Station

During takeoff (and all portions of your flight) observe the Dead Line and do not cross it. Crossing the Dead Line earns you a zero (0) for that race. Your lap Counter/Timer, Contest Director or Assistant Contest Director will call Dead Line violations.

After takeoff, fly to each pylon at an altitude that allows others room to takeoff and that enables the pylon judges to identify your aircraft. Fly to stage area.

The Start:

At the end of the five-minute engine start window, all the aircraft should be airborne. Your goal is to position your aircraft so that it arrives at (or just prior to) the Start/Finish Line when the counter counts down from five (5) to zero (0).

Prior to and during the countdown you must fly in a predictable manner in the stage area and avoid interfering with the path of the other aircraft.

When the Countdown reaches zero (0), a horn will sound signaling the beginning of the race. You are now racing!

The Race:

At the sound of the horn, the race has begun regardless of your position on the course. You must complete the (10) laps of the course around the pylons, starting at the Start/Finish Line and ending at the Start/Finish Line.

If you were late getting to the Start Finish Line at the horn, you must catch up that distance, there is no penalty. If you were early, i.e. you crossed the Start Finish Line before the horn sounded, you have incurred a Start Cut and will be assessed a Start Cut penalty when the race is complete. The Start Cut penalty will be one finish position. In any case, continue to race the course and complete ten (10) laps.

Fly safely and courteously. Observe the Dead Line at all times for your safety and the safety of others. Crossing the Dead Line scores an automatic zero (0) for that heat race. Fly predictably and do not perform any aerobatics.

Any race pilot may be Black-Flagged by the Contest Director for unsafe flying. This includes Gross Dead Line violations, unauthorized maneuvers, extremely low flying or intentional over-aggressive flying that could result in midair contact with another aircraft. Black-Flagged aircraft score zero (0) for that that race.

If midair contact occurs between two or more aircraft at any time after launch, pre-race start or during a heat race, all of the aircraft involved in the midair contact (including aircraft hit by debris) will be Black-Flagged and required to land as soon as possible or when directed by a race official. There is no exception to this rule.

Aircraft may not be Black-Flagged during the landing phase after a race is completed. However, any aircraft involved in midair contact (including aircraft hit by debris) must follow any direction given by race the official and will be given priority to land.

While you are racing, the Lap Counter/Timer will count and verify laps. Pylon Judges will record pylon cuts. Your Lap Counter/Timer will also verify last lap and completion of ten (10) laps. Do not rely on your Lap Counter/Timer for any other information.

When you have completed the ten (10) laps, pull up and off of the racecourse to signal the Pylon Judges that your race is completed.

Landing:

When each aircraft in your heat has completed the race, prepare your aircraft to land.

When directed by a race official, set up your aircraft in a standard rectangular landing pattern and land. Be alert for other aircraft and people on or near the runway. Do not land if you feel the conditions are unsafe. Go around and set up again.

Race officials will advise you of dead sticks or other landing priorities. If you are on final and are made aware of a priority landing, go around (unless you are a priority yourself). Remember that you are the pilot-in-command of your aircraft – fly it accordingly and do not compromise safety for any reason.

Once your aircraft is on the ground, taxi to the edge or off the runway and shut off your engine. Allow your crew to retrieve the aircraft.

Penalties

Dead Line - At no time may you fly across the near edge of the runway (Dead Line) or its extension. This will result in a Dead Line Penalty, which is reduction of one finish position.

Start Cut – Treated the same as a Pylon Cut. (See Below) Assessed if:

1. You are beyond the Start/Finish Line when the clock reches zero.

2. You perform any aerobatic loops, just prior to the Start/Finish Line.

3. You fly toward the pilots in an attempt to make left turn when the countdown reaches zero.

4. You make an abrupt pull-up just prior to the Start/Finish Line as the clock reaches zero.

5. You fly a 360 degree circle immediately prior to the Start/Finish line.

Gross Start Cut – Treated the same as a Dead Line call. A Gross Start Cut will result in zero (0) points for that particular heat race and is assessed if you have crossed the Start/Finish Line and there are 2 seconds or more of time remaining in the Countdown before the Start Horn sounds.

Pylon Cut – You must fly around the pylons. If you do not completely pass a pylon before turning, you will be assessed a Pylon Cut. One Pylon Cut = Loss of one (1) finish position, Two (2) Pylon Cuts = zero (0) points for the heat.

Gross Pylon Cut – When, during a race, a turn to the opposite side of the course is performed that is not in the immediate vicinity of a pylon, you will receive a Gross Pylon Cut. A Gross Pylon Cut will result in zero (0) points for that heat race.

Black Flagged – Any race pilot/aircraft may be Black-Flagged by the Contest Director for unsafe flying. This includes Gross Dead Line violations, unauthorized maneuvers, extremely low flying, intentional over aggressive flying that would result in midair contact with another aircraft, midair contact with another aircraft and any time after launch, pre-race start and during a heat race or trophy race (including aircraft hit by debris). Black-Flagged aircraft are required to land as soon as possible or when directed by a race official and score a zero for that heat/trophy race.

Disqualification – Removal from the event. Any disqualification for any reason will result in the loss of all points for the entire racing event.

Trophy Races:

At least one Trophy Race will be held after the completion of the Heat Races. The number of Trophy races will be at the discretion of the race event organizer/promoter and contingent upon the number of entries.

The five aircraft with the most points at the end of the heat racing will be eligible to advance to the Trophy Race. If any of the top five aircraft are unable to race in the Trophy Race, their points standing will be skipped and the next eligible point winner will be substituted.

Two (2) alternate aircraft will be staged in the event that one or more of the finalists are unable to get airborne.

If Bronze and Silver Trophy Races are run, the Bronze winner and 2^nd place finisher will stage as alternates to the Silver Trophy Race. Likewise, the Silver winner and 2^nd place finisher will stage as alternates to the Gold Trophy Race. In the event that the winner and or 2^nd place finisher cannot stage, the next higher finisher will stage in their place.

Ties:

In the event of a tie in points, advancement will be determined by best finish positions in the heat races, i.e., number of 1^st Place finishes, number of 2^nd Place finishes, etc.

Winners:

All aircraft that fly in the Trophy Races may be subject to a complete technical inspection immediately after the Trophy Race is flown. All Trophy Race aircraft will be impounded directly from the runway and released only on the approval of the Contest Director. If an aircraft is found to be illegal, the pilot will be disqualified and is not eligible to win the event. Additionally, the pilot will receive zero (0) points for the racing event.

Winners will be determined by officials (after Pylon Cut penalties have been awarded) and post-race technical inspections have been completed.

Racing event trophies and cash prizes will be awarded based on the outcome of the Trophy Races and after all post-race technical inspections are completed.