BGA RULES FOR RATED COMPETITIONS 2015 Revision 3 July 6th © British Gliding Association, 2015 BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Introduction, Definitions & Contents FOREWORD Welcome to the 2015 Revision 3 edition of the Rules for BGA Rated Competitions. This Revision 3 is issued to provide an update on the use of Flarm and ‘Stealth’ mode in National competitions; Recognising safety and sporting fairness issues associated with FLARM data that can be viewed in flight using any of the commonly used in flight displays, the IGC and in the BGA Competitions Committee have been proactively engaged with FLARM and the competition community to identify how to mitigate the issues. Safety issues relate to pilot distraction by data that can provide competitive advantage. FLARM has a ‘Stealth’ capability. This prevents transmission of data that can be used by other competitors (eg climb rate) and also disguises the user ID. Stealth mode also limits the transmission range to 2km horizontally and to +/- 300m vertically. The Comps Committee, with agreement of the Executive Committee, began a trial in 2015 where pilots competing in Nationals who choose to use FLARM were required to use ‘Stealth’ mode. This successful trial has revealed some concerns from non-gliding airspace stakeholders. Gliding is facing unprecedented challenge in UK airspace and the threat of mandatory surveillance constantly looms over us. In a large part, our arguments for not moving towards mandatory surveillance are underpinned by the fact that a growing number of gliders are FLARM equipped, that ATC units can easily access FLARM data to increase their awareness of gliding traffic and that aeroplanes including commercial air transport can easily equip with compatible equipment that potentially has a range of 5-10 km+. We know that Air Traffic units, some commercial and the military are engaging with FLARM simply to help them avoid glider traffic. Following the Standard and 15m Nationals, the chairmen of the BGA comps, airspace and safety committees have consulted the relevant technical experts and as a consequence consider that the current ‘Stealth’ settings designed in by FLARM need to be changed so that the competition issues are resolved in a way that does not compromise non-gliding or external traffic awareness benefits. Therefore having considered the available advice, the BGA Executive Committee has agreed to stop the trial for the remainder of this season's National competitions. The next National competition starts on 11th July. Pilots are free to make their own choices about use of FLARM and ‘Stealth’ Mode. The competitions committee and others will engage with the FLARM manufacturer with the aim of addressing all the identified issues in time for next seasons competition season. Pilots are reminded that whilst electronic collision warning equipment can enhance pilots' awareness by providing most useful warnings, such equipment cannot and ii BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Introduction, Definitions & Contents must not replace a good systematic visual lookout scan, and that it is necessary to avoid any in-cockpit equipment from distracting from the visual lookout scan. Revision 2 was issued to correct errors in the reproduction of the IGC 20 Metre Multi-Seat Class Handicap List in the table referenced in section 4.2.1 where certain variants of Duo Discus were shown with a MTOM of 750kg, when they should have been 700kg. Revision 1 edition contained updates to implement the requirement for pilots in National Championships to operate all Flarm devices carried on board in “Stealth” mode. Since it was identified that the available tactical benefit from Flarm use in competitions has led to patterns of use involving significant head in cockpit time thus eroding the intended safety benefit, the BGA, in collaboration with IGC and Flarm Technology Gmbh. have been working on a solution to regain all of the safety benefit whilst at the same time discouraging competitor “following” and retaining the possibility of ground tracking which in itself is regarded as a very welcome development to showcase competition. In order to accomplish this, the “stealth” protocol settings in the latest mandatory firmware upgrade were amended such that situational awareness in this mode is no longer compromised in any way. All gliders within 2km and +/- 1000ft. relative altitude will be visible at all times on appropriate displays subject only to antenna placement variables irrespective of threat level. Sophisticated computer variometers will not be able to deduce accurate climb rates and no ID will be displayed. Pilots competing in National Championships will be required to register all Flarm devices carried on board and sign a declaration at check-in. Based on the experience of operating this rule in 2015, consideration will be given to extending its use to Regional competitions in 2016. The following significant changes were made to the first edition. Pilots and organisers are advised to read the text relating to these changes carefully. • New Document Style. This edition of the rulebook sees the introduction of a new format. With the exception of the changes listed below, the text is more or less as before and should be recognised by those already familiar with the document. However, the content has been reorganised to make it easier to navigate and to improve readability. It now matches the “look and feel” of its companion document the Competition Organisers’ Guide which was introduced in 2013. Further improvements to readability will be made in future editions. • Introduction of 20m Multi-Seat National Championships. The event will be run as a handicapped competition in accordance with these rules except in the case of eligibility, maximum take-off mass and handicapping which will instead be in accordance with “IGC Procedures for Handicapped Classes”. • Use of Showery TPs in Distance Handicapped Tasks. Enhanced Option (“Showery”) Turnpoints are now available in DHT’s. • Winglet Handicaps. The additional handicap for winglets has been reduced from 1 to 0.5. Some associated handicap anomalies have been corrected. Pilots are advised to check their handicaps in section 7.3. • Speed Indices. Speed indices for ASG32, HPH304 Shark and Silent 2 Electro/Targa have been confirmed. • International Team Selection. The procedure for creating the voting pool for the selection of Open, 15m, 18m, Standard and Club Class World Championships teams has been changed. Where the existing procedure produces a voting pool of eligible pilots of less than 20 then further pilots of lower placings from both years are added in percentage placing order to enlarge the voting pool to 20 where possible. iii BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Introduction, Definitions & Contents • Clarification of Classes Supported at International Level. The 13.5m class is currently unsupported at World Championship level and both the 13.5m and the 20m Multi-seat classes are unsupported at European Championship level. • Womens’ World Championships. Extra criterion added to the team selection procedure. The top 60% (rounded to the nearest place) in an unrestricted European or World Championship in the preceding two years may now participate in the selection procedure. The following changes were made in the 2014 edition. • Distance Handicapped Task. The new DHT task format was introduced. • Junior WGC team squad and team selection. A squad of 8 pilots was created. This replaced the peer vote selection system previously employed. • Flight Recorders. The time interval between fixes was changed to 6 seconds or less provided the FR is capable of recording 10 hours or more at this setting. In the case of older FRs which may not meet this requirement then a longer interval may be used but this must not exceed 12 seconds. • Change to wording in Appendix 2. Height Verification Procedure. Where a chart shows a calibration at a particular test altitude more than once, the most advantageous calibration favouring the pilot should be used in all cases. • Speed Indices. Speed Indices for ME7, AC4A, AC4B and WA22 were confirmed. The following topics should be noted: • Club Class - potential adoption of IGC rules There has previously been debate around potential adoption of IGC rules for the Club Class; last summer's Club Class Nationals Forum conducted a straw poll of pilots who indicated their desire to move towards IGC but asked us to publish an explanation of exactly what it would imply before implementation. The paper 'Implications for change to IGC Club' explaining what is involved and proposing that we adopt the IGC Procedures for Handicapped Classes is being published alongside the Competition Rulebook. We will consult at Comp Forums and via a pilot survey during 2015 before deciding and implementing the appropriate route in the 2016 Competition Rulebook. • Cloud flying in Competitions A hot topic of discussion over the last few years has been whether or not cloud flying should continue to be permitted in UK competitions. Published alongside the Rulebook this year is the 'Cloud Flying Document' which aims to list the pros and cons for debate. We will consult at Comp Forums and via a pilot survey during 2015 to elicit any further arguments for or against cloud flying in competition and to understand the views of the body of comp pilots. We will feed back the results at the end of the season. iv BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Introduction, Definitions & Contents As a committee, we actively seek the views of competition organisers and pilots alike as the competition sport continues to evolve. As part of this continuing process, we welcome individual suggestions, which can be made directly through the contact form on the BGA web site at https://www.gliding.co.uk/contact-us I would like to thank all the committee members for their hard work, innovative ideas, and dedication in their allotted tasks and in the production and maintenance of this document. Mark Holden Chairman Competition & Awards Committee Committee Members Mark Holden Paul Candler Russell Cheetham Andy Cockerell Matt Cook Paul Crabb Graham Garnett Rich Hood Alan Langlands Peter Masson Liz Sparrow Brian Spreckley Chair v BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Introduction, Definitions & Contents INTRODUCTION This 7-part document sets out the official BGA rules for rated competitions. Part 1 “Competition Preparation and Publication” Rules about planning and publicising a competition. Part 2 “Pilot Entry - General” What every prospective competitor must do to enter a competition.. Part 4 “Glider Compliance-General” Rules regarding the permitted physical properties of competing gliders Part 3 “Competition Types” Types and classes of competition and the rules specific to each. Part 5 “Conduct of the Competition” Rules applied during the competition itself Part 6 “Rating Lists and Team Selection” Pilot rating and team selection procedures. Part 7 “Appendices” Complex or detailed information, referred to in the rules. vi BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Introduction, Definitions & Contents DEFINITIONS Wording. Throughout these rules, the words "must", "shall", and "may not" indicate mandatory requirements; "should" indicates a recommendation; "may" indicates what is permitted, and “will" indicates what is going to happen. Units. Speed in kilometres per hour; Wind Speed in knots; Height in feet above the airfield; Altitude in feet above mean sea level; Directions and Radials in degrees true; and Distance in metres and kilometres. GPS Datum. WGS 84. Organiser The individual, or group of individuals, who undertake the running of a BGA Rated Gliding Competition. (This will usually be a sub-committee of a gliding club) vii BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Introduction, Definitions & Contents Wording. ...............................................................................................................................................vii Units......................................................................................................................................................vii GPS Datum. ..........................................................................................................................................vii Organiser..............................................................................................................................................vii 1 COMPETITION PREPARATION & PUBLICATION...................................................1 1.1 OFFICIALS..................................................................................................................................1 1.1.1 1.1.2 1.1.3 Director ........................................................................................................... 1 Key Officers.................................................................................................... 1 Stewards ......................................................................................................... 1 1.2 CANCELLATION ........................................................................................................................1 1.3 LOCAL PROCEDURES..............................................................................................................1 1.3.1 1.3.2 1.3.3 Approval and Publication. ............................................................................. 1 Minimum Contents. ........................................................................................ 1 Additional information. .................................................................................. 2 2 PILOT ENTRY- GENERAL........................................................................................3 2.1 PILOT LICENCING & ELIGIBILITY............................................................................................3 2.1.1 2.1.2 2.1.3 2.1.4 2.1.5 FAI Competition Licence ............................................................................... 3 Nationality....................................................................................................... 3 Team Entry. .................................................................................................... 3 Multi-seaters. .................................................................................................. 3 Hors-concours................................................................................................ 3 2.2 REGISTRATION .........................................................................................................................3 2.2.1 2.2.2 2.2.3 Registration Form. ......................................................................................... 3 Registration In-Person................................................................................... 3 Supporting Documentation ........................................................................... 3 3 GLIDER COMPLIANCE - GENERAL ......................................................................4 3.1 GLIDER IDENTIFICATION .........................................................................................................4 3.1.1 3.1.2 Display of Tri-Graph or Competition Number ............................................. 4 National Aviation Authority Markings........................................................... 4 3.2 CHANGES...................................................................................................................................4 3.2.1 Change of Task Group or Glider Configuration. .......................................... 4 viii BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Introduction, Definitions & Contents 3.2.2 Complete Change of Glider ........................................................................... 4 3.3 MAXIMUM WEIGHTS .................................................................................................................4 3.3.1 3.3.2 Take Off Mass................................................................................................. 4 Weighing......................................................................................................... 4 4 COMPETITION TYPES & TASK GROUPS..............................................................5 4.1 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS...................................................................................................5 4.1.1 4.1.2 4.1.3 4.1.4 National Championships Classes ................................................................. 5 Nationals Championships Venues................................................................ 5 Nationals & Overseas Championship Pilot Eligibility.................................. 5 National Championships Entry ..................................................................... 5 4.2 20m. MULTI-SEAT NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS ..................................................................5 4.2.1 4.2.2 General............................................................................................................ 5 20 metre Multi-seat Entry requirement ......................................................... 6 4.3 CLUB CLASS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS .........................................................................6 4.3.1 4.3.2 4.3.3 4.3.4 No Water Ballast in Club Class ..................................................................... 6 Club Class Handicapping .............................................................................. 6 Club Class Glider Eligibility........................................................................... 7 Multi-Seaters in Club Class ........................................................................... 7 4.4 JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS........................................................................................................7 4.4.1 4.4.2 4.4.3 Junior Age Limit............................................................................................. 7 Junior Championships Entry ........................................................................ 7 Junior Championship Maximum Glider Speed Index. ................................. 7 4.5 OVERSEAS CHAMPIONSHIPS .................................................................................................7 4.6 REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS ..................................................................................................7 4.6.1 4.6.2 Regionals Venues and Dates ........................................................................ 7 Regionals Entry.............................................................................................. 7 4.7 TASK GROUPS ..........................................................................................................................7 4.7.1 4.7.2 Task Group Definition.................................................................................... 7 Size of Task Group......................................................................................... 8 5 CONDUCT OF THE COMPETITION .........................................................................9 5.1 PILOTS SAFETY COMMITTEE (PSC) .......................................................................................9 5.1.1 Purpose of the PSC....................................................................................... 9 ix BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Introduction, Definitions & Contents 5.1.2 5.1.3 5.1.4 5.1.5 5.1.6 Goal of the PSC. ............................................................................................. 9 Operation of the PSC. ................................................................................... 9 Election of PSC .............................................................................................. 9 Powers of the PSC ......................................................................................... 9 Resignation from the PSC ............................................................................. 9 5.2 BRIEFINGS .................................................................................................................................9 5.2.1 5.2.2 5.2.3 Daily Task Briefings ....................................................................................... 9 Task sheet – minimum content. ...................................................................10 Additional Briefings ......................................................................................11 5.3 LAUNCHING .............................................................................................................................11 5.3.1 5.3.2 5.3.3 5.3.4 5.3.5 5.3.6 5.3.7 5.3.8 5.3.9 5.3.10 5.3.11 5.3.12 5.3.13 5.3.14 5.3.15 5.3.16 Launch Method..............................................................................................11 Release Zone.................................................................................................11 Launching Multiple Task Groups .................................................................11 Nationals Priority ..........................................................................................11 Task Group Launch Period...........................................................................11 Launch Order.................................................................................................11 Refusing a Launch ........................................................................................11 Launch Grouping ..........................................................................................12 Motor Gliders.................................................................................................12 Director to be Present...................................................................................12 Additional Launches (Relights)....................................................................12 Relights During Launch of Next Task Group .............................................12 Failed Launches ............................................................................................12 No Relight after an Outlanding.....................................................................12 Relight Cancels Previous Starts ..................................................................12 Self-Launcher Relights .................................................................................12 5.4 TASK POSTPONEMENT OR CANCELLATION......................................................................12 5.4.1 5.4.2 5.4.3 5.4.4 5.4.5 Task Cancellation After Launch ...................................................................12 Start Postponement ......................................................................................12 Re-tasking After Launch ...............................................................................12 Re-Tasking after Mass Land-Back ...............................................................13 No Reversal of Decision ..............................................................................13 5.5 FLIGHT VERIFICATION ...........................................................................................................13 5.5.1 5.5.2 5.5.3 Method. ..........................................................................................................13 ENL or MOP for Engine-Equipped Gliders ..................................................13 Control. ..........................................................................................................13 x BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Introduction, Definitions & Contents 5.5.4 5.5.5 5.5.6 5.5.7 5.5.8 5.5.9 Handing in. ....................................................................................................13 Evidence to Include all Flying that Day. ......................................................13 Flight-Recorder Time intervals.....................................................................13 Flight-Recorder Calibration. .........................................................................13 Software & Hardware. ...................................................................................14 Analysis and Scoring Programs ..................................................................14 5.6 STARTING ................................................................................................................................14 5.6.1 5.6.2 5.6.3 5.6.4 5.6.5 5.6.6 5.6.7 5.6.8 Start Zone. .....................................................................................................14 Start Announcement. ....................................................................................14 Maximum Start Height. .................................................................................15 Start Open Time. ...........................................................................................15 Cloud Flying Before Start. ............................................................................15 Safety and Airmanship around Start Zone. .................................................15 Control. ..........................................................................................................15 Pilot Reporting of Start Time........................................................................15 5.7 TASKS.......................................................................................................................................15 5.7.1 5.7.2 5.7.3 5.7.4 Fixed Course. ................................................................................................15 Enhanced Option Fixed Course. ..................................................................15 Distance Handicapped..................................................................................16 Assigned Area. ..............................................................................................16 5.8 TURNPOINT..............................................................................................................................16 5.8.1 5.8.2 5.8.3 5.8.4 5.8.5 Turnpoint Position ........................................................................................16 Fixed Course Turnpoint................................................................................16 Enhanced Option Turnpoint .........................................................................16 Distance Handicapped Turnpoint. ...............................................................17 Assigned Area Definition..............................................................................17 5.9 FINISHING.................................................................................................................................17 5.9.1 5.9.2 5.9.3 5.9.4 5.9.5 5.9.6 Publication of Finish Type...........................................................................17 Finish Line .....................................................................................................17 Finish Ring ....................................................................................................17 Direct Landing Option...................................................................................18 Safety and airmanship at finish....................................................................18 Control. ..........................................................................................................18 5.10 AIRSPACE ................................................................................................................................18 5.10.1 Pilot’s Responsibility for Airspace Avoidance............................................18 xi BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Introduction, Definitions & Contents 5.10.2 5.10.3 5.10.4 Application of Airspace Penalties................................................................18 Airspace Types Excluded .............................................................................18 Block Airspace Exemptions .........................................................................19 5.11 ACCIDENTS & DAMAGE .........................................................................................................19 5.11.1 5.11.2 5.11.3 Accident Reporting. ......................................................................................19 Repair.............................................................................................................19 Collision.........................................................................................................19 5.12 RADIO .......................................................................................................................................19 5.12.1 5.12.2 5.12.3 5.12.4 Permitted Use of Radio.................................................................................19 Permitted Voice Frequencies .......................................................................19 Exceptional Use of Other Frequencies .......................................................19 Listening Watch ............................................................................................19 5.13 EXTERNAL AIDS......................................................................................................................20 5.13.1 Help in Finding Lift........................................................................................20 5.13.2 Data Transmission ........................................................................................20 5.14 DOPING.....................................................................................................................................20 5.15 CLOUD FLYING........................................................................................................................20 5.15.1 5.15.2 5.15.3 5.15.4 5.15.5 5.15.6 5.15.7 Cloud Flying Radio........................................................................................20 Before Entering Cloud ..................................................................................20 While in Cloud ...............................................................................................21 On leaving Cloud...........................................................................................21 Right of Way .................................................................................................21 Near a Start Zone or Base Airfield ...............................................................21 No Cloud Flying Prior to Start ......................................................................21 5.16 AIRMANSHIP & SAFETY .........................................................................................................21 5.16.1 5.16.2 5.16.3 5.16.4 5.16.5 5.16.6 5.16.7 5.16.8 Parachutes.....................................................................................................21 Direction of Thermal Turn.............................................................................21 Illness or Disability .......................................................................................21 Jettisoning Water Ballast.............................................................................21 Flarm ..............................................................................................................21 3rd Party Complaints. ....................................................................................21 Deemed Position of Outlanding. ..................................................................22 Outlanding Reporting ...................................................................................22 5.17 SECOND ATTEMPT .................................................................................................................22 5.18 PROTESTS ...............................................................................................................................22 xii BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Introduction, Definitions & Contents 5.19 CONTEST MINIMA ...................................................................................................................22 5.20 PENALTIES...............................................................................................................................22 5.20.1 5.20.2 5.20.3 List of Approved Penalties ...........................................................................22 Disqualification .............................................................................................22 Application of Penalties................................................................................23 5.21 ENGINE EQUIPPED GLIDERS ................................................................................................23 5.21.1 5.21.2 5.21.3 Self-Launching. .............................................................................................23 Self-Sustainers Engine Test .........................................................................23 Further Engine Operation. ............................................................................23 5.22 CALCULATION OF SCORES ..................................................................................................23 5.22.1 5.22.2 5.22.3 5.22.4 5.22.5 5.22.6 5.22.7 The 1000 Point Scoring Principle.................................................................23 Scoring Parameters & Formulae ..................................................................23 Glider Speed Index (Handicap).....................................................................23 Additional Performance Enhancements......................................................23 Windicapping.................................................................................................24 Distances. ......................................................................................................24 Scoring Distance Handicap Tasks. ..............................................................25 5.23 PUBLICATION OF SCORES....................................................................................................25 6 RATING LIST & TEAM SELECTION ......................................................................27 6.1 RATING LIST. ...........................................................................................................................27 6.1.1 6.1.2 6.1.3 6.1.4 Competition Rating. ......................................................................................27 Rating Score. .................................................................................................27 Rating of Team Entries. ................................................................................28 Rating Ties.....................................................................................................28 6.2 INTERNATIONAL TEAM SELECTION ....................................................................................28 6.2.1 6.2.2 6.2.3 6.2.4 6.2.5 6.2.6 6.2.7 6.2.8 Timing of International Team Selection......................................................28 International Team Member Qualifications..................................................28 World Championships (unrestricted) Team Selection...............................28 European Championships ............................................................................29 Junior World Championships. .....................................................................30 Women’s World Championships..................................................................30 Commitment Fee ...........................................................................................31 Voting System. ..............................................................................................31 7 APPENDICES .........................................................................................................32 xiii BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Introduction, Definitions & Contents 7.1 LIST OF APPROVED PENALTIES ..........................................................................................32 7.2 SCORING PARAMETERS & FORMULAE. .............................................................................34 7.2.1 7.2.2 Qualifying Distance.......................................................................................39 Contest Dependent Variables.......................................................................40 7.3 GLIDER SPEED INDICES ........................................................................................................41 7.4 HEIGHT VERIFICATION PROCEDURE ..................................................................................44 7.5 EXPLANATION OF QNE ..........................................................................................................45 xiv BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Competition Preparation & Publication 1 COMPETITION PREPARATION & PUBLICATION 1.1 OFFICIALS 1.1.1 Director The competition organisation must be headed by a Director who has overall responsibility for ensuring that suitable personnel, equipment and facilities are available for the efficient organisation and running of a BGA rated competition. The Director or appointed Deputy must be available throughout the competition period and at the end ensure results and reports are promptly forwarded to the BGA in the required format. 1.1.2 Key Officers The Director shall appoint the key officers of Task setter, Airspace Officer, Deputy Director and Safety Officer. The Airspace officer and Task setter must not be the same person. 1.1.3 Stewards Suitably experienced current competition pilots shall be appointed as stewards to monitor the conduct of the competition and report any unfairness or infringement of the regulations and investigate protests. Stewards must hold no executive position in the organisation of the competition nor be competitors. They need not be in continuous attendance throughout the competition and a quorum for a meeting is two. Stewards should refer to the BGA Competitions Committee for guidance prior to any decision, especially where there may be ambiguity within the rules or no specific rules covering the case in question. The stewards’ decision on any protest is final. 1.2 CANCELLATION Once entry fees have been paid, a competition must not be cancelled, except for reasons of 'force majeure' and only after consultation with the BGA competitions committee or (if already started) the stewards. 1.3 LOCAL PROCEDURES 1.3.1 Approval and Publication. Local Procedures must be approved by the Competition Committee prior to publication. Distribution should ensure competitors receive them at least three weeks before the competition starts. 1.3.2 Minimum Contents. As a minimum they must define: • the boundaries of the airfield, • times for pilot registration, • details of any additional radio frequencies to be used, • a copy of the current BGA registration form, • specifications of any additional temporary airspace restriction or dispensation known to be in operation during the contest period • any rules that are additional to these rules. 1 BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Competition Preparation & Publication • Local Procedures must also contain a reminder to fly within the requirements of CAP393 ANO Section 2 Rules of the Air Article 5 (low flying rule) and CAP393 ANO Section 1 Article 74 which states: “A person shall not recklessly or negligently cause or permit an aircraft to endanger any person or property”. 1.3.3 Additional information. Normally included are: • the start point co-ordinates and details of finish lines and control points that may be used. • domestic and site information • a list of the anticipated entrants. • a list of Flight Recorder types and media storage devices that the organisation are already equipped to download • a list of required documents to be produced at registration. 2 BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Pilot Entry - General 2 PILOT ENTRY- GENERAL 2.1 PILOT LICENCING & ELIGIBILITY 2.1.1 FAI Competition Licence All pilots, except two-seater P2s, must hold a valid FAI Competition Licence. Note: these can be obtained through the BGA website at www.gliding.co.uk 2.1.2 Nationality Only pilots of British nationality, or principally resident within the UK and subject to British income tax, may qualify for the title of National Champion and be awarded BGA trophies. Pilots not meeting the British Nationality or residency requirement may enter any BGA competition but will gain no priority rating and will not affect other competitors’ ratings other than by virtue of their daily performance affecting the number of points allocated. 2.1.3 Team Entry. Two or more pilots may compete as a team entry in the same glider in the Junior Championship, Overseas Championship and Regionals. Pilots must not compete in more than one glider in the same task group. 2.1.4 Multi-seaters. The registered pilot must be generally accepted as more proficient than any other occupant of the glider. Relative proficiency should be determined by the current rating list. A multi-seat glider may be flown on a team basis in accordance with 2.1.3. 2.1.5 Hors-concours. The Competition Committee must approve all National Championship hors-concours entries. The normal entry fee is payable in all cases. 2.2 REGISTRATION 2.2.1 Registration Form. The form shall be completed and delivered to the organising club as directed. If any of the details submitted change, a fresh form must be completed. The contents of the registration form must, as a minimum, mirror the requirements of the BGA sample form downloadable from the BGA website including all pilot declarations. 2.2.2 Registration In-Person Prior to flying, competitors must attend registration and show evidence of FAI competition licence. The organisation may require sight of other supporting documents at registration – these will be listed in Local Procedures. 2.2.3 Supporting Documentation Subsequently during the competition, pilots may be required to produce supporting documentation for any of the information declared on the registration form. Scrutineering of the glider to be used and any equipment on board may also be undertaken by the organisation before launching on the first day and on any subsequent day to ensure compliance with the rules. 3 BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Glider Compliance - General 3 GLIDER COMPLIANCE - GENERAL 3.1 GLIDER IDENTIFICATION 3.1.1 Display of Tri-Graph or Competition Number Gliders must display their BGA tri-graph or Competition number as large as practicable in a contrasting colour on both the underside of the starboard wing approximately 2½ metres from the fuselage with the top of the identification towards the leading edge, and on both sides of the fin/fin & rudder. 3.1.2 National Aviation Authority Markings. Appropriate National Aviation Authority issued registration markings must additionally be displayed as required. 3.2 CHANGES 3.2.1 Change of Task Group or Glider Configuration. A glider shall not, during a contest, change task groups or vary its configuration from that declared at registration other than as allowed in 5.11.2. 3.2.2 Complete Change of Glider One complete change of glider may be declared at registration to be actioned on a specific day and to run for a defined number of calendar days, provided that the handicap of the replacement is within the limit of the task group or the same as the glider replaced. The change, or any details of the change, may not be cancelled unless the Director is satisfied that the replacement glider has been damaged beforehand or in transit and the pilot is not seeking a tactical advantage. Changing the configuration of the same glider is not regarded as a glider replacement and is therefore not permitted within the context of this section. 3.3 MAXIMUM WEIGHTS 3.3.1 Take Off Mass The take-off mass of a glider shall be the lower of: – • Manufacturers certificated limit • Standard and 15 metre classes – 525 kg. • 18 metre class – 600 kg. • Open Class – 850 kg. 3.3.2 Weighing. Organisers are encouraged to check weigh gliders if they suspect that limits are being overlooked. To be effective, this may require some restrictions on the loading and dumping of ballast prior to launch. 4 BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Competition Types & Task Groups 4 COMPETITION TYPES & TASK GROUPS 4.1 NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS 4.1.1 National Championships Classes The national championships shall be sub-divided into the FAI classes of • Open • 18 metre • 15 metre, • Standard • Club Class • 20 metre Multi-Seat each producing a National champion. An Overseas handicapped championship may also be held. 4.1.2 Nationals Championships Venues. Suitable clubs will be invited by the Competitions Committee to bid. 4.1.3 Nationals & Overseas Championship Pilot Eligibility All pilots must have previously competed as P1 in a BGA rated competition or if a foreign pilot, in an equivalent event abroad. 4.1.4 National Championships Entry To avoid placement on the late entry list, applications to enter a National Championships must reach the BGA office by January 31st on the form available from the BGA office or web site. If oversubscribed, entry is decided by the rating list followed by late entries in date order of application. In any case, an application must be received via the BGA office, even if a late entry, to allow the pilot to enter the competition 4.2 20m. MULTI-SEAT NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS 4.2.1 General The event will be run in accordance with these rules except in the case of eligibility, maximum take-off mass and handicapping which will instead by in accordance with “IGC Procedures for Handicapped Classes” Part 2, sections 2.2, 2.5, 2.6 together with IGC 20 Metre Multi-seat Class Handicap list 2014 Ver. 1.0 dated 1st October 2014 Appendix 2 (See table below). It should be noted that handicaps in this Appendix will require a multiplier of 100 prior to integration with BGA scoring formulae which will be then applied in full. These sections of the IGC document are noted below in italics with original document section references. 2.2 Eligibility 2.2.1 All 20 Metre Multi-seat gliders are eligible. Handicaps are listed in Appendix 2. Gliders not appearing in Appendix 2 will receive a handicap of 1.00 5 BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Competition Types & Task Groups 2.5 Maximum Take-off Mass (MTOM) 2.51 The take-off mass must be less than or equal to the least of maximum certificated take-off mass according to type certificate document and 750kg. 2.6 Adjustments to handicap 2.6.1 Addition of winglets does not affect handicaps Table:- IGC 20 Metre Multi-seat Class Handicap List 2014 Ver. 1.0 1 October 2014 IGC Glider type Handicap Flaps MTOM (f) (kg) wing area (m2) wing loading (kg/m2) remarks 1.04 Arcus (all versions) f 750 15.60 48.1 ASG 32 (all 1.04 versions) f 750 15.70 47.8 1.01 Duo Discus XL - 750 16.40 45.7 1.01 Duo Discus X - 750 16.40 45.7 some with 750kg; some with 700kg 1.01 LAK 12 R 20m f 750 14.50 51.7 1.00 Duo Discus XL - 700 16.40 42.7 few repaired ones with old wings 1.00 Duo Discus X - 700 16.40 42.7 some with 750kg; some with 700kg 1.00 Duo Discus - 700 16.40 42.7 baseline for handicap 1.00 DG1000/1001 - 750 17.53 42.8 baseline for handicap 4.2.2 20 metre Multi-seat Entry requirement Only one pilot entry is required for the lead pilot but 2 occupants must fly on board, the second of which may alternate subject to being registered daily with the competition organisation. 4.3 CLUB CLASS NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS 4.3.1 No Water Ballast in Club Class Water ballast must not be carried. The only ballast of any sort that is permissible is that intended solely for the purpose of centre of gravity adjustment. This must be securely installed in such a way as to not invalidate the glider’s C of A. 4.3.2 Club Class Handicapping Scores are handicapped and all gliders will fly at their allotted BGA Speed Index. 6 BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Competition Types & Task Groups 4.3.3 Club Class Glider Eligibility Gliders listed in 7.3 with a Speed Index not exceeding 98 before additional performance enhancement handicap increments and all gliders listed on the current IGC Club Class handicap list are eligible. 4.3.4 Multi-Seaters in Club Class Two seat gliders may be flown in the Club Class, provided that at registration it is declared whether the glider is flown solo or dual. The number of people on board may not be changed during the competition and in all cases the P2 must meet the requirement of 2.1.4. 4.4 JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS 4.4.1 Junior Age Limit Only pilots whose 26th birthday falls after the year of competition are eligible to enter the Junior Championships 4.4.2 Junior Championships Entry Applications to enter the Junior Championships should reach the BGA office prior to the end of March. 4.4.3 Junior Championship Maximum Glider Speed Index. Gliders with a speed index not exceeding 106 are eligible to enter. 4.5 OVERSEAS CHAMPIONSHIPS The event will be run in accordance with these rules except that specific alternative procedures may be trialled. If this is the case, they will be highlighted in the Local Procedures. 4.6 REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS 4.6.1 Regionals Venues and Dates Any club may apply to the Competitions Committee to run a BGA rated Regional Competition. Those without a proven competition track record will be required to satisfy the Competitions Committee that they have the expertise. It may be necessary to apply control over dates to reduce competition conflictions. 4.6.2 Regionals Entry Application to enter a Regionals must be made directly to the organising club. If oversubscribed, entry is decided by the date order the entries are received or by a ballot of all applicants. Pilots from outside the organising club must have the same opportunity of entry including notification of entry procedure. 4.7 TASK GROUPS 4.7.1 Task Group Definition A competition may consist of one or more task groups determined either by FAI class, or glider speed 7 BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Competition Types & Task Groups 4.7.2 Size of Task Group. For pilots to qualify for a rating and, where applicable, a title of National Champion, there must be not less than 10 gliders competing in their task group on the first day of the competition. A task group shall not be larger than can normally be launched in less than one hour and in any case must not exceed 50. 8 BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Conduct of the Competition 5 CONDUCT OF THE COMPETITION 5.1 PILOTS SAFETY COMMITTEE (PSC) 5.1.1 Purpose of the PSC. To ensure, by use of ‘peer pressure’, that safe flying and airmanship standards are followed by all (including tug pilots) with regard to the high concentration of gliders that a contest creates. 5.1.2 Goal of the PSC. To ensure all are aware of their responsibility for the safety of fellow pilots and other people and property on and off the airfield, thus eradicating aggressive and/or marginal flying in the bid for extra performance. 5.1.3 Operation of the PSC. All competitors must make themselves available for the post unless they have already served on a PSC this year. 5.1.4 Election of PSC Prior to the commencement of the competition the Director will nominate three pilots and a reserve and, at the initial briefing, call for any further nominations. Pilots will elect three pilots and a reserve. 5.1.5 Powers of the PSC The PSC will investigate complaints from competitors related only to safety and flying standards during the competition. If considered necessary a verbal or written warning should be issued, with serious cases referred to the Competition Director if a penalty is recommended. It is intended that considerable discretion should remain with the PSC to deal with complaints without involving the Organisation. However, as it acts purely in an advisory capacity and is not empowered to impose penalties, behaviour considered to warrant further action must be reported to the Competition Director. 5.1.6 Resignation from the PSC A member of the PSC may resign if he feels it is affecting his own competition result, with the next placed candidate filling the position. 5.2 BRIEFINGS 5.2.1 Daily Task Briefings The organisers must hold a task briefing every day of the contest at 09.30 hours (or other published time) that includes the following: - • Previous day’s results (if applicable). • Meteorological forecast. • Details of the day's tasks(any number of options) for each task group – this shall include verbal briefing and task sheets with detail in accordance with 5.2.2. 9 BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Conduct of the Competition • Airspace restrictions, exemptions and hazards that might affect competitors and are additional to that shown on the latest aviation maps, i.e. deemed active parachute zones to be treated as prohibited airspace, Temporary Restricted or Prohibited airspace and advisory navigation warnings issued by NOTAM. • The day QNE altitude (height of the base airfield in relation to forecast 1013.25 HPa pressure level) – see 7.5 (explanation of QNE) • Time on grid and earliest time of first launch (if not on the task sheet). • Time of last launch (not earlier than 1800 hours). • Tug and glider relight landing areas. • Finishing procedures. • Administrative notices. • Date and time of next briefing. Flight and safety requirements given at briefing carry the status of Local Regulations. Pilots unable to attend briefing must ensure they are in possession of all relevant briefed information prior to launching. 5.2.2 Task sheet – minimum content. A task sheet must be supplied to pilots for each task briefed with minimum content to include the following:- • Task date and priority designation • Written task description to include tri-graph, description and co-ordinates of start, finish, and turnpoints in degrees and decimal minutes, task length, leg lengths, leg headings(degrees true), • For Distance Handicapped Tasks, a supplementary sheet must be supplied indicating the radius of barrel in km to one decimal place to be employed for that task for each handicap of glider in the task group. The task sheet must also clearly indicate that the task is a Distance Handicapped Task and show a defined example barrel size of 5km, or the maximum barrel size required if it is less than 5km. • Written observation zone description where task is an AAT • Graphic interpretation of task area (minimum size A5) showing all observation zones, track lines, all relevant permanent airspace boundaries and any temporary restricted/prohibited airspace including prohibited parachute zones identified as shaded areas. • List of relevant temporary restricted/prohibited airspace and prohibited parachute drop zones to be titled as ADDITIONAL PENALTY – to include time, location and height descriptor as appropriate. In the event of any discrepancy between graphical and text descriptions of such airspace/parachute zones, the text version will always be authoritative. • Written list of relevant navigation warnings with descriptors as appropriate to be titled as ADVISORY • Written list of relevant airspace exemptions in operation to be titled EXEMPTIONS. • Day QNE • Radio frequencies of any ATZ within 5km of track lines and start volume for Speed and Distance Handicapped Tasks - discretionary for Assigned Area Tasks. 10 BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Conduct of the Competition 5.2.3 Additional Briefings The Director may hold additional briefings for any reason provided reasonable steps are taken to notify all pilots of the time and place (which may be at the launch point). 5.2.3.1 Task Not Previously Briefed An additional briefing must be held if a task not previously briefed is to be flown, with at least 30 minutes from its completion to the start of launching. 5.2.3.2 Pilot Notification The Director must ensure all pilots are aware of any resulting changes. 5.2.3.3 Previously-Briefed Task An additional briefing is not required if a previously-briefed alternative task is to be flown. However, the Director must ensure every pilot is aware of the change at least 15 minutes before launching commences. This ruling also applies to a change of designated task time for an Assigned Area Task. 5.3 LAUNCHING 5.3.1 Launch Method Launches must be by aero tow, unless stated otherwise before entry fees are paid. 5.3.2 Release Zone Gliders should be towed to the release zone specified for each task group and be 'waved-off' by the tug but may release earlier at their discretion. The Director may change the release zone at any time if it is considered to be necessary for sporting reasons. 5.3.3 Launching Multiple Task Groups Each task group must be launched separately, except as specified for relights, the first launch of each task group being at the Director's discretion. 5.3.4 Nationals Priority If competitions include a National Championship and Regional Task Group, the Nationals must always be launched first. In this case, Organisers must ensure all Regional’s pilots are aware of this prior to entering. 5.3.5 Task Group Launch Period All gliders of a task group should have the opportunity of a competition launch within one hour. This can normally be achieved by having not more than six gliders per tug. 5.3.6 Launch Order Within each task group the order of launch shall be in order of registration letters or competition numbers with the first to take-off on the first flying day being selected by lot. Thereafter the order shall advance after each contest day by 2/7ths of the number of competitors in the group. 5.3.7 Refusing a Launch Pilots who refuse a launch shall follow the relight procedure. A pilot who is unready for his grid order launch shall be deemed to have refused a launch. 11 BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Conduct of the Competition 5.3.8 Launch Grouping Organisers may group gliders and launch them in their group provided that for each glider its launch position is within five places of its official place. 5.3.9 Motor Gliders Motor-gliders may be grouped together in list order to assist launch point organisation, or be positioned so that their slipstream does not hazard other aircraft. 5.3.10 Director to be Present The Director or his deputy should be present at the launch point during the main periods of glider launching and must suspend launching if it appears dangerous to continue. 5.3.11 Additional Launches (Relights) If a pilot wishes to be launched either after refusing the offer of a launch or after landing back at the airfield he must, when fully ready to launch, notify the Launch Marshal and position his glider as instructed. 5.3.12 Relights During Launch of Next Task Group If the launching of another Task Group is in progress, every fifth launch must be available for 'relights' of any previous Group. 5.3.13 Failed Launches If a pilot fails to be launched satisfactorily through no fault of him or his crew, he must be offered an additional launch without delay. 5.3.14 No Relight after an Outlanding A glider that lands outside the official boundary of the airfield (except as above) shall not be permitted any further contest launches on that day. Where doubt exists on a pilot's entitlement to a relight, he should be launched, and the dispute resolved later. 5.3.15 Relight Cancels Previous Starts Each relight automatically cancels all previous starts unless the task has been completed. 5.3.16 Self-Launcher Relights Self-Launching Gliders must land within the boundary of the airfield, and launch in sequence as directed by the Launch Marshal. 5.4 TASK POSTPONEMENT OR CANCELLATION 5.4.1 Task Cancellation After Launch Once launching has commenced, the task may be cancelled for safety or sporting reasons only. 5.4.2 Start Postponement The Director may delay the opening of the start for either of the above reasons. 5.4.3 Re-tasking After Launch Prior to the start line opening the Director may cancel the task and at his discretion require pilots to land back for a further briefing. This rule would only be invoked if the weather was 12 BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Conduct of the Competition unsuitable and it may be possible to task in a different direction. There must be a minimum time of one hour between the recall and first launch on any subsequent task. 5.4.4 Re-Tasking after Mass Land-Back If after the start line has opened all gliders land back, the Director may set an alternative task. 5.4.5 No Reversal of Decision Once a launch postponement or task cancellation has been made, the decision must not be reversed. 5.5 FLIGHT VERIFICATION 5.5.1 Method. Flight Verification, both primary and secondary, must be derived from an IGC approved GPS Flight Recorder (FR) or one that has previously held IGC approval as a Flight Recorder even if now withdrawn. 5.5.2 ENL or MOP for Engine-Equipped Gliders For engine equipped gliders competing without the engine disabled, any FR used for verification must be fitted with an approved engine noise level (ENL) and/or means of propulsion (MOP) detector. The IGC list of approved Flight Recorders may be viewed at http://www.fai.org/gliding/gnss 5.5.3 Control. Valid control within a Start or Turnpoint zone is achieved by having a logged point, or any part of the line joining 2 consecutive logged points, within the zone. Start and Finish times are calculated by interpolation. Height verification for the purposes of screening flight logs for any airspace infringements or to confirm control at the start will use the procedure in Appendix 2. 5.5.4 Handing in. On completion of a task, all evidence must be booked in within 60 minutes. It will remain under the responsibility of the Organisation until released back to the competitor. Pilots may hand in secure IGC files on a data storage device. 5.5.5 Evidence to Include all Flying that Day. The flight record must include all flying conducted on the day prior to reaching the landing point even if the day subsequently becomes non scoring. 5.5.6 Flight-Recorder Time intervals. The time interval between FR fixes should be set at 6 seconds or less provided the FR is capable of recording 10 hours or more at this setting. In the case of older FRs which may not meet this requirement then a longer interval may be used but this must not exceed 12 seconds. 5.5.7 Flight-Recorder Calibration. A calibration chart from a test carried out within the preceding 5 years must be available to the Organisation. In the event that a valid calibration chart cannot be produced within the protest period should a flight log provisionally indicate an airspace infringement, it will be 13 BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Conduct of the Competition assumed that the calibration height puts any logged points 100 feet vertically further into the airspace than indicated and any penalties will be amended accordingly. 5.5.8 Software & Hardware. It is the responsibility of the competitor to ensure the Organisation is in possession of the required software, connecting cable and/or storage media reading device for their FR or IGC file. 5.5.9 Analysis and Scoring Programs Analysis and scoring programs employed by competition organisations should be approved by the BGA Competitions Committee prior to use. Currently only SeeYou scoring script version UK2015a and later versions are approved. 5.6 STARTING 5.6.1 Start Zone. This is formed by a 5km radius semi-circle centred on the Start Point orientated opposite to the direction of the first turning point and is shown, surrounded by a further 500m horizontal and 250 feet vertical penalty start volume, figure 1. Starts outside these volumes are uncontrolled. Max start height Max start height plus 250 feet Outbound leg 0.5km straight line Figure 1 5.6.2 Start Announcement. There will be start time announcements, together with maximum start height, made on the competition frequency 10, 5, and 1 minute prior to and on opening. 14 BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Conduct of the Competition 5.6.3 Maximum Start Height. The maximum start height should be set approximately 1000 feet above the cloud base level expected in the start area when the start gate opens but should also take into account airspace limitations. To best achieve this, the final decision should be made just prior to the first start line open announcement. 5.6.4 Start Open Time. The start for each task group will open not less than 10 minutes, plus 1 minute for each 200 feet or part thereof by which the cloud base exceeds 3000 feet, after the last competitor in that task group has had the option to launch. 5.6.5 Cloud Flying Before Start. Cloud flying is prohibited prior to starting. 5.6.6 Safety and Airmanship around Start Zone. Pilots must remain clear of cloud and in full visibility of all gliders in the same thermal when within 10km of any start zone and base airfield reference point. 5.6.7 Control. The latest time after completion of the launch phase, and with the start open, that a Start Zone was exited in any direction horizontally or vertically. The declared Maximum Start Height must not be exceeded in the 2 minutes prior to Starting. If a start incurs a penalty and an earlier valid start gives a better score, the earlier start time will apply. 5.6.8 Pilot Reporting of Start Time Within 30 minutes of starting, the Organisation must be advised of the glider’s start time by radio or crew. Errors in reported start time of more than 2 minutes will be penalised. 5.7 TASKS There are four types of task: 5.7.1 Fixed Course. This is a race either round a closed circuit course, or to a remote goal, with one or more turnpoints. Entry into turning point sectors must be achieved in the order set. Two laps of a closed circuit course may be set provided that it is not an out and return and each lap is at least 100 km. 5.7.2 Enhanced Option Fixed Course. As Fixed Course except “Enhanced option” 180 degree sector turnpoints may be used either exclusively or mixed with normal 90 degree sector turnpoints. The 180 degree sector turnpoint should only be used when the angle made between inbound and outbound legs is less than 90 degrees. The purpose of this type of Fixed Course task is for it to be set on showery days where there is some doubt as to whether it will be possible to safely fly into the 0.5km radius of the TP as is usual for Fixed Course tasks. 15 BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Conduct of the Competition 5.7.3 Distance Handicapped. This is like a fixed-course task except that the radius of the turnpoint barrel centred at the nominated TP is dependent upon the handicap of each glider in such a way that all finishers will have flown the same handicapped distance on completion. 5.7.4 Assigned Area. This is a race round pilot selected points within prescribed areas in task order. A Designated Time is set which will penalise competitors racing for a shorter period. This type of task is intended to be set only when soaring conditions are likely to be uniform over the task area. All selected points must be assigned areas including any small area set for use as a control point. 5.8 TURNPOINT 5.8.1 Turnpoint Position The Latitude and Longitude co-ordinates published by the Competition Organiser. 5.8.2 Fixed Course Turnpoint A circle of 500m radius plus a 90 degree sector of radius 20 kilometres opposite the bisector of the inbound and outbound direct tracks. There are Penalty areas of a further 500m surrounding the circle and 90 degree sector. This is shown by figure 2. 5.8.3 Enhanced Option Turnpoint A circle of 500m radius plus a 180 degree sector of radius 10 kilometres opposite the bisector of the inbound and outbound direct tracks. There are Penalty areas of a further 500m surrounding the circle and 180 degree sector. This is shown by figure 3. 16 BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Conduct of the Competition 5.8.4 Distance Handicapped Turnpoint. A circle whose radius depends on the speed index of the glider and is determined using software written for the purpose and approved for use in rated competitions by the BGA, plus either a 90 degree sector of radius 20 kilometres or a 180 degree sector of radius 10km opposite the bisector of the inbound and outbound direct tracks. There are Penalty areas of a further 500m surrounding the circle and the 90 or 180 degree sectors. This is shown by Figures 2 and 3 with variable radius set at 0.5km. 5.8.5 Assigned Area Definition. A circle of set radius from a defined point or, a sector between specified radials from a defined point with a maximum and optional minimum distance. A 500m. Penalty Zone surrounds the Area. As this may not be recognised by the scoring programs, pilots believing they have rounded and given ‘No Control’ should apply to the Scorer for a manual assessment. 5.9 FINISHING 5.9.1 Publication of Finish Type. The Organisation shall specify in the Local Rules the type of finish being used together with the flight patterns to be followed after crossing the line. 5.9.2 Finish Line 5.9.2.1 Finish Line Definition A line of defined length and direction, orientated from between 0-30 degrees to the perpendicular of the inbound track line and situated such that gliders can safely land directly beyond it without turning. 5.9.2.2 Position of the Finish Line Positioning of the finish line and inbound track to it should take into account any potential conflict with any person, vehicle or structure on the approach to and around the finish line and should normally be placed near the runway threshold to maximise the safe landing area beyond. 5.9.3 Finish Ring 5.9.3.1 Finish Ring Definition. A ring of specified radius (normally, but not exceeding, 3km) around the finish point encompassing the contest site and the landing circuits. The final leg distance is measured from the previous turnpoint to the edge of the finish ring. 5.9.3.2 Finish Ring Minimum Altitude When a Finish Ring is specified, a minimum altitude related to glider performance of the lowest performance glider in task group, terrain and obstructions should be set. Unless there are specific obstructions, the minimum altitude should be set to allow gliders to just pass over the ring on a marginal final for direct landing in the expected prevailing wind. Competitors crossing the finish ring below the minimum specified altitude shall be penalised. 17 BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Conduct of the Competition 5.9.4 Direct Landing Option For both the finish Line and Finish Ring, a viable direct landing option must be available to allow finishers to land ahead without turning after crossing the line or ring. A Control point should be utilised as necessary to ensure compliance. 5.9.5 Safety and airmanship at finish. Competitors shall be reminded in the local rules that all pilots must be aware of and fly within the requirements of CAP393 ANO Rules of the Air Section 2 Article 5 (low flying rule) and Section 1 Article 74 (reckless or negligent endangerment of any person or property). To meet this requirement, regardless of the position of the finish line, all approaches towards the airfield should prescribe a descending profile(other than to go-around where necessary), the landing area should be in the pilot’s sight, and the airfield boundary must be crossed at a height which cannot endanger persons(seen or unseen), vessels or property. 5.9.6 Control. Given by the glider crossing the line or entering the finish ring under its own momentum, in the correct direction and above airfield elevation. Gliders landing within the declared boundary of the airfield having failed to correctly finish will be deemed to have finished 5 minutes after they come to rest. 5.10 AIRSPACE 5.10.1 Pilot’s Responsibility for Airspace Avoidance It is the pilot’s responsibility to ensure that Airspace is not infringed at any time. 5.10.2 Application of Airspace Penalties If the flight recorder evidence shows a logged point within prohibited airspace prior to engine start or actual out-landing the specified penalties will be applied, irrespective of whether the flight performance gains a score or not. This is assessed using the procedure in Appendix 2. 5.10.3 Airspace Types Excluded Gliders are excluded from the following Airspace during competition: – Class A – Airways, except where they pass through a TMA or CTR of a lower status. Class C – Above FL 195. Class D – Mostly CTRs (Control Zones) and CTAs (Control Areas) Above FL100 unless exempted by provision of “Glider sector” that may be utilised without the need for a transponder or clearance from appropriate ATC. Prohibited Areas. Restricted Areas, except Note 2 and 2a areas that only apply to helicopters. Danger Areas prefixed with an ‘*’ (subject to local bylaws) on the ICAO ½ million chart. Any other specific areas, i.e. deemed active parachute sites, Temporary Restricted or Prohibited Areas specified by the Organisation in text on the daily task sheets. 18 BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Conduct of the Competition 5.10.4 Block Airspace Exemptions Flights within certain Class D Airspace may be permitted by a briefed block exemption obtained from the controlling authority by the contest organisation. 5.11 ACCIDENTS & DAMAGE 5.11.1 Accident Reporting. Any accident or damage affecting the Airworthiness of a glider must be reported to the Director who is responsible for ensuring that the BGA reporting procedure is followed. All competing gliders must be available for inspection at the Director’s request. 5.11.2 Repair. A damaged glider may be repaired. The following items may be repaired by replacement: control surfaces, tailplane, airbrakes, flaps, canopy, undercarriage gear and doors, propeller, non-structural fairings, wing tips and winglets. Where damage occurs to wing outer panels, wing extensions or winglets, these may be substituted with stubs or lower span extension parts provided that at all times the glider is flown within its C of A and at the original handicap. If the damage was no fault of the pilot, the whole glider or any part of it may be replaced with the consent of the Director. Landing damage is normally assumed to be the fault of the pilot. 5.11.3 Collision. Gliders involved in an airborne collision, however minor, will for scoring purposes be deemed to have out-landed at the point of the collision. 5.12 RADIO 5.12.1 Permitted Use of Radio The use of radios is confined to voice communication between pilots, crews and officials. Data transmission is not permitted except that required for anti-collision warning systems (e.g. Flarm, ADSB) or one way safety locators (e.g. SPOT) 5.12.2 Permitted Voice Frequencies Voice transmissions must only be made on the approved air to air gliding frequencies of 130.1,130.125 and 130.4MHz. Organisers may additionally specify an airfield frequency in the Local Procedures that may be used for control of start/finish and for safety messages only. 5.12.3 Exceptional Use of Other Frequencies Exceptionally, transmissions may also be made on other frequencies to contact ATC for obtaining permission to enter an ATZ, to land at an airfield, to make courtesy position calls when near to sensitive airspace boundaries or in the event of emergency. 5.12.4 Listening Watch To improve safety, competitors should maintain a listening watch on the designated primary frequency, especially during the launch, prior to starting, whilst finishing and landing, and when thermalling with other gliders. 19 BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Conduct of the Competition 5.13 EXTERNAL AIDS 5.13.1 Help in Finding Lift Help in finding lift by any non-competing aircraft, including competitors not in the act of carrying out the task of their own class, is prohibited. 5.13.2 Data Transmission All data transmission between competitors or between them and the ground is prohibited, except as required exceptionally by the organisers, or for safety purposes as part of an anticollision warning system or one way locator(eg. Flarm, ADSB, SPOT) 5.14 DOPING The British Gliding Association recognises and adopts the UK Anti-Doping Rules published by UK Anti-Doping (or its successor), as amended from time to time. Such rules take effect and will be construed as rules of the British Gliding Association. The British Gliding Association also recognises and adopts the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) Anti-Doping Rules and Procedures version 2.1 (or any subsequent amendments). If there is a conflict between the rules of the FAI and the UK Anti-Doping Rules the rules of the FAI will prevail. Additional guidance notes for competitors • Any substance likely to enhance performance or create an unfair advantage, whether taken intentionally or unintentionally, is forbidden in all gliding competitions. Many prescribed or over-the-counter drugs may also be prohibited. • Some drugs prescribed for a medical condition, and whose use is necessary for safety reasons, may be permitted. It is the sole responsibility of the pilot to ensure that any drugs prescribed to him/her or purchased by him/her are permitted or that a TUE (therapeutic use exemption) is obtained to cover their use. • A very small number of top international competitors may be required to take part in Outof-Competition Testing. They will be informed and advised about this separately. All relevant information on FAI Anti-Doping Procedures including Applications for TUE and List of Prohibited Substances may be found by using the following web link – http://fai.org/cimp-projects/cimp-fai-anti-doping-programme 5.15 CLOUD FLYING 5.15.1 Cloud Flying Radio Gliders must not enter cloud unless equipped with a serviceable radio operating on 130.4MHz. 5.15.2 Before Entering Cloud Shortly before entering, the pilot must announce their intention on this frequency, and give the following: • Call sign. 20 BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Conduct of the Competition • Altitude above sea level and position with approximate bearing and distance from a feature on the 1:500,000 map. In addition the pilot should give the exact bearing and distance to their next task Turnpoint in degrees true and kilometres. • Where gliders are approaching or have recently rounded a Turnpoint, the call should be relative to the nearest task Turnpoint. 5.15.3 While in Cloud If other gliders are present in the same cloud, height information must be exchanged at regular intervals and a minimum vertical separation of at least 500 feet must be maintained, the higher glider having priority. 5.15.4 On leaving Cloud The pilot must call immediately ‘clear of cloud’. 5.15.5 Right of Way Transiting gliders must give way to circling gliders. 5.15.6 Near a Start Zone or Base Airfield Pilots must remain clear of cloud and in full visibility of all gliders in the same thermal when within 10km of any start zone and base airfield reference point. 5.15.7 No Cloud Flying Prior to Start Additionally, pilots must not enter cloud prior to starting even if more than 10km from the start zone reference point of the task group – see start rule 5.6.5. Failure to comply with the above will be considered dangerous or hazardous flying. 5.16 AIRMANSHIP & SAFETY 5.16.1 Parachutes On every competition flight each glider occupant must wear a parachute. 5.16.2 Direction of Thermal Turn A glider joining another in a thermal must circle in the same direction. 5.16.3 Illness or Disability Pilots must not fly if ill or suffering from any disability that might endanger the safety of themselves or others. 5.16.4 Jettisoning Water Ballast Water ballast must not be jettisoned in a manner likely to be detrimental to other competitors. 5.16.5 Flarm The use of Flarm (or compatible proximity warning device) is highly recommended. OUTLANDING 5.16.6 3rd Party Complaints. These must all be promptly reported to the Director. 21 BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Conduct of the Competition 5.16.7 Deemed Position of Outlanding. For calculation of scoring distance, the glider will be deemed to have landed at the most favourable of the following: – • The place the glider comes to rest under its own momentum, except that if the landing is on an airfield then the published reference point will apply, or • The most advantageous Flight Recorder logged point prior to landing or operation of engine, or • The next Turnpoint, if it is contained within the boundary of the airfield of landing. 5.16.8 Outlanding Reporting Pilots having landed out must contact Contest Control by telephone within 1 hour from landing advising Turning points claimed and landing position. A further prompt telephone call is required advising when crew and pilot have met up. 5.17 SECOND ATTEMPT If after any flight from which a score can be claimed the pilot wishes to make a further attempt, a valid start must be made. This invalidates any previous attempts that day. 5.18 PROTESTS A competitor wishing to make a protest must do so to the Director, either verbally or in writing. The Director is encouraged to refer to the BGA Competitions Committee for guidance prior to any decision, especially where there may be ambiguity within the rules or no specific rules covering the case in question. If not satisfied with the Director's response, the competitor may, provided it is within 24 hours, make a formal written protest to the Director. If the protest is still not upheld, the Director must request the stewards meet within 24 hours to consider the protest. Stewards must reach a majority agreement before the Director's decision can be varied. Protests concerning scores must be made within 24 hours of the publication of unofficial results for the relevant day, except that if full day and overall results cannot be published by midnight on the last day of the competition, the protest period shall be five days from the circulation of unofficial scores. A pilot making a formal protest must pay a deposit of £10. If the protest is upheld the deposit will be returned, otherwise it will be paid to a charity of the pilot's choice. 5.19 CONTEST MINIMA Any day on which at least one glider scores is a contest day, and any competition with at least one contest day is a valid contest. 5.20 PENALTIES 5.20.1 List of Approved Penalties See 7.1 for a comprehensive list of approved penalties. 5.20.2 Disqualification For scoring purposes disqualified competitors will be deemed not to have flown on the day(s). 22 BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Conduct of the Competition 5.20.3 Application of Penalties All other penalties are applied after scores have been calculated and, except for Dangerous/Hazardous flying infringements and cheating and falsifying documents penalties, will not result in a negative score. 5.21 ENGINE EQUIPPED GLIDERS Engine equipped gliders must comply with the following procedures:- 5.21.1 Self-Launching. Self-launching gliders must follow the same general climb out pattern as aero towed gliders and shut down their engine in the designated release area at or below the designated release height. If the designated release height at point of shutdown is exceeded by more than 100 feet then any subsequent start will be invalid unless the pilot lands and re-launches correctly. 5.21.2 Self-Sustainers Engine Test The engine will be run after launching and prior to starting for a single period of not more than 30 seconds when directed by the Competition Organisation to test engine noise monitoring, and/or as required by the pilot to establish engine serviceability. The engine test must be completed by no more than 15 minutes after the start line opening time or 15 minutes after the time of release from tow, whichever is the later. 5.21.3 Further Engine Operation. Any other engine operation prior to landing ends competition flying for that day. Selfretrieving gliders must return directly to the competition site without delay to minimize the effect on pilots still competing. 5.22 CALCULATION OF SCORES 5.22.1 The 1000 Point Scoring Principle Scores are calculated each day by awarding the best performer 1,000 points, subject to any devaluation factor, and calculating other competitors’ points by comparing their performance to that of the Day Winner. The overall scores are the sum of all of the day scores. 5.22.2 Scoring Parameters & Formulae See 7.2 for full details of the scoring calculation system. 5.22.3 Glider Speed Index (Handicap). A competitor’s performance is adjusted during the scoring process by the gliders Speed Index. Most gliders and their speed indices are included in the list at Appendix 1. In Open, 18M, 15M and Standard Class Nationals, a Speed Index of 100 is used for all gliders. 5.22.4 Additional Performance Enhancements Additional performance enhancements to the standard glider will attract the following increments to the speed index: – Span 1 per ½ metre or part thereof 23 BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Conduct of the Competition Winglets 0.5, unless part of the original design or marked with a (w) on the list, the only exception to this being gliders with a span of 21 metres or more prior to modification. Wing Root Fairings 0.5, unless the modification is manufacturer specified on a later derivative of the same glider design enjoying the same handicap. Boundary layer control trip tape on wings(excluding deturbulating resonance composite film) 0.5, unless part of the original design specification or specified on a later derivative of the same glider design with the same handicap. Use of boundary layer de-turbulating resonance composite film and/or reverse step leading edge strip technologies will not be permitted in handicapped competitions. This situation may be reviewed as understanding of the technologies and how it affects performance and certification improves. 5.22.5 Windicapping. With the exception of Distance Handicapped tasks, an adjustment is made to the distance of each task leg flown, depending on the wind strength (in knots) and direction. For Preliminary scores they may be estimated, but for Unofficial and Final scores they must be deduced by assessing the thermal drift from a representative cross section of competitors’ Flight Recorder traces. In Distance Handicapped Tasks, windicapping is applied using a forecast of the competition wind and is applied before the task is flown by influencing the barrel-sizes applied to the various speed indices. The wind strength is adjusted by dividing it by a contest dependent wind division factor (see 7.2.2), but shall not exceed a value of 30. 5.22.6 Distances. In all calculations, the Start Point, Finish Point, and Fixed Course Turnpoints are the published Latitude and Longitude coordinates. For Assigned Area Tasks, the Turn-points are the logged point in each Assigned Area that results in the greatest overall distance. For Fixed Course tasks, the achieved distance of an uncompleted leg is the length of that leg less the distance between the Out-landing Point and the next Turnpoint, or Goal. 24 BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Conduct of the Competition For Assigned Area tasks, the achieved distance of an uncompleted leg is computed as follows: Mark the nearest point on the boundary of the next area from the Out-landing point or the point at which the task time expires • Use this point to find the scoring point in the previous area that will maximize task distance and record the distance between them. • This distance, minus the distance between the Out-landing point and the next Area, is the length of the uncompleted leg. If an uncompleted last leg is less than zero its effect is ignored. 5.22.7 Scoring Distance Handicap Tasks. These task types are not yet fully supported by the SeeYou scoring software, but will be scored as for Fixed Course tasks. The tasks are designed to give all finishers the same windicapped distance. However, using the Fixed Course rules for measuring distances for scoring outlandings, and for assessing whether or not a glider has exceeded the qualifying distance, can potentially lead to some inconsistencies. For all gliders, the distance awarded for any completed leg will be the declared task leg distance (unhandicapped and not wind adjusted) between the turnpoint coordinates. Distances for uncompleted legs will be calculated as for Fixed Course Tasks, regardless of the turnpoint size being used by any glider. This will mean that any two gliders landing at the same point will be given the same distance for that leg, regardless of handicap and regardless of how much distance advantage may, or may not have been gained before landing. 5.23 PUBLICATION OF SCORES. Preliminary day scores should be published as soon as possible. Day score sheets must contain each competitor’s position, day points, name, glider type, glider identity, start time, finish/elapsed time, actual speed/distance flown and, for handicapped competitions, glider handicap. Unofficial day scores, including description of any penalties or warnings, should be available at the first task briefing on the following day. If there are no protests or requirements for additional evidence these scores become final 24 hours after publication. Otherwise scores become final 24 hours after the determination of any protest or alteration in the light of additional evidence, and publication of amended scores. Final day scores should be published as soon as practicable and, if not published on a web site, duplicated so that each pilot can retain a copy. Score sheets should be annotated as either Preliminary, Unofficial or Final with Unofficial score sheets carrying the time and date of publication so that protest period may be referenced. Copies of the last day scores must be available within 5 working days (Organisers should consider using the BGA’s or their own Web site) and the final competition scores must be distributed to competitors within 10 days from the end of the competition. If these are subject to protests and amendments, the final results or amendments thereto, must likewise be distributed to competitors within a further 12 days, i.e. within 22 days from the end of the competition. 25 BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Conduct of the Competition All hors-concours pilots and any pilots who are not of British nationality, nor principally resident in the UK and subject to the payment of British taxes, must be annotated on entry and result sheet. 26 BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Rating List & Team Selection 6 RATING LIST & TEAM SELECTION 6.1 RATING LIST. The Rating List ranks pilots for entry into oversubscribed National competitions. It is calculated from performances in BGA rated competitions and International Championships held during the previous twelve month period ending September 30th together with devalued ratings from the previous year’s list. Performances in foreign competitions will be considered provided pilots apply to the BGA with a list of results prior to September 30th. 6.1.1 Competition Rating. This is derived by adjusting the Base Rating for the type of competition, from the following table, by the number and perceived quality of entrants. The Base Rating and Standard Entry for foreign competitions will be determined individually by the Competitions Committee based on their perceived individual merit. Comp Rating = Base Rating + (No. of Competitors – Std Entry) x ½ + Pundits x 10, where Pundits = No. of competitors with current Rating Score greater than the Comp Base Rating. For non-UK competitions Pundits = zero. Type of Competition Base Rating Std Entry UK National Championships, except the Junior Nationals 1000 45 UK Overseas Handicapped Championships 950 30 UK Regionals and Junior Championships 750 15 World Championships except the Women’s and Junior 1400 25 European Championships - except the Women’s and Junior 1300 25 Other International Championships 1000 25 6.1.2 Rating Score. A competition winner receives a Rating Score equal to the Competition Rating. Other participants’ Rating Score is calculated using the Competition Rating, their final position and their points score relative to the winner. All pilots receive a Rating Score for every competition entered during the twelve month period plus one calculated by deducting 250 from the previous year’s highest Rating Score. Pilots’ positions on the Rating List depend on their highest Rating Scores. Rating Score = Comp Rating - 475 x (Pilot Position – 1) ÷ (No. of Competitors – 1) Winner’s Points), 1) - 475 x MIN((Winner’s Points – Pilot’s Points) ÷ (0.6 x 27 BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Rating List & Team Selection If Rating Score < minus 200 then Rating Score = minus 200 6.1.3 Rating of Team Entries. When more than one pilot during a competition acts as pilot in a single seat aircraft or in the case of a two-seater when more than one pilot qualifies as registered pilot, only the pilot who earns the greatest proportion of the winner’s points on the days flown receives a Rating Score calculated from glider’s final competition position and the total points score. 6.1.4 Rating Ties. These are resolved in favour of the pilot with the highest percentage of the winner’s points in their Rating Score competition. 6.2 INTERNATIONAL TEAM SELECTION 6.2.1 Timing of International Team Selection. Selection procedures are carried out at the end of the UK competition season prior to any International Championship and Pre-Worlds for all Northern Hemisphere competitions. For competitions in the Southern Hemisphere, the World Championship team selection is carried out prior to the Pre-World competition. 6.2.2 International Team Member Qualifications. The Sporting Code requires that competitors in International Championships meet all the following criteria: – • Satisfy the FAI Sporting Code General Section 3.7 regarding citizenship and representation. • 250 total hours pilot in command, of which at least 100 hours is in sailplanes. • Hold a current FAI Sporting Licence. • Have competed in two National Championships – not applicable for Junior Championships. • Junior competitors must not have a 25th birthday prior to the 1st January in the year that the Championship commences. 6.2.3 World Championships (unrestricted) Team Selection 6.2.3.1 Open, 18 metre, 15 metre, Standard and Club Class. Up to 2 competitors are selected by vote for each class from a voting panel, all being eligible for selection with any World Champion from the previous event in class also selected. The voting panels consist of all pilots who have achieved a placing in the top 50% rounded to the nearest place, of the appropriate preceding two UK National Championships in class plus any other pilots in the class team squad. Where this procedure produces a voting pool of eligible pilots of less than 20 then further pilots of lower placings from both years are added in percentage placing order to enlarge the voting pool to 20 where possible. 6.2.3.2 20m. Two Seat Class. One lead pilot is selected by vote from a voting panel, all being eligible for selection. The voting panel is to consist of all pilots who have achieved a top 5 placing in a UK National Championships in any class in the two preceding years plus any other pilots in team squads as defined by 39.3.3. Selected lead pilot may choose his co-pilot and must confirm 28 BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Rating List & Team Selection availability of a competitive 20m. flapped glider prior to a team place being granted as this is a mandatory requirement. Any current World Champion pair may additionally be selected to take advantage of automatic place granted by IGC. 6.2.3.3 13.5m. Class This class is not currently supported 6.2.3.4 Sole Basis of Team Selection Without exception, team selection for any class and entry authorisation will be based solely upon perceived ranked pilot ability as defined using the procedures in 6.2.3 irrespective of opportunity that may be provided by wild card rules of IGC. 6.2.3.5 Class Team Squad. After the World Championship is completed, a new class team squad is formed consisting of the selected participants in class of the just completed unrestricted World Championship plus those selected participants from the previous unrestricted World Championship in class. The squad is then subsequently enlarged to include the top three placed pilots in the two Nationals in class held prior to the team vote as well as participants in class that achieve a top 40% position rounded to the nearest place in the European Championship prior to the team vote. Pilots are deleted from the squad prior to voting if they have not achieved a top 50% placing rounded to the nearest place in at least one of the last three Nationals in class preceding the vote. The identification of class squad members is intended to aid BGA marketing projects and to help target pre-event training opportunities. 6.2.3.6 Pilot Options Current Champions must defend their title and although they may vote, they will be removed from any further selection options for concurrent events. All other pilots eligible for entry in more than one class may choose which class they wish to compete in. Priority for choice of class is determined by vote order. In all cases where there is an option, pilots must make their preferences known within two weeks of notification of the vote result. 6.2.4 European Championships 6.2.4.1 Open, 18 metre, 15 metre, Standard and Club Class Competitors may only compete in the class from which they qualify, with priority for the team of up to two per class determined by the criteria below in order:- • Current National Champion • Current European gold, silver and bronze medal holders • Current World Championship gold, silver and bronze medal holders • Current National second and third place holders • Next most recent National first, second and third place finishers • Top 6 priority order in most recent World team vote Exceptionally, where there is a current European Champion and another European or World medal winner in class, up to three pilots may be selected. 29 BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Rating List & Team Selection 6.2.4.2 13.5m Class This class is not currently supported 6.2.4.3 20m Multi-Seat Class This class is not currently supported for European Championships 6.2.4.4 Pilot Options All other pilots eligible for entry in more than one class may choose which class they wish to compete in. In all cases where there is an option, pilots must make their preferences known within two weeks of notification of “eligibility for entry”. 6.2.5 Junior World Championships. 6.2.5.1 Junior Team Squad. A squad of nominally 8 pilots will be chosen before the 1st March following the previous JWGC by current British Team Coaches with reference to BGA Competition and Awards sub-committee and Team Manager. Pilots may exceptionally be added or removed as found necessary at the discretion of the coaching team. 6.2.5.2 Junior Team selection. A team of 4 pilots will be chosen by current British Team Coaches with reference to BGA Competition and Awards sub-committee and Team manager no less than 6 months before the event and normally at the end of season prior to event. Final selection will be based upon:- • Performance in all competitions including Junior, Regional, National and International Championships (minimum requirement is to have flown at least one National Championship). • Commitment to team training and development initiatives. • Commitment to promoting the Junior team within the wider gliding community. • Commitment to the search for individual or preferably team sponsors. • Access to a competitive glider that can be shipped to competition site in due time – its instrumentation and condition will additionally be taken into consideration. 6.2.6 Women’s World Championships. Normally up to 4 competitors are selected by the following criteria in order but subject to having fully participated in a UK Nationals within the last two years:- • Medal winners from the preceding Women’s World Championships. • Top 40% (rounded to the nearest place) in a UK National Championship in the preceding two years • 4th or 5th place in the preceding Women’s World Championship. • Top 60% (rounded to the nearest place) in an unrestricted European or World Championship in the preceding two years. Pilots may only be selected in the class which they gained qualification. 30 BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Rating List & Team Selection Class position is determined by the priority order with the highest placed medal winner having first choice, then by % position in last two UK Nationals through to the pilot with the lowest position in the last Women’s Worlds. 6.2.7 Commitment Fee All pilots selected, may, at the discretion of the team manager, be required to pay the BGA a sum equalling the competition entry fee or £1,000 whichever is the least. This fee to be reimbursed to pilots prior to the event starting. Any pilot subsequently withdrawing without a satisfactory replacement being found or allowed to compete will forfeit their Commitment Fee. 6.2.8 Voting System. This appears convoluted but minimises the effect of tactical voting. For the result to be accepted, at least 50% of the voting panel must return a valid vote. 6.2.8.1 Valid vote A Valid Vote is one where all available places on the ballot paper have been completed with different eligible pilot names which do not include that of the voter. 6.2.8.2 Procedure. Step 1. Delete from all ballot papers the name of anyone who has not submitted a valid vote. Step 2. Delete any already selected pilot from all ballot papers. Make separate piles of ballot papers for each pilot who now heads the list on any of them. Step 3. Action the following options as applicable until the required list of pilots is achieved. Option 1. A pilot heading the list on more than 50% of votes is selected. Go to Step 2. Option 2. With no pilot having an overall majority but there are two clear leaders, the one placed above the other on the majority of ballot papers is selected. Go to Step 2. Option 3. With a tie(s) preventing there being two clear leaders, all ballot papers are re-allocated between the tied pilots in favour of the highest placed on each list. The pilot with the least votes is eliminated. This process is repeated until only one of the tied pilots remains. If this results in a single pilot remaining, he/she is selected, if there are two, repeat the procedure to select one. Go to Step 2. Tie-breaking. If Option 2 produces a tie or Option 3 fails to resolve one, then the pilot placed higher on the current BGA Rating List predominates. 31 BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Appendices 7 APPENDICES 7.1 LIST OF APPROVED PENALTIES Type of offence First offence Wrong, late or missing information Notification of start time > 30 minutes after start Warning Declared start time differs from real time >2 Warning minutes Changing FR without advising the Organisers 10 points FR fix interval set greater than required Warning Late delivery of FR or other documents > 60 Warning minutes Late delivery of back-up FR or documents Warning >60 minutes from receipt of request Missing FR evidence – exceeding 60 seconds, Out-landed at that where it cannot be reasonably established that point airspace was not infringed or engine not operated Incorrect start and rounding of TP areas Cloud flying prior to start 100 points Starting from within Horizontal Penalty Area Starting from within Vertical Penalty Volume 50 points 4 points/10ft or part Repeat Offence on Repeat offence on subsequent day further subsequent day 10 points 10 points 20 points 10 points 10 points 10 points Out-landed at that point 25 points 25 points 25 points 25 points 25 points 25 points Out-landed at that point Day Disqualification – minimum 500 pts. 50 points 4points/10ft or part Disqualification 50 points 4 points/10ft or part Exceeding maximum start height in the 2 minutes prior to Starting Controlled only within a Turnpoint Penalty Area Dangerous or hazardous flying Cloud flying – incorrect radio protocol 1 point /10ft. or part, above start height 50 points Warning 1 point /10ft. or part, above start height 50 points 100 points 1 point /10ft. or part, above start height 50 points Day Disqualification minimum 500 pts. Cloud flying – within 10km. of any start zone or base airfield reference point. Flying outside glider’s C of A limits 100 points 100 points Single or multiple penetrations of prohibited airspace simultaneously greater than 200m.horizontally and 100’ vertically. Single or multiple penetrations of prohibited airspace NOT simultaneously greater than 200m.horizontally and 100’ vertically. Finish and subsequent flying– incorrect landing pattern. 500 points 50 points Warning Day Disqualification – minimum 500 pts. Day Disqualification – minimum 500 pts. Day Disqualification – minimum 500 pts. Disqualification Disqualification Disqualification 50 points 50 points 100 points Day Disqualification – minimum 500 pts. 32 BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Appendices Type of offence First offence Finish and approach to finish – hazardous or prohibited manoeuvre including :- 100 points Repeat Offence on Repeat offence on subsequent day further subsequent day Day Disqualification – Disqualification minimum 500 pts. 1) flight below 30’ AGL outside the declared airfield perimeter other than an emergency straight-in approach where it is not possible to maintain safe airspeed to maintain the minimum ground clearance or in the event of an outlanding. FR evidence from 500’ above airfield elevation will be used to verify any deliberate planning of energy management that leads to flight below the minimum limit. Such proven cases will not be exempt from penalty. 2) any approach that does not describe a descending flight path other than to convert from a straight in approach to a go around or for reasons of flight safety. 3) Flight below 30’ inside the airfield perimeter except when on landing approach Hazardous/dangerous flying recommended by PSC for penalty, if not covered by other penalty Cheating or falsifying documents Falsifying electronic files or paper documents Attempt to obtain help for finding lift from noncompeting glider or aircraft Use of any non-approved radio frequency for communication of any sort whilst airborne except with Air Traffic Services, or in emergency Prohibited content voice or data transmission 100 points Disqualification Day Disqualification – minimum 500 pts. Day Disqualification – minimum 500 pts. 100 points Day Disqualification Disqualification Disqualification Day Disqualification – Minimum 500points Disqualification Disqualification Other violations Glider all up weight in excess of class and/or C of A limit Weight over limit in Kg x 2 points Positive doping control Excess wing span when measured with wings supported to match unloaded shape with 0.3cm. allowance. The excess is rounded to the nearest cm. Self-sustainer engine test running >30 seconds clean running Failure to comply with specific single procedure not covered elsewhere. Crossing Finish Ring below specified minimum altitude see FAI policy 1 point per cm. 1point per second 25 points 1 point /3ft subject to limit of pilot’s speed points Weight over limit in Kg. x 2 points x no. of occurrences see FAI policy 1 point per cm. 1 point per second 100 points 1 point / 3ft subject to limit of pilot’s speed points Weight over limit in Kg. x 2 points x no. of occurrences see FAI policy 1 point per cm. 1 point per second Day Disqualification – minimum 500 pts. 1 point / 3ft subject to limit of pilot’s speed points 33 BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Appendices 7.2 SCORING PARAMETERS & FORMULAE. The following table lists and explains the key parameters and formulae used in calculating the scores; Table 7.2.1 explains the calculation of the Qualifying Distance and 7.2.2 lists the contest dependant variables used in scoring. The following table not only defines each variable used in scoring, but also follows the scoring process flow. Distance Handicapped Tasks will use the same rules and formulae as Fixed Course Tasks, but the effects of all speed indices and wind adjustment will be ignored. This is done by the UK2015a scoring script using the appropriate option. Parameter Description W Contest W = Wind strength in knots divided by contest wind division Wind factor from table 7.2.2 If result exceeds 30 then W = 30. See Rule 5.22.5 H Glider Speed See Rule 5.22.3 Index (Handicap) Hi Leg For each leg:- Handicap Increment Hi = 100 * (√ (1 - (W ÷ 46)2 sin2θ) - (1 + (W ÷ 46) cosθ)) Where ‘θ’ is the non-reflex relative angle between the track and the direction the wind is coming from. Hl Leg Wind For each leg:- Adjusted Speed Index Hl = H + Hi If result < 25, then Hl = 25 For each the leg, the actual distance is adjusted by multiplying by 100 and dividing by Hl Dm Marking The total handicapped distance flown by a glider. Distance The sum of ((Actual distance flown along each leg * 100) ÷ Hl). Dmax Greatest Marking Distance Greatest marking distance flown by any glider 34 BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Appendices Parameter Description Dw Winner’s For Fixed Course Tasks only. The fastest finisher’s marking Marking distance or, if no finishers, the greatest marking distance Distance flown by any glider. Dt AAT Timeout For AATs only. The Timeout distance Dt is the handicapped Distance distance flown by a glider within the designated task time. The greatest Dt is used in the calculation of day distance points. Tg Time taken Glider’s Finish time minus Start time in hours to complete course Td AAT In hours Designated Task Time Y Qualifying For Fixed Course Y is an appropriate percentage of either Distance the un-handicapped task length or windicapped task length depending on contest type, as shown in table 7.2.1 For AATs, Y is calculated by multiplying the Designated Task Time in hours by a contest dependent factor as shown in table 7.2.1 Minimum and maximum values for Y are also listed in table 7.2.1 Sh Finisher’s For Fixed Course tasks, a finisher’s speed is produced by speed dividing the Marking Distance, Dm, by the time taken to complete the course Tg. For AATs a finisher’s speed is produced by dividing the Marking Distance, Dm, by the greater of (a) the time taken to complete the course Tg (b) the Designated Task Time Td. Vh Fastest The greatest speed of all finishers. Finisher’s N.B. In AATs the fastest finisher is not necessarily the speed winner. N Number of The number of gliders not withdrawn from the contest at the Participating start of launching. Gliders 35 BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Appendices Parameter Description Nl Number of The number of participating gliders accepting at least one Gliders launch. launched Ny Number Past The number of participating gliders for which Dm is greater Y than or equal to Y Nv Number The number of participating gliders that finish with a speed exceeding exceeding 2/3rds fastest finisher’s speed. i.e. for which Sh > 2/3rds Vh 0·6667 * Vh Ff Day Factor The Day Factor Ff is calculated by dividing the number of gliders exceeding Y by the number of participating gliders and multiplying by 1·25, thus if 80% or more of the gliders pass Y, Ff will be 1. Ff = 1·25 * (Ny ÷ N) If result greater than 1, then Ff = 1 D Devaluation For Fixed course, D = Dw Distance For AATs, D = Greatest Dt Da Devaluation Da = 250 for Nationals, 0 for Regionals and Junior Distance Championships (see table 7.2.2) Adjustment T Devaluation For Fixed course, T = winner’s Tg Time (for tasks For AATs, T = Td with a finisher) Ta Devaluation Ta = 200 for Nationals, 0 for Regionals and Junior Time Championships (see table 7.2.2 ) Adjustment F Day Points F is the minimum value from a) Ff * 1000 b) Ff * ((5 * D) – Da) c) Ff * ((400 * T) – Ta) (for tasks with a finisher) d) 0 if task distance is less than contest minimum task length (see table 7.2.2 ) 36 BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Appendices Parameter Description Fv Day Speed The proportion of Day Points awarded for speed depends on Points the proportion of gliders that complete the course in excess of 2/3rds of the fastest finisher’s speed, to the number of gliders launched. It falls linearly from 66·67%, when all gliders complete at sufficient speed, to zero with no finishers. Fv = 0·6667 * F * (Nv ÷ Nl) Fd Day Fd = F – Fv Distance Points Ps Glider Speed The speed points gained are proportional to the amount by Points which a finisher’s speed exceeds 2/3rds of the fastest speed. Ps = 3 * Fv * ((Sh ÷ Vh) – 0·6667) If the result is less than zero then Ps = 0 37 BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Appendices Parameter Description Pd Glider For Fixed Course and Distance Handicapped Tasks: Distance Points All finishers receive the same distance points as the winner so in this case: Pd = Fd Non-finishers receive the Day Distance Points multiplied by the ratio of their marking distance to the greatest marking distance: Pd = Fd * (Dm÷Dmax) For AATs Finishers exceeding 2/3rds of the greatest marking distance receive the same distance points as the winner so in this case: Pd = Fd The remainder receive the Day Distance Points multiplied by the ratio of their marking distance to 2/3rds of the greatest marking distance: Pd = Fd * Dm ÷ (Dmax * 0·6667) For non-finishers Pd = Fd * (Dm ÷ Dmax) P Glider Points P = Ps + Pd (sum is rounded to nearest integer, 0·5 rounded up) 38 BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Appendices 7.2.1 Qualifying Distance Fixed Course and Distance Handicapped Y = %age of task length Open Nationals 50% Wind adjusted 18m and 15m and 20m Multi-Seat Nationals 50% Wind adjusted Standard and Club Nationals OverseasHandicapped Championships 50% Wind adjusted Junior Championships and Regionals 40% Unhandicapped AAT Y =Time in hrs multiplied by Minimum Maximum YY (km) (km) 40 100 200 36 90 180 32 80 160 30 60 120 39 BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 7.2.2 Contest Dependent Variables Appendices Task Minima Fixed Course Task Length (km) AAT Designated Task Time (hrs) Contest Wind Division Factor Devaluation Adjustment Distance Da = Time Ta = Open Nationals 150 2·0 1·18 250 200 18m Nationals 150 2·0 1·10 250 200 15m and 20m Multi- Seat Nationals 150 2·0 1.04 250 200 Standard Nationals 150 2·0 1·00 250 200 Club Nationals 120 2·0 1·00 250 200 Handicapped Nationals 150 2·0 1·00 250 200 Junior and Regional Championships 80 2·0 1·00 0 0 40 BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 7.3 GLIDER SPEED INDICES AC-4A AC-4B AC-4C Acro Twin 2 Acro Twin 3 Antares (18m) Antares (20m) Arcus ASG29 (15m) ASG29 (18m) ASG32 ASH25 ASH25 (25.6m) ASH25 (26m) ASH25EB28 ASH26 ASH31 (18m) ASH31 (21m) ASK13 ASK14 ASK16 ASK21 ASK23 Astir CS Astir Jeans ASW12 ASW15 ASW17 ASW19a,b ASW19club ASW20 ASW20b,c ASW20bl,cl ASW20f ASW20FL ASW20L ASW22 (24m) ASW22b ASW22bl ASW24 ASW24 (w) ASW27a,b ASW28 ASW28-18 (15m) ASW28-18 (18m) Bergfalke 4 Bergfalke BG135 Blanik Bocian Calif A21 Capstan Cirrus (17.7m) Cirrus (18.8m) Club Libelle Cobra 15 Dart 15 Dart 17r DG300 club (fixed) DG100/101 DG100/101 (fixed) 83 83 85 85 89 111 114 107 104 111 107 114 115 115 117 110 111 115 67 72 60 85 85 89 86 105 89 106 93 90 98 100 103 98 101 101 115 117 118 97 97.5 104 100 100 106 69 65 74 65 65 100 62 94 96 86 85 76 83 93 90 88 Appendices DG200 DG202 (15m) DG202 (17m) DG300 club (retractable) DG300 DG300 (w) DG303 DG400 (15m) DG400 (17m) DG500/505 trainer (fixed gear) DG500/505 trainer (retractable) DG500/505 Orion (20m) DG500/505 (20m) flapped DG500/505 (22m) DG600 (17m) DG600 (15m) DG600 (15m-w) DG600 (18m) DG800 (18m) DG800 (15m) DG800 (15m-w) DG1000 (20m) DG1000 (18) DG1000 (18) (fixed gear) Diamant 18 Diamant (16.5m) Discus Discus (w) Discus 2 Discus 2 (w) & 2c (15m-w) Discus 2c (18m) Duo Discus Duo Discus (w) Duo Discus X (700kg) Duo DiscusX (750kg) Duo Discus XL Eagle Fauvette FK3 Foka 4 Foka 5 Glasflugel 304 Glasflugel 604 Grob 102 Grob 109b Grunau Baby Hornet HPH304 Shark Iris IS28b IS29d IS32 Jantar 1 Jantar 2 Janus a,b Janus c (fixed gear) Janus c (retractable) Jaskolka JS1a,b JS1c (18m) JS1c (21m) JP15-36a K-18 K-2 K-6cr K-6e 97 97 101 95 96 96.5 97 97 101 90 92 98 100 104 105 99 99.5 107 110 103 103.5 102 96 94 100 89 98 98.5 100 100.5 106 101 101.5 101.5 102 102 68 74 89 81 83 99 107 85 70 55 90 110 80 80 83 101 105 106 96 98 100 69 111 111 116 87 81 64 76 81 41 BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 K-7 K-8 Kestrel 19 Kestrel 20 Kestrel 22 KH1 Kite 2a Kranich Lak12 Lak17a (15m) Lak17a (15m-w) Lak17a (18m) Lak17b (15m) Lak17b (18m) Lak 19 (15m) Lak 19 (15m-w) Lak 19 (18m) Libelle 301 LS1 (0,c,d) LS1-0 (fixed) LS1f LS3 (15m) LS3 (17m) LS4 LS6 (15m) LS6 (15m-w) LS6c (17.5m) LS6c (18m) LS7 LS7 (w) LS8 (15m) LS8-18 (18m) L-Spatz ME7 M 100S M 200 Marianne Meise Mini Nimbus Mistral c (fixed) Mosquito a,b Moswey 3 Moswey 4 Nimbus 3 (25.5m) Nimbus 2,b,c Nimbus 2cs (23.5m) Nimbus 3 (24.5m) Nimbus 3d Nimbus 3d (25.5m) Nimbus 4 Nimbus 4d Oly 403 Oly 463 Olympia 2 Olympia 419 Pegasus Club (fixed gear) Pegasus Phoebus 17 Pik20 Pilatus B4 (fixed gear) Pilatus B4 (retractable) Pirat Prefect Puchacz PW 5 Salto (15.5m-w) 64 69 102 104 107 87 60 58 105 103 103.5 109 104 110 99.5 100 106 96 88 85 91 98 102 96 101 101.5 106 107 97 97.5 100 106 72 83 72 74 91 62 98 88 98 69 72 116 106 111 115 114 115 118 116 76 76 62 78 92 95 93 96 80 82 78 56 80 81 87 SB 5a,b,c SB 5e (16.5m) SD 3/15 SF 26 SF 27a SF 27b SFH 34 SHK-1 Sie3 Silene Silent 2 Electro/Targa Sky Skylark 2 Skylark 3 Skylark 4 Speed Astir Sport Vega SPS 31 Std Jantar Std. Cirrus Std. Cirrus (16m) Std. Libelle Stemme S10 Super Blanik Superfalke Swallow SZD 59 SZD 30 SZD 50 SZD 51 Junior SZD 55 SZD 56 T21 T53 Tandem Falke Torva Twin Astir Vega (17m) Vega (15m) Ventus a,b (16.6m) Ventus a,b,c (15m) Ventus c (17.6m) Ventus 2a,b,ax Ventus 2c,cx,cxa (15m) Ventus 2c,cx (18m) Ventus 2cxa (18m) Viking Weihe WA22 WA28 Zugvogel 3b Appendices 81 83 81 69 82 83 85 89 81 88 96 67 67 77 78 96 89 64 92 90 92 89 104 72 64 62 92 78 80 83 98 103 50 69 60 83 87 101 97 104 101 106 104 104 110 111 85 67 72 86 83 42 BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 118 ASW22bl, Nimbus 4 117 ASW22b, ASH25EB28 116 Nimbus 3 (25.5m), Nimbus 4d JS1c (21m) 115 ASH25 (25.6m), ASH25 (26m), Nimbus 3, (24.5m), ASW22 (24m), Nimbus 3d (25.5m), ASH31 (21m) 114 ASH25, Nimbus 3d Antares(20m) 111 Nimbus2cs (23.5m) , ASG29 (18m), JS1a,b, Antares (18m), Ventus2cxa(18m) ASH31(18m) 110 ASH26 Ventus2c, cx (18m), Lak 17b (18m), DG 800 (18m), HPH304 Shark 109 Lak 17a (18m) 107 LS 6c (18m), DG 600 (18m), Glasflugel 604, Kestrel 22, Arcus, ASG32 106 Nimbus 2, b, c, ASW17, LS8-18 (18m), LS 6c (17.5m), Ventus c (17.6m), Jantar 2, Lak 19 (18m), ASW28-18 (18m), Discus 2c (18m) 105 DG 600 (17m), Jantar 1, Kestrel 20, ASW12, Lak 12 104 ASW27a,b, ASG29 (15m), Ventus2 a,b,ax, Ventus2c,cx,cxa (15m), Lak 17b (15m), Ventus a, b (16.6m), Kestrel 20, DG 500/505 (22m), Stemme S10 103.5 DG 800(15m-w), Lak 17a(15m-w) 103 SZD 56, DG 800 (15m), Lak 17a (15m), , ASW20bl,cl 102 Duo Discus X (750kg),, Duo Discus XL, LS 3 (17m), Kestrel 19, DG1000 (20m) 101.5 Duo Discus (w), Duo Discus X (700kg), LS 6(15m-w) 101 Duo Discus ,LS 6 (15m), Ventus a,b,c (15m), IS 32, ASW20L, ASW20FL, Vega L (17m), DG 400 (17m), DG 202 (17m), 100.5 Discus 2(w) & 2c (15m-w) 100 Discus 2, Discus 2c (15m), LS 8 (15m), ASW28, ASW28-18 (15m), ASW20b, c, Lak 19 (15m-w), DG 500/505 (20m) (flapped), Calif A21, Diamant 18, Janus, c (retractable) 99.5 DG 600 (15m-w),Lak 19 (15m) 99 Glasflugel 304, , DG 600 (15m) 98.5 Discus (w) 98 Discus, , SZD 55, Mosquito a,b, ASW20, ASW20f, Mini Nimbus, LS 3 (15m), Kestrel (17m), Janus c, (fixed), DG 500/505, Orion (20m) 97.5 ASW24 (w), LS7 (w) 97 DG 200, DG 202 (15m), Vega (15m), DG 400 (15m), ASW24, LS 7, DG303 96.5 DG300(w) 96 LS 4, DG 300, Libelle 301, Pik 20, Speed Astir, Cirrus (18.8m), Janus a,b, DG 1000 (18m), Silent 2 Electro/Targa Appendices 95 Pegasus, DG 300 Club (retractable) 94 Cirrus (17.7m), DG 1000 (18m, fixed) 93 ASW19 a,b, DG 300 Club (fixed), Phoebus 17 92 Std Jantar, Pegasus Club (fixed), SZD 59, Std. Cirrus (16m), DG 500/505 trainer (retractable) 91 LS1f, Marianne 90 DG 100/101, Std. Cirrus, Hornet, ASW19 club, DG 500/505 trainer (fixed) 89 ASW15, Std. Libelle, SHK-1, Astir CS, Acro Twin 3, Diamant (16.5m), FK3, Sport Vega, 88 LS1 (0,c,d), Silene, Mistral c(fixed), DG100/101 (fixed) 87 JP15-36a, KH1, Twin Astir, (15.5m-w) Salto 86 Astir Jeans, Club Libelle, WA28 85 Acro Twin 2, ASK 21, ASK 23, Cobra 15, SFH 34, Viking, AC-4C, Grob 102, LS 1-0(fixed) 83 Dart 17r, Foka 5, IS29d, SB 5e(16.5m), Torva, Zugvogel 3b, SZD 51, Junior, SF 27b, AC-4A,AC-4B, ME7 82 SF 27a, Pilatus B4 (retractable) 81 Foka 4, K-6e, SB5a, b, c, SD3/15, Sie3, PW5, K-18 80 Pilatus B4 (fixed), Iris, IS28b, SZD50, Puchacz 78 SZD 30, Pirat, Skylark 4, Olympia 419 77 Skylark 3 76 K-6cr, Dart 15, Oly 403, Oly 463 74 BG135, Fauvette, M200 72 ASK14, L-Spatz, M100S, Moswey 4, Super Blanik, WA22 70 Grob 109b 69 Bergfalke 4, Jaskolka, Ka8, Moswey 3, SF26, T53 68 Eagle 67 ASK13, Sky, Skylark, 2, Weihe 65 Bergfalke, Blanik, Bocian, Mucha Std. 64 Superfalke, K-2, K-7, SPS31 62 Capstan, Meise, Olympia 2, Swallow 60 ASK16, Kite 2a, RF-5b, Tandem Falke 58 Kranich, Mu13 56 Prefect 55 Grunau Baby 50 T21 46 Falke 43 BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Appendices 7.4 HEIGHT VERIFICATION PROCEDURE For checking for vertical infringement in airspace designated by flight level (eg. FL45), the day QNE altitude(height of the base airfield in relation to forecast 1013.25 HPa pressure level) will be derived and noted on the task sheets and must not be subsequently changed unless a new task sheet is produced and the change is briefed. Any verification software will use the logged takeoff height and correct all the recorded heights by the offset between QNE altitude and logged takeoff height. If an airspace infringement is indicated then the pilot must submit a valid calibration chart within the protest period. For the purpose of any calibration corrections, the documented error at the 1013.25 HPa pressure altitude or that at the ambient test pressure altitude must be added or subtracted as appropriate to all readings within the calibration to correct the chart to suit the verification procedure. In any case, the calibration record will be used to reduce, eliminate or increase the airspace penalty as appropriate. Where a chart shows a calibration at a particular test altitude more than once, the most advantageous calibration favouring the pilot should be used in all cases. Failure to provide a calibration chart will result in the assumption that the calibrated height puts any logged points100 feet vertically further into the airspace than indicated with any airspace penalties varied accordingly. For checking for vertical infringement in airspace designated by flight altitude above sea level (eg. 3500ALT), any verification software will correct all logged readings by the offset of documented airfield altitude from logged take-off height. If an airspace infringement is indicated then the pilot must submit a valid calibration chart within the protest period to avoid an additional admin penalty in accordance with Section 34. Any adjustment required by reference to the calibration chart is deduced by identifying the difference in error between calibrated chart reading closest to airfield height compared to that closest to height of infringement. In any case, the calibration will be used to reduce, eliminate or increase the airspace penalty as appropriate. For checking for vertical infringement of start height above airfield elevation (eg. 4000ft QFE) or during the pre-start interval, any verification software will correct all logged readings by the offset of documented airfield altitude from logged take-off height. If an infringement is indicated then the pilot may submit a valid calibration chart within the protest period. Any adjustment required by reference to the calibration chart is deduced by identifying the difference in error between calibrated chart reading closest to airfield height compared to that closest to height of infringement. In any case, the calibration will be used to reduce, eliminate or increase the airspace penalty as appropriate. 44 BGA Rules For Rated Competitions 2015 Appendices 7.5 EXPLANATION OF QNE The use of QNE in scoring is to give a level baseline and to help correctly measure airspace infringements, specifically where the airspace is specified as a flight level. This levels the playing field with respect to flightrecorders (and altimeters) which may not be correctly calibrated to 1013.2mb. Once QNE is taken into account, everyone can climb the same height in feet above that baseline under any given bit of flight level airspace. In reality, QNE can vary during the day, and also over the task area. However, for scoring purposes we need a method which can be accurately used to score flight level infringements, and on the other side, pilots need to be able to fly to avoid penalties for such infringements (this would be impossible if we varied the QNE through the day and task area!). It does not matter that the QNE is not perfect – it purely gives everyone a baseline to work from. Normally, organisers should set the scoring QNE for the day slightly higher than any predicted QNE over the task area to avoid inadvertently allowing people to infringe airspace by small amounts but not being penalised by the scoring system. Worked examples 1) Let’s use the example that you are at an airfield which is 500 feet AMSL. So, at 1013.2mb, the airfield would effectively be FL005 and the QNE would also be 500 feet. In this situation flight levels are effectively the same as height above sea level, so you can treat flight levels and altitude (QNH) exactly the same. 2) At briefing you are given a QNE for the day. Think of the QNE as the height of the airfield, in feet, if it was a flight level (e.g. if the QNE was 600 feet, the airfield could be considered to be at FL006). So, the airfield height in terms of flight level is 100 feet higher than normal, so e.g. under FL55 airspace, you would only be able to climb to 5,400 feet above sea level or 4,900 feet above airfield height (QFE). 3) At briefing on another day, you are given a QNE of the day as 200 feet. So the airfield is, for scoring purposes at FL002. So the airfield is 300 feet lower than normal. Under FL55 airspace, you can climb to 5,800 feet above sea level or 5,300 feet above airfield height (QFE). Airfield height Daily QNE Under FL55 airspace, I can climb to; Above sea level (QNH) Above airfield (QFE) Example 1 500 feet 500 feet 5,500 feet 5,000 feet Example 2 500 feet 600 feet 5,400 feet 4,900 feet Example 3 500 feet 200 feet 5,800 feet 5,300 feet Another way to think about it is that you are being given a daily calibration for your altimeter and logger – many are not accurate when you take the height at 1013.2mb. In fact, allowed tolerances for altimeters are +/2mb – that is +/- 60 feet, often the difference between an airspace infringement or not! 4) If you are given a QNE of say, 700 feet, and you set your altimeter to 700 feet, if the subscale on your altimeter/flight-recorder reads 1015, then you can effectively use this new subscale reading as you would normally use 1013.2mb for flight levels. 45