AMA Regulation Changes for 2005

[Lance Van Nostrand]

Don,
"Exiting the box call must be done a minimum of 15 meters after the last maneuver is complete and judging will cease at that point"

Does this mean if the pilot delays a bit before calling "exiting the box" that we continue to judge the line after the last manuver, even if it is longer than 15 meters?

--Lance

  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Don Ramsey 
  To: discussion at nsrca.org 
  Sent: Monday, January 10, 2005 7:13 AM
  Subject: AMA Regulation Changes for 2005


  There seems to be the need for some kind of guidance about what is in the new 2005 Competition Regulations.  I don't have the exact wording as it has not been published (seem there is conflict about who is holding them up) but here's what I have been told and am able to get from the proposals.  I hope some guidance is better than none at all.


  Take off and Landing:
   

  Landing Sequence:  Execute a 180 degree turn to downwind (or optional 360 degree turn if flight is completed on a downwind maneuver).  Fly a downwind leg and then turn 180 degrees into the wind for a final approach to the runway touching down in the landing zone.  The landing is complete when the model has either rolled 10 meters or comes to rest.

  Landing zone is defined by lines perpendicular across the runway and spaced 100 meters apart (50 meters or about 165 feet either side of center).  Width is the width of the runway  but in no case shall exceed 30 meters.

  Downgrades:

  n     Model does not follow landing sequence, zero (0)

  n     Any landing gear leg retracts or collapses on landing, zero (0)

  n     Model ends up on its back, zero (0)

  n     Model passes behind the judges' line, zero (0)

  n     Model lands outside the landing zone, zero (0)

  n     Only two scores zero (0) of 10 may be awarded.

   

  Takeoff Sequence:  Model takes off within the landing zone then turns 90 degrees toward the line defined by the box end poles.  When approximately over this line the model turns either 90 degrees or 270 degrees for a downwind trim pass.  When approximately over the downwind marker the model executes a 180 degree turn, reversal or other turnaround maneuver of pilot's choice.

  Downgrades:

  n     Takeoff sequence not followed, zero (0)

  n     Model takes off outside the landing zone, zero (0)

  n     Model passes behind the judges' line, zero (0)

  n     Only two scores a 10 or 0 may be awarded 

   

  Calling the Box:  The box must be called a minimum of 15 meters before the execution of the first maneuver and judging begins at that point.  Exiting the box call must be done a minimum of 15 meters after the last maneuver is complete and judging will cease at that point.

   

  Retracts:  Sportsman is no longer restricted to fixed gear.

   

  Straight and Level Flight Defined:  The following has been added to the AMA Judges' Guide under B. Principles a. Precision paragraph 2 last sentence after "Therefore, the absence of a well defined straight and level exit should also result in downgrading."  "In all cases, straight and level flight means flight parallel to the flight line, at a constant altitude and with wings level."

   

  Spins:

  The following will be added to the AMA Judges Guide under "Spins" on page 78.

   

  6. The pilot who can best combine precision/geometry of the spin (shape of the maneuver/correct number of degrees of rotation) plus wind correction to adjust the track should receive the higher score.

   

  Also, on page 84 under "Spins, any number of rotations, Upright or Inverted" delete the subparagraph beginning with "Crabbing the model"

   

  Editorial comment:  It is my opinion, this is going to take a clarification from the Judging Committee because of the following:

  n     All lines in AMA are required to be wind corrected or there is a downgrade.

  n     Wings must be level approaching the stall or there is a downgrade.

  n     This new rule implies that the spin is downgraded if the required number of rotations are not done.  

  n     It is impossible to fly a model (or any aircraft) in a crosswind without wind correction and maintain a track parallel with the flightline. So, to make the required number of degrees of rotation the model must be on a heading parallel with the flightline and therefore drifting (that physics)

   

  None of this paragraph is in the regulations but under "Logic behind proposal" is the statement "The best pilots can hide slip and maintain track and attitude in all but the worst conditions." and "For example, in a crosswind, pilot A does the best job of slipping to maintain track while at the same time maintaining a heading/attitude which closely parallels the runway." and "Good pilots are observed at every contest maintaining track AND heading into spin entry.  The current rule does not allow a judge to give better marks to a pilot who maintains track and heading from a pilot who cannot."
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