[NSRCA-discussion] 2007 Rules interpretation

[Steven.Homenda at ctcplc.com]

The landing zone question was posed to several different people and in
several different forums.   Feedback received indicated the landing zone
was 30 meters, 15 meters to the left and to the right of center.    The
lines were painted in white the Friday before the contest and the "landing
zone" was announced during at the pilot's meeting on Saturday, prior to the
start of the contest at which time I interpreted the "landing zone" to mean
the aircraft must land somewhere inside the zone, then roll out under
control for at least 15 meters before completion of maneuver.      I asked
for questions.    To my knowledge, only question asked concerned whether
aircraft must initiate ground roll and takeoff within the 30 meter zone.
Since this was an AMA santioned contest, in preparation, I downloaded the
2005 AMA Rules for Radio Control Pattern, available from the NSRCA website.
Reference is made to AMA RC Pattern Judges' Guide, Part D. Judging
individual maneuvers, #10. which states:  "The following is a collation of
all mandatory zero (0) scores applicable to all Pattern Classes:   10.
Landing outside of runway or landing zone lateral boundary."

My interpretation of the feedback received, fresh lines painted on the
runway and discussion at the pilot's meeting prior to the start of the
contest dictated my decision on this issue.    At no time during the
competition did I sense that my decision to enforce the 30 meter landing
zone posed a safety hazard to anyone near the flight line, nor was I
approached by anyone about safety issues as they pertained to the
enforcement of the landing zone given the wind conditions experienced by
all of those who competed.

After the contest, further review of the AMA Guide spells out "Landing Zone
" in amongst Part E., Description of Maneuvers.   To my surprise, it
appears the landing zone should have been: "two lines placed perpendicular
across the runway and spaced 100 meters apart, or 50 meters to the left and
right of center."   Further, "the width of the landing zone shall normally
be the width of the runway but in no case shall exceed 30 meters."

As CD of the event this past weekend, I take full responsibility of my
actions as respect those of you who may have been judged unfairly on this
particular issue, however with the same breath, I do not believe the final
decision made at the time had an adverse effect on any of the standings.
If anyone has any other information to the contrary, please feel free to
advise me at once since I'm on my way to the closest home improvement
center for a gallon of black paint and paper towels to wipe the egg off my
face..........

Sincerely,
Steve Homenda

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