[NSRCA-discussion] Judging Questions

[J N Hiller]

Hi George and Bill. (More have posted since I started this but here it is
anyway)
Here is the first paragraph from AMA RCA-25. Probably not changed since I
saved it on 2-3-09.

Landing: The landing maneuver will be scored in half point increments from
10 to 0. The maneuver will start two (2) meters from the ground. The model
flares smoothly to a nose high altitude, dissipating flying speed, and then
smoothly touches the ground, within the landing zone. The maneuver should be
considered complete once the plane has slowed below flying speed and rolled
10 meters or comes to a stop and no further downgrades shall be applied
after that point.

Looks like there is some discrepancy here. We will probably here more on
this.

"slowed below flying speed AND rolled 10 meters" could be interpreted as a
requirement that the speed be below flying speed (subjective) within 10
meters. Thirty years ago flying speed probably meant something but most
modern pattern airplanes are capable of flying speed without ground speed if
the nose is high enough, unless there is a documented distinction between
flying and hovering. Is landing with power greater than idle allowed? How
much power can be used to 'drag it in nose high? Most can roll the tail
wheel on before the mains, which commits the airplane to "Below Flying
Speed", at least without a bump / bounce.

"10 meters OR comes to a stop" would indicate that the landing is complete
after the 10-meter roll out without having to come to a stop. If a stop were
required I would expect "AND" to be used.

I have no opinion on this. I just try to get a decent landing near the
center and accept whatever score is given. You should see some of the
landings at a soaring contest where the pilot if focused on maximum landing
score.
Got to go, be back later.
Jim

-----Original Message-----
From: nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org
[mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org]On Behalf Of George
W.Kennie
Sent: Monday, March 02, 2009 8:15 AM
To: General pattern discussion
Subject: Re: [NSRCA-discussion] Judging Questions


Bill,

This is probably inaccurate, but I notice that noone else has responded to
your inquiry so just to prove that I have not learned my lesson, here goes.

In the landing descriptor it states, " there is no down grade if the model
rolls to a stop within 15 meters".   I think the crucial word is STOP !
What does this mean to proper execution?   How many times have you seen a
plane touch down perfectly within one meter of the center line and then
proceed to roll perfectly straight down the center of the runway without a
single bounce for a distance of 150 feet?  A little hot maybe, but to most
observers, a beautiful landing. In light of the "Stop within 15 meters"
stipulation, it would appear that this becomes a downgradeable offence.
Sounds, to me, like maybe it's the pilot's responsibility to also control
the approach airspeed so that touchdown occurs just above stall speed
controlling the rollout distance, but maybe somebody will correct me on
this. I think this would also cover stuff like flipovers after the 15 meter
rollout.

If the pilot performs a landing and meets all the above requirements and
then encounters an obstacle, whether that be a hole or a hummock or
whatever, I would deem the execution faultless and rule "beyond the pilot's
control" and score a 10.  Flipovers usually occur as a result of either the
plane being outside the landing zone or equipment malfunction ( stuck wheel
e.t.c.) and would require discretionary judgement on the part of the scorer.

And yup, I agree, It's got to be a physical impossibility to enter and exit
a Split Esse at the same altitude. I think that needs correcting.

Of course, all this is my opinionated interpretation of matters and should
be so received.

G.



----- Original Message -----
From: billglaze <mailto:billglaze at bellsouth.net>
To: nsrca- discussion <mailto:nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>
Sent: Sunday, March 01, 2009 4:30 PM
Subject: [NSRCA-discussion] Judging Questions

At the risk of starting another downwind turn discussion:

I've been reading over the excellent PowerPoint presentation, and I'd like a
question answered that I've had for a long time.
On landing, if the plane overturns AT ANY TIME is it an automatic zero?
I've felt for a long time that it should be, yet I've had people tell me
"after 50 ft. landing roll, we've completely lost interest in the airplane."
It can roll anywhere, do anything, and it doesn't affect the score, is their
idea.
Also, if it TOUCHES DOWN in the landing zone, and then rolls immediately
into what awaits, (in some cases, a small canyon) is the landing zeroed?
I've been called for doing so once.
Secondly, in reading the presentation for Intermediate, it states for the
Split S:  A downgrade if the entry and exit are not at the same altitude.
Seems to me to be an error that slipped by, but I've been wrong before.
(Honest; yes, it's happened!)<G>  I've been known to incorrectly
read/interpret also.  Standing by for the more knowledgeable brains on the
list!
thanks
Bill Glaze
NSRCA 2388

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