[NSRCA-discussion] New FAI Rule Changes

Wed Apr 5 10:32:05 AKDT 2023

I welcome the 5500g limit, for both electric and fully fueled models. I think this levels the playing field. All models should perform the same given the same weight limitation. 

Dan, I agree with you. I think we should align with FAI in light of these new rules. We’ve already decided to use the P for Masters and the FAI A (still being evaluated by the membership). Also, the FAI should consider the use of 12s battery packs, just like we do here in AMA. The new weight rule facilitates the use of these heavier packs. 

The FAI judging criteria use by AMA is at the Contest Board for approval. I agree that we should use FAI judging rules to help with the ambiguities between the AMA and FAI criteria. I don’t know when they will make a decision, but I think it will be in time for the 2024-2025 season. 

We are slowly aligning with FAI. I will emphasize that we can still make changes to our sequences as we feel needed. The Sequence Developement Committee is charged with evaluating sequences and have the authority to make changes if we don’t like what the FAI has put together. They receive feedback from the board, who in turn get feedback from the membership. We are currently evaluating the 2024-2025 sequences. These are based on the 2025 FAI A and FAI P. A final decision on their use will be made by the end of the year. If you have had a chance to fly the new sequences, please provide feedback to your respective DVP. I’ve flown them on my simulator and am very pleased with the maneuvers. 

…Charlie Barrera

> On Apr 5, 2023, at 1:02 PM, Daniel Underkofler via NSRCA-discussion <nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org> wrote:
> 
> Thanks for the info Mark.
> Regarding the weight limit change:  Seems like we should have a matching rule change in the US (whether we like it or not).  Is it too late to submit a proposal as such?
> 
> Regarding the geometry perspective change:   I had this discussion with Andrew Palmer (and subsequently Don Ramsey) a few months ago.   It appears that Peter U has been making this rule up as an unwritten judging criteria for some time.  Flight Coach actually becomes MORE useful, as its' views are from the pilots/judges perspective (except for "mid").  I was pushing for FC to provide actual geometry views, but Andrew dismissed my request due to Peter's mandate.
> 
> So do we still want to go ahead and adopt FAI judging criteria?    I'm still (but more reluctantly) in favor of doing so, as my desire for unification exceeds my dislike of this new criteria.  Also, if we continue to do our own thing, the differences in judging standards become significantly greater.   Don will probably make the point that individual judges will continue to judge and score how they see it, so maybe not such a big change.?
> 
> Regards, Dan U
> 
> On Wed, Apr 5, 2023 at 9:58 AM Mark Atwood via NSRCA-discussion <nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org <mailto:nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org>> wrote:
> Hey All,
> 
> Attached are the results from the CIAM plenary meeting and vote that took place on April 1st.  These rule changes will go into effect in 2024.  Most of the rules that address F3A are minor and merely clarify clerical issues in the rulebook or help outline procedures.  There are also changes to the wording around telemetry, but again, only for better clarity. But there are TWO notable rule changes.  Neither of which we supported.
> 
> 1) Increase the weight limit to 5.5Kg TAKE OFF WEIGHT.   This is a straight up increase for electric, and a change to weighing procedure for glow planes to include FULL tank of fuel.   The issues here are obvious and I know we have many on both sides of this discussion, but it’s the new rule in FAI.
> 
> 2) This one confounds me.   They have changed the judging guidelines, such that they no longer want accurate geometry relative to the aircrafts plane of flight, but instead want geometric accuracy FROM THE JUDGES PERSPECITVE.    In other words, a half loop at the end of the box needs to LOOK round, rather than BE round relative to the plane of flight.   It completely changes our way of flying and makes tools like flight coach useless.  
> 
> Personally, I can’t imagine this will last, and more over I can’t imagine this will actually be used.  A few of us (US/ UK / AUS) fought hard against it, but in the end it won out.  They had no explanation as to how cross box maneuvers will accomplish this (such as a rolling circle) but insisted this is what was wanted.  I’m sure there will be much discussion at events prior to this going into effect.
> 
> There were also some minor changes for how ties are handled and better language and procedure for handling smaller championship events (<40 pilots). But most of that is benign.   
> 
> 
> F3A Starts on page 25
> 
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