AMA Thermal Duration (TD) is a type of RC gliding competition, governed by the AMA, where the aircraft is launched via a winch. This contest is run side by side with a fun-fly for F3L/3FRES. These fun-fly days are meant to allow pilots to trim planes together, practice and do whatever else we can think of to help each other. Fly with friends, improve your thermal flying skills and compete in a relaxed environment for fun.
Contest Format
The wingspan and number of servos are unlimited. Weight is limited to 5kg and no motors are allowed.
Each contest will consist of a four hour flying window during which pilots will need to post five scores. A score consists of two parts: 2 points per second up to the max flight time of 10 minutes and then 2 points deducted for each second over. Then up to 100 bonus points depending on how close the landing is to a target. All points for all rounds are summed together to arrive at a total competition score.
Landing out of bounds, launching outside of the flying window, shedding parts or landing with the nose buried will score a zero for that flight.
For detailed contest rules, please see the official AMA competition regulations for event 444 (unlimited). Any changes to the format, either due to weather or other reasons, will be declared by the Contest Director at the pilot’s meeting immediately prior to the contest.
How to Participate
Everyone is welcome to come watch. You will need a current AMA membership to participate. A TPG membership gets you a discount on the entry fee. Don’t be discouraged if you are not flying the latest design. As long as it is safe to fly, come out and have fun!
Entry is $5 for TPG members and $10 for non-members.
Event registration and payment will be through F3X Vault, with pilots self-entering scores on their phones. Entry will generally close one day before the contest. Registration details for each event will be provided in advance on our Discord server.
Contest Location
TD contests will be flown at the Encinitas Flight Center.
Field use restriction: If there is at least 0.25 inches of rain within the five days immediately preceding a contest, the contest will either be rescheduled or cancelled.
Contests generally start at 9:00 with a pilot’s meeting shortly before.