2024 TPG Tow Hook Series – F3L/F3RES/TD/1.5m
Who
AMA pilots who are interested in flying with friends, improving their thermal flying skills, and competing for fun.
Why
The goals of this program are
Provide a fun, relaxed monthly contest where low cost aircraft can be competitive
Various classes encourage participation at the expense number of pilots per class
Overcome the current filed limitations for F3L of 12 pilots maximum at Encinitas and 8 at Poway
Maintain a home for a AMA TD
Develop a competitive thermal format for sailplanes under 250g
What
Format
This format is similar to the successful BARCS FxRES format with modifications to suit our TPG community and fields
This is a simple format with a 3 hour window where competitors can fly up to 7 timed flights and the best 5 flights count (see the classes section for maximum flight times). There is a landing bonus using F3L landing tapes for all classes. Landings made after the open window will receive zero landing points if within 30 seconds, and zero flight points if more than 30 seconds over.
After the 3 hour open flying window, the CD shall tally the scores and organize three head-to-head fly-off rounds. Each round will have 10 minutes of working time in which to fly 6 minutes max. Landing bonus will be scored. These fly-offs will be between top pilots for 1.5m and 2m classes. There will be no fly-off for AMA TD open class. The exact composition of the fly-offs shall be determined by the CD at the time based on the number of pilots in each class and relative points separation at the end of open flying. Points in fly off will be added to points from open flying.
Aircraft Classes
Pilots may fly in any or all of the classes below ,
We will fly up to 3 classes depending on attendance:
1.5m RES bungee launch. Max flying weight is 250g. Construction materials and techniques must follow F3L rules.
Max flight time is 5 minutes
2m RES bungee launch. Construction materials and techniques must follow F3L rules
Max flight time is 6 minutes
AMA thermal duration open class. Winch or bungee. Skegs are allowed
Max flight time is 10 minutes
Equipment
At least three landing tapes will be provided, marked for F3L. AMA TD will use the same landing bonus formula as the other classes
F3L compliant bungees will be provided by the club and setup and the CD’s direction
At the CDs discretion, all bungees may be shortened from F3L standard to accommodate field conditions
Winches
A single winch will be provided by the club when at least 2 pilots register at least one week in advance
The winch shall be setup in parallel with, and at the same length as the stretched bungees
The winch will not have a retriever.
The winch shall be run until the chute is at the turn-around after every launch
When
See posted schedule
Where
Encinitas except after rain, then Poway
How
John McNeil, in the role of TPG Thermal coordinator, will recruit a CD for each contest. This format does not require the sound system or timing board, but does require bungees and sometimes a winch.
Scoring mechanics are TBD. One idea is to register 3 events in F3XVault, one for each class