STONEHENGE CUP 2009 - ADVANCE NOTICE
A chance to air those lower tech F1As, Bs and Cs you already have, in competition with the high tech. planes.
We all know good flyers who have seen the high performances achieved by
some of the latest technological developments and been deterred from
competing in the international classes. The FFTC have been looking for
ways to encourage broader participation and have some ideas on how this
may be achieved. To test practicality we plan to try some of them out
during the 2009 Stonehenge Cup World Cup event. This year, in addition
to the usual F1A, F1B, F1C/P and F1Q classes, there will be three
additional 'Lower-tech' A, B and C classes. The rules for these classes
have been set to provide an equivalent performance to the current F1A,
B and C classes but without the current technology.
Entrants to these “Lower-Tech” classes will
fly from the same flight line as the World Cup entrants but on
different poles. Scores for Flyers competing on this basis will still
be included on the main score sheets to show performance against the
World Cup entrants. Although those participating with alternative
specification models will not be eligible for World Cup points or the
official trophies they will receive a certificate and a bottle of wine
if they finish in the top 3 overall or a bottle of wine if in the top
5. They will also have the satisfaction of flying against some of the
top flyers in the world. Entry for flyers taking part in the
“Lower-Tech” classes will only be at the standard BMFA rate of £5 and
of course an FAI licence won't be needed for those flyers.
Eligible alternative specifications will be as follows:
F1A-UK Glider
Surface Area………………………………………………….. 32 – 34 dm2
Maximum length of towline loaded by 5 kg ……….……………….. 60 m
There is no minimum weight requirement.
Tow Hooks are restricted to permanently fixed, non-moving types that do
not permit any movement of the model's surfaces, either while connected
to the towline or after launch. Models are restricted to fixed non
moving surfaces – i.e. multiple-rudder movement, variable incidence
tails or wings, or any other 'moving trim functions' are not permitted.
A once-off rudder movement on launch is permitted, as is any form of
DT.
F1B-UK Rubber
Surface Area………………………………………………….. 17 – 19 dm2
Maximum weight of motor(s) lubricated…………… ……………….. 40 g
There is no minimum weight requirement.
Models are restricted to fixed non moving surfaces and propeller blades
– i.e. auto-rudder, variable incidence tails or wings, variable pitch
or diameter or delayed release props, or any another 'moving trim
functions' are not permitted. Any form of DT is permitted.
F1C-UK Power
Surface Area………………………………………………….. 25 – 35 dm2
Maximum swept volume of motor(s) ….…………… …………… 2.5 cm3
Maximum duration of motor run ……… 10 seconds from release of model
There is no minimum weight requirement.
Motors are restricted to plain bearing types using fixed (non-folding
propellers) – fuel is not restricted and pressurised supply is
permitted. Models are restricted to fixed non moving surfaces – i.e.
auto-rudder, variable incidence tails or wings, or any other 'moving
trim functions' are not permitted. Any form of DT is permitted.
The organisers wish to encourage a return to flying FAI 'International
classes' by those who have become deterred from flying them by the high
cost and 'over-complex' technology. A look at the specifications set
out will show that most flyers already have models that will fit these
requirements, or can be very easily modified to suit. Even building and
trimming one from scratch, in time for the event is an achievable task…
Get started now and 'enjoy' flying FAI again.
So if you have an eligible plane and think you would like to compete please contact Peter Williams – E mail peterf1a@virgin.net or Phone 01252 842120 so that you can be sent an entry form when they are issued.
We must emphasize that running the above extra classes alongside the
main World Cup classes will not be allowed to affect the World Cup
event.