Time Trials
The Time Trials event is an adaptation of pylon racing to our small, tree-lined
field. The goal is to complete 3 circuits in the shortest time possible.
Just like all other Eagles Cup events, there are no limits on airplane type or
engine size as long as the club noise limit is obeyed. Trainers and students are
welcome.
The pilot and judge/time keeper will stand at a pilot station. A spotter will
stand at each end of the field, one close to the notch (north end), one near the
trees (south end).The pilot will take off in any direction. The circuit will
start when the plane passes the pilot's station going north to south. The plane
must exit the field over the south end trees, turn left 180 degrees and fly
towards the notch. The plane must travel around the tree that is at the edge of
the notch and enter the notch below treetop level. A circuit is complete when
the plane passes the pilot station.
The timer will stop when the 3rd circuit has been completed.
The spotters at either end of the field will raise their arm when the 'pylon'
has been successfully passed on entry. The judge will say 'check' to the pilot
when the pylon has been successfully passed. The pilot may turn before a
'check', but he/she runs the risk of missing the turn (south end) or hitting the
tree (north end). Either spotter may 'wave off' a turn if the pylon was not
rounded properly.
If a turn was missed (as indicated by a spotter wave-off), the pilot must go
back and successfully complete the turn.
A dead stick ends the event. Scoring is done first by # of laps completed, then
by lowest time.
Violating the flight line disqualifies the pilot from the event (0 points).
In the unlikely event of a tie, the pilot who competed first wins.
