Electric Fun Day - Sunday 24th May 2025 12:15 - West Row

The Electric Fun Day is a light-hearted competition for fixed-wing electric models.

The big change for this year is that you must use the same model for each of four events.

Consequently, the events have been changed so that they can all be completed with either a hand-launched model or one fitted with undercarriage. Details of the events are provided overleaf.

General Rules

• Normal site safety rules and procedures apply. 
• Pilots without an ‘A’ Certificate may take part provided that they are capable of flying basic circuits safely. 
• The same fixed wing model must be used in all four events. 
• You must nominate your model when you register to compete* 
• No restriction on the number or capacity of batteries. 
• The adjudicators’ decisions are final. 
• Everyone must have fun! 

Spectators are welcome.

As usual, the event will be accompanied by a BBQ, for which the normal payment arrangements apply.

Members not taking part in the competition are free to fly electric models once the competition is over - expected to be around 2:00pm.

* If you crash your nominated model you may, with the agreement of the adjudicator, fly a substitute model for subsequent events.

Event 1: Spot Touchdown

Each competitor has two attempts at touching down in a designated area marked on the runway. The area consists of two concentric circles, one 5m in diameter, the other 12m:

Scores are based on the point at which the model first touches the ground, rather than where it comes to rest.

Competitors fly one at a time, accompanied by an adjudicator.

For each of the two attempts: 

• The pilot takes off/launches the model and flies one optional 'sighting' circuit. 
• On the next circuit, the pilot must announce his intention to touch down, or 'wave off'. 
• If the pilot 'waves off' he must touch down on the next circuit or lose the attempt.

Scoring 

Event 2 - 15 Second Dead Stick

Competitors have a single attempt at maximising the duration from a 15 second motor run. Competitors fly together, starting with a ‘mass launch’.

• Models take off or leave the launcher's hand on the timekeeper’s signal and gain as much altitude as possible.
• On the timekeeper's second signal (after 15s) pilots must close the throttle and begin a controlled descent. 
• Timer values are recorded as each model touches down – no time is recorded if the model’s motor is used during the descent or for landings off the runway. 
• The duration of the event is capped at 5 minutes. The timekeeper will announce the end of the event, after which motors may be used without penalty.

Scoring  

Event 3 - Timed 8S

Competitors have two attempts to complete a Figure of 8 manoeuvre in which the times taken for the two ‘halves’ of the 8 are as close as possible. The minimum time for the first loop is 10 seconds.

Competitors fly one at a time accompanied by an adjudicator/timekeeper. For each attempt: 

• The pilot takes off/launches the model and flies one optional 'sighting' circuit. 
• On the next circuit, the pilot must begin a figure of 8 with the cross-over point in front of the pilot.
• The timer is started when the model reaches the timing point (T) shown in the diagram (i.e. when the wings are level)
• The time is recorded, and announced, when the model passes the timing point the after completion of the first loop. If the recorded time is less than 10 seconds the adjudicator will instruct the pilot to abort and re-start the attempt.
• The time is recorded again when the model passes the timing point after the completion of the second loop.
• The score is determined by the difference between the times for each loop.

Scoring

Event 4: Limbo

A Limbo Gate consisting of a paper tape and two supports is erected across the runway. The gate is approximately 10m wide with the tape supported by poles attached to a safety barrier at each end.

Competitors fly one at a time in three separate rounds, with the height of the tape being reduced for each round: •

In each round, competitors have 2 minutes to fly circuits in which the model must pass through the gate. Models are launched/take off upwind of the gate; all circuits to be in the same direction. The attempt in each round ends when: 

• the time elapses, or 
• the model does not pass through the gate, or breaks the tape.

Scoring

Results and photo.