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Jury Report on 1988 Indoor Free Flight World Championship F1Dxfs

Jury Report on 1988 Indoor Free Flight World Championship F1Dxfs

FAI Jury

I Kaynes

GBR

President

J Worth

USA

Member

W Henderson

CAN

Member

Dates

May 27 to 31

Location

East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee, USA

Accommodation

Satisfactory lodging was available in a University dormitory which was a short walk from the flying site. Good food was served in the cafeteria nearby on the campus and, after prior requests from competitors, adequate packed meals were arranged to be served at the Mini-Dome during the periods of competition flying.

Flying site

The Mini-Dome of the East Tennessee State University is a relatively new site for indoor flying and the air conditions proved to be superb, both consistent and with little air movement.

Participation

There were 33 competitors from 13 countries, including the defending Champion. This was fewer than in 1986 in England but similar to previous events.

Competition

The organisation of the competition was thorough and efficient. The geometry of the site and peripheral obstructions, tended to concentrate flying in a small, central area. To minimise model collisions, air traffic control was operated to delay launches when the air space was too crowded. This worked well but was one factor in making the allotted 6 hours on days 1 and 2 barely sufficient for completion of two flights by all members of teams. It was decided to allow reflights at the start of the following day’s flying if there were mid-air collisions after the last launch time on the first two days. This was used by the two models involved in one incident.

Layout of the competition area was capitol L shaped. Seniors and juniors competed simultaneously without any problem. Time-keepers where gathered in a pool and a pair of time-keepers was always available for competitors. So, time-keeping was without any problems or complaints in spite of unusual illumination of the competition space for those accustomed to sunny weather in free flight events.

Timekeeping

This was undertaken very efficiently. The only significant problem arose when a pair of timekeepers stopped their watches in error when a model hung up on girders. The very similar model that they should have been timing continued in flight nearby and the Jury advised the Contest Director to accept times from watches which had been started on that flight by other observers, including a Jury member.

Protests

One protest was made as a result of the lack of time to make reflights after collisions which had occured before closing time on the second day. The Jury allowed three teams affected to have the option of a ref light at the start of flying on day 3, taken up by two of the competitors. It was apparent that the teams had done everything possible to try to complete flights within the schedule.

Awards and Banquet

FAI medals and diploma were augmented by plaques from the organisers and were presented during a good dinner at a hotel in Johnson City.

Recommendations

Data processing was at a computer center located in the preparation area. It was equipped with laptop computers, printers and skilled operators. Next to the computer center was a scoreboard and in front of it a large monitor for presentation of the results. All necessary data were posted there(after each flight) in real time.

Conclusion

The Jury wish to thank the Academy of Model Aeronautics for hosting a very successful World Championships.