I have been interested in the discussion about SO rules. Technology Students Association (TSA) flight endurance event rules currently take three pages in the rule book. The models are similar to SO models except for use of a smaller commercial prop, one gram motors and an ROG requirement. The event is sterile and all the models flown are virtually the same year after year. I have mentored for eight years with seven state champions as a result. I thought that the current rules stifled students' creativity. I have proposed the following rules that will prepare students for the real world of creativity and innovation. So far the rules committee has ignored my proposal. I would be courious as to what this group thinks about wide open rules such a these.
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FLIGHT ENDURANCE
OVERVIEW
Participants analyze fl ight principles with a rubber band powered
model aircraft.
PURPOSE
Build, fl y, and adjust (trim) a model to make long endurance fl ights
inside a contained airspace. Any model design is acceptable if the
model complies with the event specifi cations. All models are to be
built and test fl own before the event date.
ELIGIBILITY
Entries are limited to two (2) individuals per chapter.
TIME LIMITS
A. Entries must be started and completed during the current school
year.
B. Participants are provided a minimum of thirty (30) minutes for
trim fl ights at the event site.
ATTIRE
Business Casual dress as described in Competitive Events Attire is
the minimum requirement.
PROCEDURE
A. Participants report to the event coordinator at the time and place
stated in the conference program.
B. Participants then proceed to the fl ying site for trim fl ying. Models
are evaluated for specifi cation compliance during the trim session.
Time allotted for the trim portion may be extended according to
the number of participants and site scheduling.
C. Participants have two (2) opportunities to fl y their models for
offi cial times. The times posted during the time trials are used to
determine the sixteen (16) top combined times.
D. Participants attend a pilot’s meeting to review the sequence for ������������������������������ �
making the offi cial fl ights.
E. In an orderly fashion, participants wind their models and proceed
to a group timer for permission to fl y.
F. Participants place their models on the fl oor and wait for the signal
to release from the timer. Timing begins when the model rises off
the ground.
G. Flight time ends when models hit the fl oor/ground or when they
come to rest on an obstruction.
H. No repairs are allowed after time trials begin.
I. Each participant has the times of two (2) offi cial fl ights recorded
by the timer.
J. Following the second fl ight, the sixteen (16) top combined
times’ models are placed on their notebooks for the next step in
evaluation.
K. Notebooks and boxes of the sixteen (16) fi nalists are reviewed
for discrepancies or infractions.
L. Ties are broken by determining the longest single fl ight time.
REGULATIONS
A. All documentation must be computer-generated on 8½" x 11"
paper and contained in a notebook [a standard three (3)-ring
binder]. Each notebook must include a fl ight log (see offi cial
sample that follows) with the previous ten (10) fl ights signed
off by the participant’s advisor and a written report organized to
explain these specifi c points:
1. The technical attributes of the design and a description and
identifi cation of parts
2. The modifi cations and an explanation of why each was
developed
3. A technical review of the fl ight log that explains the trim
adjustments and modifi cations required to improve endurance.
Experts from the Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA)
and the National Free Flight Society (NFFS) may scrutinize
this information for validity.
120 Printed with support from Goodheart-Willcox Publisher
Flight Endurance
������������������������������ �
B. The aircraft and its parts must be contained in a flfl ight box that
does not exceed 25cm x 40cm x 60cm.
C. Materials include the following:
1. Models are to be made of wood and tissue paper for fuselage
and fl ying surfaces (wings, fi n and stabilizer). No plastic
foams, fi lms, or condenser paper are allowed.
2. Models use a commercially available plastic propeller or
propeller assembly: minimum of 140mm to a maximum of
170mm in diameter. Trimming or thinning propellers is allowed
to achieve balance and/or to reduce weight.
3. Fuselage dimension: minimum of 300mm in length measured
with prop assembly attached.
4. Wingspan: maximum of 50cm horizontally projected, wing
chord 12cm projected.
5. Rubber motor: maximum weight of motor is one (1) gram,
including the 0-ring. No length measurement is made. Spare
motors are allowed during the offi cial fl ights. One rubber 0-ring
Member name: Dates:
Flight # # of winds Time aloft Flight pattern Trim adjustment Advisor sign off
#1
#2
#3
#4
#5
#6
#7
#8
#9
#10
The fl ight box
is required and is
intended to protect the
plane in transit.
may be used on the rubber motor loop at the motor hook end ������������������������������ �
for easier handling of wound motors.
6. Model weight: minimum of 7 grams, maximum of 21 grams.
Models are weighed without motors attached. Clay is permitted
for trim ballast. (Model is weighed with clay ballast.)
7. Steel wire may be used only for propeller shaft, motor hook,
and landing gear.
8. The two wheels must be a minimum of 15mm in diameter of
plastic or wood and they must roll.
D. Acceptable fl ight support equipment includes the following:
1. Mechanical rubber motor winders (Electricity may not be
available at every site.)
2. A winding stooge may be used to anchor the model while its
motor is being wound.
E. The landing gear must support the airplane without sagging in its
rested position.
EVALUATION
Evaluation is based on the duration of fl ight, written report, fl ight log
and fl ight box. A bonus of ten (10) seconds is added to the fl ight time
per fl ight if the airplane successfully lands on its wheels and comes
to a rest on its wheels.
NOTES
The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) welcomes your inquires
and may have suggestions and technical information that may
further your knowledge and interest in model aircraft. Here’s how to
contact the AMA:
AMA
5161 E. Memorial
Muncie, Indiana 47302
phone 765.287.1256 (Education Department)
fax 765.289.4248
www.modelaircraft.org
www.webwings.org
The National Free Flight Society (NFFS) is another organization that
offers help to individuals who seek information concerning model
building and fl ight technology. Learn more on the web at www.
[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]
Received on Tue Dec 05 2006 - 07:58:07 CET
This archive was generated by Yannick on Sat Dec 14 2019 - 19:13:44 CET