Re: USIC etiquette and rules

From: Nick Ray <lasray_at_gmail.com>
Date: Fri, 4 Jun 2010 23:46:38 -0400

Bill, That is and has been a rule since I've been going to USIC.

I think there are several things to consider here. First, I was yelled at
twice during the contest from across the dome for getting close to models
that were more than 100ft away. The owners of these models failed to
recognize that it impossible to just depth across large expanse of the
floor. I've watched many experienced flyers walk out and check where their
model is before saying something. I've also seen a number of people new to
the hobby do the opposite of that. Secondly, Every time, at any contest, I
go out to retrieve or steer a model I do so with the perception that If
touch anther model with my balloon I will be disqualified. I normally
request a spotter to make sure I don't have a problem. So with that said, I
don't think that it is fair to complain about someone retrieving in the
flying area. If they touch your model, take a reflight and comfort yourself
with notion that you are competing against one less person. If the model
will do a winning time, it will normally do it with some consistency. As a
side note, half the retrievals I attempted this year were for other people.
Kagan retrieved countless models for other people this year. I think in this
case we should add anther thank you the list of thank yous Kagan is owed for
this years USIC. I don't think it is realistic to say that the maybe five
people set up to do retrievals at USIC should be limited to getting their
plans and everyone else down with in a 30min window once a day. Which some
days wasn't even given. I personally always yielded to flights as a was
retrieving, and think when asked nicely everyone will do the same. Third,
illegal steering is just that. The FAI rules clearly define what one may or
may not do. It is up to the person witnessing the illegal steer to report
it. If we all ignore it, then we have nothing to complain about. I've never
heard of a CD, not addressing the issue when it is brought to their
attention. 4th Flying out of time slot at USIC is also outlined in the blue
USIC rules document. We are supposed to use the two basketball courts for
test flying. However, as attendance has declined, we have taken to flying
out the edges of the dome. As a lightweight flyer I don't take issue with
this as long as models are kept under control and the people flying out of
time slot do not mind steering or have their models steered when a flight
with right-of-way wonders over.

Nick

On Fri, Jun 4, 2010 at 5:26 PM, Bill Gowen <wdgowen_at_gmail.com> wrote:

>
>
> Don
> You are correct that the rule is not stated in this year's USIC info. I
> don't have any previous info sheets to see if it was ever a written rule. I
> just know that in my early years at USIC I was forcefully told that if I
> touched another person's model in flight I would be disqualified from that
> event. I assumed that was still the rule.
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> *From:* Don Slusarczyk <don_at_slusarczyk.com>
> *To:* Indoor_Construction_at_yahoogroups.com
> *Sent:* Friday, June 04, 2010 4:50 PM
> *Subject:* Re: [Indoor_Construction] USIC etiquette and rules
>
>
>
> On 6/4/2010 2:44 PM, olbill61 wrote:
> > There has been a standing rule at USIC that you are not allowed to
> interfere with the flight of another competitor. If your steering or
> retrieval line or balloon touches another person's model it is supposed to
> mean automatic disqualification from that event.
> >
> When did this "rule" go into effect? The steering rules clearly state
> what is to happen:
>
> "If other models are fouled by the steerer, the fouled competitor has
> the choice of a substitute flight, which, if taken, is his score for
> that round. He must exercise this choice to his timekeepers not later
> than two (2) minutes after termination of his flight. If he chooses to
> restart, he must do so before his next official flight"
>
> Don
>
>
>
Received on Fri Jun 04 2010 - 20:46:41 CEST