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| 03 November 2008 |
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ESoaring rules for 2009
By Robin Sleight @ 21:23 :: 237 Views :: Front Page News
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Electric Powered Thermal Soaring – Rules
A set of rules based on a formula of 200 watts of power input per kilo of model all up weight were introduced by the BMFA’s Silent Flight Technical Committee (SFTC) for use in 2007 and their use continued into 2008. Early experience showed this formula to be popular and encouraged the use of a large variety of models although, as is usually the case, in certain conditions larger, lighter models fared well. In general most models seemed to launch to similar heights at the end of the power on period. The main downside of these rules is the need for processing to ensure the models conform to the 200w/kg rule.
For 2008 energy limiters were allowed as an option and, whether due to such energy limiters, inadequate processing or skill by the pilots in finding ways to best exploit the formula, it became clear, in the latter part of 2008, that some models were launching to significantly higher heights than others so that some trial events were run using height limiters (commercially available at a reasonable price). This has the attraction of nominally placing all models on a level for the start of the glide phase and removes the need for processing (other than a check that an approved height limiter is fitted).
The SFTC, at their meeting on 1 November, considered a set of draft rules to allow electric soarers with height limiters and removing the 200w/kg power requirement. These draft rules are available as a pdf file on the eSoaring web site but, for anyone who has difficulty accessing them, I could forward an electronic copy in MS Word.
The SFTC was aware that not all existing electric flyers are in favour of such a rule change however the SFTC saw some merit in such rules but they had a number of reservations. These were primarily unease about changing rules of an established league so quickly, a requirement for yet another “gadget” on electric aircraft, the essential removal of the skill needed to exploit the launch phase fully and a probable tendency for such height limit rules to drive flyers to the use of large and very efficient models (which might well be expensive) to maximise chances on the glide phase. Although there have been eSoaring forum suggestions that, if a height limiter formula were to be adopted, timing should start at the commencement of the glide phase, the SFTC do not support that due to the difficulty that timekeepers will have in determining that power cut off point. The SFTC will meet again on 13 December to agree what electric soaring rules are to be used for 2009 and they felt it sensible, in the meanwhile, to seek the views of all relevant flyers. The SFTC is sensitive to the fact that if rules are significantly changed, some flyers may vote with their feet and thus reduce participation at electric soaring events. Equally of course rules which cannot be, or are not, properly enforced will also result in loss of participants.
This email is written on behalf of the SFTC, seeking your opinion in a simple vote format but feel free to add additional comments if you so wish.
Thus in summary, one might say the options are:
Firstly to stay with the 200w/kg format but perhaps cutting the motor run to (say) 20 seconds to reduce the current heights achieved. Removing the option of energy limiters might be another decision for the SFTC to help ensure some simplification and a perceived more level playing field. These still leaves the processing requirement in place and it would be essential (for fairness) that all CDs ensured models did indeed conform. This has the advantage of giving rule stability and all existing competitive models do stay competitive.
Alternatively the SFTC could agree to adopt the draft height limiter rules. This removes the need for significant processing but the key downside being a perceived instability in electric rules and some smaller existing 200w/kg models being considered by their pilots to be disadvantaged from a competitive viewpoint.
According please advise:
Would you prefer to see the 200w/kg rules retained for use into 2009
Would you prefer an immediate adoption of the height limiter rules
Don’t care either way
If you voted for the retention of the 200w/kg rules
Would you like to see the option of a power limiter deleted Yes/No/Don’t care
Could you please respond by email with your vote to me at sleightgr@tiscali.co.uk
Many thanks, Robin Sleight, BARCS Chairman, SFTC member
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