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Cactus Aerobatic Classic 2001
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Pilot Information
Cactus Aerobatic Classic ’2001
February 10-11 2001
Pilot Information

It’s time once again for the Cactus Aerobatic Classic.  This year we will again be located at the Arizona Model Aviator’s  “Superstition Air Park”. Many of you have flown in the Cactus Classic before, so you know the format of this contest.   Each year we learn something new which, it turn, leads to some changes.  I want to make sure everybody understands these issues up front, so let me explain .....

Entries - While there has to be a limit at some extreme level, the assistant contest director and I are determined to allow as many entries as possible and hopefully all that apply will fly. Several things will be done different this year compared to past contests. Some decisions won't be made until I can assess the number of contestants.

1.) This year it will be a Two Day contest
2.) We request pre-registration only
3.) Depending on the number of contestants we may fly only one sequence per round. (undetermined)
4.) The pilot entry fee will be refundable prior to 2/2/01
5.) Scoring is an issue and a pattern type normalizing system will be used 
6.) We plan on dedicated judges for the entire contest 
7.) All pilots will be expected to be available to scribe and call for the judges.
8.) Freestyle may be a limited event subject to the contest directors discretion
9.) A percentage of points deduction May be accessed for planes that are too loud in the air during competition. This is in response to some Prop noise we had last year. (see noise limit section below for details)
The above items were difficult decisions and have been made in the best interest of the contest. As stated in the opening I want this information to be upfront and not catch anybody offguard.

It is important that you enter early so that we can make the final decisions..  Please have your entry in no later than 2/2/01. The entry fee will be $30.00.  Get your entry in now and I’ll send a confirmation. 

Judging- We will try to use an odd number of judges. If this is possible, all zero's will be on a unanimous basis only. Again this is if we can enlist enough judges. Also please be advised that the judging line will be off limits to all competitors. If you have a question or concern during the contest contact the CD or asst. CD

Rounds - Our goal is to fly as many rounds of competition as possible.  To reach this goal, we have to keep things moving very efficiently.  So, we will be running the flightline the same as last year.  Our “Air Boss”, and his crew, will make sure that you are in place and ready to start on time. You will have two minutes to start when told to do so.  If you can’t get started in that time, you will move to the back of the flight order in that round.  If you can’t get started the second time, then you zero the round.  All of you did a great job last year, so I don’t expect problems.

 Flights and Restarts - A flight starts when you Call "BOX" or rock your wings as you enter the Aerobatic zone.  During the flight, you are allowed to fly through the sequence one or two times.  If two sequences are flown, landing to refuel between sequences is acceptable however you will be moved to the back of the flight order and will resume your flight at the end of the round.  We can’t wait for you to refuel. Also if two sequences are flown you will be allowed one re-start, if for some reason you are unable to complete the first sequence. If you have a problem during the second sequence you will not be allowed to restart. There will be no restarts for equipment failure in single sequence rounds (Dead sticks etc.).

Knowns and Unknowns - We will fly the 2000 IMAC Known sequences.  Some pilots have expressed concern that we will use “last year’s” sequences, but we will have pilots attending the event from several areas of the USA where weather has prevented any practice in recent months.  To be fair, we have to use the ‘00 sequences. This has become a "tradition" with the Cactus Classic. Basic will fly Knowns in all rounds.  Sportsman, Advanced and Unlimited will fly rounds of Knowns and two Unknowns (The last flight on Saturday and the first flight on Sunday morning).  You will get copies of the unknowns at the pilots meeting on Saturday morning and at the end of the day on Saturday. These will be two unique sequences. To settle the fears of the Sportsman pilots, it should be understood, your Unknown will be less difficult, but then again, you haven’t flown the sequence before, so ........ Good luck!

The Box - We will not fly in a marked and monitored “box”.  However, points of reference will be identified to the judges and boundary infringement points will be assessed.  I ask that all pilots pay attention to the back of the box. There are horse-riding trails just beyond the back of the box and we must be courteous to anybody using these trails

Pilot Figures and Instruments - Sportsman, Advanced and Unlimited, if no pilot figure or instrument panel, deduct 1% from overall score.  If canopy is painted (opaque), deduct 1% per AMA rule 6.6 (page 79).  Remember, Basic pilots can fly any aircraft.

Four-Minute Free Style - The free style will be a two-day (Sat. and Sun.) event flown at noon each day.  Best total for the two days is the winner.  Anything goes, but the pilot must remain between the aircraft and the spectators at all times. 

Biplanes - There is no biplane bonus for any class.

Noise Limit – There will be a sound DB limit. The limit will be 103db’s.  Any checks will be done on a hard surface at three meters from the plane. The reading will be taken 90 degrees from the centerline of the fuselage approximately in line with the prop disk. Reading will be taken from the right side of the plane only. A digital Radio Shack meter using the "A" scale set to slow response will be used. In addition, the Officers and Board members of the Arizona Model Aviators are concerned about propeller noise “Prop Rip". We may enlist a FAI world championship rule that will allow the judge's to grade each plane with an acceptable or unacceptable noise grade at the end of each flight. In the event of an unacceptable grade, a penalty shall be assessed for the flight. Let me be clear that this is not a witch-hunt, this rule will be used for offenders only and it shall be a unanimous decision. If there is a recurring concern about any particular aircraft, please be advised that you will be asked to discontinue your participation in the contest.  In that case, I will refund your entry fees. Please understand that this situation is beyond my control, but I support it completely.  Noise must not become an overwhelming issue at Superstition AirPark because we will all be gone!  Thanks in advance for helping us on this issue.  We have a beautiful field and you can fly to your heart’s content ...... just don’t make too much noise! 
If you are concerned about the ability of your aircraft to meet the above requirements please contact me. I have checked many planes and may be able to give you some insight as to you planes performance or at least some ideas to help quiet it.

Pilot Order of Flight - The pilot “order of flight” will be altered in each Known round such that the same pilot should not be the first to fly each round.  However, be aware that the pilot list will follow the same order each round.  This means that if you flew fifth in Round 1, right after Bob Jones, then you will again fly right after Bob Jones in Round 2 but you won’t be the fifth pilot to fly in Round 2. This will also be true for the unknowns but that we will draw the starting pilot as a group.

Back Up Aircraft - Back up aircraft do not need to be on the same channel.  We will use the “frequency pin” control for transmitters, so changing channels should be OK.

Motels - The Phoenix/Mesa area is busiest in the winter.  Prices are high, but the weather is usually nice!
 Superstition Springs Inn (602) 641-1164
 Miles Motel  (602) 985-2790 
 Super 8   (602) 981-6181 
 Rodeway Inn  (602) 985-3600
 Holiday Inn Express (602) 982-9200  (New hotel in Apache Junction - close to field) 

Tech Inspection and Trim Flights - We will be tech inspecting your aircraft on Saturday morning starting at 6:30 AM.  Usual items will be inspected.  No EZ Connectors will be allowed on major flight controls (throttle is OK). We will keep a list of inspected airplanes for our records.  It’s the pilot’s responsibility to ensure that all aircraft are inspected. There will be no practice flights on contest days. If for some reason you feel a trim flight is necessary get with the CD for approval.

Pilot’s Meeting - 7:30 AM on Saturday, Feb. 10 at Superstition AirPark.  We will discuss many items and issues that will directly affect your score and ability to compete in the event.  We will also draw the flight positions for Saturday's Unknown flights. Attendance by you and your caller is mandatory; this meeting is as an important part of the event. If for some reason you miss the meeting you will be at a disadvantage in understanding this contest. We’ll start just as soon as practical following the meeting.  There will also be a meeting at 7:30 AM on Sunday, Feb. 11 to discuss the unknowns and other items of interest.  Immediately following, we will have demo flights of the Sportsman and Advanced unknowns.  (We can’t guarantee a demo for the Unlimited unknown because we may not have means to get it done.)

Please pass copies of this material to any other pilots who may be interested in flying the Cactus Aerobatic Classic.   Thanks.

Please keep an eye on the Cactus Classic WebPages for last minute up to date information.
The pages can be reached at         www.angelfire.com/az/jandjrc

If you need me, call:
(602) 891-5463 (days)
(602) 983-2715 (evenings). 
e-mail jch98@netzero.net

See you in Mesa!
John Heigl                         Jim Dornberger
Contest Director                Asst. Contest Director/Chief Judge
 
 

 

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