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T34RACING -> RE: T 34 racing (12/16/2005 3:39:19 PM)
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THE WARBIRD RULES
SCCMAS WARBIRD RACES
2006-2007 RULES AND GUIDELINES
GENERAL GUIDELINES
WARBIRD RACING RULES
Modified: 12/01/2005
GENERAL
All rules are to be followed as listed below. No changes or alterations will be allowed. Any alteration of these rules will result in disqualification. The warbird racing event is to provide a two-pylon racing format that can be enjoyed by all sport pylon enthusiasts. The classes are intended for both entry level and advanced level pilots pending selection on the class. It is not recommended for Novice pilots to participate in some classes.
SAFETY and MARKING
All aircraft must have name and AMA number located inside of airplane. AMA racing insurance requires all personal on the flight line to wear hardhats. Hard hats must be of ANSI, DOT, NOCSAE OR SNELL approved. Individuals are required to provide his/her own hard hats. All pilots, crew members, spotters, callers and helpers that are along the deadline/flight line will be required to wear hard hats. Any individual not in compliance of this will not be allowed on the flight line or staging areas. Each Pilot can only have one caller/spotter beyond the spectator line during the racing event per AMA regulations and guidelines. All pilots and caller/crew members must sign an AMA Waiver Release at which time they will be issued an armband. Only those workers and contestants wearing armbands will be allowed in the pit area. All spectators must be in approved spectator areas. All pilots must be AMA insured and must provide a photocopy or proof of insurance before the event. No proof of AMA, the pilot will not be allowed to fly.
A dead line will be established at each race event. If a pilot crosses over this dead line, he/she will be given a warning. If continued, the pilot will be asked to pull out of the heat race and given zero points for that heat. Continuous breakage of the rules will result in disqualification for the event.
Aircraft markings and/or color schemes are optional and need not be scale. Bright color schemes are encouraged to allow easier identification. 7” racing numbers on the lower right wing and 3” numbers on rudder or fuselage are required. See diagram attached for details. Black or White numbers in a bold block number format need to be used depending on base color. Failure to comply with the race number diagrams can result in disqualification. This is a Contest Directors decision.
BACKUP AIRCRAFT
Back-up aircraft are allowed but must have the same race number and same frequency as the primary aircraft. Back-up aircraft may be used only if the primary aircraft has been severely damaged. It is up to the Contest Director to allow back-up aircraft to be entered in replacement of primary aircraft. There is no additional entrance fee to have a back-up aircraft. It is not permitted to allow the original aircraft entered and flown to return to race once the backup aircraft has flown a heat. Parts from back-up aircraft may be interchanged with primary aircraft. * It is up to the CD to make the overall decision if other circumstances may apply.
HEAT RACES
Each heat race will have a maximum of five and minimum of three scheduled aircraft per heat race depending on entries. Individual events have the option of having a frequency-controlled event requiring contestants to pre-register their aircraft prior to the event. Event matrixes will vary due to number of entrants.
The pylon course is a standard two-pylon course that is 650 feet apart and each aircraft must complete 8 laps to qualify for points in each heat. All aircraft are air started using a twenty-second audio countdown. Aircraft jumping starts will be given a one-lap penalty. Gross start cuts, which the aircraft is to the Pylon 1 or within Pylon 1, will result in a START CUT for the heat. During the Start of the race, Pilots are required to make the attempt to go around Pylon 2 at the start of the race. No 360-degree turns or loops in the start area of the race is allowed and will result in a Pylon cut. Pilots are to attempt to fly parallel with the course at the start of the race and not at the pilots or spectators. Pylon cuts will result in a one-lap penalty. Once an aircraft has been given three cuts, either combination of start and or pylon, the aircraft will be given zero points for that heat. Turn calling will be at the pilots/caller’s discretion. All start cuts and pylon cuts are final. There will be no protesting of any cuts. All pylon judges will be calling cuts only. They will not assist in judging turns. Turn calling is up to the pilot and/or his caller. There will be no assistance by radios, flags or etc. Each race site has designated deadlines and no fly zones. Pilots will be given one warning and disqualified for second violation. If a pilot continues to demonstrate unsafe flying, the pilot will be grounded.
The Trophy race qualifiers will be determined by taking the top five pilots with the highest points accumulated from the heat races generated throughout the racing event. These pilots will move into the trophy races for placings 1st-5th for trophies. In the case that there is a tie in the standings, the contest coordinator has the option to run a sixth or seventh plane in the trophy race. In the case of radio conflicts, Trophies will be handed out to the top point’s finishers. With a conflict of frequencies and a tie in points, the higher position will be given to the person with the best finishes throughout the day. If a pilot has one win and the other person has two wins in heat races, the higher position will be given to the person with a higher amount of finished positions. Under a controlled frequency event, pilots are required to pre-register their frequency. If multiple pilots are in a trophy race, the pilot not registered has to change frequency or forfeit his chance to win.
WORLD MODELS STOCK WARBIRDS
AIRCRAFT SPECIFICATIONS
1) World Models Mfg. P-51 Mustangs 57”, P-51 Dago Red, P-51 Miss America, F4U Corsair, P-39 Aircobra, P-40 Warhawk, Spitfire and Zero are the only aircraft legal for the Stock Warbird Class. Some aircraft may have an advantage in speed due to increased wing area. (The P-40, Spitfire, and P-39 have disadvantages due to their size) Almost Ready to Cover (ARC) models are available and are legal as long as the kit isn’t modified. (CONTEST DIRECTOR MAY ADD ANY NEW WARBIRDS TO LIST AS THEY ARE INTRODUCED TO THE RETAIL MARKET)
2) This is an “Almost Ready To Fly “ kit. Modifications are illegal and will result in disqualification. No kit modifications may be allowed to the structure of the aircraft such as but not limited to the use of foam wings, clipped wings, airfoil modifications, wing fairings, tail fairings, and incidence modifications. Lightning holes along fuselage side or bottom not allowed. Hidden Battery switch hatches are ok. Sheeting tail with plywood or balsa wood to strengthen tail is legal and recommended. Center sections of the wing may be fiber-glassed to add structural strength. The aircraft must be assembled per instructional booklet supplied with kit Aircraft may be re-covered in a different color scheme. Cowls may not be altered in exterior outline but air ducts may be sealed. Cockpit detail or pilots not required. Canopies may be tinted, clear or opaque. Aircraft tape or sealant foam may be used in wing saddle and must have a constant thickness from leading edge of wing to trailing edge of wing without modifying incidence. All items such as cowl and canopy must be installed per kit instructions. Mounting methods such as tape or screws is optional. Dihedral can be altered but suggested to keep stock. Landing gear in kit must remain similar to that of the stock kit. Air retracts may be substituted in lieu of mechanical gear. Tail wheel may be relocated to scale location on fuselage. Pilots have the option to convert to fixed wire landing gear and cover the holes in the wing where the gear is retracted.
Warning: Failure to strengthen elevator may result in flutter of control surfaces and loss of aircraft may occur.
Spinner type: Open manufacturer and size *(Plastic or Aluminum, brass spinner nuts allowed also)
Wheel Size: Wheels supplied in kit. Replacement wheels must be of equal size (width and diameter) as stock wheels. No racing wheels will be allowed. Gear fairings or such items may be mounted/taped to the wire that is exposed. *Wheel size is approx. 2 to 2-1/2” and ½” min. constant thickness.
Radio installation: See section on Radio Installation below. Limitations occur.
Gas Tank: Open size and manufacturer. No bladder tanks or pressurized systems. Check valves not allowed. Remote Needle Valves not allowed. Pressurized fuel system: Any system, other than a simple, continuously open conduit between the fuel tank and a muffler or pipe, by which fuel is delivered to the carburetor or venturi at greater than ambient atmospheric pressure. A fuel tank containing a flexible bladder that prevents bubbling or foaming of the fuel but does not generate pressure is not a pressurized fuel system.
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Other: Any wood, carbon or Composite prop that is two bladed will only be allowed if commercially available for under $10. No single bladed propellers. *Props can be modified in shape and balance but must have two equal blades.
Weight: Aircraft must weigh a minimum of 5.5 lbs. (dry)
3) The only engine for the Stock Warbird Class is the O.S. .61 FX engine. No other engine manufacturer or late model O.S. engine will be allowed. Stock O.S. .61 FX mufflers supplied with the engine are the only mufflers legal.
Engine must remain stock with no modifications. Motors are randomly checked by Contest Director or appointed individuals. One stock head shim /gasket only is required. Mufflers may be modified only by removing the baffle or drilling the exhaust exit (muffler exhaust extension must remain in contact or disqualification will occur). Mufflers may be wire mounted to engine to eliminate loss of mufflers. No muffler deflectors or extensions allowed. Engines may be mounted upright, sideways or inverted. Any violation /modifications that are illegal will result in disqualification from the event and also for one year from all racing events. No servo operated or electronic fuel mixtures allowed. No check valves allowed. No crankcase or other pressure substituted ways permitted. External Fuel valves are allowed. Engine incidence may be changed by shimming engine mount.
Note: It is recommended that an all-thread rod of 4-40 or 6-32 be substituted for the standard bolt that goes through the muffler. Double nut with a lock nut at each end of the rod with lock-tite helps prevent loss of rear half of muffler. This is only a recommendation.
4) Any Synthetic and/or Castor oil fuel will be allowed with a maximum of 15% Nitro. Individual races may supply fuel if advertised prior to the race. Propellers are open sized and manufacturer. Propellers must have at least two blades. No single bladed propellers.
5) Radio hook-up is open with the exception: No micro servos are allowed. Standard size servos only. If dual servos are to be used in the wing, standard size servos must be used. Minimum of a 500-mah-battery pack is required. Radio hardware such as pushrods and linkages may be replaced. *Slip type linkages with setscrew such as supplied in kit may not be used on Ailerons or Elevator. Z-bend or solder linkages are the best suitable application for major control surfaces. All control linkages must have keepers.
All pilots must obey all guidelines and rules of the radio frequency impound. All pilots are to have a frequency pen on their radio or shirtsleeve before turning radio on.
6) All aircraft will be safety checked and checked for compliance with the rules. The Contest Director has all rights to challenge an entrant’s aircraft in question to legality at no expense. If a contestant wishes to challenge another entrant, there will be a $20 protest fee. A pilot deemed illegal would result in disqualification. Major violation will result in termination from all races for one year.
7) A pilot may enter only one aircraft per class.
Un-sportsman like conduct will result in disqualification for the individual race or the entire racing season at the discretion of the Contest Director
UNLIMITED WARBIRD CLASS
1) Any scale replica of a piston engine, man carrying, propeller driven aircraft that served in WWII, the Korean conflict, Vietnam or any Reno Racer that raced in a official race heat at Reno over 520 sq.in. is legal. AT-6 Texans, PT-26 Fairchild’s, T-34 Mentors and Military Trainers are legal. Experimental Warbirds in the 1941-1948 eras are legal. Documentation is required for experimental aircraft. World Models T-34’s legal. No twin engine aircraft.
2) Single engine aircraft must weigh a minimum of 6.5-lbs. dry weight and no more than 15lbs. Plans or outlines with dimensions of the wing is required as proof of square inches. Wing and fuselage must be proportional in size. Airfoil thickness shall be no less than 11% from the root and tip cords. (See formula below). If you have a kit that isn’t stock, proof of these dimensions is required. Elliptical wings will be measured four inches from the outer most tip of the wing for the tip chord thickness.
3) All aircraft must have landing gear, fixed or retractable. Carriages, cradles, or hand launching are not permitted. Aircraft required to have a tail wheel must have a tail wheel. No tailskids allowed. No racing wheels allowed. Main wheels must be at least 2” tall and ½” constant width.
4) The warbird/ Reno Racer must be a least standoff scale in appearance. They can be built from ARF kits, plans, or made from scratch building. If there to be scratch built or modified to resemble a Reno racer, you must have all major scoops, vents and exhaust headers that patrude from fuselage attached. This is not a scale contest. Airplanes will not be judged for scale appearance. You may change the size of the moveable surfaces but the outline of the aircraft must resemble the outline of the full-size.
5) You can use any advanced building techniques such as hollow core vacuum-bagged composite wings; goop hinges or skin hinging. Composite fuselages are allowed.
6) Any size engine up to a maximum displacement of 1.6 C.I. for single engine aircraft. Carburetors are required and must allow motor to idle with ease. Engines must idle a minimum of 4000 RPM for a 10 second period. Aircraft not meeting this will not be allowed to race. You may use any exhaust system of your choice be a special muffler or tuned pipe. Exhaust must be a minimum of 2 inches to be legal. 4-strokes may use supplied headers. Side Exhaust, Rear Exhaust, Ducted Fans, and Four-strokes may be used.
7) Any two bladed or three bladed propellers may be used. No single bladed props allowed. No Metal or variable pitch propellers allowed. Please make sure propellers used do not exceed maximum RPM limits.
8) No fuel restrictions. Only AMA legal fuel standards must be used. Bladder tanks or conventional tanks are allowed.
9) All aircraft will be safety checked for compliance with the rules.
10) Radio hook-up is open with the exception: Servos must have at least 40oz. Of torque. Minimum of a 600-mah-battery pack is required. Slip type linkages with setscrew may not be used on Ailerons or Elevator. Z-bend or solder linkages are the best suitable application for major control surfaces. All control linkages must have keepers.
All pilots must obey all guidelines and rules of the radio frequency impound. All pilots are to have a frequency pen on their radio or shirtsleeve before turning radio on.
11) The Contest Director has all rights to challenge an entrant’s aircraft in question to legality at no expense. If a contestant wishes to challenge another entrant, there will be a $20 protest fee. A pilot deemed illegal would result in disqualification. Major violation will result in termination from all races for one year.
Formula for wing root percentage:
(Root) Chord Thickness @ center of wing X 100 = percentage
Root chord width
(Tip) Chord Thickness X 100 = percentage
Root chord width
46 WARBIRD CLASS
1) Any scale replica of a piston engine, man carrying, propeller driven aircraft that served in WWII, the Korean conflict, Vietnam or any Reno Racer that raced in an official heat at Reno with a minimum of 475 sq in. and a minimum of 50 inch wingspan are legal. Fuselage must have a minimum length of 40 inches from the tip of spinner to the back of the rudder. AT-6 Texans, Pt-26 Fairchild’s, T-34 Mentors (World Models T-34 legal) and Military Trainers are legal. Aircraft must weigh a minimum of 5.0-lbs. dry weight and no more than 8lbs. Plans or outlines with dimensions of the wing is required as proof of square inches. Wing and fuselage must be proportional in size. Airfoil thickness shall be no less than 10% from the root and tip cords. Wing must have constant taper. (See formula below). If you have a kit that isn’t stock, proof of these dimensions is required. Elliptical wings will be measured four inches from the outer most tip of the wing for the tip chord thickness. No twin aircraft allowed
2) All aircraft must have landing gear in down position or fixed gear. If aircraft has retractable landing gear, they must stay in a fixed down position. You may tape or cover any and all holes to allow no drag on the wheel wells. Carriages, cradles, or hand launching are not permitted. Aircraft required to have a tail wheel must have a tail wheel. No tailskids allowed. No racing wheels allowed. Main wheels must be at least 1-1/2” tall and ½” constant wide.
3) The warbird/ Reno Racer must be a least standoff scale in appearance. They can be built from ARF kits, plans, or made from scratch building. If they are to be scratch built or modified to resemble a Reno racer, you must have all major scoops, vents and exhaust headers that extend from the fuselage attached. This is not a scale contest. Airplanes will not be judged for scale appearance but will not be allowed to race without all necessary scoops or blisters. . You may change the size of the moveable surfaces but the outline of the aircraft must resemble the outline of the full-size.
4) You cannot use any advanced building techniques such as hollow core vacuum-bagged composite wings; goop hinges or skin hinging. Standard knuckle hinges/ CA hinges must be used. ( Robart, C.G.,DUBRO or etc.…. ) However additional materials can be added to allow strength to the structure of the aircraft as long as the exterior outline is not affected. Composite fuselages are allowed. You may add tape to the control surfaces to seal joints.
5) Any size engine up to a maximum displacement of .46 c.i is legal. Carburetors are required and must allow motor to idle with ease. Engines must idle a minimum of 4000 RPM for a 10 second period. Aircraft not meeting this will not be allowed to race. You may use any exhaust system of your choice be a special muffler or tuned pipe. Exhaust must be a minimum of 2 inches to be legal. Front intake, side exhaust engines only. You cannot use a Nelson, Flora or Jett engine. You may use the performance pipes supplied by Nelson, Jett, Flora or any other performance-enhancing supplier.
6) Any two bladed or three bladed propellers may be used. No single bladed props allowed. No Metal or variable pitch propellers allowed.
7) No fuel restrictions. Only AMA legal fuel standards must be used. Bladder tanks or conventional tanks are allowed.
8) All aircraft will be safety checked for compliance with the rules.
9) A pilot may enter only one aircraft per class.
10) Radio hook-up is open with the exception: Servos must have at least 40oz. Of torque. Minimum of a 600-mah-battery pack is required. Slip type linkages with setscrew may not be used on Ailerons or Elevator. Z-bend or solder linkages are the best suitable application for major control surfaces. All control linkages must have keepers.
11) All pilots must obey all guidelines and rules of the radio frequency impound. All pilots are to have a frequency pen on their radio or shirtsleeve before turning radio on.
12) The Contest Director has all rights to challenge an entrant’s aircraft in question to legality at no expense. If a contestant wishes to challenge another entrant, there will be a $20 protest fee. A pilot deemed illegal would result in disqualification. Major violation will result in termination from all races for one year.
Formula for wing root percentage:
(Root) Chord Thickness @ center of wing X 100 = percentage
Root chord width
(Tip) Chord Thickness X 100 = percentage
Tip chord width
RACE DAY GUIDELINES
Guidelines and Procedures
1) All engine start-ups will be in the start-up area designated for run-ups and starting during the race. There will be no engine run-ups in any area other than what is assigned. Failure to comply will result in disqualification.
2) All aircraft in the competition will need to be staged in the staging area in their heats accordingly. There will be a “Ready Box”, “On Deck”, and the “Hole”. If your aircraft is not staged and your aircraft is called out to race, you will not be able to make up any missed heats. All other aircraft will remain in the pit area. * Contest Director has option to move pilots to another heat or hold a heat for a missing aircraft.
3) There are stations for five pilot’s with-in a given area, which you may stand with-in. There will be no standing beyond the given area. Pilots must space themselves out evenly. It is up to the callers to make sure that each pilot is at least 5 feet from the next pilot.
4) Points system is as follows: 1st place-5 pnts, 2nd place-4 pnts, 3rd place-3 pnts, 4th place- 2 pnts, and 5th place-1pnt.
5) In the event of a mid-air collision, the start judge has the right to require the aircraft to land in the case he believes there may be a safety issue. The start judge will determine if it is minor contact or major contact. Just as a rule, if there is structural damage of one aircraft or both of the aircraft, each aircraft is automatically required to land. If there is no visual damage, but you are requested to land, that is a judgment call and each pilot will get a DNF. Minor contact may be allowed to fly at the judgment of the starter. All judgments are final. In the case the starter is unable to determine both aircraft in the mid-air, maybe the individual plane is identified, but the pilot is not, the starter has the option to DNF the pilot when the pilot is determined even though that airplane has finished.
There will be a 90-second starting window. All aircraft must be ready to take-off or on the runway at the end of 90 seconds. At the 90-second, the time clock will begin. The time clock will start at a thirty- second countdown. Once the start clock has started, no aircraft will be allowed to take-off. The start judge has the right to delay the start clock if he feels the field needs more time to start. Safety is an issue. Do not hurry to the point where you make a mistake and injure yourself. Clock will start at the starters decision once all aircraft are safely airborne. The announcer will advise as the clock counts down to 30 seconds, 15 seconds, and then countdown from 10 seconds to the start of the heat. The heat begins when the clock reaches zero and the starter drops the green flag. At this time all aircraft are to be to the left of the start/finish line. Failure to meet this requirement is a jumped start.
6) All pilots not participating in the heats either on the line or in “THE READY BOX” must remain in the “ON DECK “ area.
7) After each round, there will be a ten-minute window for all retrieval of aircraft in the field in the case of lost aircraft. If the aircraft is beyond a given area and the starting judge feels it will take longer than ten minutes to retrieve, you will be able to retrieve the aircraft at lunch or at the end of the event.
8) No aerobatics on the course. You will be given a warning the first time and disqualified thereafter.
9) During the end of the race, call out your landing approaches. The runway is open for all pilots. There will be no retrieval of aircraft until the last aircraft has landed. If taxing, stay as close to the fence as possible. Do not attempt to land until the race is over. Failure to do so can result in a cut penalty. If an aircraft is low on gas, climb to a safe altitude in case of an emergency.
10) Safety is the # 1 concern. Fly Safe, Think Safe, and Win safe.
11) Pilots are allowed 1 takeoff attempt. Once either of their aircraft main wheels leaves the ground an attempt has been made. If during the 90-second window an engine dies and a takeoff attempt has not been made, the plane may be restarted.
Take Off Procedures & Direction:
Contestants may take off on a first-come, first-served basis, but the starter will control access to the runway. Callers will carry, or guide, the pilot’s aircraft onto the runway, and should take great caution when handling aircraft with the engine running, so as to not pose danger to themselves or others. Taxiing of aircraft onto the runway to take off is prohibited. The starter will determine what direction aircraft must use to take off. This will generally be dictated by the wind direction. If the take off direction is from right to left; the aircraft must be carried to a position on the runway beyond the left most pilot station and released from there. This is a safety procedure to help compensate for aircraft that tend to turn to the left on take off, due to engine torque and/or wind.
Heat Racing Procedures:
The heat will consist of 8 laps in a racetrack pattern flown past and around each pylon pole with out crossing the deadline. Pilots must also keep their aircraft above the top of the pylon poles.
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