This is a branch off of the Mid-air collisions thread.

I think it would be a good idea to create a "Code of Conduct" for pylon racing. Everyone can comment on what they think is the right thing to do in certain situations, and one way or another it will get distilled into a coherent document. Or maybe it will just live here, or be copied into a FAQ.

Let's try to keep this thread on the scenarios, and not the viability of a Code of Conduct. If you want to make statements about the viability, create a new thread called "Code of Conduct Viability".

One scenario that happens a lot is a weak needle setting. This obviously creates a slower plane. Do I go high on the course to stay out of people's way, or do I continue in the groove hoping that other pilots will cut out, or my presence will cause them to have to fly around me and maybe cut?

Don,

There are numerous reasons why one plane could be slower than the others. Personally, I feel I have the right to fly the course no matter how fast or slow my plane is flying.

A couple of seasons ago in a 424 heat, this scenario happened to me exactly as you describe. I goofed on the needle setting and the motor was way rich. I don't know how many times I got lapped. I just figured one point was better than zero so I continued to fly the course. As it happens, the three other pilots cut out and I walked away with four points.

Now, I didn't fly as tight as I would have if my motor were really singing but it really wasn't a deliberate decision on my part; it just ended up that way.

Don;John,
Excellent question you basically have to make up your own mind in the situation. Personally I go a tad higher if say I scrape the prop on take off, to allow the hot dogs a chance to break a fast time clock. Why should I hinder the race and a prestigious Fast time run.

Personally slower pilots should fly above the point leader, Now I'm not talking just a little slower. If you get Lapped in 3 Laps then why not fly higher to finish your race and allow the fast aircraft have a go at it. There trying for fast time and head to head comp. The slow aircraft creates a bottle neck and possibly a mid-air. Even in NASCAR the slower vehicle either comes to the bottom of the track or take the high side to allow the racers to race.

Mid-Air's immediate black flag! If possible pilots get off the course and waits for the finish.

Re-Fly's due to score/time keeper foul ups not the pilots. But now the re-fly causes a complete shift in points.

Me too, Bill.

Hmmmmm maybe were not nasty up here or is it we need to get nastier! LOL

Here's another scenario. I'm flying a plane that's a little ahead of me, and I have the occasional whoop-de-do while I'm bearing down on the course. I'm flying safely enough to not get black flagged, but I know I'm a mid-air waiting to happen. Do I stay down on the course, or go high?

Does it matter if the whoop-de's are because I'm battling someone for position?

Heck yes that matter's you'll scare him to get out of the way so you can win.

I think I smell a strategy here.

To me, it depends who I'm racing against, and what the standings are. If I know I got one or two other hot shots in the heat at the top of the point standings for the race, I'm not going to give them any free rides. Mid-airs are part of racing, if you don't like them, don't race.

Personally, I think Pilot who know that they're slow will usually fly higher to stay away from others that are moving and grooving. Most will know when to battle and when to fly the course as how their plane move. If it's slow, they will back of a little, but if they feel they have the speed, they are going for it. This usually the true scenario from the actual racing I've seen.

For me would be, I'm flying the course wether I'm slower or not. If I can keep as tight as I can with out cutting, then opportunity exist for some points if not a win. Unless, I'm very slow due to missed needle setting or minor problem with the plane itself. After all, if you're NOT racing, you're not living on the edge. And racing take guts and guts take glories when all is well and done.

As for the Mid-Air... It's going to happen one way or another if you're racing. If it doesn't happened already, you're NOT really racing or pushing to the limits.

Sam S.

Here's something to think about for all Pilots on this Pylon Racing Code Of Ethic...

When you're in a heat of battle with your competitor, wing tip to wing tip, and exchanging air space and then fell slightly behind (same altitude) on the outside... Do you pull on the stick or do you gave way until the inside plane turn first?

I would like all of your opinions/believes on this...

Sam S.

At the Bowie JR Gold Cup race Travis Flynn collided with Tom Scott on landing. Tom's plane was not completely stopped, and was sliding on the nose some, which stuck the tail up, and created a bigger obstacle. Travis did his best to go over him, but Travis' wing and landing gear took off the fin and half of the stabilizer. (I actually have this on low resolution video tape, but it is still semi-spectacular.)

Calls of dollar figures went out. I didn't see any tempers flare, and I think it was settled as "those things happen".

When should someone pay for another persons plane?

The only situation I've witnessed it was when someone shot someone down by turning on a transmitter.

Are there others?

Mid airs and ground collisions are usually chalked up to "that's racing". Unless there is a very unusual case where intent to harm could be proven, it's a draw. Most racers understand and accept this.

When it comes to landing, the pilot's caller should always be watching the field for traffic and the position of other aircraft. He should coach his pilot right down to the roll out where to put the plane so as to avoid a ground collision. However, this is sometimes difficult due to judgement and just plain bad luck.


Randy

Ditto with Randy and Bill;
You just need to be aware of all traffic whether in the air or the ground. When you have one good leg and have to jump out of the way of a landing gone bad you'll know. When the race is over and everyone is bleeding off speed to land and a mid-air occurs no one is at blame it just happens.

Racing is Racing

Ahhh... The word of approval. Was a little concern and had been a little conservative before, but will not be conservative anymore.

Watch out man cause here I come!!! Living On The Edge! :boxing:

Sam S.

I know this thread is old, but I am in my first race in two weeks ( our local T-34 series ) and the info here was most helpful.
So, I gotta ask, do you guys cringe when a newbie comes to the race? How do you react in the air? On the ground? In the pits?Obviously, I'll be kinda conservative on my first few races until I know the program a little better......

Chris:

Don't be concerned about coming to your first race. You will find that you are warmly welcomed if you make it obvious that you are there to learn and get into the event.

The best advice that anyone can give you on day one is to do your best just to finish each heat. If you finish each heat all day long, through luck and other guys hard racing, you will most likely finish in the middle of the pack or better.

Hove fun and good Luck!

Pete

Thanks, Pete!
I am going in with a total learning attitude, and very low performance expectations ( ie, just finishing each heat ).
I appreciate your advice. From all I have seen racers, they match your description. Very friendly, and free with advice to help a new person in the sport. I am grateful !
Any way, thanks for helping take away the pre-race jitters - I'll let ya know how it goes!