This Web page updated: April 12, 1996
1.1 TITLE
The event shall be known as: <* NAME *> GAS BALLOON CHAMPIONSHIP
1.2 OBJECTIVES (S1: 5.2)
1.2.1 TO DETERMINE THE TWO <* NAME *> CHAMPION PILOTS.
1.2.2 TO STIMULATE THE DEVELOPMENT OF AEROSTATION BY AN INTERNATIONAL COMPARISON OF PERFORMANCE OF PILOTS AND AEROSTATS.
1.2.3 TO REINFORCE FRIENDSHIP AMONGST AERONAUTS OF ALL NATIONS.
1.3 TIME AND PLACE
The <* NAME *> Gas Balloon Championship will be held in <* PLACE *>. The Championship will be run from <* DATE *> to <* DATE *>. The last flying day will be <* DATE *> unless less than two flights or less than three tasks have been flown, in which case the last flying day will be <* DATE *>.
1.4 DEFINITION (S1: 5.8)
1.4.1 THE WINNING COMPETITORS SHALL BE THE COMPETITORS WITH THE HIGHEST AGGREGATE SCORE AT THE END OF THE EVENT.
1.4.2 TEAM COMPETITION MAY BE ALLOWED UPON DECISION BY THE CIA FOR EACH EVENT.
1.4.3 TO BE RECOGNISED AS A FIRST CATEGORY EVENT AND FOR A CHAMPION TO BE DECLARED, AT LEAST THREE TASKS MUST HAVE BEEN COMPLETED ON NOT LESS THAN TWO SEPARATE FLIGHTS.
1.4.4 WHEN TWO OR MORE CREWS HOLD AN EQUAL NUMBER OF POINTS AT THE END OF THE CHAMPIONSHIP, THE CREW WITH THE SMALLER DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ITS HIGHEST AND LOWEST SCORES SHALL BE RANKED HIGHER.
1.5 AUTHORITY
The <* ORGANISING AEROCLUB *> is authorised to host the <* NAME *> Gas Balloon Championship by the Commission Internationale d'Aerostation (CIA) of the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI).
1.6 CORRESPONDENCE
All entries and official correspondence shall b e addressed to:
<* NAME AND ADDRESS *>
<* TELEPHONE AND FAX NUMBERS *>
1.7 PERSONNEL
THE RULES, REGULATIONS, AND INFORMATION CIRCULATED TO NACs AND COMPETITORS OR ISSUED DURING THE EVENT SHALL BE IN ENGLISH AND, AT THE DISCRETION OF THE ORGANISERS, FRENCH AND/OR THE LANGUAGE OF THE HOST COUNTRY. IN ALL INTERPRETATIONS THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE VERSION SHALL PREVAIL.
1.9 DOCUMENTATION
The following documents will be inspected when each competitor registers on arrival at the Championship:
The FAI Sporting Code, both General Section (GS) and Section 1 (S1), are deemed to be incorporated in the regulations for the event.
(References are to General Section 1994 Edition, and Section 1 dated January 1, 1994)
2.1 ELIGIBILITY
INTERNATIONAL SPORTING EVENTS ARE OPEN ONLY TO NACs THAT HAVE MET ALL THEIR OBLIGATIONS TO FAI. (GS: 3.6.1) Each NAC entering the Championship shall select its own pilots and crews provided that they qualify under these regulations. (S1: 5.5.6)
2.2 REPRESENTATION RIGHTS
Competitors must be qualified to represent the country nominating them in accordance with the Sporting Code. (GS: 3.7.2)
2.3 QUALIFICATION
2.3.1 PILOT EXPERIENCE (S1: 5.5.7)
PILOTS-IN-COMMAND SHALL HAVE BEEN AUTHORISED TO ACT AS PILOT-IN-COMMAND
OF GAS BALLOONS AT LEAST TWELVE MONTHS PRIOR TO THE START OF THE
EVENT. EACH PILOT-IN-COMMAND SHALL HAVE ACCUMULATED AT LEAST 50
HOURS AS PILOT-IN-COMMAND OF GAS BALLOONS BY THE CLOSING ENTRY
DATE.
2.3.2 SPORTING LICENSE
Each competitor shall hold an FAI Sporting Licence valid for the period of the Championship. (GS: 8.1)
2.3.3 Either the pilot in command or co-pilot must be sufficiently fluent in English to communicate clearly with air traffic control. Penalty for infringement of this rule is disqualification from the task.
2.4 ENTRY
2.4.1 A completed entry form together with <* amount *> entry fee for each competitor must reach the organisers by the closing entry date except in the case of entries to fill extra places offered by the organisers.
2.4.2 RETURN OF ENTRY FEE (GS: 3.15)
IF THE EVENT DOES NOT TAKE PLACE, ENTRY FEES SHALL BE RETURNED
IN FULL. IF, FOR REASONS OF FORCE MAJEURE, IT IS CANCELLED OR
STOPPED, UNUSED FEES SHALL BE PAID BACK. (FORCE MAJEURE IS CONSIDERED
TO BE WAR, GENERAL STRIKE, STORM OR EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE PRIOR TO
THE EVENT, BUT DOES NOT INCLUDE WEATHER UNFAVOURABLE TO THE COMPETITION
TASKS).
A COMPETITOR OR TEAM WHO WITHDRAWS SHALL HAVE NO RIGHT TO THE RETURN OF ANY FEES.
2.4.3 CLOSING ENTRY DATE
The initial closing entry date for the championship is <* date
*>.
The final closing entry date for additional entries per S1: 5.5.4
is <* date *>.
2.5 RESPONSIBILITY OF THE ENTRANTS (GS: 3.11)
2.5.1 THE ENTRANTS AND COMPETITORS ARE REQUIRED TO KNOW, UNDERSTAND, ACCEPT AND ABIDE BY THE SPORTING CODE AND THE RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE EVENT, AND BY ENTERING ARE DEEMED TO ACCEPT THEM WITHOUT RESERVATION.
2.5.2 A COMPETITOR TAKING ANY DRUGS OR MEDICATION OR SUFFERING FROM ANY INJURY WHICH MIGHT INVALIDATE HIS LICENSE OR INSURANCE OR AFFECT HIS PERFORMANCE MUST INFORM THE DIRECTOR OF THE EVENT BEFORE FLYING. THE CONSUMPTION OF ALCOHOL AND/OR DRUGS WHICH COULD AFFECT COMPETITIVE PERFORMANCE IS FORBIDDEN.
2.6 FAMILIARITY WITH RULES
Each competitor shall be completely familiar with these rules and shall ensure that his ground crew understands all relevant parts. Ignorance of the rules or of amendments published during the Championship will not be grounds for protest.
2.7 PILOT RESPONSIBILITY
2.7.1 WAIVER
By entering the Championship, a competitor waives any right of
action against the organisers, the owner of any operational site
and their respective members, employees and personnel for any
loss or damages sustained by him in consequence of any act or
omission on the part of the said bodies, their officials, members,
employees or personnel or on the part of other competitors.
2.7.2 RISK
The balloon and other property of a competitor shall be at the
risk of the competitor at all times.
2.7.3 LIABILITY TO THIRD PARTIES
By entering the Championship a competitor assumes all liability
for injury, loss or damage to third parties or their property
caused by himself or his crew.
2.7.4 CERTIFICATE OF INSURANCE
Each competitor shall be insured against all claims by third parties
to a minimum of <* amount *>. He shall produce a certificate
of such insurance valid for the period of the Championship covering
himself and any balloon which he may fly. Insurance will not be
available from the organiser.
2.7.5 SAFETY
Any meteorological report or forecast, or other safety or navigational
information, is provided in good faith for the guidance of competitors.
Officials will be appointed to regulate the inflation and launching
of balloons, however nothing shall diminish the responsibility
of competitors under this chapter.
2.7.6 RESPONSIBILITY
A competitor remains completely responsible for the safe operation
of his balloon at all stages of inflation, launch, flight and
landing. He must ensure that his equipment, his crew and his own
level of skill and expertise are suitable for the conditions in
his own judgement.
3.1 SUBCLASS AND SIZE
Only balloons up to a maximum volume of one thousand cubic meters (with a tolerance of 5%) will be admitted to the Championship. The volume capacity of any attached filler tube or overflow ducts will be considered as part of the total volume.
3.2 DEFINITION OF GAS BALLOON (GS: 2.2, S1: 2.1.1.1)
For the purpose of this Championship, a gas balloon is defined as a non-dirigible aerostat not equipped with an airborne heater which derives its lift by a lighter than air gas, without pressurisation of the envelope. No means of propulsion by any power source may be employed to induce motion.
3.3 NOMINATION OF BALLOONS
Each competitor shall nominate the balloon he is to fly during the Championship. No change of balloon may be made after the start of the first task briefing except as provided by these rules. The nationality of pilot and balloon need not be the same.
3.4 AIRWORTHINESS (S1: 5.5.8)
AEROSTATS FLOWN IN <* NAME OF EVENT *> MUST HAVE CURRENT CERTIFICATES OF REGISTRATION AND AIRWORTHINESS, OR IN PLACE OF THE LATER, AN EQUIVALENT DOCUMENT FROM THE RECOGNISED AUTHORITY OF THE NATION CONCERNED. THE ORGANISERS ARE EMPOWERED TO REJECT ANY AEROSTAT WHICH IN THEIR OPINION IS NOT OF A REASONABLE STANDARD OF AIRWORTHINESS.
3.5 DAMAGE
If an aerostat is damaged during the Championship, it may be repaired. Damaged components may be replaced or repaired, except that a complete system may only be replaced at the discretion of the Championship Director.
Any damage to a balloon affecting its airworthiness must be reported to the Safety Officer before it is entered for a further task, and the balloon may be flown only after approval of any repairs. Penalty: up to disqualification in the task.
3.6 INSTRUMENTS
3.6.1 Each balloon shall be equipped with appropriate communications, navigational materials and instruments to fly according to Federal Aviation Regulations and these rules. Minimum equipment must consist of:
Additionally, each balloon will carry a barograph which has proof of physical calibration within 12 months prior to the event, together with the calibration curve or table. Barographs shall have a rotation time of not less than six hours. Electronic seals are permitted if approved by the Director.
3.6.2 ANY DEVICE DESIGNATED TO ACT AS AN AUTOMATIC FLIGHT CONTROL IS PROHIBITED, REGARDLESS OF THE SPECIFIC NATURE OF THE DEVICE. (S1: 5.9.2)
3.7 COMPETITION NUMBERS
The Organisers will provide one banner which shall be displayed on the side of the basket during tasks. All crew vehicles including trailers shall be clearly identified with competition numbers.
4.1 EVENT DIRECTOR (GS: 4.3.5)
THE EVENT DIRECTOR SHALL BE IN OVERALL OPERATIONAL CHARGE OF THE EVENT. THE EVENT DIRECTOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR GOOD MANAGEMENT AND THE SMOOTH AND SAFE RUNNING OF THE EVENT. HE SHALL MAKE OPERATIONAL DECISIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RULES OF THE SPORTING CODE AND COMPETITION RULES. HE CAN PENALISE OR DISQUALIFY A COMPETITOR FOR MISCONDUCT OR INFRINGEMENT OF THE RULES. HE SHALL ATTEND MEETINGS OF THE INTERNATIONAL JURY AND GIVE EVIDENCE IF REQUESTED.
4.2 STEWARDS (GS: 4.3.6)
STEWARDS ARE ADVISERS TO THE EVENT DIRECTOR
THEY WATCH OVER THE CONDUCT OF THE EVENT AND REPORT ANY UNFAIRNESS OR INFRINGEMENT OF THE RULES AND REGULATIONS OR BEHAVIOUR PREJUDICIAL TO THE SAFETY OF OTHER COMPETITORS OR THE PUBLIC OR IN ANY WAY HARMFUL TO THE SPORT.
THEY ASSEMBLE INFORMATION AND FACTS CONCERNING MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED BY THE INTERNATIONAL JURY.
THEY ADVISE THE EVENT DIRECTOR ON INTERPRETATION OF THE RULES AND REGULATIONS AND ON PENALTIES.
4.3 INTERNATIONAL JURY
4.3.1 A nominated jury composed of a president and two further members are appointed by the CIA. The president may not be of the same nationality as the organising NAC and no two members may be of the same nationality (GS: 4.3.2, S1: 5.10)
4.3.2 DUTIES
The president of the Jury and Jury members are responsible for
giving advice or arbitration, rule interpretation, and objective
and subjective evaluation of performance. (GS: 4.3.1.1)
In addition to being Chairman at Jury meetings, the President has the right to require the organisers to abide by the FAI Sporting Code and the published rules and regulations for the event. (GS: 4.3.2.4)
During the event, the Jury deals with protests made by competitors. Jury members shall have a thorough knowledge of the Sporting Code and the rules and regulations governing the event. (GS: 4.3.2.5)
4.3.3 ABSENCE OF A JURY MEMBER
Attendance at Jury meetings is compulsory for Jury members, except
for special cases, such as illness or emergencies. In such cases
an eligible replacement nominated by the Jury member concerned,
or by the President of the CIA or his representative may be accepted
by the Jury President. The Event Director has the right to be
present at Jury Meetings. (GS: 4.3.2.6)
A quorum for a nominated Jury is three, including its President. (GS: 4.3.2.6.3)
5.1 ASSISTANCE
A competitor who is dissatisfied on any matter should first ask the appropriate official to assist him He may ask for his result or points score to be checked or the calculation to be explained. A competitor who is still dissatisfied may make a formal complaint to the Director.
5.2 COMPLAINT
Complaints concerning scoring must be made to the Director within three hours after the publication of the official scores of a task, but within one hour of the publication of the official scores of a task published on the last competition day of the Championship. If points are credited or deducted from a competitor's score, the Director shall publish the original and the revised scores. (GS: 5.1)
A formal complaint shall be in writing in English and will receive a written reply.
5.3 PROTEST
If dissatisfied with the Director's reply, a competitor has the right to make a Protest to the International Jury. The competitor shall, within one hour of the reply to his complaint, declare his intention to protest to an official. His declaration shall be accompanied by a deposit of the equivalent of $100.00 US. Within three hours of the reply, the competitor shall submit in writing, in English, his grounds for protesting. (GS: 5.4)
5.4 PROCEDURE
A complaint or protest shall be handed in at the Competition Centre to an official who will record the time of receipt. The hours between 2100 and 0800 (local time) shall be disregarded for the purposes of the time limit for handling a complaint or protest.
5.5 NOTICE
A competitor who has made a complaint or a protest is deemed to have notice of a communication addressed to him two hours after it has been posted on the official notice board.
5.6 TIME LIMITS
For the purpose of complaint and protest procedure, any relevant time will be held in abeyance during a championship task. For this rule a task begins at the start of the launch period and ends upon the return and report of all pilots launched in the task. The Director may declare the end of a task in special situations.
The Director may stipulate shorter time limits for complaints, protests and replies made on or after the last flying day of the Championship.
5.7 PUBLICATION
The Director shall publish the text of any formal complaints, protests and replies, and they shall be posted on the official notice board as soon as available.
5.8 RIGHT OF HEARING
A competitor may, when making his written protest, claim the right to make a verbal presentation of his case in addition to his written statement. The verbal presentation may not exceed fifteen minutes, except by leave of the Jury.
5.9 INTERPRETER
A competitor not fluent in English may be assisted by an interpreter of his choice during a hearing before the Jury. This does not extend to advocacy on behalf of the competitor.
5.10 TREATMENT OF PROTESTS (GS: 5.5)
5.10.1 THE EVENT DIRECTOR MUST PRESENT ANY PROTEST TO THE JURY PRESIDENT WITHOUT DELAY. THE PRESIDENT SHALL CALL A MEETING OF THE INTERNATIONAL JURY WITHIN 24 HOURS OF RECEIVING A PROTEST, UNLESS A SHORTER PERIOD IS STATED.
5.10.2 THE JURY SHALL HEAR BOTH SIDES ON THE MATTER OF ANY PROTEST, APPLYING CORRECTLY THE RELEVANT FAI REGULATIONS AND THE RULES FOR THE EVENT. THE DECISION WILL BE REACHED BY SECRET BALLOT.
DECISIONS SHALL BE REACHED BY A SIMPLE MAJORITY, EXCEPT THAT ANY PROTEST AGAINST THE DECISION OF THE EVENT DIRECTOR SHALL REQUIRE A 2/3 MAJORITY TO SUCCEED.
THE PRESIDENT OF THE JURY SHALL REPORT THE PROCEEDINGS IN WRITING TO THE EVENT DIRECTOR WITHOUT DELAY, WHO SHALL DISPLAY THE REPORT.
5.11 FRIVOLOUS AND VEXATIOUS PROTEST
A competitor whose protest is found by an unanimous Jury vote to be frivolous and vexatious shall be penalised 500 competition points.
5.12 RETURN OF DEPOSIT
NORMALLY, THE DEPOSITED FEE IS RETURNABLE ONLY IF THE PROTEST IS UPHELD, OR IS WITHDRAWN PRIOR TO THE HEARING BY THE JURY. (GS: 5.4.3)
5.13 JURY APPROVAL (GS: 3.16.1)
THE RESULTS OF <* NAME OF EVENT *> SHALL BE FINAL ONLY AFTER ALL PROTESTS HAVE BEEN DEALT WITH BY THE JURY AND THE JURY HAS CEASED ITS FUNCTIONS. THE FINAL RESULTS MUST BE PUBLISHED BEFORE THE PRIZEGIVING IS HELD.
6.1 An Observer is a Competition Official, responsible to the Chief Observer. His duties are primarily the recording impartially of particulars of positions, times, distances, etc. achieved during tasks. He/she has the duty to report any apparent infringement of these rules and any case of inconsiderate behaviour towards landowners or the public by any competitor or crew member.
6.2 APPOINTMENT
At task briefings an observer will be appointed to each balloon for that task. He/she will not be appointed to the same balloon more than once. An observer must not be of the same nationality as his assigned pilot.
6.3 ASSISTANCE
An observer may assist in the ground handling if he/she wishes and is asked to do so by the pilot. An observer shall not attempt and is not qualified to amplify, explain or interpret the rules.
6.4 TRANSPORT
It is the duty of each competitor and his crew to convey the observer to the Launch Area and to return him/her promptly to the Competition Centre after measurement of results and recovery of the balloon.
6.5 OBSERVER ON RETRIEVE
The observer shall occupy a seat in the retrieve vehicle with a clear view. The crew must do their best to keep in visual contact with the balloon until the final marker has been dropped. The observer may assist with map reading during the retrieve if asked to do so by the crew, at their responsibility.
7.1 OFFICIAL MAPS
The official competition map will be <* name *>
7.2 CONTEST AREA
An area defined by reference to the Competition Map(s), and published at the start of the championship. Tasks will not be set, and results will not be measured outside of this area.
7.3 OUT OF BOUNDS
The Director may define areas as out of bounds and a mark or contest landing in such areas will not be measured.
7.4 PROHIBITED COMPETITION ZONES (PCZs)
The Director may define airspace or landing areas as prohibited for competition purposes. PCZs may be of any shape with an upper limit in feet above sea level or with no upper limit. A competitor flying within a PCZ shall be penalised 500 to 1000 competition points. The penalty shall be proportionate to the offence.
7.5 MEASUREMENT UP TO 100 KM
Distance up to 100 km will be measured on an appropriate Air Sectional Chart.
7.6 GREAT CIRCLE
7.6.1 Distances over 100 km shall be measured by determining the arc of a Great Circle, at sea level.
7.6.2 For purposes of this calculation, the earth is considered to be a sphere with a radius of 6,371.00 km.
7.7 STRAIGHT LINE MEASUREMENT
Measurement of distances may be changed by the Director to a straight line measurement if necessitated by the task.
8.1 TASK PROGRAMME
The Championship will consist of up to three flights. The task(s) of each flight will be selected by the Director depending on meteorological conditions.
TO BE RECOGNISED AS A <* NAME OF EVENT *> AND FOR <* NAME *> CHAMPIONS TO BE DECLARED, AT LEAST THREE TASKS MUST HAVE BEEN COMPLETED ON NOT LESS THAN TWO SEPARATE FLIGHTS (S1: 5.8.3)
8.2 TASK SELECTION
Tasks will be selected from those described in Chapter 15. Particular tasks may be set more than once or not at all.
8.3 MODIFICATION OF RULES
8.3.1 THE GENERAL RULES FOR <* NAME OF EVENT *> SHALL BE CONTAINED IN THE RELEVANT SECTIONS OF THE SPORTING CODE. COMPETITION RULES ... SHALL NOT CONFLICT WITH THE RULES IN THE SPORTING CODE. THEY SHALL BE APPROVED IN ADVANCE BY THE FAI AND MUST NOT BE CHANGED THEREAFTER. (GS: 3.9.1)
The task rules of Chapter 15 are defined as variable rules and minor changes to those may be made without authorisation.
8.3.2 PUBLICATION IN WRITING
Variations to task rules shall be notified individually to each
competitor in writing.
8.4 MULTIPLE TASKS
The Director may set more than one task to be performed on one flight. The tasks will be scored separately, with a winning score of 1000 points (before any penalties) for each task.
8.5 BRIEFINGS
Task briefings will be called by the Director. The time and place for any briefing will be published on the official notice board and if possible, at the previous briefing. At the briefing the following information will be given verbally, by written handout, or by posted notices:
Only scheduled briefings, supplementary briefings and the official notice board shall be used to distribute information to competitors.
8.7 ENTRY FOR TASKS
A competitor will enter the task by answering his name at the roll call at the task briefing.
8.8 LATE ENTRY
A competitor may make a late entry with a penalty of 50 points up to five minutes before the actual start of the Launch Period, or 100 points thereafter. The competitor must report to the Signals Point and request a late entry. Officials will not be available to give a personal briefing except in regard to air traffic safety matters and PCZs
9.1 LAUNCH AREA
A defined area in which balloons may inflate and take-off.
9.2 PREPARATION OF BAROGRAPHS
Each competitor shall have his barograph trace marked and the barograph sealed by an official prior to the launch period.
9.3 PREPARATION OF BALLOONS
The Launch Director will allocate to each competitor a space in which to prepare and inflate his balloon. The Launch Director has the authority to regulate the operation of all balloons and vehicles on the Launch Area.
9.4 SIGNALS POINT
A point at the Launch Site where flag signals are displayed, and competitor's task declarations, late entries, and supplementary briefings take place. Competitors are responsible for keeping observation on the Signals Point, and its obstruction shall not be grounds for complaint or protest.
9.5 LAUNCH POINT
A common point published by the Director in or near the launch area, from which all angles and distances are measured irrespective of the take-off points of individual balloons.
9.6 LAUNCH SIGNALS
Coloured flags displayed at the signals point will have the following meanings:
No launch may be made outside of the Launch Period. The yellow flag will be raised five minutes before the end of the Launch Period. A competitor launching outside of the launch period (and any extension thereof) will be disqualified from the task.
9.8 EXTENSION OF TIME
After the end of the Launch Period, a competitor may request an extension of time from the Launch Director. The Launch Director may grant an extension if he is satisfied that the competitor, although completely ready to take off within the Launch Period, was delayed by the action of officials or other competitors or by other causes outside his control (equipment malfunction excluded).
9.9 TAKE-OFF
Each competitor will request take-off clearance either by radio or to a launch official assigned to him for that flight.
The Launch Director will give each competitor permission to take-off with the words "Number ___ cleared for take-off". The competitor may then take-off at will, subject to any instructions from the Launch Director at the time. This permission does not relieve the competitor of complete responsibility for his take-off, including adequate lift to clear all obstacles and other balloons.
If the balloon does not take off within two minutes, permission to take-off may be cancelled by the Launch Director.
10.1 RATE OF CLIMB
A competitor shall not initiate or maintain a fast climb unless he is certain that no higher balloon is in his ascent path.
10.2 RIGHT OF WAY
A competitor is responsible for avoiding collision between non-fabric parts of his balloon and the envelope of any balloon which is not in flight. When two balloons are converging, the pilot of the higher balloon shall give way and climb as necessary to avoid collision. Penalty for infringement of this rule is up to 1000 competition points.
10.3 CLEARING GOAL AREA
A competitor who has released his marker shall clear the vicinity of the goal as quickly as reasonably possible.
10.4 DROPPING OBJECTS
No object (other than sand or water for ballasting) my be dropped from the balloon except for official markers or small pieces of paper or similar lightweight materials for navigational purposes. Penalty for infringement of this rule is up to 200 competition points.
10.5 CROP DAMAGE
In the event of any crop damage or any other property damage, the competitor, accompanied by an official observer, must attempt to contact the landowner or property owner and make any necessary arrangements. Penalty for infringement of this rule is up to 1000 competition points.
10.6 FLIGHT CREW AND PASSENGERS
Only the pilot in command and co-pilot may be on board during a task. No passengers are permitted. Penalty for infringement of this rule is disqualification from the task.
10.7 GROUND CREW
Each competitor shall ensure that he has sufficient crew to operate his balloon and retrieve vehicle. He shall ensure that all those involved with his balloon are adequately briefed to ensure safe operation. A competitor is responsible for all the actions of his crew during the Championship.
10.8 FLIGHT INTERRUPTIONS
Ground contact during a task is not allowed. Nothing may be added or taken away from the balloon and no person may leave or enter the basket until the task has been completed. Trailing of the trail rope immediately before landing will not be considered ground contact. Penalty for infringement of this rule is up to 500 task points.
10.9 BALLAST
In addition to the usual ballast sand, each balloon may be required to carry at least 40 litres of water to be used where the dropping of sand could lead to damage or complaint.
10.10 ASSISTANCE
During a task any physical assistance from persons on the ground prior to completing the task is not permitted, except during take-off. Penalty for infringement is up to 500 competition points.
10.11 LANDINGS
All tasks are completed when the pilot lands after dropping his marker or when the balloon has come to rest after a contest landing. A competition landing shall be determined by a straight, smooth horizontal trace on the barograph covering a time lapse of at least five minutes. The pilot may land at his discretion subject to any minimum distance required by the task rules. The balloon may be packed up but the basket may not be moved from the final resting place after landing until the landing has been recorded by an observer. The pilot may fly on after the Observer has recorded the landing point and the task is complete.
10.12 LANDING REPORT
Competitors are required to telephone the designated official at a designated place, or report in person, within four hours of the landing time. Information given will consist of landing location, landing time, and any other information pertinent to preliminary scoring.
A penalty of 10 points per hour shall accrue to any pilot failing to report within the four hour limit. Extenuating circumstances will be considered by the Director.
10.13 FLIGHT DOSSIERS AND BAROGRAPH
The observer's report form and the sealed barograph must be returned to the Competition Centre within 24 hours of landing unless permission for an extension has been granted by the Event Director.
10.14 MALFUNCTIONING BAROGRAPH
If a competitive advantage ensues, a penalty of up to 500 task points may be assessed.
Whenever independent evidence is used to determine the information normally received from the barograph trace or to supplement information lacking due to other procedural omissions in documentation of the flight and landing, the least advantageous interpretation of evidence available to the officials will be taken. The unsupported evidence of a pilot and crew will be disregarded.
12.1 GOAL
A distinct feature shown on a competition map, set by the officials or chosen by the pilot. A valid goal must appear from the map to be easily accessible to vehicles on the ground and precisely identifiable for measurement. Unless otherwise allowed in the Task Briefing, it will be the intersection of two roads or a railroad track and road (or the centre of an uncontrolled airport - see Appendix A).
12.2 IDENTIFICATION
When declaring a goal, a competitor shall identify his goal by geographic co-ordinates in degrees, minutes and tenths of minutes, longitude and latitude. He may add descriptive details to distinguish between possible goals located close together near his co-ordinates. In the case of any ambiguity, the least advantageous interpretation will be placed on the competitor's declaration.
12.3 LIMITATIONS
No goal selected by a competitor may be within a congested area, or within 500 meters of a PCZ, or a motorway or similar highway, or a geographical point designated by the Director.
12.4 TARGET
An X made from bright material with each leg at least one meter wide and eight meters long displayed in the vicinity of the goal. Where a target is used, measurements are made from the centre of the target, not from the goal, unless otherwise specified during the task briefing.
A pilot reaching a goal where an expected target is not displayed should aim for the goal.
12.5 MARKER
A weighted streamer supplied by the organiser for a given task. The competitor is responsible for collecting the necessary marker(s) before each task The marker's streamer must be unfurled before release. The marker must not be modified in any way. No mechanism may be used to propel the marker. Penalty for infringement of this rule is up to 300 task points.
12.6 MARK
The point on the ground vertically below where an official marker comes to rest after dropping from the balloon. Measurements shall be from the closest point of the weighted section of the marker to the target.
12.7 OBSERVED MARK
A mark which has been measured by an official or an observer. It is the duty of the retrieve crew to assist the observer to locate the marker and measure its position. The observer may not be left unaccompanied to search for a marker. No person other than an authorised official or an appointed observer may touch or interfere with the marker on the ground.
12.8 CONTEST LANDING
Unless prohibited in the task briefing, a competitor may elect not to drop his marker and to make a contest landing. The marker must be retained in the basket and handed over to an observer at the earliest opportunity. Task rules which require a minimum distance from marker to landing do not apply but all other rules, including distance limits, must be complied with. The scoring position is the final resting place of the basket.
12.9 LOST MARKER
The results of pilots whose markers are lost will be assessed in accordance with whatever independent evidence is available to the officials. Assessment shall be based on the least advantageous interpretation of evidence available and 100 meters will be added to the pilot's result. The unsupported evidence of the pilot and crew will be disregarded for this purpose.
A 50 point penalty is assessed if the marker is not recovered. Where independent evidence can show that the marker was stolen, the penalty is waived.
In the absence of better evidence, a competitor's assessed mark shall be his final landing position.
13.1 The Director may penalise or disqualify a competitor for misconduct or failure to obey the rules. (GS: 5.2.1)
A competitor infringing any rule for which a penalty is not specified in the rules may be penalise by a penalty distance applied to his result, by deduction of points or by disqualification from the task. The severity of any penalty under this paragraph shall be in accordance with paragraph 5.2 et seq. of the General Section of the Sporting Code.
13.2 DISHONESTY
A competitor who deliberately attempts to deceive or mislead the observers, officials, or Steward or who interferes with another competitor or his property will be penalised up to 1000 competition points and disqualified from the task or from the Championship.
13.3 CONDUCT
Competitors and their crew are required to conduct themselves in a sportsmanlike manner, and to comply with the directions of the championship officials. Profanity or unsportsmanlike conduct directed at the Director or any other official will be grounds for expulsion.
13.4 DISTANCE PENALTIES
Where a Goal selected by a competitor or a final landing infringes a distance limit, the competitor's final result will be increased by twice the amount of the infringement, except that where the penalty relates to landing too close to a Goal or the marker then it will be waived if the competitor can show that he was unable to comply within 30 minutes because of light wind.
13.5 AVIATION REGULATIONS
Infringement of Aviation Regulations are in the first instance a matter between the pilot and the <* AVIATION AUTHORITY *>. However, where the Director finds Air Law has been violated, the violation shall be penalised. Penalty for Air Law violation is up to 1000 competition points.
13.6 PENALTY POINTS
There are tow kinds of point penalties; task point penalties and competition point penalties.
Task point penalties are subtracted from a pilot's task score, which cannot thereby be reduced below zero. Competition point penalties are also subtracted from a pilot's task score, however, excess competition point penalties are subtracted from his total competition points.
14.1 PUBLICATION OF SCORES
The result of each task shall be published with the minimum of delay on the official notice board. Location of the official notice board will be announced at the first briefing. (S1: 5.9.4)
14.2 Competitors will be ranked in order of performance according to the rules for each task after adjustment for any time or distance penalties.
14.3.1 Competitors will be ranked in the following groups in each task:
Group B Competitors flying the task but not achieving a result, sharing equally the remaining points available. All will be scored using Formula 2 under Rule 14.3.5
Group C Competitor not making a valid launch or disqualified in the task, all scoring zero points.
If the nature of the task mandates Best Score for the Greatest Result then before applying the scoring formulas in this chapter, the results will be adjusted by subtracting them from the highest result.
14.3.3 The best result will be awarded 1000 points before point penalties.
14.3.4 The superior half of the results will receive a score between 1000 and approximately 500 points, based on Formula 1 as follows:
14.3.6 P = number of competitors entered in the championship
R = competitor's result (meters, distance flown or ratio)
RM = result achieved by the median ranking competitor
Median Rank = P/2 rounded up
L = competitor's rank
W = the winning result in the task
SM = point score of median ranking pilot using Formula 2
SM = points score of lowest ranking competitor in Group A calculated under Formula 2
14.5 TIED RESULTS
Competitors whose results are separated by less than the accuracy of the measurement method employed may at the Director's discretion be judged to have tied and will share an equal position in the ranking for the task. The will share equally between them the points which they would have received had they not been so tied.
15.1 A selection will be made from among the following tasks:
15.2.1 Each competitor will fly from the Launch Site and attempt to drop a marker close to a Goal
15.2.2 Briefing Data:
15.2.4 No landing is permitted within 500 meters of a goal or mark.
15.3 PILOT DECLARED GOAL
15.3.1 Each competitor will fly from the Launch Site and attempt to drop a marker near a Goal(s) selected and declared by him before the task.
15.3.2 Briefing Data:
15.3.4 Each competitor will define his goal(s) by geographic co-ordinates in degrees minutes and tenths of minutes, longitude and latitude in writing and hand it in at the Signals Point before the Declaration Time, clearly identified with his name and competition number.
A competitor who wishes to revise his declaration may deposit a further declaration within the time provided that it is clearly annotated to distinguish it from any previous declaration.
15.3.5 Where a pilot makes a late goal declaration his penalty shall be 25 points for every minute or part thereof after the declaration time. The timekeeper will close the declaration box precisely at the declaration time, and will accept late goal declaration, writing the time in minutes and seconds on each. Any delay caused by this procedure will not be grounds for protest.
15.3.6 If a pilot is permitted to declare more than one goal he will be scored to the goal nearest his mark.
15.3.7 No landing is permitted within 500 meters of a goal or a mark.
15.4 HARE AND HOUNDS
A Hare balloon will fly from the launch site, and after landing will display a target upwind of the basket. Competitors will fly from the launch site and attempt to drop a marker near the target.
15.4.1 Briefing Data:
15.4.3 No competitor shall display any banner or streamer hanging below the basked during this task.
15.4.4 No landing is permitted within 500 meters of the target or the mark.
15.4.5 The hare balloon will not deflate until 30 minutes after landing if meteorological situation allows.
15.5 LONG DISTANCE WITHIN A BOUNDARY
15.5.1 Pilots will attempt to fly the longest distance within a boundary. The result is the distance from the launch point to the mark. The longest distance will be best.
15.5.2 Briefing Data: a. Boundary
15.5.3 Where the landing is outside the boundary, the result will be reduced by twice the distance outside the boundary. The distance outside the boundary shall be the distance from the mark to the boundary in a straight line towards the launch point.
15.6 LONG DISTANCE WITH TIME LIMIT
Pilots will attempt to fly the longest distance within a fixed duration of flight. No use of markers. The longest distance will be best (1000 points)
15.6.1 Briefing Data: a. Duration time
15.6.2 Duration of flight will be timed by the observer.
15.6.3 Where the landing is outside the time limit, the score will be reduced by 30 points per overlapping minute.
15.7 FLY ON
A supplementary task where a competitor declares a second goal to which he flies after dropping his marker in another task. For scoring purposes, a competitor's measurement, being the distance from the marker or landing position to the selected goal, is divided by the distance between the previous mark and the selected goal. The ratio of the two measurements is the competitor's result. The lowest ratio is best.
15.7.1 Briefing Data:
15.7.3 As a precaution in case the previous marker should be lost, the competitor may write a provisional goal on the observer's scoresheet. He will be scored to this goal if the previous marker is lost, but if it is found then the provisional declaration is of no effect. A verbal declaration is of no effect and will not be recorded.
15.7.4 No landing is permitted within 500 meters of the last mark.
15.8 COMBINATION OF TASKS
Tasks may be combined for an event if they are not mutually incompatible. Each task will be scored separately.
(This Appendix is generally used where events take place in remote locations)
Rule 12.1
1. If a Pilot Declared Goal or Fly On task is flown in a remote area, the Director may allow pilots to declare a goal as a point on a minor road, a certain number of kilometres from an intersection that is marked on a Sectional Chart.
2. The centre of an airport (aerodrome) used for a goal shall be as follows: