FÉDÉRATION AÉRONAUTIQUE INTERNATIONALE

FAI BALLOONING COMMISSION (CIA)

AX UNIFORM MODEL RULES
FOR
HOT AIR BALLOON EVENTS

Version 3/95,
May 1995

These are the model rules for hot air balloon events and competitions, as approved by the delegates of the FAI Ballooning Commission.

This Web page updated: April 12, 1996

Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI)
FAI Ballooning Commission (CIA) and the sport of ballooning
Other sport ballooning documents.

Table of Contents

CHAPTER 1 - EVENT DETAILS

1.1 TITLE

The Event shall be known as: <* name of Event *>

1.2 OBJECTIVES (S1 5.2)

1.2.1 THE OBJECTIVES OF THE EVENT ARE;

1.3 DEFINITION OF A CHAMPION (S1 5.8)

1.3.1 THE WINNING COMPETITOR SHALL BE THE COMPETITOR WITH THE HIGHEST AGGREGATE SCORE AT THE END OF THE EVENT.

1.3.2 TO BE RECOGNIZED AS A FIRST CATEGORY SPORTING 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 SANCTION

The event is sanctioned by the FAI Ballooning Commission (CIA) of the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI).

1.5 ORGANIZATION

The Event is organized by: <* name of NAC or organizers acting on its behalf *>.

1.6 CORRESPONDENCE

All entries and official correspondence should be addressed to: <* Name, address, telephone number, telex, etc. of Event Secretary *>.

1.7 PERSONNEL

<* names of Event Director, Safety Officer and other key officials at discretion. *>

1.8 PLACE

The Event will be held at: <* location *>.

1.9 DATES

The Event will run from <* day/date, on which competitors are required to be present *>. The last flying day will be <* day/date *> unless the minimum tasks under rule 1.3 have not been achieved in which case the last flying day will be <* day/date *>.

1.10 DEPOSIT FEE

The deposit fee to accompany a protest shall be: <* amount not exceeding SF 100 *>

1.11 LANGUAGE (GS 3.9.4)

1.11.1 THE OFFICIAL LANGUAGE(s) OF THE EVENT SHALL BE ENGLISH AND <* LANGUAGE(s) *> IN ALL INTERPRETATIONS THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE VERSION SHALL PREVAIL.

<* (For International Category I events, the organizer shall indicate which language(s) they propose to use when seeking sanction by the CIA. When using other Languages than English, following should be printed in the rules.)

1.11.2 Printed material (eg Task Data, Meteorological information etc) shall be in English and may additionally be in <* Language(s) *>. The language used verbally during briefings shall be English. *>

1.11.3 Shall and Must mean the application is mandatory. Failure to comply will normally lead to penalty, disadvantageous interpretation or other disadvantages.

1.11.4 Should: means that the application is recommended. Failure to comply may lead to penalties, disadvantageous interpretation or other disadvantages.

1.11.5 May: means that the application is optional.

1.12 DOCUMENTATION

1.12.1 The following documents will be inspected when each competitor registers on arrival at the Event.

CHAPTER 2 - ENTRY CONDITIONS

2.1 PARTICIPATION (GS 3.6.1)

THE EVENT IS OPEN TO ALL NACs <* IN THE CONTINENT OF ..., IF APPLICABLE *> WHICH HAVE MET THEIR OBLIGATIONS TO THE FAI.

2.2 COMPETITOR (GS 3.2.2, S1 5.5.9)

2.2.1 A PERSON ENTERED AND COMPETING IN A SPORTING EVENT.

2.2.2 AFTER THE BEGINNING OF THE GENERAL BRIEFING OF A FIRST CATEGORY SPORTING EVENT, NO CHANGE OF COMPETITOR IS PERMITTED.

2.3 RIGHT OF REPRESENTATION (GS 3.7.2)

2.3.1 A COMPETITOR IN AN INTERNATIONAL SPORTING EVENT REPRESENTS THE FAI MEMBER THAT ISSUED HIS FAI SPORTING LICENSE, UNLESS HE IS INVITED AS AN INTERNATIONAL INDIVIDUAL, OR HE BELONGS TO AN INTERNATIONAL TEAM.

2.3.2 A CITIZEN OF A COUNTRY MAY REPRESENT THE FAI MEMBER OF THAT COUNTRY IN INTERNATIONAL SPORTING EVENTS.

2.3.3 A RESIDENT OF A COUNTRY WHO IS NOT A CITIZEN OF THAT COUNTRY MAY REPRESENT THE FAI MEMBER OF HIS COUNTRY OF RESIDENCE:

2.3.4 INTERNATIONAL TEAMS OR INDIVIDUALS MAY BE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN INTERNATIONAL SPORTING EVENTS PROVIDING THAT THE ORGANIZING NAC CONFIRMS THAT VACANCIES EXIST.

2.3.5 Passengers, who have not participated at any time in national or international balloon Events, may be of any nationality.

2.4 QUALIFICATION (S1 5.5.7)

PILOTS-IN-COMMAND SHALL HAVE BEEN AUTHORIZED TO ACT AS PILOT-IN- COMMAND OF THAT SUB-CLASS OF AEROSTAT FOR WHICH THE FIRST CATEGORY EVENT IS HELD, 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 AEROSTATS OF THAT SUB- CLASS BY THE CLOSING ENTRY DATE.

2.5 SPORTING LICENCE (GS 8.1.1, GS 8.1.2) Part.

2.5.1 IN COMPLIANCE WITH THE FAI STATUTES, ANY COMPETITOR MUST HOLD A VALID FAI SPORTING LICENCE WHICH MUST BE PRODUCED WHEN REQUIRED.

2.5.2 THE HOLDER SHALL SIGN HIS SPORTING LICENCE. IN DOING SO HE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT HE KNOWS AND UNDERSTANDS THE FAI SPORTING CODE AND COMMITS HIMSELF TO ABIDE BY IT.

2.6 ENTRY

The completed entry form, <* and entry fee *> for each competitor must reach the organizers by the closing entry date, except in the case of extra places offered by the organizers.

2.7 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

A competitor who has not received an acknowledgement of his entry within seven days after the closing entry date should make enquiries of the organizers.

2.8 CLOSING ENTRY DATE

 The closing entry date for the Event is: <* day/date *>.

2.9 RESPONSIBILITY OF THE ENTRANT (GS 3.11)

2.9.1 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 WITHOUT RESERVATION.

2.9.2 A COMPETITOR TAKING ANY DRUGS OR MEDICATION OR SUFFERING FROM ANY INJURY WHICH MIGHT INVALIDATE HIS LICENCE 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.

2.10 WAIVER

By entering the Event, a competitor waives any right of action against the organizer, the owner of any site and their respective members, employees or personnel for any loss or damage sustained by him in consequence of any act or omission on their part, or on the part of other competitors.

2.11 RISK

 The balloon and other property of a competitor shall be at the risk of the competitor at all times. <* By entering an Event a competitor agrees to waive all claim for injury to himself or loss or damage to his property. (This clause may be omitted if it would invalidate insurance.) *>

2.12 LIABILITY TO THIRD PARTIES

By entering an Event a competitor assumes all liability for injury , loss or damage to third parties or their property caused by himself or his crew.

2.13 INSURANCE

Each competitor shall be insured against all claims by third parties to a minimum of <* amount of money, currency *>. He shall produce documentary evidence of this insurance valid for the period of the Event covering himself and any balloon which he may fly <* , or he shall purchase such insurance from the organizers*>.

2.14 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.

2.15 RESPONSIBILITY

 A competitor remains completely responsible for the safe operation of his balloon at all stages of inflation, launch, flight and landing. He must insure that his equipment, his crew and his own level of skill and experience are suitable for the conditions in his own judgement.

2.16 CONDUCT

 Competitors and their crews are required to behave in a sportsmanlike manner, and to comply with the directions of Event officials.

CHAPTER 3 - BALLOON QUALIFICATIONS

3.1 DEFINITION OF BALLOON (GS 2.2.1, 2.2.1.1, S1 2.1.1.2)

3.1.1 AEROSTAT - AN AIRCRAFT LIGHTER-THAN-AIR. A FREE BALLOON - AN AEROSTAT SUPPORTED STATICALLY IN THE AIR, WITH NO MEANS OF PROPULSION BY ANY POWER SOURCE.

3.1.2 SUB-CLASS AX - FREE BALLOONS WHICH OBTAIN THEIR BUOYANCY SOLELY AS A RESULT OF HEATING AIR. THE ENVELOPE MAY CONTAIN NO GASES OTHER THAN AIR AND THE NORMAL PRODUCTS OF COMBUSTION.

3.1.3 Vents which are designed to rotate or propel a balloon may only be operated in flight after all tasks are completed. Penalty 250 to 500 competition points.

3.2 FUEL

Each balloon shall carry sufficient fuel to complete the flight with an adequate reserve. Lack of fuel to complete a flight shall not be grounds for protest.

(Note: Competitors are recommended not to enter balloons with less than two hours flight duration.)

3.3 NOMINATION OF BALLOON

Each competitor shall nominate the balloon he is to fly during the Event. No change of balloon may be made after the start of the first task briefing, except as provided in these rules.

3.4 AIRWORTHINESS (S1 5.5.8)

AEROSTATS FLOWN IN THE EVENT MUST HAVE CURRENT CERTIFICATES OF REGISTRATION AND AIRWORTHINESS, OR IN PLACE OF THE LATTER, AN EQUIVALENT DOCUMENT FROM THE RECOGNIZED AUTHORITY OF THE NATION CONCERNED. THE ORGANIZERS ARE EMPOWERED TO REJECT ANY AEROSTAT WHICH IN THEIR OPINION IS NOT OF A REASONABLE STANDARD OF AIRWORTHINESS.

3.5 DAMAGE

3.5.1 If a balloon is damaged during the Event, it may be repaired. Damaged components may be replaced or repaired, except that a complete envelope may be replaced only at the discretion of the Director.

3.5.2 Any damage to a balloon affecting its airworthiness must be reported to the Director before it is entered for a further task, and the balloon may only be flown after his approval of any repairs. Penalty: up to disqualification from the task.

3.6 AUTOMATIC FLIGHT CONTROLS (S1 5.9.2)

ANY DEVICE DESIGNED TO ACT AS AN AUTOMATIC FLIGHT CONTROL IS PROHIBITED, REGARDLESS OF THE SPECIFIC NATURE OF THE DEVICE.

3.7 ALTIMETER

Each balloon shall carry a serviceable altimeter which shall either be digital or be scaled with one complete revolution per 1000 feet (or 1000 meters), and be adjustable for pressure setting. Any other altimeter must be of a similar type and approved by the director. The altimeter must be positioned such that it may easily be read by an Observer in the basket.

3.8 COMPETITION NUMBERS

The organizer will provide two banners which will be displayed on opposite sides of the basket during tasks. All crew vehicles, including trailers shall be clearly identified with competition numbers.

3.9 BASKET

The term "basket" includes any crew or passenger compartment, regardless of its construction.

3.10 RETRIEVE VEHICLES

3.10.1 The PRIMARY Retrieve Vehicle is the vehicle which transports the balloon and its accessory equipment as well as the vehicle to which the Observer is assigned.

3.10.2 SECONDARY Retrieve Vehicles are auxillary vehicles used to aid the retrieve as deemed necessary by the Competitor. These vehicles must be similarly marked as the Primary Vehicle.
Secondary Vehicles or Crew assigned to them may not be within 150 meters radius of a GOAL, TARGET or MARKER (of the competitor), as defined in the rules, unless in the presence of an OFFICIAL or OBSERVER.

CHAPTER 4 - ORGANIZATION OFFICIALS

4.1 EVENT DIRECTOR (GS 4.3.5)

4.1.1 THE EVENT DIRECTOR SHALL BE IN OVERALL OPERATIONAL CHARGE OF THE EVENT, AND BE APPROVED BY THE FAI AIR SPORT COMMISSION CONCERNED.

4.1.2 THE EVENT DIRECTOR IS RESPONSIBLE FOR THE GOOD MANAGEMENT, SMOOTH AND SAFE RUNNING OF THE EVENT. HE MAY PENALIZE OR DISQUALIFY A COMPETITOR FOR MISCONDUCT OR FAILURE TO OBEY THE RULES. HE SHALL MAKE SUCH OPERATIONAL DECISIONS AS HE SEES FIT IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE RULES.

4.1.3 In the rules the word "Director" may be used instead of "Event director".

4.2 STEWARDS (GS 4.3.6)

4.2.1 STEWARDS ARE APPOINTED BY THE ORGANIZING NAC; THEY ARE ADVISORS TO THE DIRECTOR.
THEY WATCH OVER THE CONDUCT OF THE EVENT AND REPORT ANY UNFAIRNESS OR INFRINGEMENT OF THE REGULATIONS OR BEHAVIOR PREJUDICIAL TO THE SAFETY OF OTHER COMPETITORS OR THE PUBLIC OR IN ANY WAY HARMFULL 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

4.2.2 A STEWARD HAS NO EXECUTIVE POWERS. HE MUST NOT BE A MEMBER OF THE ORGANISING COMMITTEE.
A STEWARD MAY ATTEND A MEETING OF THE INTERNATIONAL JURY AS AN OBSERVER OR WITNESS.

4.3 INTERNATIONAL JURY (GS 4.3, S1 5.10) Part.

4.3.1 THE INTERNATIONAL JURY IS NOMINATED. THE PRESIDENT OF THE JURY IS APPOINTED BY THE CIA AND THE MEMBERS MAY CONSIST OF TWO OR FOUR MEMBERS BASED UPON THE REQUEST OF THE ORGANISING NAC.
ALL JURY MEMBERS ARE APPOINTED BY THE CIA.
THE INTERNATIONAL OFFICIALS (Jury Members) MUST BE OF DIFFERENT NATIONALITIES.

4.3.2 THE PRESIDENT OF THE JURY SHALL NOT BE THE SAME NATIONALITY AS THE ORGANISING NAC.

4.4 DUTIES OF THE INTERNATIONAL JURY (GS 4.3.1 & 4.3.2) Part.

4.4.1 MATTERS OF ADVICE OR ARBITRATION, RULE INTERPRETATION, OBJECTIVE AND SUBJECTIVE EVALUATION OF PERFORMANCE SHALL BE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF Jury Members ACTING ON BEHALF OF THE FAI AND HAVING BEEN APPOINTED OR APPROVED BY THE AIR SPORT COMMISSION.
CONCERNED. SUCH OFFICIALS INCLUDE JURY PRESIDENT, JURY MEMBERS AND JUDGES.

4.4.2 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 REGUALTIONS FOR THE EVENT.

4.4.3 THE JURY HAS THE RIGHT TO TERMINATE THE EVENT IF THE ORGANISERS FAIL TO ABIDE BY THE FAI SPORTING CODE AND PUBLISHED REGULATIONS. THEY MAY RECOMMEND TO THE FAI SECRETARY GENERAL THAT ALL ENTRY FEES BE RETURNED.

4.4.4 A JURY MEMBER MUST POSSESS A THOROUGH KNOWLEDGE OF THE RELEVANT SPORTING CODE AND THE RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE EVENT.

4.5 ABSENCE OF A JURY MEMBER (GS 4.3.2.6)

4.5.1 ATTENDANCE AT JURY MEETINGS IS COMPULSORY FOR JURY MEMBERS, EXCEPT FOR SPECIAL REASONS, 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.

4.5.2 A QUORUM FOR A NOMINATED JURY IS THREE, INCLUDING ITS PRESIDENT.

4.6 SAFETY OFFICER

4.6.1 The organising NAC will apoint and the CIA will approve the Safety Officer for all CIA Catagory 1 events.

4.6.2 The Safety Officer shall give advice to the Event Director on any matters regarding Safety. Operational procedures for the Safety Officer are contained in the section, Guidelines for Safety Officer of the CIA book "Organising a Safe Balloon Event" as approved by the CIA.

4.6.3 The Event Director shall submit all reports as required by the Sporting Code, and a detailed report, in its entirety, from the Safety Officer of any incidents or accidents, within 28 days of the conclusion of the Event.

CHAPTER 5 - COMPLAINTS AND PROTESTS

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.

5.2 COMPLAINT (GS 5.1)

5.2.1 THE PURPOSE OF A COMPLAINT IS TO OBTAIN A CORRECTION WITHOUT THE NEED TO MAKE A FORMAL PROTEST.

5.2.2 A complaint is a request by a competitor to the Director or his delegated official to investigate any operational matter in which the competitor is dissatisfied. If after the investigation the complainant is still dissatisfied he may make a protest.

5.2.3 Complaints concerning scoring must be made to the Director within eight hours of publication of the official scores for a task.

5.2.4 A formal complaint must be in writing and will receive a written reply.

5.3 COMMUNICATION

Replies will be posted at fixed times each day, announced in advance by the Director.

5.4 PUBLICATION

The Director may at his discretion publish the text of any formal complaint together with his reply. If requested by the competitor, he must do this.

5.5 PROTEST

5.5.1 If dissatisfied with the Director's reply to his Complaint, a competitor has the right to make a protest to the Jury. He shall, within one hour of the reply to his complaint, declare his intention to protest.

5.5.2 Within 8 hours of the reply to his complaint he must submit his protest in English and in writing accompanied by the cash deposit of rule 1.10, or may withdraw.

5.6 SHORTENED TIME LIMITS

5.6.1 Complaints must be made to the Director within one hour of publication of the official results for tasks published on the last day of the Event.

5.6.2 Protests shall be made within one hour of the reply to the competitors complaint being published.

5.7 COMPLAINT AND PROTEST PROCEDURE

Written complaints, declarations of intention to protest, and protests with deposits, shall be handed in at the Competition Center to an official, who will record the time of receipt. The hours between 2100 and 0800 local time will be disregarded for the purpose of the time limits.

5.8 RIGHT OF HEARING

A competitor who has made a protest has the right to make a verbal presentation of his case to the Jury. He may be assisted by an interpreter or advisor of his choice during this meeting.

5.9 PUBLICATION

The text of all protests and the decisions of the Jury shall be posted on the Official Notice Board.

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 OR A SHORTER PERIOD *> OF RECEIVING A PROTEST.

5.10.2 THE JURY SHALL HEAR BOTH SIDES ON THE MATTER OF ANY PROTEST, APPLY CORRECTLY THE RELEVANT FAI REGULATIONS AND THE RULES FOR THE EVENT, AND DECIDE BY SECRET BALLOT.

5.10.3 DECISIONS SHALL BE REACHED BY A SIMPLE MAJORITY, EXCEPT THAT ANY PROTEST AGAINST THE DECISION OF THE EVENT DIRECTOR SHALL REQUIRE A TWO-THIRDS MAJORITY TO SUCCEED.

5.10.4 THE PRESIDENT OF THE JURY SHALL REPORT THE PROCEEDINGS IN WRITING TO THE EVENT DIRECTOR WITHOUT DELAY, WHO SHALL DISPLAY THE REPORT.

5.11 RETURN OF DEPOSIT (GS 5.4.3)

5.11.1 NORMALLY THE DEPOSITED FEE IS RETURNABLE ONLY IF THE PROTEST IS UPHELD, OR IS WITHDRAWN PRIOR TO THE HEARING BY THE JURY.

5.11.2 ALL NON-REFUNDED DEPOSIT FEES FROM PROTESTS WILL BE SENT BY THE JURY TO THE FAI, TO THE ATTENTION OF THE SECRETARY GENERAL, WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THE CONCLUSION OF THE EVENT. THE FEE WILL THEN BE SEGREGATED FOR THE USE OF THE AIR SPORT COMMISSION CONCERNED.

5.12 JURY APPROVAL OF RESULTS & PRIZEGIVING (GS 3.16.1)

THE RESULTS OF THE EVENT SHALL BE FINAL ONLY AFTER ALL PROTEST 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.

5.13 OFFICIAL NOTICE BOARD

The Event Director will announce at the General Briefing the place where the Official Notice Board is located. This should be marked OFFICIAL NOTICE BOARD and is the place where all results, scores, replies to complaints and protests, and other official comunications directly relating to the event will be published. All information posted shall be signed, dated and timed.

CHAPTER 6 - OBSERVERS

6.1 OBSERVERS

An Observer is a competition official, responsible to the Chief Observer. His duties are primarily the impartial recording of particulars of positions, times, distances etc. achieved during a task. He also has the duty to report any apparent infringement of these rules or of air law, and any case of inconsiderate behavior towards landowners or the public by any competitor or crew member.

6.2 APPOINTMENT

At the task briefing an Observer will be appointed to each pilot. An Observer will not be appointed to the same pilot more than once <* For International Events, add:...., and will not be of the same nationality as the pilot *>.

6.3 ASSISTANCE

6.3.1 An observer may not assist the competitor with advice at any time. He should not attempt, to amplify, explain or interpret the rules to a competitor.

6.3.2 He may not handle the marker or any of the controls of the balloon during a task.

6.3.3 If he wishes, and is invited by the competitor, he may assist in the ground handling and inflation, and, if flying, may assist with the final landing under the competitor's direction.

6.4 REQUEST TO WITNESS

If an observer is asked by a competitor to record or witness any particular piece of information during a task he shall do so.

6.5 OBSERVER ON RETRIEVE

6.5.1 When the observer is not flying, he will occupy a seat with a window in the retrieve vehicle and the crew must do their best to keep in visual contact with the balloon until the final marker has been dropped. The observer may not drive the vehicle. He may assist with map reading during the retrieve if asked to do so by the crew, at their responsibility.

6.5.2 It is the duty of the pilot and crew to convey the observer to the launch area, and to return him promptly to the Competition Center after measurement of results and recovery of the balloon.

6.6 PHOTOGRAPHY

An Observer may not take a camera on board or engage in photography while flying except by permission of the competitor, or if required by his duties.

6.7 OBSERVER REPORT

The competitor should read and sign the observer's report sheet after completion of the flight. If the pilot disagrees with any information on the sheet, it should be noted at the time of signing.

CHAPTER 7 - MAPS

7.1 CONTEST AREA

An area defined by reference to the Official Competition Map, published at the start of the Event. Tasks will not be set, and results will not be measured, outside this area.

7.2 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.

7.3 PROHIBITED ZONES (PZ's)

7.3.1 The director may define airspace or areas as prohibited for competition purposes. The boundaries and, if applicable, the upper limit in feet AGL or MSL, shall be published in writing for each PZ.

7.3.2 Circular PZ's shall be defined by the center point map reference and radius in meters. PZ's with natural boundaries shall be defined by marked copies of the competition map to each pilot individually.

7.3.3 There are two classifications of PZ's Red and Yellow.

7.3.4 A RED PZ is restricted airspace and will include an altitude limit.

7.3.5 A YELLOW PZ is a restricted area where no take-offs or landings are permitted.

At each task briefing PZs will be published as in force or not in force for competition purposes in that flight. This does not necessarily describe their operational activity or status for other aviation purposes.

7.4 Pzs IN FORCE

At each task briefing PZs will be published as in force or not in force for competition purposes in that flight. This does not necessarily describe their operational activity or status for other aviation purposes.

7.5 PZ INFRINGEMENT

A competitor flying, taking-off or landing within a PZ in force will be penalized by 500 to 1000 competition points, proportionally to the offence.

7.6 MAPS

7.6.1 A competitor is required to carry a competition map in the basket. All published PZ's, whether or not in force for the task, and all out-of-bounds areas shall be clearly and accurately marked on these maps. An adequate map of aeronautical restrictions must be carried, unless these are also marked on the competition map.

7.6.2 A competitor violating this rule will not be permitted to fly the task, or having flown, will be penalized up to 500 competition points or be disqualified in the task.

7.7 EARTH TO BE FLAT

For scoring purposes the earth is flat. Calculations based on the competition map will be taken as accurate.

7.8 MAP COORDINATES

To identify a point on the competition map, the coordinates must be written in eight digit format. First four digits west/east and the second four digits south/north. (Easting then Northing.)

CHAPTER 8 - PROGRAMME, BRIEFINGS

8.1 TASK PROGRAM

The Event will consist of a series of tasks. The number and frequency of the tasks and rest periods are at the discretion of the Director. At the first task briefing on the day before the last planned flying day the director shall publish the remaining flying programme.

8.2 VALID TASK (S1 5.9.1)

A VALID TASK IS DEFINED AS ONE IN WHICH ALL ENTERED COMPETITORS WERE GIVEN A FAIR OPPORTUNITY TO MAKE A PROPER START, UNLESS THEY HAD WITHDRAWN OR HAD BEEN DISQUALIFIED.

8.3 TASK SELECTION

The Director shall select tasks from those described in Chapter 15. Particular tasks may be set more than once or not at all.

8.4 MULTIPLE TASK

8.4.1 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 penalties for each task. The combination of tasks should aim at the possibility of winning each task independently.

8.4.2 Unless otherwise specified, tasks in a multiple task flight shall be flown in the order indicated in the task data, penalty disqualification in the task.

8.4.3 Penalties related to the take off will normally be applied in the first task. Penalties related to the landing will normally be applied in the last task. Other penalties should be applied in the task in which they incurred unless this is impossible, in which case they will be divided equally over more than one or all tasks.

8.4.4 When a multiple task flight starts with a take off from an individual launch field selected by a competitor, then the penalty for taking off outside the distance limits will by applied to each task of the multiple task flight.

8.4.5 Marker order. The task data shall specify for each task the marker('s) to be used. If no competitive advantage is gained, the penalty for releasing the wrong marker is 25 points per task.

8.5 MODIFICATION OF RULES (GS 3.9.1)

8.5.1 COMPETITION RULES FOR A PARTICULAR EVENT SHALL NOT CONFLICT WITH THE SPORTING CODE. THEY SHALL BE APPROVED IN ADVANCE BY THE C.I.A. AND MUST NOT BE CHANGED THEREAFTER.

8.5.2 The task rules of Chapter 15 are defined as variable rules and changes to those may be made without authorization.

8.5.3 Variations to task rules shall be notified individually to each competitor in writing.

8.6 GENERAL BRIEFING

8.6.1 A General Briefing on the major aspects of the Event will be held before the Event starts.

8.6.2 Attendance at the General Briefing is compulsory for all competitors, observers and other officials.

8.6.3 The official competitor list will be compiled from the roll call taken at the General Briefing.

8.7.1 Task briefings will be called by the Director at times published on the official notice board. At the briefing the following information will be given verbally, by written circular or by posted notices.

8.7.2 Where written information is supplied, five minutes study time should be allowed before briefing proceeds.

8.8 TASK DATA

8.8.1 At task briefings the task data, preferably in writing, shall be handed out to competitors. They shall contain flight data related to all tasks and individual task data.

8.8.2 Flight data:

8.8.3 Individual task data:

8.9 SUPPLEMENTARY BRIEFING

If it should be necessary to publish additional or revised information to competitors at the launch field, a pink flag will be raised at the signals point. The competitor should attend in person or send a responsible crew member to the signals point. The information will be given verbally and a written copy may be displayed. All competitors will be deemed to have proper notice of the information. Alternatively an official may circulate a written notice to each balloon and obtain the signature of the competitor or crew member.

8.10 ENTRY FOR TASKS

A pilot shall enter a task by answering his name or competition number at the roll call at the task briefing.

8.11 LATE ENTRY

8.11.1 A competitor may make a late entry at the signals point with a penalty of 50 task points up to five minutes before the start of the launch period, or 100 task points thereafter. Officials will not be available to give a personal briefing except for Air Traffic, safety matters and PZ's.

8.11.2 In tasks where competitors select their own launch areas, late entries shall be made at the Competition Center

CHAPTER 9 - LAUNCH PROCEDURES

9.1 LAUNCH AREA

One or more areas defined by the organiser and used when the task require all pilots to launch from a common area. A pilot taking off outside the prescribed launch area will not achieve a result in that task.

9.2 LAUNCH SITES

9.2.1 Individual launch fields selected by the competitors. The boundaries of the Launch Site is a circle of 100 meter radius from the Inflation Point or the physical boundary of the field if closer.

9.2.2 In tasks where competitors select their own Launch Sites, the launch point is the inflation point.

9.2.3 Inflation Point: The position of the burner at the start of hot inflation.

9.3 COMMON LAUNCH POINT (CLP)

A point in or near the launch area, physically marked on the ground before the beginning of the Event, from which all angles and distances are measured, irrespective of the take-off points of individual balloons.

9.4 LANDOWNERS PERMISSION

9.4.1 Competitors must ensure permission has been obtained from the landowner or occupiers before driving onto, or launching from, any land which is enclosed or cultivated or apparently private or used for agricultural purposes.

9.4.2 The permission must be obtained in the presence of an official observer. Penalty for infringement is up to 250 task points.

9.5 VEHICLES

9.5.1 Not more than one vehicle per balloon may be present in the launch area during the launch period. Penalty 100 task points.

9.5.2 Vehicles must be driven at suitably reduced speeds within the launch area. The Safety Officer and the Launchmasters may bar from the area any vehicle that is driven inconsiderately.

9.6 LATE VEHICLES

No vehicle may enter the launch area after the advance yellow warning flag has been raised except by permission of a launchmaster or other official. Penalty 100 task points.

9.7 PREPARATION OF BALLOONS

9.7.1 The launchmaster will allocate to each competitor a space in which to prepare and inflate his balloon. He has the authority to regulate the operation of all balloons and vehicles on the launch area. Penalty is up to 200 task points.

9.7.2 Quick-release tie-offs are required for all balloons inflating in a launch area.

9.8 COLD INFLATION

Burners may be briefly tested and cold air may be introduced into envelopes for rigging and inspection, but before permission for hot inflation has ben given, there must be no hot inflation, no use of powered fans, and no part of the envelope fabric may be more than two meters off the ground. Fans may be tested or used before the launch period until a flag of any color has been raised.

9.9 SIGNALS POINT

One or more points at the launch area at which 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 obscuring shall not be grounds for complaint.

9.10 LAUNCH SIGNALS

9.10.1 Colored flags shall have the following meanings when displayed at the signals point: 9.10.2 An audible signal may be given to draw attention to changes of flag signals.

9.11 PUBLIC ADDRESS

Unless the Director has specified at the flight briefing that the public address will be used, any information given over the public address system is of no effect for competition purposes.

9.12 LAUNCH PERIOD

No take-off may be made before the launch period, and any take-off made after the launch period, except under rule 9.14, will be subject to a penalty of 100 task points per minute or part minute late. The yellow warning flag will be raised 5 or more minutes before the end of the launch period.

9.13 ADEQUATE TIME

A competitor who is given permission to begin hot inflation 20 or more minutes before the end of the launch period is deemed to have adequate time, even if the launch period is curtailed for any reason.

9.14 EXTENSION OF TIME

A competitor may request an extension of time from the launchmaster. The launchmaster 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).

9.15 LAUNCHING ORDER

Balloons may be allotted an order of priority for inflation, which will be rotated from one task to the next. Competitors may commence hot inflation according to the flag signal or when given individual permission by a launchmaster.

9.16 READINESS FOR TAKE-OFF

When a competitor is completely ready for take-off, and has positive buoyancy, he should wave a white flag to indicate his readiness to the launchmaster. When the launchmaster has acknowledged this signal, the competitor should leave the flag displayed on the edge of the basket and await further instructions while maintaining his readiness to take off. The launchmaster will, as far as possible, launch balloons in the order of signaling their readiness. Competitors should equip themselves with a suitable white flag about 50 cm square for this purpose.

9.17 OBSTRUCTION

Once his balloon is fully inflated a competitor may not unnecessarily remain in position where his balloon obstructs another.

9.18 TAKE-OFF PERMISSION

9.18.1 The launchmaster will give each competitor permission to take-off with the words "Number ... clear to take-off." The competitor may then take-off at will, subject to any instructions from the launchmaster at the time. This permission does not relieve the competitor of complete responsibility for his take-off, including adequate lift to clear obstacles and other balloons, and to continue safely in flight.

9.18.2 If the balloon does not take off within 30 seconds, permission to take off may be cancelled by the launchmaster.

9.19 LOSS OF CONTROL

A competitor losing control of his balloon shall deflate immediately or take appropriate action. A pilot taking off without permission, whether due to loss of control or any other reason, may be penalized up to 500 competition points.

9.20 ABORTED TAKE-OFF

9.20.1 A balloon is considered to have taken off and to be flying the task if it passes over the boundary of the Launch Area or Launch Site. A competitor may abort his take-off for safety reasons but must avoid the obstruction of other balloons. He may attempt further take- offs inside the Launch Period.

9.20.2 At a common Launch Area he must inflate in his originally allocated space, except by permission of the launchmaster, and must again obtain permission to take off.

9.21 CLEARING LAUNCH AREA

Within three minutes of his basket first leaving the ground a competitor shall have passed over the boundary of the launch area or shall have climbed to 500 feet above ground level.

9.22 TAKE OFF (GS 2.3.8.1)

THE POINT AND/OR TIME AT WHICH ALL PARTS OF A BALLOON OR ITS CREW CEASE TO BE IN CONTACT WITH, OR CONNECTED TO THE GROUND.

CHAPTER 10 - FLIGHT RULES

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 the non-fabric parts of his balloon and the envelope of another balloon. When two balloons are converging in flight the pilot of the higher balloon shall give way, and shall climb if necessary to avoid collision. In case of collision, both competitors may be penalized, not necessarily by the same amount.

10.3 CLEARING GOAL AREA

A competitor who has dropped his marker shall clear the vicinity of the goal as quickly as reasonably possible.

10.4 DROPPING OBJECTS

No object may be dropped from the balloon except for official markers, or small pieces of paper or similar lightweight materials for navigational purposes.

10.5 BEHAVIOR

Competitors are required to fly with proper consideration for persons and livestock on the ground and to follow good landowner relations etiquette or code of conduct when provided. Inconsiderate behavior by competitors or crew members, or reckless flying, may be penalized by up to 1000 competition points.

10.6 LIVESTOCK AND CROP

Balloons shall not fly closer than 500 feet from livestock or buildings containing livestock, and competitors and crews must not damage crops unless given permission by the landowner or person responsible for the crop. Penalty: up to 1000 competition points.

10.7 LANDOWNER

In these rules the term "Landowner" means the person who is responsible for any crop or livestock on the land, not necessarily the legal owner of the land itself.

10.8 COLLISION

A competitor whose balloon is in collision with power or telephone wires or their supports, or any other structure (except fences, boundary walls and structures of a trivial nature) at any time between inflation and completion of final landing will be penalized up to 500 competition points.

10.9 FLIGHT CREW AND PASSENGERS

10.9.1 Competitors may be required to perform a particular flight solo. Otherwise a competitor is permitted to carry other crew during a flight, and they may perform any duties he wishes to assign to them, except to act as pilot-in-command.

10.9.2 Pilots may, with the agreement of the Observer, carry him in the basket on a particular flight.

10.10 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 on safety. A competitor is responsible for all the actions of his crew during an event.

10.11 DRIVING

Vehicles must be driven safely during the retrieve and comply with local driving laws. The safety officer or launchmaster may bar from the event any vehicle driven inconsiderately.

10.12 DISEMBARKATION

No person may enter or leave the basket between take-off and final landing (except as in 11.2.2).

10.13 ASSISTANCE

The use of handling lines or any handling assistance from persons on the ground is forbidden during flight.

10.14 AIR LAW

10.14.1 Infringements of air law which do not contravene the rules of the Event or provide competition advantage will not be penalized by the Director except in cases of damage, disturbance or reasonable complaint from persons not connected with the Event.

10.14.2 <* Flight after <* official sunset *> <* end of civil twilight *> is prohibited. The actual time involved must be included in the appropriate task briefing. *> Penalty is 100 task points per minute or part of minute late.

10.15 RECALL PROCEDURE

<* The organiser may introduce a recall procedure. *> This procedure will be announced at the General Briefing.

CHAPTER 11 - LANDINGS

11.1 LANDINGS

11.1.1 A competitor may land at will when he has released all markers during flight.

11.1.2 A competitor makes a contest landing when he retains any marker(s) not released during flight.

11.2 LANDING AT WILL

11.2.1 When a competitor makes a landing at will, the landing point is the final resting place of the basket after landing.

11.2.2 In order to reduce damage or to reach a safe or more convenient point, ground handling of the balloon is permitted after the landing point has been marked by any observer.

11.2.3 Unless otherwise stated in the task data, a landing at will is not permitted within 200 meters of goals, targets, or any mark of the competitor.

11.3 CONTEST LANDING

11.3.1 Where a competitor elects not to throw his marker, his landing will be deemed a Contest Landing. The scoring position for a contest landing is the final resting place of the basket.

11.3.2 No handling assistance may be received from anyone on the ground and no one of the flight crew may leave the basket before the basket has reached its final resting place and the envelope is substantially deflated.

11.3.3 Any retained marker must be handed over to the appointed observer at the earliest opportunity.

11.3.4 Unless otherwise stated in the task data, a contest landing is not permitted within 200 meters of goals or targets.

11.4 GROUND CONTACT 1

After passing over the boundary of the launch area or launch site, no part of the balloon or anything attached to it may make contact with the ground (or water surface or anything resting on or attached to the ground), until the final marker has reached the ground. Penalty 200 task points for each contact.

11.5 GROUND CONTACT 2

Nothing attached to the balloon or basket (Marker tail excepted.) may make ground contact within 200 meters of any goal or target. Penalty for infringements of this rule is 500 task points. Note: Competitors will not be penalised under both rules for any single contact.

11.6 PERMISSION TO RETRIEVE

Competitors must ensure that permission has been obtained from the landowner or occupier before driving onto any land which is enclosed or cultivated or apparently private or used for agricultural purpose. Penalty up to 250 task points.

CHAPTER 12 - GOAL; MARKER

12.1 GOAL

A place defined by reference to the competition map, set by the Director or chosen by a competitor.

12.2 GOAL SELECTED BY A COMPETITOR

A goal selected by a competitor shall appear from the map to be easily accessible to vehicles on the ground and precisely identifiable for measurement. Unless otherwise allowed in the task data, the goal shall be the intersection of two roads, and measurements will be made from <* the intersection of the centerlines of the roads. *> <* the center of the largest circle that can be accommodated within the area of hard road surface at the intersection. *> In the event that the intersection shown as a crossroad on the map turns out to be a staggered tee- intersection, then the goal will be the midpoint between the points defined with above mentioned method.

12.3 IDENTIFICATION

12.3.1 A competitor shall identify his goal map coordinates. He may add descriptive detail to distinguish between possible goals located close together near his coordinates.

12.3.2 In case of ambiguity between more than one valid goal within 200 m of the coordinates, the goal achieving the least advantageous result will be placed upon a competitor's declaration.

12.3.3 In case that there is no valid goal shown on the map within 200 m of the coordinates, the competitor will not achieve a result.

12.4 SAFETY LIMITATIONS

12.4.1 No goal selected by a competitor shall be: 12.4.2 <* Motorway=autoroute=autobahn=freeway. Add any other restrictions according to local conditions and, if applicable, refer to colors of road types as printed on the maps used. Built-up areas to be defined by, for example, the method by which they are shown on maps: *>

12.5 COMPETITION LIMITATIONS

The director shall specify with reference to the map legend, the type of roads that may be used for the purpose of goals selected by competitors.

12.6 TARGET

12.6.1 A prominent cross displayed in the vicinity of a goal or at a specified coordinate. Where a target is displayed, direct measurements are made from the target, not from the goal. A competitor reaching a goal where an expected target is not displayed should aim for the goal.

12.6.2 The target shall be made from a contrasting coloured nylon (or other suitable material) in the form of a rectangular cross. The dimension shall be 5m x 5m x 0.5m wide. The center point shall be marked with a visible "X".

12.7 MARKER

Markers supplied by the organizers will be used as a substitute for landing. The marker will be a streamer, made from coated nylon of less than 100 gr/sqm, 170 cm long, 10 cm wide and weighted with 70 grams of ballast. Competitors are responsible for collecting the necessary marker(s) before the task. The marker must not be modified in any way. Penalty for modified or unauthorized markers is up to 250 task points.

12.8 MARKER TO BE VISIBLE

All markers must be visible, in the basket, at take-off. The appointed observer may enquire of the pilot if the marker(s) cannot be seen.

12.9 MARKER RELEASE

The marker may be thrown by hand, unless Gravity Marker Drop is specified at the task briefing.

12.10 GRAVITY MARKER DROP

The marker must be completely unfurled when dropped. The tail may be loosely collected in the hand of the person dropping the marker. Gravity shall be the only means for the marker to drop. No horizontal motion shall be applied to the marker in relation to the basket. The person dropping the marker must stand on the floor of the basket. Penalty for violation of this rule is 250 task points.

12.11 THROWN MARKER

The marker must be completely unfurled when thrown. The tail may be loosely collected in the hand of the person throwing the marker. No mechanism may be used to propel the marker. The person throwing the marker must stand on the floor of the basket. Penalty for violation of this rule is 250 task points.

12.12 MARK

The point on the ground vertically below the weighted part of the marker where it comes to rest after falling from the balloon.

12.13 OBSERVED MARK

12.13.1 A mark which has been measured by an official or 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.

12.13.2 Measurements will be made to the closest point of the weighted bag portion of the marker.

12.14 INTERFERENCE WITH MARKER

No person other than an official or the appointed observer may touch or interfere with a marker on the ground.

12.15 SEARCH PERIOD

12.15.1 Pilots have <* h hours *> from the actual start of the launch period in which to find their marker(s).

12.15.2 A marker is considered lost if it is not found and returned to the appointed observer within this time limit specified, except that the Director, or his delegated official may grant an extension of this time limit if there is sufficient reason to believe that the marker(s) may be found.

12.15.3 The choice between searching for the marker, or first recovering the pilot rests with the competitor or his crew.

12.16 LOST MARKER

12.16.1 If, at the end of the search period, the marker has not been found then it is considered lost.

12.16.2 If the marker has earlier been seen on the ground by an official or observer, then the competitor will be given an assessed result based on the least advantageous interpretation of evidence available. Otherwise the competitor's scoring position will be his final landing position.

12.17 SCORING PERIOD

12.17.1 When defined by the Director in the task briefing, the scoring period is the time limits, within which a goal, target or scoring area is valid.

12.17.2 A competitor will only score if his marker is found or seen falling to the ground within the set time limits by scoring officials or an Observer, or the time the basket comes to rest for contest landings.

12.17.3 A competitor who does not achieve a scoring position within the scoring period will not achieve a result.

12.18 SCORING AREA

12.18.1 An area or areas, defined by the Director in the task data within which a valid mark can be achieved. Unless otherwise stated in the task data the boundary will be the inner hard surface or gravel edge of a road, the inner bank of a river, or other defined marked area. Any part of the weighted bag that is on the inner edge will be considered valid.

12.18.2 A competitor who does not achieve a scorinng position inside the scoring area(s) will not achieve a result.

CHAPTER 13 - PENALTIES

13.1 DISHONESTY

A competitor who deliberately attempts to deceive or mislead the observers, officials or stewards or who interferes with another competitor or his property, will be penalized up to 1000 competition points and disqualified from the task or from the Event.

13.2 UNSPECIFIED PENALTIES

13.2.1 A competitor infringing any rule for which the penalty is not specified may have a penalty (distance, angle or time) applied to his result, a deduction of points, or disqualification from the task.

13.2.2 Where safety is not an issue, and no competitive advantage has been gained he will normally receive a warning in the first instance.

13.3 RIGHT TO BE INFORMED

A competitor may not be penalized under any rule if he has already been penalized under the same rule in a previous task, but has not been informed of the fact before the beginning of the task in question, except for follow-on tasks in the same flight.

13.4 DISTANCE INFRINGEMENTS

13.4.1 Where the inflation point, a goal selected by a competitor, a mark, or a final landing infringes a distance limit, the competitor will be penalized, except that where the penalty relates to landing too close to a goal, target or mark then it will be waived if the competitor can show that he was unable to comply within 10 minutes because of light wind.

13.4.2 The penalty will be:

<* Note: Alternative option follow!

13.5 PENALTY POINTS

13.5.1 There are two kinds of points penalty: task points and competition points.

13.5.2 Task point penalties are subtracted from a competitor's task score, which cannot be reduced below zero. Competition point penalties are also subtracted from a competitors task score and may result in a negative result, which will be set against his total score in the Event.

CHAPTER 14 - SCORING

14.1 PUBLICATION OF SCORES (S1 5.9.4) Part

14.1.1 THE RESULTS OF EACH TASK SHALL BE PUBLISHED WITH THE MINIMUM OF DELAY on the Official Notice Board.

14.1.2 ALL RESULT SHEETS SHALL BE MARKED WITH AT LEAST THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION. EVENT NAME, TASK DATE, TASK SEQUENCE NUMBER, TASK NAME AND RULES AND OFFICIAL PUBLICATION TIME.

14.1.3 IF MORE THAN ONE RESULT SHEET VERSION IS PUBLISHED FOR A PARTICULAR TASK, THE CHANGES FROM THE PREVIOUS ISSUE SHALL BE MARKED AND THE DIFFERENT VERSIONS SHALL BE NUMBERED IN SEQUENCE.

14.1.4 THE FIXED DATA USED IN THE SCORING FORMULAS, FOR A GIVEN TASK, EG. P, M, RM, W AND SM, SHALL BE PRINTED AND PENALTIES GIVEN SHOULD BE FOLLOWED BY A RULE REFERENCE AND A BRIEF DESCRIPTION.

14.2 RANKING ORDER

14.2.1 Competitors will be ranked in order of performance according to the rules for each task, after adjustment for any time or distance penalties. Competitors will be ranked in the following groups for each task: 14.2.2 After calculating the points score with the applicable formula, any penalty points will be subtracted to obtain the competitors final task score. The competitors final task scores will be ranked again, before being published.

14.3 POINTS FORMULA

14.3.1 Each competitor will then be awarded a number of points according to his performance. The formula to be used will depend on the competitor's place in the ranking order for the Task.

14.3.2 The best result will be awarded 1000 points before points penalties.

14.3.3 The superior half of the results will receive a score between 1000 and approximately 500 points, in proportion to their performance.

14.3.4 The inferior half of the results will receive a score between approximately 500 points and 0 points according to their relative position in the ranking order.

14.3.5 FORMULA ONE: (superior half of performances).

14.3.6 In the event that fewer than half of the pilots achieve a result in the task, the following changes in definition will apply:

14.4 PRECISION

Points scores will be calculated to the nearest whole number, .5 being rounded upwards.

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. They will share equally between them the points which they would have received had they not been so tied.

14.6 TOTAL TIED SCORES

Where two competitors have equal total scores in the Event, the competitor with the smaller difference between his best and worst scores will be ranked higher.

CHAPTER 15 - TASKS

15.1 PILOT DECLARED GOAL

15.1.1 Competitors will attempt to drop a marker close to a goal selected and declared by him before flight.

15.1.2 Task data:

15.1.3 The result is the distance from mark to declared goal ( or nearest goal if permitted to declare more than one goal). Shortest distance is best.

15.1.4 Each competitor will declare his goal(s) by coordinates in writing and his declaration shall be deposited before declaration time at the place specified in the briefing data, clearly identified with his name and/or competition number.

15.1.5 A competitor who wishes to revise his declaration may deposit a further declaration, within the declaration time, provided that it is clearly marked to distinguish it from any previous declaration(s).

The timekeeper will close the declaration box precisely at the declaration time, and will accept late goal declarations, writing the time in minutes and seconds on each.

15.1.7 Penalty for late declarations is 100 task points per minute or part minute late.
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15.2 JUDGE DECLARED GOAL

15.2.1 Competitors will attempt to drop a marker close to a set goal.

Task data:

15.2.3 The result is the distance from mark to target, if displayed, or goal. Shortest distance is best.
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15.3 HESITATION WALTZ

15.3.1 Competitors will attempt to drop a marker close to one of several set goals.

15.3.2 Task data:

15.3.3 The result is the distance from mark to nearest target, if displayed, or goal. Shortest distance is best.
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15.4 FLY IN

15.4.1 Competitors will find their own launch sites and attempt to drop a marker close to a set goal or target.

15.4.2 Task data:

15.4.3 The result is the distance from mark to target, if displayed, or goal. Shortest distance is best.

15.4.4 Only one scoring attempt (marker drop or contest landing) may be made. A contest landing shall be declared as such to the appointed observer at the earliest opportunity.
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15.5 FLY ON

15.5.1 Competitors will attempt to drop a marker close to a goal selected and declared by them during flight.

15.5.2 Task data:

15.5.3 The result is the distance from mark to declared goal. Shortest distance is best.

15.5.4 The competitor shall write clearly on the previous marker his declared goal for fly on.

15.5.5 As a precaution, in case the previous marker should be lost, the competitor may personally write a provisional goal on the observer's sheet. He will be scored to this goal if the previous marker is lost, or if the goal on the recovered marker is not legible. If the marker is found with a legible goal then the declaration has no effect. The competitor may make or revise this provisional declaration at any time up to the release of the previous marker. A verbal declaration of a goal to the observer is of no effect and will not be recorded.
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15.6 HARE AND HOUND

15.6.1 Competitors will follow a hare balloon and attempt to drop a marker close to a target displayed by the hare no more than two meters upwind of the basket after landing.

15.6.2 Task data

15.6.3 The result is the distance from mark to target. Shortest distance is best.

15.6.4 Variation from intended flight duration of the hare shall not be ground for complaint.

15.6.5 The hare may deflate after landing and may be removed from the field.

15.6.6 The hare may display a banner hanging below his basket. No competitor shall display any banner hanging below the basket during this task.
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15.7 WATERSHIP DOWN

15.7.1 Competitors will fly to the launch point of a hare balloon, follow the hare and attempt to drop a marker close to a target displayed by the hare no more than two meters upwind of the basket after landing.

Task data:

15.7.3 The result is the distance from mark to target. Shortest distance is best.

15.7.4 If the hare balloon does not take off within 5 minutes after the set time then this task is considered cancelled.

15.7.5 Variation from the flight duration of the hare shall not be ground for complaint.

15.7.6 The hare may deflate after landing and may be removed from the field.

15.7.7 The hare may display a banner hanging below his basket. No competitor shall display any banner hanging below the basket during this task.
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15.8 GORDON BENNETT MEMORIAL

15.8.1 Competitors will attempt to drop a marker within a scoring area(s) close to a set goal.

15.8.2 Task data:

15.8.3 The result is the distance from the mark to the target, if displayed, or goal. Shortest distance is best.
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15.9 CALCULATED RATE OF APPROACH TASK (CRAT)

15.9.1 Competitors will attempt to drop a marker within a valid scoring area close to a set goal. The scoring area(s) will have unique times of validity.

15.9.2 Task data:

15.9.3 The result is the distance from the mark to the target, if displayed, or goal. Shortest distance is best.

15.9.4 A competitor who does not achieve a mark inside a scoring area during its time of validity, will not achieve a result.
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15.10 ***** RACE TO AN AREA *****

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15.11 ELBOW

15.11.1 Competitors will attempt to achieve the greatest change of direction in flight. The change of direction is the angle between points "A", "B" and "C".

15.11.2 Task data:


The result is the angle ABC. Smallest angle is best.
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15.12 ***** LAND RUN *****

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15.13 MINIMUM DISTANCE

15.13.1 Competitors will attempt to drop a marker close to the common launch point, after flying a minimum set time.

15.13.2 Task data:

15.13.3 The result is the distance from mark to common launch point. Shortest distance is best.

15.13.4 The scoring position is the mark if the observer has seen the marker drop after the minimum set time. Otherwise the scoring position will be the landing position, provided that the balloon has been seen by an official to be still airborne after the minimum time.

15.13.5 Penalty for violating the rule of CLEARING THE LAUNCH AREA is 100 task points per minute or part minute late.

15.13.6 The penalty for each ground contact in this task is 400 task points.

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15.14 SHORTEST FLIGHT

15.14.1 Competitors will attempt to drop a marker close to the common launch point within a set scoring area(s).

15.14.2 Task data:

15.14.3 The result is the distance from mark to common launch point. Shortest distance is best.
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15.15 MINIMUM DISTANCE DOUBLE DROP

15.15.1 Competitors will attempt to drop two markers close together in different scoring areas.

15.15.2 Task data:

15.15.3 The result is the distance between the marks. Shortest distance is best.

15.15.4 Competitors will not achieve a result if one or both marks are outside the scoring area or both marks are in one scoring area.
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15.16 ***** MAXIMUM DISTANCE TIME *****


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15.17 MAXIMUM DISTANCE

15.17.1 Competitors will attempt to drop a marker far away from the common launch point within a set scoring area(s).

15.17.2 Task data:

15.17.3 The result is the distance from mark to the common launch point. Greatest distance is best.
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15.18 MAXIMUM DISTANCE DOUBLE DROP

15.18.1 Competitors will attempt to drop two markers far apart in the scoring area(s).

15.18.2 Task data:

15.18.3 The result is the distance between the marks. Greatest distance is best.
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CHAPTER 15A - PROVISIONAL TASKS

The following tasks are provisional and should not be used in CATAGORY I WORLD or REGIONAL (CONTINENTAL) CHAMPIONSHIPS! Organizers are encouraged to use these rules in other events and convey their experiences to the Rules Subcommittee.

15.10 ***** RACE TO AN AREA *****

15.10.1 Competitors will attempt to drop a marker in the shortest time within a scoring area(s).

15.10.2 Task data:

15.10.3 The result is the elapsed time from take off to marker drop. Shortest time is best.

15.10.4 The timing ends at the moment the marker is released, falling or on the ground as seen by the observer or recovered in the hands of the observer which ever is first. Observers must ensure that they have stop-watches when observing in this task.
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15.12 ***** LAND RUN *****

15.12.1 Competitors will attempt to achieve the greatest area of a triangle from the launch point (or other reference point as announced at the task briefing) to two other points , determined by goals or markers within a defined scoring area. The launch point ( or other reference point) may be inside the scoring area.

15.12.2 The Land Run Task may be set as an independent task, or it may be set with a portion of it in conjunction with another task, or it may be set with all of it in conjunction with other tasks.

15.12.3 Competitors will attempt to achieve the greatest area of a triangle "A", "B" and "C" where points "A", "B", and "C" will be described on the task data sheet. Point "A" is the launch point or other given reference point, point "B" is the position of a goal or marker, and point "C" is the position of a second goal or marker. Points "B" and "C" must be inside the scoring area

15.12.4 If point "B" is to be a goal, then scoring will done using goal coordinates if the marker is within 100 meters of the goal. If the marker is over 100 meters from the goal then the coordinates of the mark will be used. Similarly for point "C".

15.12.5 If point B is a marker, then scoring will be to the coordinates of the mark. Similarly for point C.

15.12.6 Task data:

15.12.7 The result is the area of triangle ABC. Greatest area is best.
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15.16 ***** MAXIMUM DISTANCE TIME *****

15.16.1 Competitors will attempt to drop a marker far away from the common launch point, within a maximum set time.

15.16.2 Task data:

15.16.3 The result is the distance from mark to common launch point. Greatest distance is best.

15.16.4 If the observer does not see the marker release, falling or on the ground or the marker is not recovered in his hands within the maximum set time, the competitor will not achieve a result.

Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI)
FAI Ballooning Commission (CIA) and the sport of ballooning
Other sport ballooning documents.

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