2013 SEPTEMBER Vol. 5 / No. 9 /
GA
59
Handicapping
For those not familiar with the Race
of Champions, the race has been run
three times in the past, most recently
in 2011. The formula seeks to reward
the pilot who flies the fastest and all
aircraft of a similar type get the same
handicap. The speeds are determined
by the average of the top 10% speeds
of same type planes. The consists
of two set courses of maximum
350 nautical miles flown by all
competitors on consecutive days.
The Handicap Committee
were to have published a list of
all participating aircraft with their
respective handicap speeds and
a list of takeoff times for Race
Day 1 as soon as all calculations
had been completed and checked.
These speeds were the same as
previously determined, or altered
as a result of a test flight.
The course was announced to
Competitors at the Race Briefing.
To determine the final result the
following procedure was followed:
Each aircraft was handicapped
by the Scoring/Handicap
Committee who took into account
some or all of the following:
· Aircraft Manufacturer's
Specifications;
· Race trim and all up weight;
· Previous race performance of
type and specific aircraft;
· Flight test results
Each aircraft was timed
around the first set course with the
fastest aircraft departing first.
At the end of Race Day 1 all
times were to have been adjusted
and each aircraft will, according to
their given handicap speed, be given
a take-off time for Race Day 2. On
Race Day 2 the slowest aircraft took-
off first at his given corrected time.
The aircraft final position was
then determined by their position
on crossing the finish line after
successfully completing the second
set course and after considering any
penalties and/or handicap speed
adjustments and/or disqualifications.
So lets just quickly do a final
summing up of the winter Air
tour program 8 super events
which started with the Newcastle
Airshow on 01/06 certainly
aviation was brought to the people
and we believe the Province
received their moneys worth and
well done to everyone involved.
Will we be back next year
for more for sure!
King Goodwills HS 125-800 with Zulu dancers.
Top pic: Menno Parsons TH-28E Trojan.
Middle: MEC Ina Cronje and Federal Airs Chantelle Hickley
Above: Lecture for newcommers- bringing aviation to the people