Contest Fees
As noted in the previous issue of this news entry fees for 2008 are different from 2007. Please note that Area Centralised events have a single fee of £3. This means that you may enter as many classes as you like for the one payment of £3. Site charges – whether it be for an airfield, or any other type of site – are in addition to this.
Centralised events now also have a single fee of £5 for as many classes as you wish to fly. There is no site charge in addition, however, those attending centralised events purely for sport flying or trimming purposes will be expected to pay a fee of £3. Entry fees for Team selection meetings are £15 per weekend or £35 for all three entered in advance – a discount of £10…
Altogether a simpler and more logical system.
Barkston Heath
Those who visit Barkston Heath airfield on a regular basis will be aware that a combination number in now required to be entered at the main gate to obtain access. For those not aware of the number – it changes on a regular basis – it can be obtained in advance of the day by ringing Walter Hodkinson on 01400 230764. On the day the number is obtainable from 07788 647726.
Additionally the RAF now insist that all visitors sign in and out, even when leaving the site by car temporarily. The signing-in book is located in the concrete 'pill box' immediately adjacent to the main gate. Please be aware that this stipulation is made by the RAF and that the RAF police will make regular checks to ensure that it is being complied with. This stipulation is not only for security purposes but for your own safety.
Combined Contests
There have been a number of queries of late regarding the number and type of models able to be flown in 'combined class' contests, or in 'single class' contests where the rules allow more than one type of model. In all these contests, whether Modern or Vintage, it is permissible to fly more than one type of 'model' so long as the number of models permitted by the type of 'contest' is not exceeded. For example; in an all-in Vintage contest you would be able to make some of the flights (including the flyoff) with a Power model and some with a Rubber or Glider model, so long as a 'total' of not more two models was used; in a BMFA Power contest you could use a category (i) model for two flights and a category (iii) model for the rest; in a Combined Glider event you could use a Vintage model for three flights and an F1A glider for the flyoff.
Please note however that, where such would seem possible, you cannot have two 'separate' entries. Again for example, in a Combined Rubber event you may not make one 'set' of flights with a Vintage Rubber model and a second set with BMFA Rubber model; you are only allowed a single set of three flights plus any flyoff required.
However, please also note that the process of 'Doubling-up' is not allowed in BMFA run contests. That is: if you wish, for example, at a particular contest to enter both the BMFA Rubber class and the Mini Vintage class and use a Mini Vintage Rubber model for both classes, then this is permissible (given that the Mini Vintage model does not use more than 50 grams of rubber when flying in the BMFA Rubber class). Nonetheless two 'separate' entries and sets of flights must be made for each class.
Overseas Contests
Many fliers now travel to contests outside the UK on a regular basis. The BMFA office has requested the FFTC to inform fliers that, for contests other than 'official' UK team entries where the following takes place automatically, it is a requirement of the BMFA insurance policy that all fliers 'inform' the office of such visits. This takes little time and is for your own benefit – it helps the insurers assess the extent of their 'overseas risk' during a year.
Rule Book
The 2008 Rule book is now available from the BMFA office price £3.00 (everybody should have one – it costs less than a pint of beer/glass of wine). Also please note than an error has been brought to our attention (and it's been there since 2003...): Rule 3.4, F1B specifications, shows the minimum weight of the model less rubber as 195 grams. This is wrong, it should be 200 grams. The Section showing the 'full FAI rules', 3.26.3.2, is correct and states 200 grams.
Rule Change Process
For a number of years now the FFTC has operated a process of requesting rule change proposals each year – usually about mid season – these are then debated and a decision made on implementation for the following season. The conclusion has now been drawn, especially following the radical changes implemented in 2008, that a period of rest is required.
Consequently in 2008 there will be no request for proposals and the next 'window' for change will be in the 2010 season with requests for proposals being in 2009. In effect this is a two year, rather than one year, cycle. The intention is then to continue this two year cycle. The FFTC will still be monitoring the rules and their need for change during these two year cycles and hopes that this longer period will give more time for proper debate of proposals. There may however still be a need for 'faster' change on occasions due to safety concerns, or rule changes imposed by the FAI where they affect UK contests. In addition there are a number of long term proposals already in the pipeline due to be decided upon for the 2009 season. These will of course continue through the process as per the previous one year cycle.
Team Manager Development
The provision of team managers and assistant team managers for UK Championship teams is becoming something of a problem. In short new blood is required for these important jobs. It is the intention of the FFTC to recruit a 'pool' of people who could be available when required, and be started on a process of gaining the necessary experience in advance, rather than being landed in the job at a moments notice. The FFTC would ask those who feel that they may be suitable and/or have an interest to contact the secretary Chris Strachan: chris.strachan@btinternet.com , 01223 860498. The process needs to be started as soon as possible.
Distribution
The FFTC has now combined a number of e-mail lists for the distribution of this news, and other notices. This should ensure that as many fliers as possible receive urgent news. If you'd prefer not to be on this combined list please contact the distributor Trevorgrey@AOL.com . In addition if you know of anyone, not already listed, who would like to receive this news and any other FFTC notices please pass the address on to them. If you are having any reception problems please make sure your correct e-mail address is logged with the distributor.
The current issue of FFTC News, together with back issues and other notices and items of interest, also appears on the FFTC Web site: www.vengi.demon.co.uk .