Competions or Gatherings??

[Double Pappa]

I was wondering what types of competitions or gatherings there are for thermaling type ships. For example, in what events could a RES type ship fly. I am really not competetively minded when it comes to my gliders but it would be fun to fly with some other folks.

[Jim Deck]

Excellent question. For an example of a gathering, I'd say the best example is the JR Aero tow. Soaring pilots who like large, make that very large, sailplanes get together for a few days and fly, fly, fly. Still a gathering, but with a bit of low-key competition is Ray Hayes' Woodcrafters event. Soaring pilots who like to build sailplanes from wood gather at a great site to marvel at construction and fly. The AMA/LSF NATS.. Well it too, is gathering with lots of competition. IMHO the majority come for the gathering.

[EricSoar]

For competitions rules you can search this forum. Most TD competitions are based on a timed flight followed by a spot landing. You get points for how close to the to goal time you land and how close to the spot you land.

I actually prefer "gatherings" which may involve some simple competitions. The simplest competition is "all up last down". This is particularly good for electric thermal models. Everybody launches at the same time using their limited motor run time (run time may differ by motor power). The winner is the last to land. All model can land at any safe location in the flying field. There are no spot landing points (there is no spot).

[Double Pappa]

JR, like you I am more into the gathering side of this great hobby. For example I amy get to go to PoleCat but I would be there more for the company of fellow glider folks. I also fly larger model rockets and when I go the club flies lately I may not fly a rocket at all or only fly a couple.

I guess I need to build some scale stuff so I can go to the JR event.

Thanks guys !!