We're well into the planning for the TS contest, and I came up with a question that we wanted to pose to the F3K community.

BSOC just completed, in really warm conditions, and we ran 5 minutes between groups (landing horn to launch horn). I, and a few others, felt it was a bit short.

So, the question -- For the TS contest, would you prefer 5 or 7 minutes between groups? I'm most interested in hearing from those who will likely be flying in the TS contest, but others can chime in, too.

Fire Away!

PS -- if you read the posts about the conditions at BSOC this year, you know that conditions were VERY challenging. Points were earned. The TS is not going to be an easy one.

Originally Posted by djensen

...For the TS contest, would you prefer 5 or 7 minutes between groups?

Anything between 5 and 7 minutes works for me. Anything more is (usually) too long.

Perhaps you could keep the flexibility to move the time as needed, as contest situations and weather may suggest speeding up or slowing down.

Aradhana Singh

Good point, ASK -- thank you. I'm going to be using F3KMaster to run the sound, so varying times on-the-fly is definitely possible.

I vote 7 minutes. At BSOC I particularly wanted more time when I came off the field as a pilot and returned as a caller in the next group or vice versa. Valuable pilot/caller face time was lost especially when I was paired with a less experienced pilot. IMO.

John

If more than 4 flight groups then keep the time between rounds shorter. If it's four or less, time will be needed because we'll be busier.

Tom so far not to many signed up. But I agree with you

Last I heard, only 6 pilots had signed up.

We have a huge field here, and we want to make use of it, so we're going to have 3 potentially large flight groups. This maximizes the number of MOM battles, and will get us the best result (IMO). So, base your opinions on the assumption of 3 flight groups.

Hopefully we have enough pilots to force us to a fourth flight group. With only three there is VERY little time to do anything (such as hydrate, eat, repair, charge, use the restroom, socialize, sit down, get out of the sun, etc)

Very good points, Tom. Thanks for the input. I don't want pilots feeling rushed or worn out.

I don't care either way, but BSoCO did feel rushed. I don't think I had a break on Saturday from start to lunch between flying and timing and I was often running from the sidelines to my pilot as the clock was counting down. Usually I like to help my pilot by watching the other planes for signs of lift.

6 would be nice, and 7 even better. 5 is definitely too short. I felt continually rushed at BSOC, with multiple C then A flight assignments, plus timing duties mixed in. Hardly time to grab a drink, let alone do anything else. One extra minute in there feels like quite a difference, yet doesn't make a big difference in how many rounds you can squeeze into the day. And I agree with Tom. 3 flight groups needs more time between than 4.

BTW... I mailed my entry so we're up to seven now

Should I have gotten an entry form in the mail?

Yes, if you sent in the program entry form and fee, you should have received the necessary info to register. If not, call Colleen at AMA, and she'll get it fixed.

Now that I think about it, I think I did get that. Was it the same letter that announced you guys got the bid for the contest? I need to look for that when I get home...