4.1) Task Type - Laps
Made popular by meets like the Lumby Air Races this task involves defining a set of turnpoints which competitors must follow in the order set out in the task briefing. The goal is to do as many laps as possible in the day. You get scored on distance completed in a single flight.
This type of task...
- keeps pilots close to launch and designated landing for safety and convenience.
- is great for spectators (the few we may have).
- help teach new competitors how to race as they may fly more (get lapped) by experienced pilots.
In this type of task:
- a weather briefing and picking a launch are required.
- there are no launch times or landing times - competitors may fly when they want.
- relaunches are OK (we don't want to restrict someone's airtime and want to encourage early starts to the day).
- you can launch, get turnpoint #1, land, go back to launch and continue your flight by going straight to turnpoint #2 (and continue on course) - we want to encourage early starts and a never-give-up attitude
Laps around a course are OK,
Laps around a course are OK, though I'm not a fan of re-launches, since it can lead to some obvious issues with pilots and drivers putting themselves in danger and possibly illegal situations for something that I think we have to admit is pretty inconsequential in the larger context of people's lives.
Not sure what you're talking
Not sure what you're talking bout here Rob. We're suggesting there be no "windows", so there is no racing back up to launch.
I think re-launches are essential to the concept. We want people to fly and have fun while they compete. The opportunity to re-launch means they can save a day after a bad decision. They're still diasadvantaged in that they have lost some time, but they're still in. Also a relaunch opportunity may encourage people to take a chance and get off launch. Nothing worse than watching a day frittered away waiting for someone to go at a race meet. Meanwhile all those potential someone's know their day is toast if they screw up.