Slope Combat Contest

[ding]

I'm not sure that bats should be flying in combat I must admit. They are a bit fast and heavy. Sometimes the aftermath can be messy and if the aeroplane is light and slow it's generally a bit safer. But, whatever everyone wants.

It's probably only a issue at SC where there are so many people and possessions around.

[sean]

Maybe what we really need is a weight limit, I wouldn't have a problem with someone flying a 600g Bat but my 1KG Bat would be a danger. Same goes for any design I reckon. 700 or 800g seems like a good limit, any less than 700 and a heavily built Duck wouldn't qualify. I'd be happy to bring along my scales for scrutineering.

[st]

I agree with Sean. I don't think an approval of each sort of plane should be required. Just a guideline - must be foam and under a certain weight.

Don't know how many of the comps I'd be able to get too - probably not many.

[ezza]

Not sure how many contests we will make it to, but sounds like alot of fun!

Gives me a reason to finally finish rebuilding my totally beaten Zagi.

I guess to make things run smoothly, all contestants should nominate a favoured frequency.

[ding]

Yep, I agree with the 700g weight limit thing.

Good point about the frequencies Eric. How do we address if there is a clash?

For the record... I'm always 36.550 LOL.

[ezza]

ding said:

Yep, I agree with the 700g weight limit thing.

Good point about the frequencies Eric. How do we address if there is a clash?

For the record... I'm always 36.550 LOL.

I guess see how many clashes there are and see which people can more easily change frequency.

I'll probably stick some old AM gear into the zagi 29.985 or 29.785. My son's Skua is 36.41 However we are pretty flexible with these as both of these planes are being re-built.

[jase]

i'm stuck on 36.450 but to date i've never clashed with anyone.

[windsock]

Could everyone send the following information to my email address at: [e-mail]

Name:
Frequencies:
Plane type:
Plane weight: (If known)
Contactable email:

I will collect all the info in a spreadsheet, it will provide info on plane numbers and frequencies etc. If their is a clash with frequencies I will contact the people that it affects and work something out, saves everyone posting their frequencies on the forum. By the way, I know that there's an older thread with a frequency list, but I will revise it once everyone sends in there current details.

From this info I will also construct a score card for the rounds. If there is anyone you know how doesn’t use the forum but would be interested, spread the word or pass on their info.

Point of interest, my Bee weighs in at 674 grams. I would say that 700 grams is fine.

[windsock]

A quick reminder to get your details in if you wish to enter the combat slope gliding comp. Starts next Sunday (21st October).

[windsock]

I have had a change of heart about the Combat Slope Gliding Series. I’ve had increasing concerns about ‘Windsock’ (which is a registered business) being held liable for any misfortunes which are out of my control.

I guess what I’m saying, if you want it, as a group you run it and share the liability. This will therefore remove people wrongly perceiving at a later date that it’s a Windsock organised event (which I don’t want).

What I suggest, is that the Windsock website focuses on what it always does, observe and document like any online media report/article. I’ll still cover the series by uploading photos, stories and publish the results from the day and the final places. But from an organisational point of view I don’t want to be running the event. I will still participate, but as myself and responsible for only my actions.

I’m sure some of you really won’t understand my position e.g. overacting, but all I ask is that your respect my point of view. I hope as a group of individuals it could still be organised, and start on Sunday.

I think we need to externally look at what we do from the other side of the fence, and realise the passing public’s point of view. The point of view from the people who aren’t even interested or appreciate what we do but just want to go for a peaceful walk - deep

I hope there is still enough interest for it to go ahead. What do people think?

[st]

Gerard, I understand. Without insurance to cover yourself (which costs money and time to organise), you are at risk regardless of how nice we might all be ;D Windsock being a registered business is irrelevant - if it is an event put on by you, liability comes back to you regardless.

I've done activities with other internet forums (eg. leading a 4wd trip). They are organised and discussed on the forum, but they are instigated by members and are at members own risk.

One solution - cancel planned one sponsered by Windsock. Hopefully, someone can then start another thread where they suggest members get togethor and do a slope combat contest with other members. Id suggest similar rules to the now cancelled Windsock competition one are used I'd do it myself but doubt I'll be able to make it to the competitions.....

Another solution might be appropriate legal disclaimers by all competitors etc. but you'd need advice (costs money) and is more complicated.

[ezza]

Totally understand Gerard.

I have never flown at these sites but it sounds like a pretty tight area with plenty of general public 'around'.

Eric (Who probably won't have a suitable plane ready for Sunday)

[jase]

totally understand gerard. we'd all hate if someone sued u for the smallest little thing making the biggest thing out of it.

if the combat comp doesn't go ahead this weekend, maybe we could postphone it and discuss it more thoroughly for events starting after x-mass.

[ding]

That's a shame but I understand your concern.

I'm not sure whether there is any actual risk to you but if there is any doubt then you've got to do what is right. I tend to think these aeroplanes are of a danger level somewhere between a feather to a worst case cricket ball. I've never seen a hit worse than a moderately hit tennis ball. What happens if someone walks past a oval and gets whacked by a ball from an informal cricket game?

I think the real problem is the location more than anything... maybe we need to run it somewhere with less passing traffic?

[ezza]

ding said:

I think the real problem is the location more than anything... maybe we need to run it somewhere with less passing traffic?

Need somewhere with permission. Then no worries. Any ideas?