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About this event

Blue Skies 2024



RCG Thread (Please join): Blue Skies Over AZ

CD: 
Charles Martin

Contest Format

Traditional F3K and e-F3K planes (1.5-meter wingspan, aka F5K) are welcome. There will be separate F3K and e-F3K scoring. Fly together, score separately.

13 rounds - 8 rounds on Saturday and 5 rounds on Sunday.

No flyoffs - more flying for all.

NOTE: e-F3K planes will be fully integrated into the contest and will fly the same tasks as F3K planes. 

e-F3K planes must set their AMRT's for a 50m launch cut-off and 7 second motor run. To perform a turnaround, e-F3K pilots may either catch or land their planes
. 1S or 2S Lipo only.

Classes

OPEN - any pilot under the age of 60 flying a hand-launch glider (F3K) for the entire contest.

EAGLE - any pilot 60 years or older flying a hand-launch glider (F3K) for the entire contest. If you are 60
 at the time of the contest, then you can register as an Eagle. 


MOTO - any pilot flying a motorized 1.5-meter glider (e-F3K, F5K) for the entire contest. 


Scoring

The contest will be run using the F3xVault, and all scores will be visible to everyone after the official contest start. We will use paper tickets to document flight times and record using smartphones. Every round will be audited before scores are uploaded.

Start/End Times

Pilots meeting 8am both days - first flight soon after. We aim to have the contest completed no later than 2:30 pm on Sunday.

Awards

SWSS contests are known for their awards. In 2023 the Blue Skies ushered in a whole new level of award. A traveling award called THE BELT:



The BELT features engraving plates on each side of the center plate for recording each year’s hand- launch winner. Upon completion of the contest, SWSS will have the belt engraved and forwarded to the victor so it may appear in the winner’s countless social media posts and selfies. It is required that the holder of the belt either return to defend it (preferred) or ship it back to SWSS so it may be awarded at the next Blue Skies.

Inaugural 2023 winner Joseph Dougherty will not return to defend the belt. This is your chance to claim the throne for an entire year!

There will be awards of recognition for 1st through 3rd place overall, and a prize for the top Eagle and top Junior pilot.


Accommodations

On-site RV (no hookups) and tent camping are welcomed. The nearest town to the flying site is Maricopa, a 15 minute drive to the east of the ranch. Visit our club's Location page for Silent Wings Ranch details and nearby accommodations that are 20 to 45 minute drive from the ranch. Use the Expedia link to see the nearest hotels.

Meals

Lunch will be provided Saturday and Sunday as part of the entry fee.

Field Access for Practice

Silent Wings ranch will be accessible to all contest pilots starting Friday, December 6, at 10am.

Site Weather

We have a weather station on site and are tied into other weather services. See weather resources on our Weather page.

Note: SWSS Member Discount applies to this contest. See Benefits of Membership 

Date and Time

Saturday, December 7, 2024, 8:00 AM until Sunday, December 8, 2024, 2:30 PM Mountain Time (Arizona) (UTC-07:00)

Location

Silent Wings Ranch
See Silent Wings Ranch Info
Maricopa, AZ  85139
USA

Event Contact(s)

Charles Martin
CD


Edward LaCroix
Co CD

Category

Multiple Day Event

Registration Info

Registration is required before Tuesday, December 3, 2024 at 11:59 PM
Payment in Full In Advance Or At Event
Cancellation Policy:
We provide refunds for events if you cancel before the specified cancellation cutoff date and time. In this case the deadline matches that of registration close.