Table of Contents

 

1.      General                                                                           3

1.1.   Sanction and Rules (2.2.) (9.4)                                         3

1.2.   Location (12.1) (12.3)                                                      3

1.3.   Schedule and Time (12.1) (12.2)                                        3

1.4.   Entry Fees (9.1) (12.4)                                                     4

1.5    USHGA Meet Steward (5.1.A.3) (5.1.B) (2.2.A)                    4

1.6         Rule Changes (9.4) ________________________________________4

1.7         Fire Safety(12.6)___________________________________________4

1.8         Vehicles (12.6) ____________________________________________4

2.      Competitor Qualifications (3.1.B) (13.5)                            4

2.1.   USHGA Membership (3.1.A.1)                                           4

2.2.   Rating and Special Skills (3.1.B.1) (3.1.B.2) (12.5))            4

2.3.   Residency (3.1.B.5) (12.5)                                                5

2.4.   Competitor Age (3.1.A.3)                                                  5

3.      Competitor Responsibilities (9) (9.8) (12.6)                         5

3.1.   FAR Part 103 (9.6.B)                                                        5

3.2.   Right of Way (9.6.C) (12.6)                                               5

3.3.   Midair Collision (12.6)_____________________________________5

3.4    Briefings and Rules ((9.3) (9.4)_____________________________5

4.      Equipment (9.9) (12.6)                                                     5

4.1.   Gliders (4.2.A) (4.4.A) (12.4)                                               5

4.1.A.Switching Gliders (12.6)                                                    5

4.1.B.Glider Identification (8.11.A)                                             6

4.2.   Radios and Mobile Telephones(4.4E) (12.6)                         6

4.4.   Helmets (4.5.B) (12.6)                                                       6

4.5.   Ballast (4.4.F) (12.6)                                                          6

4.6.   Parachutes (4.5.C) (12.6)                                                   6

4.7.   Global Positioning Systems (4.4.J) (12.6)                           7

4.8.   Other Equipment (4.4.L) (12.6)                                          7

5.      Tasks (13.6)                                                                      7

5.1.   Task Selection (12.6)                                                         7

5.2.   Alternate Tasks (12.6)                                                       7

5.3.   Task Format (12.6)                                                           7

5.4.   Task Cancellation (6.7) (12.6)                                           8

6.      Launch and Start (12.6)                                                    8

6.2.   Launch Order (6.1.A) (9.5) (126)                                          8

6.3.   Launch Times (9.5) (126)                                                   9

6.4.   Start Procedures (6.1.A) (6.1.B) (9.5) (12.6)                          9

6.5.   Reflights (126)                                                                  9

6.6    Turnpoints (6.2)                                                                9

7.      Finish (6.3) (9.6.A) (126)                                                    9

7.2.   Finish at Goal (6.2) (6.3.B) (6.3.C) (9.6.A) (12.6)                  9

7.3.   Finish Short of Goal (6.2) (6.3.E) (126)                              10

7.4    Reporting (12.6)___________________________________________10

8.      Performance Measurement (6.4) (126) )                              10

9.      Penalties & Disqualification (6.8.B) (6.8.C) (123.6)_________11

9.1    Protests (7.2) (12.4)                                                           11

10.    Scoring and Results (6.5)                                                  12

10.1. Minimum and Maximum Number of Rounds (12.4)_________12

10.2. Daily Score (6.5)                                                                12

10.3. Contest Winner and Awards (8.9)                                       12

 

 

Appendices

 

GPS Initial Setup

GPS Operation

Garmin Track Log Duration Table

Flight Verification Forms

 

NOTES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MEET SPECIFIC RULES (9.4) (12.6)

 

1.      General

1.1.   Sanction and Rules (2.2) (9.4)

          The 2001 U.S. National Paragliding Championships are sanctioned Class A by the United States Hang Gliding Association (USHGA). Numbers appearing next to a paragraph heading mean that the paragraph fulfills a specified requirement or refers to a rule in that section of the 2001 USHGA Competition Rulebook. The USHGA Rulebook is recommended reading for pilots entered in the 2001 U.S. National Paragliding Championships. The USHGA Rulebook can be downloaded for free at: www.ushga.org . Enter the “Members Only” area and go to “Pilot Rankings” to find the USHGA 2001 Competition Rulebook.

 

1.2.   Location (12.1) ( 12.3)

          Meet Headquarters will be in the River Room at Campbell’s Resort. Launch will be located at Chelan Butte. Landing areas will include Goals listed in the Official Turnpoint List, as well as the Official Meet LZ.

 

1.3.   Schedule and Time (12.1) (12.2)

Registration:  Online before July 1 at: www.chelanpg.8k.com or at Meet   Headquarters July 1 & 2.

Official’s Meeting:  July 2, 4:00-6:00PM at Meet Headquarters.

Mandatory Pilot Meeting:  July 2 8:00-10:00 PM at Meet HQ.

Competition:  July 3-8.

Pilot Awards:  July 8 6:00-10:00PM at The Soccer Field/Goal Field at Chelan Park.

Official time is local GPS Time.

No official rest days are planned. No official practice days are planned. There are no rain, weather, or contingency plans to extend or postpone the competition.

Daily Competition Schedule July 3-8, 2001

Operation                                   Location                          Time

Task Committee Meeting             Launch                     10:30 AM

Daily Pilot Meeting                      Launch                     11:00 AM

Launch Open                              Launch                     12:00 noon

Start Open                                  Start Cylinder           1:00 PM

Start Closed                                Start Cylinder           1:30 PM

Launch Closed                            Launch                     3:00 PM

Goal Closed                                 Goal                          7:00 PM

Reporting Deadline                      Meet HQ                   8:30 PM

This schedule is subject to change. Any changes to this schedule will be announced by the Meet Director at the Daily Pilot Meeting.

 

1.4.   Entry fees (9.1) (12.4)

         All entry fees must be paid in full prior to the first round of competition. Fees will not be refunded to disqualified competitors.

 

1.5.   USHGA Meet Steward (5.1.A.3) (5.1.B)

         The USHGA Meet Steward is J. C. Brown.

 

1.6    Rule Changes (9.4)

         Any changes to the 2001 U.S. National Paragliding Championships Rules will be announced at the Daily Pilot Meeting and will be posted at Meet HQ for pilots to read.

 

1.7         Fire Safety (12.6)

The DNR of the State of Washington mandates that a 10BC rated fire extinguisher and a fire shovel are required for every vehicle going up Chelan Butte. Smoking is not permitted while on the road or at any other time while on Chelan Butte.

 

1.8         Vehicles (12.6)

Competitors should use the Official Meet Transports or share vehicles so as to minimize the number of vehicles on the road and in the parking area on top of Chelan Butte. If vehicle congestion of the road or parking area becomes a problem, the Meet Organizer will limit the number of competitor vehicles allowed up Chelan Butte each day. Vehicles must stay on the road or in designated parking areas. Speeding will not be tolerated. Penalties will be assessed to competitors whose crews break the speed limit laws, or operate their vehicles in an unsafe or impolite manner.

 

2.      Competitor Qualifications (3.1) (12.5)

2.1.   USHGA Membership (3.1.A.1)

          Class A sanction requires all competitors to have a full membership in the USHGA. A three-month membership is acceptable for foreign pilots. Proof of membership must be presented at registration.

 

2.2.   Rating and Special Skill Sign-offs (3.1.B.1) (3.1.B.2) (12.5)

          A USHGA Intermediate paraglider pilot rating with special skill sign-offs for TUR and XC, or USHGA Advanced paraglider pilot rating, or either of their foreign equivalents are required and will be checked prior to flying the first round of competition.

 

2.3.   Residency (3.1.B.5) (12.5)

         There are no residency requirements, except that only a U.S. citizen can win the title of U.S. National Champion and/or U.S. Women’s National Champion.

 

2.4.   Competitor Age (3.1.A.3)

          Minimum age for competitors is 16.

 

3.      Competitor Responsibilities (9) (9.8)

3.1.   FAR Part 103 (9.6.B) (5.2.B)

         All competitors will comply with FAR 103 at all times. Any verified infraction will result in a penalty for the day.  A sectional will be displayed at all pilot meetings where a task is being discussed.  Pilots are expected to familiarize themselves with any restricted air space along the task course.

 

3.2.   Right of Way  (9.6.C) (12.6)

         Pilots will follow generally accepted right of way and thermal etiquette rules. During the period when the Launch is open, pilots within Start Cylinder will make all thermaling turns to the left, unless the Meet Director informs pilots otherwise at the Daily Pilot Meeting.

 

3.3.   Midair Collision (12.6)

          Competitors involved in a collision in the air must not continue the flight if the structural integrity of either glider is in doubt.  Both pilots will be scored as if they had landed at the point of the collision. Midair collisions must be reported. All involved pilots must file individual reports with the Meet Director. Penalties will be assessed for failure to do so.

3.4         Briefings and Rules (9.3) (9.4) (9.7)

It is the pilot’s responsibility to keep up with all schedule changes, course modifications, and rules amendments.

 

4.0    Equipment (9.9) (12.6)

4.1.   Glider Classes (4.2) (4.2.C) (12.4)

          The 2001 U.S. National Paragliding Championships are open to Paragliders only (CIVL Class 3 Hang Gliders).

          All gliders and other flight equipment is subject to a safety inspection by the Meet Director or Safety Director at any time. The Meet Director and the Safety Director will determine the unairworthiness of any equipment.

 

4.1.A. Switching Gliders (12.6)

          All glider switches must be brought to the attention of the Meet Director for approval. Unapproved glider switches may result in penalties.

 

4.1.B. Glider Identification (8.11.A)

The Meet Organizer will assign pilot numbers. Gliders must be numbered in accordance with the 2001 USHGA Rulebook. Numbers must be placed at the center of the leading edge with the top of the number towards the leading edge.

 

4.2.   Radios and Mobile Telephones (4.4.E) (12.6) )

          Radios that are capable of receiving and transmitting on the USHGA frequencies (151.505, 151.625, 151.925, 151.955, and 158.4 MHz) are recommended. One of these frequencies will be designated as the contest administration frequency at the July 2 Pilot Meeting. In the interest of safety, radio use will not be restricted in any way, except that pilots and crew are requested to refrain from using the contest administration frequency except in emergencies. Any pilot operating a voice-actuated microphone on the contest administration frequency will be penalized.

        In the interest of safety there are no restrictions on mobile telephone use.

        All pilots and crews are requested to submit their mobile telephone numbers and radio frequency of choice to the Meet Director. This information will be used by the Meet Director and Goal Crew for safety and scoring purposes, and will be confidential. It will not be given out to any competitors or their crews, except in an emergency.

       The Meet Organizer will cooperate with the FCC and local Ham groups if pilots are found operating without a valid Amateur License and/or USHGA PA authorization and/or operating on restricted frequencies.

 

4.4.   Helmets (4.4.B) (12.6)

         Protective headgear meeting the approval of the Meet Director and Safety Director must be worn on the heads of all competitors during flight.

 

4.5.       Ballast (4.4.F) (12.6)

         Ballast, when carried, must meet the requirements defined in 4.4.F of the USHGA Rulebook.

                                 

4.6.   Parachutes (4.4.C) (12.6)

         Emergency parachutes meeting the approval of the Meet Director and Safety Director must be carried by all competitors in a location that is readily accessible to the pilot at all times during flight.  A readily accessible hook knife is recommended.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.6.       Global Positioning System Receivers (4.4.J) (12.6)

Flight verification will be by computer using the Check’in program. GPS receivers compatible with the Check’in program are required equipment for all competitors. The following models are acceptable for use in the 2001 U.S. National Paragliding Championships: Aircotec Top Navigator (w/Y2k update), MLR:SP24XC (w/free flight firmware), and Garmin models 38, 40, 45, 12, 12XL, 12 Map, II, III, III+. The mapping/scoring system is based on the WGS84 Datum and the required format for reporting landing position is (i.e.) N28°15.190’ W081°41.088’. Backup GPS receivers are permitted. Further information on GPS use and Track Log setup can be found in the GPS Use Appendix in the 2001 U.S. National Paragliding Championships Rulebook.

 

4.7.       Other Equipment (4.4.L) (12.6)

         Any other equipment not specifically prohibited by the rules is permitted, however the Meet Director and/or Safety Director may prohibit the use of any equipment for safety reasons.

 

5.      Tasks (12.6)

5.1.       Task Selection (12.6)

         The Meet Director will select a Task Committee during registration. The members of the Task Committee will be announced at the July 2 Pilot Meeting. The Meet Director may change the Task Committee at any time during the meet. The daily task will be a decision of the Meet Director after consultation with the Safety Director and the Task Committee.  The task will be announced at the Daily Pilot Meeting.

 

5.2.       Alternate Tasks (12.6)

         The Task Committee may decide on alternate tasks, depending on weather and/or other factors.  If alternate tasks are considered, they will be presented with the primary task at the Daily Pilot Meeting.  The decision as to which task will be called will be made by the Meet Director after consultation with the Safety Director. That decision will be communicated to the pilots prior to the first competitor launch.

 

5.3.       Task Format (12.6)

          All tasks will be cross country races to a goal, with or without Turnpoints. The Meet Director will attempt to call tasks so that the approximate time on course for the fastest pilot will be 2.25 hours.

 

 

 

 

 

5.4.   Task Cancellation (6.7) (12.6)

          If conditions become unsuitable for competition after pilots are in the air, but prior to the opening of the Start Cylinder, the Meet Director may cancel the task. That decision will be communicated to the pilots in the air on the contest administration radio frequency and verbally to pilots who have not yet launched. If weather or other conditions become unsuitable for competition after the task has begun, and the Meet Director decides to cancel the task, that information will be broadcast at ten-minute intervals (i.e.; 1:40, 1:50, 2:00, 2:10...) for a period of one hour on the contest administration frequency. The Meet Director is the only person authorized to cancel the task. Since radio transmissions are not infallible, no pilot should make any assumptions as to whether a task has or has not been canceled unless he/she has actually heard the cancellation announcement and has recognized the Meet Director's voice.

           Please remember that pilot judgment is critical as to whether to continue the task in a hazardous weather situation. Each individual competitor is the best judge of what constitutes safe conditions for that competitor. Each pilot is completely responsible for his/her own safety at all times.

          Cancelled tasks will not be scored.

 

6.      Launch and Start (12.6)

6.2.       Pre Launch Order and Launch Order (6.1.A) (9.5) (12.6)

          Prior to the opening of the Launch, pilots will determine the pre-launch order by lining up their gliders in the order in which they intend to launch. After the first task has been completed, the top 15 pilots based on the overall cumulative standings will be allowed priority in choosing their position in the pre-launch order. A pilot moving to the Launch Area must be ready to fly. No pilot may leave his or her glider from this time on. The Launch Director will determine the Launch Order of the pilots in the Launch Area. Be sure your GPS is ON and has acquired a position, your previous Track Log has been cleared and a new Track Log is recording.          .

          A pilot who fails to launch within two attempts, refuses launch or is found to be not ready by the Launch Director will be pulled out of the Launch Order and, at the discretion of the Meet Director, either moved to the back of pre-launch order or returned to the Launch Order, if doing so will not inconvenience, or cause a disadvantage to, other pilots in the Launch Order.

         A pilot in the pre-launch order, who is suited up and completely ready to fly, may “push” the Launch by announcing, “I’m pushing.” to the Meet Director. When the Launch is being pushed, each pilot in the Launch Order, will have one minute (of launchable conditions as defined by the Launch Director) to either launch or decline launch and move to the back of the pre-launch order. Failure to either launch or move expeditiously out of the Launch area may result in penalties. When the “pushing” pilot gets to Launch, he or she will have one minute (of launchable conditions as defined by the Launch Director) to launch or he will receive a 15% daily score penalty and be moved to the back of the pre-launch order.

 

6.3.       Launch Times (9.5) (12.6)

         The Launch will open at 12:00 p.m.  and close at 3:00 PM unless different times are specified by the Meet Director at the Daily Pilot Meeting.

 

6.4.       Start Procedures (12.6)

         A Start Cylinder will be used for all starts. Cylinder radius will be specified at the Daily Pilot Meeting. Pilots must simply fly out of the Start Cylinder to start.

         Flying out of the Start Cylinder and starting on course prior to the Start Cylinder opening will constitute an invalid start and will result in a Zero score for the day. Multiple starts are permitted. If you exit the Start Cylinder too early, just go back and start again when the Cylinder opens. The latest Start time recorded by the GPS Track Log will be the one used, as long as all subsequent Waypoints are in the proper sequence. The Track Log will determine the Start Time.  Pilots starting after the close of the Start Cylinder will be judged to have started at the close of the Start Cylinder.

        The Start Cylinder will usually be open one half hour, at a time determined by the Meet Director and announced at the Daily Pilot Meeting.

        Start Times will usually be scored on fifteen-minute intervals. (i.e. 2:17:25 will be scored as 2:15:00). Therefore, each one-half hour Start Window will have three possible start times, e.g. 2:00 PM, 2:15 PM and 2:30 PM. Start Time Interval will be announced at the Daily Pilot Meeting.

 

6.5.       Reflights (12.6)

Competitors are allowed to make one competition launch per contest day. Reflights are not allowed.

 

6.6 Turnpoints (6.2)

      Turnpoints will be cylinders. Cylinder radius will be specified at the Daily Pilot Meeting. Pilots must fly through, not around the Turnpoint Cylinders.

      Turnpoints are defined by GPS coordinates. GPS Track Logs will be the only method of determining compliance with Task requirements. GPS coordinates will supersede physical ground features in Turnpoint location.

 

 

7.              Finish (6.3) (9.6.A) (13.6)

7.2.   Finish at Goal (6.2) (6.3.B) (6.3.C) (9.6.A) (12.6)

         Goal placement will be as close to the declared coordinates as practical, but some changes may be necessary due to landowner requests, agricultural operations or other reasons. When in doubt, LOOK where you are going. If the Goal location is different from the stated coordinates, it will be moved BACK along the course line whenever possible.

         Goal crossings must be unambiguous and low enough to facilitate easy identification of the glider number by the Goal Crew. The pilot’s body must cross between the windsocks and over the actual Goal Line from the general direction of the last Turnpoint. The pilot must cross the Goal with less than 1500 feet of altitude AGL. Pilots with radios are requested to transmit a brief message to the Goal Crew announcing their imminent arrival at Goal. (for example: “Pilot 27, approaching Goal, half mile  out.")  The Goal Crew will be scanning pilot frequencies for the announcement.

        After landing, the pilot may confirm with Goal Crew that he/she was properly identified.

        Interfering with the Goal Crew while they are scoring other competitors may result in a penalty. Please wait for a break in the action.

The Meet Director may use the GPS Track Log time data to determine finish times.

 

7.3.       Finish Short of Goal (6.3.E) (12.6)

         Any pilots not completing the task must mark their landing points as a Waypoint with their GPS receiver(s). Competitors must not land in crops or orchards. Crop or orchard landings will result in penalties.

 

7.4         Reporting (12.6)

          Reporting in to Meet HQ is a required part of the task. Failure to do so before the Reporting Deadline may result in penalties. All competitors must turn in a completed flight verification form (even if they did not fly or  made less than the 5 mile minimum distance) and offer their GPS Track Log for downloading by the Chief Scorekeeper or his designated assistant.

         Deliberate falsification of  flight and/or landing details will result in disqualification. If there is a problem with the GPS Track Log due to equipment malfunction, a backup GPS will be called for. If no backup GPS is available, pilots may be penalized or zeroed for the day.

        A properly completed flight verification form will include the date, pilot name, pilot number, start time, number of Turnpoints achieved, and landing location as defined by their GPS coordinates.

 

 

 

 

 

8.              Performance Measurement (6.4) (2.6)

         Performance measurement will be by computer using Check’in for flight verification and RACE 2000 SP2 for scoring. Great Circle Distances will be calculated to within approximately 0.01 mile from Latitude/Longitude coordinates. Final positioning will be given as Latitude/Longitude and flight distance will be given in miles.

 

9.              Penalties and Disqualification ( 6.8.B) (6.8.C) (12.6)

         Penalties may be assessed or competitors disqualified for violation of any rule contained or referred to in the 2001 USHGA Competition Rulebook, the 2001 U.S. National Paragliding Championship Rules, CIVL Section 7, FAR Part 103, FCC, or for actions that endanger themselves, other competitors, Meet Officials, or spectators. 

         Except where specifically stated in the rules, the magnitude of the penalty will be at the discretion of the Meet Director. Penalties may be applied to either the daily or cumulative score.

         As an example, a 10% day penalty will result in the competitor only receiving 90% of his/her score for that day. A 100% day penalty means that the competitor receives a zero for that day. The same principle holds for penalties applied to the competitor's cumulative score.

 

 

 

 

 

 

9.1         Protests (7.2) (12.4)

         Protests will follow the procedure outlined in section 7.2 of the 2001 USHGA Rulebook. The members of the Protest Committee will be announced at the July 2 Pilot Meeting. The protest fee is $25.00. All protest fees not refunded will be donated to the USHGA Paragliding World Team Fund.

 

10.    Scoring and Results (6.5)

10.1. Minimum / Maximum Rounds (12.4)

         A minimum of one round will be necessary to declare a winner.  There will be a maximum of six rounds.

 

10.2.   Daily Score (6.5)

         The Chief Scorekeeper will determine a competitor's score based on distance flown and the competitor’s times as determined by the GPS Track Log and Waypoint data and/or the competitor's time based on the Goal Crews' records.

         Each pilot's daily score will be computed using the GAP scoring formula as supported by the RACE 2000 SP2 scoring software. Information about the GAP formula and RACE history and philosophy can be found at the RACE website at: www.fai.org. Variables selected by the Meet Director and Meet Organizer for the GAP Formula for use at the 2001 U.S. National Paragliding Championships are:

 

Nominal Distance: 35 miles

Minimum Distance: 5 miles

Nominal Goal percentage: 30%

Nominal Time: 2.25 hours.

 

10.3.   Contest Winner and Awards  (8.9)

The U.S. National Paragliding Champions will be the U.S. pilots with the highest points totals at the end of the July 8 contest day. In the event        of a tie, the pilots with the highest scores before the beginning of the last round will be declared the winners. Trophies will be presented for the following performances:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Awards will also be presented for the following performances:

 

2001 U.S. National Paragliding Championships

First Place: To the highest placing pilot overall.

Second Place: To the  second highest placing pilot overall.

Third Place: To the third highest placing pilot overall.

 

2001 Women’s U.S. National Paragliding Championships

First Place: To the highest placing woman pilot.

Second Place: To the second highest placing woman pilot.

Third Place: To the third highest placing woman pilot.

 

2001 U.S. National Serial Class Paragliding Championships

First Place: To the highest placing serial class pilot.

Second Place: To the second highest placing serial class pilot.

Third Place: To the third highest placing serial class pilot.

 

 

 

 

 

 

GPS Initial Setup

 

All GPSs should be set with the following parameters

Time Zone: GMT -07:00

Datum: WGS84

Track Log Interval: At most 30 seconds

Track Log Duration: At least 6 hours log.

Name = PILOT, Comment = Pilot's No + Name

On a Garmin GPS the following screens show where this data is set.

 

---------------------------    ----------------------------- --------------------------------

OPERATION SETUP        NAVIGATION SETUP      TRACK LOG SETUP

---------------------------    ----------------------------- -----------------------------

MODE:                             POSITION FORMAT        RECORD TRACK: Yes

Normal                            hddd”mm.mmm               -----------------------------

---------------------------    ----------------------------- CRITERIA

DATE  18 APR 99            MAP DATUM:                  Time Interval:

TIME   12:00:00               WGS84                 00:00:30

OFFSET: -04:00              ------------------                -----------------------------

----------------------------   CDI Scale:+0.25              MEMORY USED ---%

CONTRAST                      ----------------------------- ------- OF 768 POINTS

--------                             UNITS: Statute               ----------------------------

----------------------------   ----------------------------- CLEAR TRACK LOG?

BACKLIGHT TIME:         HEADING:

30 seconds                      True

TONE:---------------------  ------------------------------          -----------------------------

I/O SETUP                      WAYPOINT

-------------------------       ---------------------------

GRMN/GRMN                 NAME: PILOT                  <-- important

HOST                    hddd”mm.mmm

WAITING...                      hddd”mm.mmm

65  WINGOVER     <--number and name here

__ OF __                 ----------------------------

PACKETS                         REF:__________

BEARING DISTANCE

000°     0.00 mi

----------------------------

RENAME?

DELETE?    DONE?

------------------------        ----------------------------

 

 

 

 

 

 

First, create the Waypoint “PILOT” and press “DONE.” Next, edit the Waypoint timestamp field.

 

There is no advantage to the pilot to have different settings as the computer software will compensate. However, data could be lost if they are not set.

 

GPS Operation

 

There is a requirement that at least 30 minutes of track log per flight is recorded. To verify a turn point or start at least part of a track log segment must be inside that turn point or start cylinder. A track log segment is the straight line between two consecutive track log points less than 60 seconds apart. As an added security to ensure the GPS records an "in cylinder" segment, the pilot can mark a waypoint while in the cylinder. If the timestamp on this waypoint is consistent with the automatic track log it will be considered as a track log point.

The simple steps to achieve these requirements with a Garmin GPS are:

 

a        BEFORE Launching - Turn GPS on.

b        CLEAR previous Track Log.

c        RECORD TRACK LOG is set to YES.

d        Make sure GPS has acquired a position before Launch..

e        While In Start Cylinder - Press MARK then ENTER

f         While In Turnpoint Cylinder - Press MARK then ENTER

g        AFTER Landing - Record landing coordinates as a Waypoint (if short          of Goal). Turn GPS off.

 

Pressing MARK then ENTER records a waypoint which will be added to the Track Log. This is optional but highly recommended where the course line deviates significantly around the turnpoint, for example in an Out and Return. To ensure an accurate timestamp make sure you press ENTER within 5 seconds of pressing MARK. You can add as many waypoints to the Track Log as you like. If you were not sure your first one was in cylinder, then when you are sure you are in cylinder, press MARK then ENTER again.

Pilots using GPS logging with more frequent data points, say every 5 seconds, need not be concerned with manually setting waypoints. They can just fly the course.

If a GPS doesn't have a fix it will not be recording track log entries even if it is on.

 

 

 

 

It is strongly recommended to use1000 mAh or better AA batteries in Garmin GPSs.

 

The simplest method to navigate to the Start  or Turnpoint Cylinders  is by using the GOTO function. A page will appear that shows a “highway” with the bearing and distance to the selected point. If the course line around the Turnpoint angles to the right, you should fly your course slightly to the left of the center line of the “highway.” One minute from the Turnpoint, the GPS will signal you that you are approaching the point and a line will move down the “highway” until it reaches the bottom of the screen. As you round the Turnpoint, the “highway” display should change to show your position relative to the Turnpoint. At that time, you have passed the Turnpoint and can safely make your turn onto the new course leg.

 

Garmin Track Log Duration Table

 

Garmin Model:  GPS 38, GPS 40, GPS 45

Track Log Memory:  768 data points

Time Interval:                           Recording Time (Hours):

30 seconds                                6.4

25 seconds                                5.3

20 seconds                                4.2

15 seconds                                3.2

10 seconds                                2.1

 

Garmin Model:  GPS 12, GPS 12XL, 12 Map GPS II, GPS II+

Track Log Memory:  1024 data points

Time Interval:                           Recording Time (Hours):

30 seconds                                8.5

25 seconds                                7.1

20 seconds                                5.6

15 seconds                                4.2

10 seconds                                2.8

 

Garmin Model:  GPS III, GPS III Pilot

Track Log Memory:  2048 data points

Time Interval:                           Recording Time (Hours):

30 seconds                                17

25 seconds                                14.2

20 seconds                                11.3

15 seconds                                8.5

10 seconds                                5.6

5 seconds                                  2.8