For the benefit of an ignorant pilot from the UK, please could someone explain what the different task types are? (We talk a different language in this particular area).

AT (sometimes referred to as AST): Assigned task. Just like in the UK, flight through a sequence of predeclared turnpoints. Unlike UK/IGC our turnpoints are 1 mile radius circles with credit for distance gained inside the turn area. We find this spreads out traffic and leads to a little less aerobatics in trying to get exactly one fix in the turn area.

TAT Turn area task, like AAT in IGC parlance. Areas are cylinders between 5 miles and 30 miles (ugh) radius, you get the best fix in the turn area.

MAT Modified assigned task. Turn points are all 1 mile radius like assigned task. There is a minimum time like TAT. The first few points are assigned.. After that, go where you want to fill up the allotted time. It's useful to give an assigned task feel to a handicapped contest, or to allow pilots to avoid big areas of bad weather.

More details on the ssa webpage under contests, rules, appendix.

John Cochrane