On Wednesday, September 30, 2015 at 10:43:11 AM UTC-5, Sean Fidler wrote:
Trust me, you need a lot more advanced flight computer (and programming & management skills) to compete effectively in our "US special" and infamous 1 turn HAT task! A long MAT is incredibly complex as you have to decide how to run out the clock near the end and that 10% of the task completely erases the best pilots flying up to that point in many cases! And even more computer power and skill to manage our "run of the mill, 25 mile radiused 3 turn, TAT!"

Timed tasks are incredibly complex both strategically and tactically and force pilots to heavily rely on computers to make critical decisions (when to turn).

Racing (Sailplane Grand Prix) tasks are incredibly simple. First one to complete the RACE COURSE wins. No computer necessary. In fact, any GPS (even one from 2005, with only a few numerical readouts, available on ebay for $10) would fully suffice.

You guys jump on this new event and try to tear it apart because you need a "better glide computer?" Are you kidding me? You cannot see the forest for the trees gentlemen. I'm shaking my head, again.

Sean
7T

WTF Sean? Did you even read what this "contest" is all about? Like Dan said - this is a "soapbox derby" GLIDING race, not a SOARING race! The web site even says there is no soarable conditions in Dubai in the timeframe of the games!

This is just a way to show off some pretty gliders in front of the crowds - too bad they don't include some required loops on the way - and a triple low pass "limbo" finish - that would at least add some energy management skills to the mix.

This will probably boil down to who can hold the most accurate computed final glide speed to exactly hit the finish line with NO extra energy! Wow, how exciting! Now, if they put the finish on a beach, and towed the gliders out over the water to their start point (at L/D max distance for the altitude) - that might really be exciting!

Kirk
66