Achievements and Records

co-ordinated by Trevor Hornby

Soaring is about making the best use of the elements, sometimes we do this against other like minded modellers and call it a competition. Competitions do not suit everyone, neither do they stretch certain of the skills required in setting a new record. It's different. TVSF recognises that setting records has a separate and challenging appeal. This section formalises the setting of records and their recognition within TVSF.

1.1 WHAT TO DO

1.1.1 The Challenge
· Simply establish or improve on a TVSF soaring record.
· A certificate is awarded to the current holder of each record achieved in the season as part of TVSF presentation night.

1.1.2 General
· TVSF maintain two record levels: All-time and Season.
· The annual season for records closes on November 31st.
· The formal list of records covers Duration, Distance and Speed for Thermal, Electric and Slope. Hand Launch gliders have a duration class only. Other records may also be considered.
· All models must conform to the most recent FAI regulations.
· In the event of any dispute the BARCS Handbook and BARCS published records information will used to resolve.
· Always discuss any doubts with the Records Officer before an attempt.

1.1.3 The Equipment
· The individual is responsible for organising suitable measurement and other equipment required for the attempt.
· Measurement devices and evidence should be appropriate to the type of record. Usually the equipment used in a TVSF competition would be adequate but check with the Records Officer if in any doubt.

1.1.4 Rules
· The TVSF "competitions" are not eligible for records except the Speed (F3F or F3B) contests.
· For a speed contest (F3F or F3B) to apply as a record the course must be accurately measured. It must have nine turns in a total course not less than 750m. The speed will be the average calculated from the total course distance divided by the time in meters/second.
· Thermal speed is to F3B rules accepting the course variations as above.
· Electric models are limited to our Friday night rules with a 60 second motor run except for "speed" which is unlimited.

1.1.5 Submitting Record Claims
· Each request for a record must be supported by a completed "TVSF Record Claim Form" and submitted to the Records Officer as a hard copy.
· The form is available from the Membership Secretary or the Records Officer, or from the TVSF web site.
· Claim as often as you want. A separate form required for each claim.
· Only paid up members of TVSF are eligible to submit a claim.
· Each event must be witnessed by a BMFA member.
· Claims to be made within 4 weeks of date of flight. Note claims received after November 31st each year may not get processed in time for the current season.
· Distance claims require a copy of the map with start and finish points marked.

1.1.6 Safety
· A record attempt will often test you and your model to new limits. Always prepare properly and make sure that you, the model, and the environment are appropriate for the attempt. Make sure all possible steps are taken to minimised or eliminated risks, particularly the risk to others.
· Do not underestimate the personal fatigue involved in a 30 minute thermal flight or one mile cross country, it sounds easy until you try it!
· For distance or cross country activities there is a specific "Code of Practice" elsewhere in this Handbook.
· Adhere to all the safety requirements and codes of conduct in this and the BMFA handbooks.
IF IN ANY DOUBT DON'T FLY.

1.2 ALL TIME RECORDS
In recognition of their achievements, this is the list of All-Time TVSF records

Event	Thermal (Open)	HLG (60")	Electric (SLG)	Slope
Duration	M Smith 2hr 21min	P.Newell 9min 0sec
Distance Point to Point		NA		CMoynihan 4.1 miles
Distance Goal and return		NA
Speed – Closed Circuit 1km		NA		R.Thornton 20.41 m/sec

Remember these are all time records, the annual records start blank every season. For the latest information check the web site.

Download Claim form