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xrayalpha
13th Jul 2013, 21:02
Dear all,

Next weekend is a big event in the British Microlight Aircraft Association calendar - a Scottish round of the BMAA comps!

But with a difference - we'll have special groups for novice "just want to have some fun" pilots and those who "want to get a better idea of what comps are like", as well as a "full-on" group.

We've even invited LAA "light" aircraft to take part. So you don't even have to be a microlight!

So how is it going to work?

This is a rough idea - it may not be absolutely correct in all the details, but we don't want to give the top tier too many ideas of what is planned!

The first task on the Saturday morning will be a flight from Strathaven to East Fortune. There will be lots of photographed waypoints. To give you an idea: The top folk will just get photos, with few instructions, the middle group will get them with some more instructions and the novice class will get fewer photos and they will be in the correct order.

The way back on Saturday afternoon will be similar. And there will be declared times/declared groundspeeds etc. In the top class, they may not be told where their declared groundspeed is being calculated, in the middle group they will be told it will be between point A and point B, and the novice group won't have to worry abut times. Simple.

Then on the Saturday evening there will be a BBQ at Strathaven and the spot landing tasks. For the top group, it is engine off and glide down, the middle group keep their engines on and glide down and the novice group can do powered approaches. Should be fun, even just to watch!

The final task on the Sunday is a fuel/time limited task. For the top folk, they drain their tanks completely dry, then add 20l and then when they return, the tank is drained again and if there is less than 10l left then they have used too much and so get no points! For the middle group, we will simply put a mark on the tank and then add 10l. If the fuel on return is below the mark, then you have "run out" and for the novice class, we will just give a time limit based on your aircraft's speed. Tke as much fuel as you want.

The actual task will be to spot as many of a type of feature on the chart as you can: ie cross roads, train stations, railway bridges, wind turbines! We won't tell you until the morning.

There are some tips to getting the tasks done - a piece of string is useful for planning the final task, for instance! Advice (and string!) will be available on the day.

Anyone who flies can enter - the microlight requirement is only for those who wish to by graded for the UK league.

But please register here -

Calendar - Scottish Skirmish 2013 (http://microlightcomps.org/index.php/calendar/details/13-scottish-skirmish-2013)

to help the organisers plan for the weekend.

We need to know, for instance, how many packed lunches to make.

The microlight comps website has some tips: Microlight Comps (http://microlightcomps.org/)

But why not just come along and have some fun!

There is free camping, no landing fees, and a fine BBQ on the Saturday night.

See you all here!

Piper.Classique
14th Jul 2013, 07:07
Sounds fun. But next weekend? The same invitation but with a bit more notice would have been good. Have you not got many entries, or what?

xrayalpha
14th Jul 2013, 22:43
We have quite a few entries, and it has been on the BMAA calendar since the start of the year.

But it has taken time to organise things so that LAA members can take part, for instance.

And I just thought it a good idea to spread the word using "new media".

And maybe a good idea to look at the forecast?

Or I could have just shut up and let people say afterwards: why didn''t you tell us?

Hoping you don't have a prior engagement.

Or if you do, you send us your best wishes and hope it is such a success it will be repeated in England and return to Scotland next year.

Piper.Classique
15th Jul 2013, 05:51
Well, yes, I do have a prior engagement. Like most people, I have commitments and need to plan weekends away in advance. I am not a BMAA member, and I don't recall seeing your competition in the FFPLUM calendar. I also live too far away to pop up for a weekend without a hard look at Mr Piggy.

So, yes, of course have a great time but please next time you think of inviting the rest of us use the new media in a timely manner. Because, honestly, a week is too short notice for me and probably many others, who need to budget their time and money.

And in return for your kind invitation, let me invite you to fly in to Chauvigny the first weekend in september where we are hosting a birthday party for G BPUL, 60 years young. Camping on site, or hotels in the town. PM if you are interested.

Crash one
15th Jul 2013, 09:56
Considering the UK unpredictable weather I think a weeks notice is good enough. I plan my flying on a "Whats the wx doing today" basis.
Anyway I would like to attend but currently in the process of persuading my AME that my heart is not about to stop & I am fit enough to kill at least one other, & the fact that the a/c permit is out & also may be renewed this week, things are looking iffy, but possible. Is it ok to just drop in to Strathaven on the Sunday? Could try the spot landing as I aint flown it since November.:O

PS; Don't forget LAA East of Scotland Strut Fly in & Barbie 17/18 August at Kingsmuir.

xrayalpha
16th Jul 2013, 07:52
PC,

Can fully understand you have a prior commitment at this notice.

However, I personally feel rather chuffed that we are achieving a few new things here at Strathaven - one being LAA members and their light aircraft aircraft being able to take part in a BMAA comp (as the headline says) and the other being the introduction of separate "grades" of competitor to encourage novices.

Yes, it has taken time. Perhaps it might have been best to do a traditional round, as always, and leave this until next year. But heck, weather forecast good and let's go for it!

Sorry we will miss you and apologies for not being able to make your "do". Will be filming for Grand Designs.

We have had 15 French aircraft through Strathaven this week and I now have a bunch of offers to visit France! Just no time.

Crash One,

Please, pop in any time.

There may be quite a bit of traffic south of Strathaven looking at the ground for "stuff"!

Here's hoping for better weather for the new EoS date than we had before.

We have the details in the clubhouse, so hopefully a good Strathaven contingent attending.

xrayalpha
18th Jul 2013, 18:02
Just to remind all:

Weather looking good for weekend
GPS is allowed in most groups
No requirement to turn engine off at any time.

19 aircraft registered.