Speedfest
is an exciting, high-speed aircraft design competition which is
intended to foster enthusiasm for aviation, and unmanned aircraft
design. There are two flight classes: Alpha Class is the Advanced class which
is for collegiate-level teams. India Class is the Invitational class.
It is open to high-school level teams and teams with similar
skill level, on an invitational
basis. The
top 3 teams in each class will be recognized with awards. The
winners of each class will be awarded the Speedfest
Cup.
Teams
will need to purchase a 4-Channel (or more) transmitter and receiver.
(Teachers who participate in theSpeedfest Takeoff eventwill be
eligible to receive a transmitter grant for their school)
Design Constraints
Teams may make any airframe
redesign, modifications, and substitutions to improve performance,
subject to restrictions as follows:
Aircraft must use only electric propulsion
Any LiPo battery of 4 or less cells (4S) is acceptable as long as capacity is no more than 1550 mah
All skin surfaces of modified class must be water-resistant foam board with the exception of control surfaces. Control surfaces may be a more rigid material such as wood, or composite. Tape, paint, mylar or other thin coverings
may be used over the foam skins if desired.
Longitudinal Center of Gravity (CG) must be no farther aft of the
leading edge of the root of the wing, than 1/4 of the average wing
chord.
The
plane will need to balance no further aft than there to demonstrate
compliance with the cg requirement. Recommendations for tail
sizing will be placed in Competition Suggestions for India
Class Teams
Flight
Procedures and Scoring
Aircraft
will be flown in multi-plane heats.
Planes
will be launched from a line abreast configuration. A sample 3-plane heat is shown below.
Aircraft handlers and pilots are to arm their aircraft with the arming shunt after they reach their starting location.
Airplanes will be hand-launch using an overhand or underhand toss.
The Starter
will call
"ready" at which time the pilots may apply full throttle.
Timer starts when the Starters flag drops. If a team launches early, that team will DQ.
Laps are performed in left-handed ovals as indicated in the
figure below. Planes do not need to fly around a flag, they
just must pass a turn line in space. If
wind conditions force takeoff to the north the first turn will be to the right.
Pilots must fly the pattern beyond the fence line which is
approximately 120 feet away from where they will be standing.
Repeated breaking of the fence line will result in a DQ. Pilots
should practice flying this distance away so they are familiar with it
on Event Day.
Each
team will provide two flight crew members to serve as turn
indicators, and will stand next to the Cut Judges. When a
plane crosses the turn line, they will signal their caller by
raising
a flag. Crew flaggers must not raise a flag prior to the
airplane
crossing the turn line, or it will be considered a "cut" resulting in a
DQ. This is the most common reason for a DQ.
Cut Judges will use
a
sighting guide to
determine when a plane has passed a turn line, and if a flag has been
raised early, or if a plane has "cut" the turn. If a cut
occurs,
the judge will identify the number of the offending team, and
indicate a disqualification (DQ) for that
flight attempt by raising a flag. If a plane is DQ'ed, the
pilot should land as
soon as possible. A DQ results in no points being awarded for
that heat, which will affect a team's overall score.
Teams
must bring their own "flags." The "flags" must be a board
such as plascore or foam posterboard with the team number on both
sides. The numbers must be as large as practical, but at least 20
inches tall. The
numbers as well as at least the boundary of the flag, must be in the
high visibility color assigned to the team (see below).
Flaggers will hold the signs with
both hands
and promptly raise the sign over their head as their plane crosses the
line. It is important that the signs are as legible as
possible
from 300 ft. away. The signs will be used by the caller to
call
turns, as well as by the judges to award a point.
Score:
Scoring is
based on distance traveled (flags) within two minutes,
on a course with 2 turn markers spaced 400ft. apart. One
point is
awarded for each turn line reached (including the first).
Awards:
The
Speedfest organizers will present 10 India Class awards. Criteria shown in parentheses:
Speedfest Cup: (The top # (TBD) Flag scores for the day
will be eligible to fly in the final heat to compete for the Speedfest
Cup.
Winner of the Cup will be the winner of the final heat. No other
rankings are awards are given for the Cup heat.)
Speedfest Flag awards (Based on the best single
score for the day)
1st
Place
2nd
Place
3rd
Place
Top placing New Speedfest Team (Single flag score for school that has not competed before)
Best Airplane Build (Quality of overall build,
attention to detail, innovative design features)
Best Airplane Graphics (Design and quality of
covering and / or paint scheme)
Best Helmet (Helmet graphics)
Team Spirit (Judged on sportsmanship, spirit,
integrity)
There will
also be a Speedfest Educator of the Year award presented by the NASA
Oklahoma Space Grant Consortium. The award will consist of $300
of STEM aerospace-related supplies, and a polo shirt.
Tiebreakers:
In
case of a tie for Speedfest Flag award, the higher Promotional Video Score will decide placement.
Safety Requirements
Safety
must be the number one priority of all contest participants. The
Speedfest organizers have gone to great lengths to keep the event safe
for participants and spectators. Please carefully note the
following: Safety notice:
Electric-powered aircraft have different safety concerns than
the IC engined airplanes used in past Speedfest competitions.
Competitors should take great care in handling or working with the
airplanes since it is possible for the motor to spin up to full speed
instantly when a battery is connected. This can be due to an
electronic speed controller (ESC) malfunction, or improper attention to
detail when connecting the battery or transmitter. Always keep
face, hands, fingers, and tools clear of, and behind the propeller
whenever a battery is connected. At Speedfest, all aircraft
handlers are required to wear safety cut-resistant gloves (see below)
and eye protection when handling aircraft. Teams are also
encouraged to do this also when they are working on their airplanes at
home.
Contestants are expected to conduct themselves, and operate
their aircraft in accordance to the AMA Safety Code. (the following
link contains all AMA documents including the Safety Code: http://www.modelaircraft.org/documents.aspx)
Every
person beyond the spectator line (including officials), must
wear a helmet approved by OSHA, DOT, ANSI, SNELL,NOCSAE or other
recognized organization that certifies safety equipment.
There is
a very wide variety of helmets that meet these criteria including;
skateboarding helmets, bicycle helmets,
construction hard-hats,
etc.
Any flight
crew member involved with starting the aircraft motor at any time
(flightline or
pits), or holding the airplane, must wear official safety glasses and
gloves (level-5 cut-resistant gloves are required
example).
Teams
must make sure that people are standing clear of the plane of the
propeller in case of a blade failure. The safest
location is
behind the propeller. All individuals must be behind the
plane of
the propeller when running up the motor.
Flight
Crew: Required minimum flight crew is 4 members
(Pilot, Caller, and 2 Flagmen). Flight crew must verify current
AMA
membership at the event. Student membership in AMA is $15. AMA
can assist with membership costs in the case of hardships by
contacting: education@modelaircraft.org. Also Speedfest organizor
may be able to assist teams with this cost upon request. Typical
flight crew
functions
include:
Pilot
Caller:
Stands by the pilot to call turns.
Crew Flagmen: (2). Stand near turn marker judges to indicate turn line
passage
When a team
is called for a flight, only flight crew may enter the field
beyond the spectator area.
All aircraft
to be flown must go through an airworthiness inspection outlined below.
Teams must conduct test flights only
at an AMA-sanctioned airfield. There are sanctioned clubs
throughout the state. The AMA mentor can assist with
access
to a sanctioned flying site. Additionally, teams may go to
the AMA club locator site to find one.
For
teams not familiar with AMA contest airworthiness inspections, it is
recommended that an experienced RC pilot or AMA Contest Director assist
the team with an airworthiness inspection prior to travelling to the
Speedfest in order to reduce the chances of a delay requiring repairs
or modifications.
All team
members must be committed to the AMA safety code
when designing, building, and flying, unmanned aircraft.
Motors must not be started in the teams pit area. There will
be designated areas for runup and testing.
Proof of flight must be demonstrated prior to 9 AM on
contest day, or the team will not be allowed to compete.
Pilots
Speedfest is
not an event
appropriate for novice pilots. Teams should use
experienced
pilots
with a record of safety.
Contest organizers will provide a pilot upon request.
Teams may not however request a specific pilot.
Pilot instructions:
Safety must the primary responsibility of every pilot.
If
there is some aspect of the airplane that the pilot deems unsafe, he
must ensure the team takes corrective action before flight.
Pilots
must follow the instructions of the safety officer during flight.
If
instructed to abort, or even sacrifice the airplane for safety, the
pilot must do so immediately without question.
Pilots
must never allow the airplane to cross a line defined by the West edge
of the runway. If the line is crossed, power must be cut
immediately, and a turn made away from the spectators.
Pilots
will be instructed how far to the east to fly patterns in order to
maintain safe distances from the spectators. India class uses
a
275 ft. setback from the spectator line.
General
Aircraft Requirements
Propeller
Only propellers
designed for electric-powered aircraft are allowed. Note that
running the motor continuously with a prop larger than 9 inches in
diameter, will cause the motor to degrade and eventually burn
out..
Radio
Gear: Only
2.4 GHz spread
spectrum radios will be allowed. A standard radio range check
should be conducted at the Speedfest airfield by the mentor or teacher,
who will then verify pass, to the technical inspection judges.
Covering and Visibility: High
visibility is important for the team flaggers as well as for the judges
to be able to award points. Inability for judges to identify planes in the air has been a cause for loss in points.
Each team will be assigned a
high-visibility "neon" color along with a team number. At least
the outer
6 inches of the wing tips (top and bottom), as well as the entire
vertical tail must be this color, and uninterrupted by any other
graphics or numbering. Permanent Adhesive Vinyl sheets or colored
waterproof duct tape are good choices for this. The
remaining parts of the airplane are up to the discretion of the teams,
but teams must design schemes that make them
distinct from a distance . Some examples are shown below.
Team
Numbering Each
team will mark their airplane with their team number which will be
assigned by the Speedfest organizers. Each airplane must be
numbered on the port wing (left side as viewed from sitting in the
cockpit) top AND bottom of the wing. Numbers must be as large as
possible. The numbers must not be on the outer 6 inches of the
wing tips or on the vertical tail. The numbers are used in the
pit area and by judges as the teams enter the field in order to
identify teams.
Preflight
Airworthiness Inspection of Aircraft Prior
to
competition, all aircraft shall undergo a safety inspection.
Safety inspections will be conducted on a first come, first
served basis. Teams are encouraged to go through safety inspections on
the Friday afternoon of Speedfest so as to not miss any flight
opportunities.
The overall quality of construction must be considered safe and
airworthy.
Safety inspectors will be checking the following:
Batteries must be strapped or otherwise mechanically held in
place. Tape is not acceptable. Velcro is only acceptable if
it completely straps around the battery and mechanically secures to
structure.
Aircraft
must have a safety arming shunt that disconnects the propulsion battery and is easily accessible and always visible from the
outside of the airplane .
This example of an arming shunt
or arming switch is commercially available, although they can also be
made. It is recommended that XT60 connectors be used instead of
Deans connectors which have a higher rate of failure.
Push/pull
rods or cables and control horns, shall be installed in
such a way that they will not become disconnected in flight. Clevises
must have a "keeper mechanism" such as a locking clevis or fuel tubing. Adjustable control linkages that use
set screws or friction are not acceptable.
Control
surfaces shall be firm on the hinge line without excessive play.
Servos shall
be mounted securely with little play.
Any servo wire extensions used must have connections secured
with a servo lead lock (electrical tape or shrink wrap is permitted).
All screws
holding the motor to the mount and the mount to the firewall shall be secure.
Check that transmitter used has a fail-safe set to throttle cut-off, and can indicate voltage low condition.
Wings, if
removable, shall be securely attached to the fuselage by some
mechanical means such as bolts.
The aircraft
shall be structurally sound as well as free of structural
damage which may
compromise safety.
Range check verification with mentor or teacher
Team
Flags and safety gear will be checked
Proof
of prior flight. Teams must demonstrate proof of prior
flight.
This may be done using pictures or video evidence. Proof of
flight must be demonstrated prior to 9 AM on contest day, or the team
will not be allowed to compete.
Repairs: Any
aircraft that has been damaged after a safety inspection or has a known
history of problems shall not be permitted to fly until it has been
satisfactorily repaired and re-inspected. Materials used for repair may
come from any source.
Confirmation of class
rules:
Judges will also confirm that all aircraft entered comply with the
Design Constraints. This will include inspection and
measurements of the airframe and motor for compliance. Contest-Day
Information
Teams are encouraged to have multiple
batteries.Electric power will be
provided for charging only, but teams must be also able to charge using DC power
(a car battery, or a portable 12v battery or power pack such as this.Generators
are not allowed) in case electrical power is interrupted or at full
capacity with other teams charging. The charger provided to the
India teams may be powered by AC or DC.
Each
team will be provided at least 3 flight attempt
opportunities. Maximum number of flight attempts depends on
several factors, but our objective will be 8 rounds. The best
score of
all attempts will be
retained.
Speedfest
objectives and scoring have been designed to minimize the effect of
weather conditions. Expect competition to continue unless
winds
are
above 30 mph sustained with cross, or if there is continuous rain.
If all teams are not provided with 3 flight attempt
opportunities, the rain date will be used.
Speedfest is
a competition between teams.
There are no restrictions on repairs,
spare parts, replacement aircraft, etc. Repaired and
replacement
planes must still
conform to the rules for a particular class. If an aircraft
is
damaged to an extent that airworthiness may be questioned, and is to be
re-flown, the airplane must go through the airworthiness inspection
again. Also, if a replacement plane is used, it
must also go through the airworthiness inspection.
Teams
may request a Speedfest Pilot at the event, however, they may not
request a specific pilot. This is to make sure that heats may
be
scheduled efficiently, and without concern about which teams cannot fly
in the same heat. For teams that require a Speedfest pilot at
the
event, pilots will be assigned on a rotation.
Mandatory
Items to bring:
Current
AMA membership cards for flight crews
Proof of flight
Helmets, safety glasses, gloves, and flags, for
Flight Crew
listed above.
Registration
During
the designated time on the day of the event, flight crews must
register. Speedfest officials will then provide each with a
flight line pass. Registration consists of the following:
Flight
crews must each show proof of current AMA membership
Flight
Crews, advisors, and mentors should report with their airplane to have
a team photo taken.
Flight Sequence
Teams will
be called based on the scheduled heats. Teams should be aware
of where they are in the heat schedule.
When
teams are
called,
they will need to go to the hangar, and have a battery AND transmitter voltage check. Failure of the voltage
check
will result in DQ for that round.
Teams will then move to the queue boxes which will be labeled 1-4,
corresponding to the starting sequence on the runway.
Only
teams that are called to the flight line may pass the spectator line
and enter the course. They must wear the appropriate safety
gear.
When called to the flightline, teams must identify their
plane and
flags to the judges table so the flag counting judges can identify the
planes.
A two minute countdown timer will begin when teams are
called to the flight line. Within that time, teams must get
to
their starting location on the runway, and arm their
airplane.
When time expires, the flightline judge will clear the runway of
starters and spotters. If a team’s
airplane is not running at that time, they must immediately leave the
runway with the airplane and all flight gear. When the runway
is clear, the flightline judge will
immediately start the heat. When time expires, teams have two
minutes to land and clear the runway.
Speedfest
Team
Promotional Video Award
All India class teams are required to create a Team
Promotional
Video. Videos can
promote: their team, airplane, school,
Speedfest, or any
combination of these in an entertaining and informative way.
The videos can be as simple as an introduction to the team
taken with a smart phone camera, to as complicated as a fully edited
promotional music video.
Guidelines:
Videos may
be no more than 2 minutes in length total. .
May
not refer to specific competitors teams in a negative light.
May
not contain material considered to be obscene by professional standards.
Royalty-free
music is preferred.
Teams should test their videos on YouTube well in
advance of the deadline, so that they are
not removed or muted due to copyrighted music.
Videos not meeting all guidelines will not be eligible for
voting.
Teams
will send the YouTube link to their videos to SpeedfestAero email
address no later than 7pm CST Monday, April 24,
and the winner will be
chosen by "Likes". There are no restrictions on who
may
vote. Votes will be accumulated from until
Speedfest contest day. The penalty
for a team not submitting the link to their video by the deadline, is
loss of their best heat score on contest day. Eligibility
Team
members (other than pilots and mentors), must be students of the
institution, or otherwise pre-approved by the contest director.
Each team must have an advisor who is a teacher or other
approved representative from the institution.
Each
team must have a mentor who is an AMA member and familiar with the
building and operation of remote control airplanes. The team advisor
can also be the mentor. Mentors should be
positive, patient individuals, supportive and willing to help the
students learn. They should not lead the team or build the plane. Students must build the plane. The mentor need-not be
the contest pilot. A contest pilot will be provided if requested.
A
team should have a minimum of 4 student members, and a maximum of 7
student members. An institution may enter multiple teams upon
request if the maximum of 7 would be exceeded.
Entry Request Teams that would like to be considered for an invitation to compete in Speedfest should do the following: The
team advisor (not the mentor) shall send
an email with the following information:
-
Academic
institution name
- Team Advisor name
- Team Advisor email
- Team Mentor name
- Team Mentor email - Number of teams requested - Number of students per team
In
the Subject line
of
your email write: “India Class Speedfest Invitation Request, (Institution
Name), (date)”
Subject line example:
India Class Speedfest Entry Request, SHS Lancers, 21Sept2022 Send
entries to:
A limited number of teams can be invited to compete in Speedfest based on time and facilities limitations.
Deadlines
Teams
may enter at any time.
Rules
are subject to change until September
30. After this date, rules become final.
Promotional Video due no later than 7pm on Monday April 24.
Penalty for late or missing video is loss of best heat score.
Contest Site
Speedfest
is held at the
Unmanned
Aircraft Flight Station (UAFS) in Stillwater, Oklahoma.
GPS
Location:
lat=36.1632229 lon=-96.836514
Stillwater
Oklahoma is approximately 75 miles from two major airports: Tulsa
International Airport in Tulsa, OK, and Will Rogers Airport
in
Oklahoma City, OK.
Airfield Directions:
From all
directions, the best way to get to the UAFS is to drive to the
intersection of Hwy 51 (E 6th st.) and N. Clay Road (bulls-eye
in map below). Then take
Clay road north approximately 3.2 miles. The UAFS is just
north
of the intersection of N. Clay Rd. and E. Airport Rd.
Speedfest Takeoff Event The
NASA OKSG will be hosting a Speedfest India Class 2022-2023 “Take Off”
educator event on Saturday, September 24th from 9AM to 5PM at the NASA
OKSG STEM Engagement Center (SEC) on the OSU campus. This is a FREE
event for educators who have already entered a middle school/high
school team into this year’s Speedfest. During this event,
participating educators will learn the rules/requirements for Speedfest
2023, EACH build their own plane using the plane kit new for 2023, get
a sneak peak into one of the NASA OKSG Speedfest Curriculum lessons,
and practice using the flight simulator software with the toggle for
your remote controller. Those educators who participate in the “Take
Off” event in its entirety, will have the opportunity to apply for
grants which will provide their team with a transmitter/receiver and a
joystick/RC airplane simulator software and will receive access to the
Speedfest Curriculum. Lunch will be provided. Registration is
first-come, first-serve to the first 24 completed registrations. A
registration link for this event is below:
