Notes by Webmaster, Peter Kelly
4-1-08

Background:
These VSA Web pages are maintained by me. I attempt to publish material that I believe the members would like to see on the web pages, including material that the Officers of the VSA Board direct me to publish.

Regarding the VSA Race Series, a Contest Director (CD) is identified before the start of each soaring season. The role of the CD has not been defined in this VSA Race Series, but through inference, his duties and responsibilities are expected by all to be equivalent to that of a CD in a Regional Competition. There are no other contest officials identified.

The Operator of the Gliderport (FBO), Williams Soaring Center, awards a prize to the winner, and has a voice on what is contained in the rules for this race series. VSA Race Series has Valley Soaring Association (VSA) as part of the name, but in past years the President of the VSA has not been asked to concur on the existing rules. There are several subject areas that have been discussed on the Forum as if they were rules, but are not – for one reason of another explicitly included in the existing rules.

In my opinion, there is one thing that has been talked about as though it is part of the rules, but is not specifically stated. I am suggesting that the following reflects many of the comments stated and inferred on the Forum. A few specific excerpts are also included, as a reminder to all.

“The Contest Director (CD) of the VSA Race Series will use the current Regional Rules as the basis for the scoring. The Regional Rules will be used as a guideline for all matters regarding safety and pilot responsibility. Visit http://www.ssa.org/ to see the current version of Soaring Society of America publication - “U.S. Regional FAI-Class Competition Rules”.”

A few selected excerpts of the 2008 Regional Rules:

6.3.3.6
(Motorgliders) Except for self-launch, any use of the power unit ends competition flying for the day.

9.3
Judgments affecting flight safety are the sole responsibility of the pilot in command. This includes (though is not limited to) any decision to fly into weather, over rough terrain or hazardous areas, and the evaluation of the safety of any potential landing site.

12.2.5.1
Unsafe operation (including all phases of flight and ground operation) (Rule 10.9.1.4, Rule 10.9.4.4): maximum penalty = disqualification.

A12.2.5.1
Unsafe operation is obviously a general term intended to cover all cases. Since safety is paramount, any such case deserves close attention and, in general, a penalty sufficient to ensure that all pilots are deterred from repeating the violation.