On Jan 25, 7:44*pm, Kevin Christner wrote:
Would likely be declared on a high wind day, especially if downwind
launches became necessary. *This would highly favor the motor crowd,
especially penetrating upwind.

On Jan 25, 7:40*pm, "Matt Herron Jr." wrote:

On Jan 24, 3:59*pm, AK wrote:

Nationals can now declare a “No ballast” day without all pilots
agreeing.

A motor glider or a heavy glider will have a considerable advantage
especially on a good day if this rule is not modified.

Here is an example, imagine Diana 2 (420 lb empty with instruments)
competing with ASG-29 15 m (620 lb empty with instruments). A no
water
day was called.

Wing loading for each glider in a typical configuration (180 lb pilot
weight)

Diana 2 – 6.45 lb/sq foot.
ASG-29 15 m – 8.08 lb/sq foot

Wouldn't a "No ballast" day be declared on a weak day, thereby hurting
the high wing loading birds rather than giving them an advantage?

Matt

Diana 2 pilot does not have a chance. This glider needs some water to
fly at the same wing loading as other heavier gliders. There are more
examples I could give but I think my point is clear.

Please put a restriction on wing loading for those days when no tow
pilot wants to tow a fully loaded glider rather than declaring a “No
ballast day”.

The intention of this rules was good no one wants to lose a day, but
please don't create losers.

AK

Exactly that is my point! High density altitude also comes to mind as
a reason for “No ballast” day.

Different glider/pilot/engine configurations on such a day can create
winners and losers.

The wing loading differences for different pilot/glider/engine
configuration can easily be as high as 1.5-2 lb/sq foot. That is not a
small number when flying at Nationals.

For now I have no chances to be at the top of the pack at Nationals so
this rule will not affect me greatly however any unfairness is wrong
and I will simply not participate in a contest where this rule could
be applied.

AK