On Sat, 16 Aug 2014 15:43:48 -0700 (PDT), gliderpilotGR
wrote:

Hello,

I would be grateful for advice on organising a Spot Landing Competion.
things like scoring / penalties, use of ground markers or "fences". Ideally someone might offer a complete set of contest rules.

Local glider community is interested in a time management / spot landing competition event as a way of stirring up interest and maintaining spectator appeal. I have been tasked to write national level rules to make this happen.

My own preference, in the interest of realism and educational value would be towards setting up simulated fences on the approach and the far end and scoring for a touchdown in relation to the approach fence. However, I am concerned that this may lead to dangerously slow / full brake approaches and heavy landings, either during the event or as bad habits passed on. Objectively penalising such techniques is difficult.

The other alternative is to measure in relation to ground markers only, but I wonder how much space should be marked and how much to penalise each metre / foot beyond the target. IMO, final resting place should not affect results as it encourages wheelbrake use.

I am aware that there are a few suggestion in a 1999 thread, but would appreciate fresh practical advice.
It is likely that Grob 103 Twin IIs will be the main type used. Some single seaters would certainly have an advantage. I suspect one may even work out a handicap system !


Rules we are using since at least 30 years for our annual spot landing
competition:

- Draw a very visible line on the runway - this is the touchdown
point. It is usually necessary to use some additional markers to
enhance the visibility of this line

- draw 10 lines 10 meters apart behind that line
- draw 5 lines 2 meters apart in front of that line


Here in Germany we teach that only a tail-wheel-first landing is a
good landing. Hence, the touchdown of the glider is defined by the
first ground contact of the main wheel.

- One point penalty for each meter behind the touchdown point
- Ten points penalty for each meter in front of the touchdown point

- We are using a jury that judges each landing and assigns penalties
if the landing is considered sub-standard.

- 2 competition classes: Student pilots and licensed pilots.



Works extremely well, and so far we have not found that single-seaters
offer any advantage over the bigger ships.



Best regards from Germany
Andreas