1 Preamble
This document is released by the Race Committee. It contains vital information regarding the Red Bull Air Race World Championship "Qualification".
Complete list of all Regulations:
- Part A Sporting Regulations
- Part B Race Track and Race Airport
- Part C Locations
- Part D Qualification
- Part E Technical Regulations
2 Technical Definitions
The following terms are defined to achieve a common understanding:
2.1 Mass
Race Aircraft Empty Mass is the mass of the Race Aircraft totally empty except for 10 quarts of engine oil. Race Pilot mass is the mass of the Race Pilot including parachute, helmet and all mandatory Race apparel within this document.
2.2 Race Mass
The Race Mass is the mass of the Race Aircraft excluding the pilot parachute and the helmet but includes:
- TCC (Telemetry and Camera Control Box)
- Race fuel
- Smoke oil
- Spare air system
plus other Race Specific Equipment as required by Red Bull Air Race GmbH.
2.3 Units
The following units will be used in general throughout the Technical Regulations unless specifically defined otherwise:
Altitude: feet
Distance: meters
Force: Newtons
Fuel: litres
Mass: kilogram(kg)/ lbs
Pressure: bar/ psi
Speed: knots
Temperature: Degrees Celsius
3 General
In order to take part at a Red Bull Air Race Event a Race Aircraft has to be licensed by the Race Committee. The Technical Director and Research and Development Manager will inspect each Race Aircraft and will make a recommendation to the Race Committee that a license may be issued. This license will be carried in the Race Aircraft all times when operated during an Event. The Technical Director is responsible for performing aircraft inspections at the individual Events.
3.1 Airworthiness
The Race Committee will exclude a Race Aircraft whose airworthiness or maintenance status is deemed to be unairworthy at any time during an Event.
3.2 Certification
The Race Aircraft shall have a valid airworthiness certificate issued by the Civil or Federal Aviation Authority of that country’s registration; including an annual or annual condition inspection, whichever is appropriate. Only certificates of countries that are members of the ICAO are accepted.
3.3 Transition Period
All Race Aircraft that enter the Red Bull Air Race World Championship shall fully comply with these Regulations.
4 Flight Performance
4.1 Load Distribution Limits
The load distribution limits have to be defined by the manufacturer under attention of stability (static stability analysis, pitch and yaw stability / moments) and structural limits. All Race Aircraft must have manufacturer defined centre of gravity limits and shall be operated within these limits at all times during the Event. All systems that shift the Centre of Gravity during flight intentionally are not allowed.
4.2 Mass limits
All mass limits will have a tolerance of 1 % to allow for scale differences between each manufacturer and Red Bull Air Race calibrated scales. Race Aircraft empty mass shall not be less than 540 kgs / 1190 lbs. If the empty mass of the Race Aircraft is less than 540 Kgs / 1190 lbs the manufacturer must include in his design a safe location to carry ballast. Minimum allowable Race Mass may change due to fuel carried as selected by the Race Director at each location.
An example of minimum Race Mass at a race (requiring 50 litres of fuel) would be as follows:
| ITEM |
MASS (kg) | Mass (lbs) |
| Aircraft empty mass | 540 kg | 1190 lbs |
| 50 litres of fuel | 36 kg | 79 lbs |
| 7,5 litres smoke oil | 6 kg | 13 lbs |
| Telemetry, cameras and camera control systems | 10 kg | 22 lbs |
| Spare air system | 6 kg | 13 lbs |
| Total minimum race mass | 598 kg | 1317 lbs |
Race Aircraft may be called to the weighing station at each location without prior notice. Any Race Aircraft with a Race Mass less than the declared minimum will be reported to the Race Committee for action to be taken.
4.3 Stalling Speed
The stalling speed of the Race Aircraft may not exceed 61knots (CAS) at the maximum allowable race mass. For the definition of the stalling speed, the rules in FAR 23.49 apply.
4.4 Never Exceed Speed (VNE)
All Race Aircraft must have a speed limit that may never be exceeded. This will be defined by the aircraft manufacturer.
4.5 Take-off performance
The required take-off distance at the minimum defined Race Mass may not exceed 500m. For the definition of take-off distance, the rules in FAR 23.53 apply.
4.6 Landing
The required landing distance at the minimum allowable Race Mass may not exceed 500 m. For the definition of landing distance, the rules in FAR 23.75 apply. No means other than wheel-brakes are allowed to stop the Race Aircraft.
5 Structure
5.1 Limit manoeuvring load factors
The Race Aircraft shall be designed and permitted to operate at a load factor of at least +/- 12 g at the maximum allowable Race Mass with a safety margin of:
- Unless otherwise noted a minimum of: 1.5
- Wing, empennage and control surface attachment structure a minimum of: 1.5
- Fuel tank attachment and pressure rupture a minimum of: 1.5
- Seat belt and seat attachment structure a minimum of: 2.0
5.2 Roll-over structure
Protection for the Race Pilot, other than the vertical fin, shall be provided in the Event of the Race Aircraft becoming inverted. This additional structure may be either fore or aft of the cockpit. The roll-over structure shall be designed to withstand a point load of at least two times the minimum defined Race Take Off Mass. The point load is applied at the top of the roll-over structure in a vertical direction and pointing down. In case the roll over structure is made from metal tubes, the proof of this will be done either by structural testing or appropriate calculations.
5.3 Cockpit structure
Any materials that may splinter in case of an incident shall be avoided inside the cockpit area (i.e. carbon fibre, wood, etc). To avoid splintering a maximum of two plies Kevlar fibre will be used in the cockpit structure, especially in the area of the Race Pilot's extremities. Race Aircraft manufactured of steel tube should be padded with at least 2 cm of appropriate fire resistant materials where possible.
5.4 Engine mounting
A visual inspection shall be made of the engine mount for cracking and distortion. The Engine attachment ears must be the machined, milled type, no cast engine ears may be used.
5.5 Pylon Impact Case
Reasonable load assumptions shall be made for a Pylon impact with the wing, vertical tail or main landing gear. These load assumptions will be included in the design process of those parts by the manufacturer. The spade fittings shall be designed in a way, that in case a spade breaks due to a Pylon hit, the aileron linkage does not fail. For safety reasons the installation of a spade / aileron linkage cutter and a rudder cutter on the vertical fin has to be established.
6 Design and Construction
6.1 Configuration
Race Aircraft competing in the Red-Bull Air Race World Championship shall be an aircraft utilising a single-engine, driving a propeller, in a conventional configured layout. Conventional configuration is defined as follows: Propeller at the front end of the Race Aircraft followed by a fixed symmetrical aerofoil wing and a horizontal and vertical tail. Additional lifting surfaces are not allowed.
6.2 Payload
The Race Aircraft shall be designed to accommodate the Race Specific Equipment as described in Section 9.7.6.
6.3 Wing-Span
The wing span shall be between 7 and 9 m including wingtips.
6.4 Flight Control System (Primary and Secondary) and Engine Control Systems
The primary flight control system shall be mechanically operated. Electric, hydraulic or other systems that are connected to the mechanically links and assist the Race Pilot in moving the primary controls are not allowed. Electric trim within the secondary flight control system will be allowed if the system is designed and approved by the aircraft manufacturer (kit - builder). Any electrically operated engine control must have a mechanical back up in case of aircraft electrical failure.
6.5 Auto Pilots
Auto pilots of any kind are not allowed. Systems that provide race flight path information, prediction and/or assist the Race Pilot in following the race flight path are forbidden.
6.6 Landing Gear
The Race Aircraft shall be equipped with a fixed landing-gear. Retractable landing gears are not allowed. The landing gear shall be equipped with wheels. The wheels and tyres shall be large enough to operate safely on unpaved runways. The minimum wheel size shall be 5 and the minimum tyre size shall be 500 x 5.00 / with 6 ply, only heavy duty brake discs shall be used with a minimum disc thickness of 0.250 no inner wheel brake disc's shall be used. Wheel pants shall have a ground clearance of 1 with tyre inflated. Wheel brakes are required. Skis, floats or others are forbidden.
6.7 Cockpit
The cockpit must be designed so that the Race Pilot may leave it easily and quickly in case of an emergency, even if the Race Aircraft crashed on water and is fully submerged. From a normal seating position, all seat belts fastened and whilst wearing mandatory race apparel, the respective Race Pilot shall be able to demonstrate exiting the cockpit within 10 seconds. A pressurised cockpit is not allowed. The cockpit must have means of opening from the outside in case of an emergency. A release marking with minimum dimensions of 5 cm by 10 cm describing release procedures shall be provided on both sides of the Race Aircraft exterior close to the canopy in a contrasting colour to the Race Aircraft.
6.8 Seat
The Race Pilot seat shall be designed in a way that the Race Pilot is sitting in the cockpit in an upright position in order to provide sufficient outside front view and side view for the Race Pilot. The Race Pilot lying on his back, front or side is prohibited. Therefore the seat recline angle shall be greater than 30°. This angle is measured between the thrust line and the backrest of the seat.
6.9 Disassembly/ Reassembly
The disassembly and reassembly of the Race Aircraft for transport to and from the race location shall be performed by a licensed aircraft A&P/ EASA technician or equivalent. The technician will confirm proper reassembly according to the guidelines of the manufacturer and this shall be signed in the aircraft log book. Before entry to Red Bull Air Race World Championship the Technical Director will inspect aircraft log books and aircraft. After the installation of the Race Specific Equipment a handover between the supplier (Skymedia, TDA and Riedel) and Race Team must be established to pass the responsibility to the dedicated Race Team. The documentation mentioned above has to be submitted to the Technical Director. Once this inspection has been successfully passed, the Race Aircraft is cleared to be operated in that current Red Bull Air Race World Championship Event.
6.10 Pre-Race Inspection Procedures
All Race Aircraft must be in compliance with the maintenance requirements of the country of registration (FAA Annual condition inspection or EASA Annual inspection), this will include all manufacturers special requirements. This shall be done by a licensed aircraft A&P/ EASA technician or equivalent. The technician also has to confirm that he has carried out the inspections.
6.11 Bird Strike Protection
Special attention has to be paid to the air intake screen: All Race Aircraft must be fitted with an intake screen of a maximum mesh width of 10 mm. An alternate air intake system shall be fitted. It must supply the engine with air, to run at not less than 18 inches of manifold pressure with the main air intake closed. Alternate air must be taken from an angle not less than 90° to the longitudinal axis of the Race Aircraft. No increase in air pressure shall be obtained from the alternate air system. Each Race Pilot shall wear a helmet when operating the Race Aircraft during the Event. Also for bird strike protection it is highly recommended that a visor shall be worn at all times.
7 Powerplant
7.1 General
Engines for the Red Bull Air Race World Championship: Race Aircraft will be equipped with a piston engines with six cylinders or less; with no more than a 10:1 compression ratio. The engines fitted to the Race Aircraft competing in the series must be equipped with two magnetos. Electronic ignition is not allowed. An alternator capable of supplying power to operate the Race Aircraft systems and charge the battery must be installed. All engines will have cylinders fitted with Bore, Stroke and Displacement, as per the engine Type Certificate Data sheet of the 540 engine:
540 Cylinder Bore 5.125, Stroke 4.375, Displacement 541.5 cu in, Max Bore 0.010 Oversize
The engine manufacturer must show compliance with 5 hours of operation on the engine test cell and provide the results. Other engine overhaul facilities may be considered by the Race Committee, if they can provide evidence of a proven history of reliability, safety and hold FAA / EASA approval to carry out engine overhauls. Red Bull Air Race GmbH will carry out an audit of the facility, applying for Red Bull Air Race World Championship approval. This approval can be revoked by the Race Committee any time.
7.2 Engine Intake air
Other than engine sump breather gases and fuel for the normal purpose of combustion in the engine, the spraying of any substance into the engine intake air is forbidden.
7.3 Starting the engine
All Race Aircraft shall be equipped with a starter motor and battery to allow the Race Pilot to start the engine independently. In addition ground power may be used for starting.
7.4 Fuel
The only fuel to be used will be supplied by the Red Bull Air Race GmbH. This fuel will be:
Aviation Gasoline 100LL according to ASTM D 910
Additives are forbidden, testing for fuel additives will be carried out at random. Fuelling has to be accomplished in accordance with Regulations Part B "Race Track and Race Airport".
7.5 Minimum Fuel
All Race Aircraft shall carry the minimum fuel as briefed by the Race Director for the current Event or the current Flying Session. The main aerobatic fuel tank shall hold a minimum of 50 litres. Race Aircraft shall not be equipped with any means of fuel dumping whilst flying.
7.6 Fuel Cooling
The use of any device to decrease the temperature of the fuel below ambient temperature is forbidden.
7.7 Fuel Burning
Only the ambient air may be used as oxidiser to burn the fuel. Turbo or supercharging the engine is not allowed.
7.8 Fuel Sampling
Race Teams shall ensure that a one litre sample of fuel may be taken from the Race Aircraft at any time during the Event. This sample will be taken from a special port located after the pump and filter in the fuel system or directly from the fuel tank.
7.9 Inverted fuel and oil system
The Race Aircraft shall be equipped with an inverted fuel and oil system capable of sustaining inverted flight for a minimum of 30 sec. at full power. The only inverted oil system approved for use is the Inverted Christen system.
8 Additional Technical Specifications
8.1 Propeller
The propeller and its governor must comply with the overhaul times as per the manufacturer's requirements.
8.2 Harness
Each Race Aircraft must be equipped with a seven points or equivalent harness. The only harness approved for use is the "Hooker Harness" ratchet system.
8.3 Spare air
Each Race Aircraft shall be equipped with spare air when flying Events over water. The mask shall be located in a position easily accessible within the cockpit. For safety reasons and to supply the Race Pilot in case of an incident with sufficient breathing air for at least five minutes the spare air bottle shall be no less than 0.5 litres.
8.4 Radio and transponder
Each Race Aircraft shall be equipped with a radio and a Mode S capable transponder in working condition. It is the responsibility of the Race Team to ensure that the biannual inspection of the transponder system has been carried out. Antennas for the radio and transponder shall be mounted on the outside of the Race Aircraft at all times and full functionality shall be ensured.
8.5 EFIS
An Electronic Flight Information System (EFIS) will be supplied and programmed by Red Bull Air Race GmbH and shall be installed by the Race Teams in the Race Aircraft cockpit at a location approved by the manufacturer. It is the responsibility of each dedicated Race Team to make sure that the system is serviceable. The assistance and supervision of the involved parties (Skymedia and TDA) can be utilized by the Race Teams for installation and for trouble shooting. Any fault of the EFIS that has been caused by unauthorised manipulation will be
brought forward to the Race Committee and might attract sanctions according to Red Bull Air Race Regulation Part A "Sporting Regulations".
8.6 G-Meter
A calibrated, max/ min recording G meter will be supplied by Red Bull Air Race and shall be installed by the Race Teams in the Race Aircraft cockpit, at a location approved by the manufacturer. It is the responsibility of each dedicated Race Team to make sure that the system is serviceable. The assistance and supervision of the involved parties (Skymedia, TDA and Riedel) can be utilised by the Race Teams for installation and for trouble shooting. The installed G-Meter will then be sealed and may be exchanged at any time by Red Bull Air Race GmbH. If the main calibrated G-Meter fails during the flight, the secondary G-Meter system within the ÉFIS will be used to obtain information about any excess of G load. Any fault of the G-Meter that has been caused by unauthorised manipulation will be brought forward to the Race Committee and might attract sanctions according to Red Bull Air Race Regulation Part A "Sporting Regulations".
8.7 Smoke system
Each Race Aircraft must be equipped with a smoke system in working condition that will achieve a flow rate of not less than 2.5 litres per min. in order to allow smoke production for at least three minutes. The Race Pilot shall be able to turn the smoke system on and off from inside the cockpit during flight. If the smoke system is adjustable from inside the cockpit the minimum flow shall never be less than 2.5 litres per min. The smoke system must be based on injecting oil into the exhaust. The only smoke oil to be used will be supplied by Red Bull Air Race GmbH. Smoke systems based on powder or pyrotechnics are not allowed. The smoke oil tank shall be made from stiff material. Free floating bladder tanks are forbidden.
8.8 Parachute
Each Race Pilot shall wear a parachute when operating the Race Aircraft during the entire Event. The parachute shall be a certified rescue parachute, currently packed and shall not be expired.
8.9 Helmet
Each Race Pilot shall wear a helmet when operating the Race Aircraft during the Event. Also for bird strike protection it is highly recommended that a visor shall be worn at all times.
8.10 Anti G-Suit System
Testing and evaluation of an Anti G - Suit System is in progress. Implementation into the Red Bull Air Race World Championship is to be decided by the Race Committee.
8.11 Race Specific Equipment
8.11.1 General
The Race Specific Equipment and wiring will be provided and installed by Red Bull Air Race GmbH. It is the responsibility of the Race Teams to fit the equipment in accordance with the drawings and documentation supplied. The supervision of the involved parties (Skymedia, TDA and Riedel) can be used at any time. For trouble shooting reasons the integration of the mentioned parties above should be initiated by Race Teams as well. The Race Teams shall allow access of the suppliers to their Race Aircraft in accordance with the Event schedule e.g. for the listed installation, testing and maintenance work:
- Frequency change
- Downloading of data
- Lens cleaning
- Camera adjustment
- Tape and Battery change
8.11.2 Video Cameras
The Race Aircraft shall be designed to accommodate two cockpit and two outboard cameras with fairings. The size and mass range of the cameras are defined in section 10. In addition to that, required cable ducts shall be permanently installed inside the Race Aircraft. Types and location are also stated in section 10 of this document.
8.11.3 Telemetry and Camera Control (TCC) Box
The Race Aircraft shall be designed to accommodate the Telemetry and Camera Control (TCC) Box. The TCC Box will be provided by Red Bull Air Race. The size of the TTC Box is defined in section 10. The mass and drag of the TCC Box shall be the same for all Race Aircraft.
8.11.4 Antennas
For telemetry, camera downlink and the GPS receiver, several antennas need to be installed on the Race Aircraft. The antennas will be provided by Red Bull Air Race GmbH. Their size and locations are specified in section 9. An Electric Magnetic Interference (EMI) check will be performed after installation. The mass and drag of the antennas shall be the same for all Race Aircraft. Antennas supplied by Red Bull Air Race GmbH shall be fitted to the exterior of the Race Aircraft. Fairings to cover the antennas are prohibited.
8.12 Race Number
Any Race Pilot entering the Red Bull Air Race World Championship shall select a race number between 4 and 99 that is not currently allocated. Single digit numbers can be used with or without a "0" (zero) in front. The then selected race number shall be kept by the respective Race Pilot for the duration of that Race Pilots participation within the Red Bull Air Race World Championship independent of the actual Championship result from the previous season. Each Race Aircraft shall display the race number and the flag of the Race Pilot's home nation on each side of the fuselage or vertical stabilizer and on the lower surface of the right wing and the upper surface of the left wing. Stickers with the race number will be distributed by Red Bull Air Race GmbH. Size and shape of the race numbers shall be conformal to the released branding of the dedicated Race Aircraft by the Red Bull Air Race Marketing Department.
9 Acceptable means of compliance
9.1 Compliance with the Regulations
Race Aircraft shall be in compliance with these Regulations at all times during an Event. Should a Race Team feel that any aspect of these Regulations is unclear clarification may be sought from Race Committee. If clarification relates to any new design or system, correspondence shall include:
- A full description of the design or system;
- Drawings or diagrams as appropriate;
- The Race Team's opinion concerning the immediate implications on other parts of the Race Aircraft related to proposed new design;
- The Race Team's opinion concerning any possible long term consequence or new developments which may come from using any such new designs or systems;
- The precise way or suggested ways in which the Race Team believes the new design or system will enhance the performance of the Race Aircraft
Other than that, it is highly recommended that a Race Team and manufacturer, whilst designing a potential future Race Aircraft, maintains close contact with the Race Committee. Red Bull Air Race GmbH will sign a non-disclosure agreement for all information it obtains during this process, if requested.
9.2 Compliance
It is the duty of the Race Team to satisfy the Technical Director that their Race Aircraft complies with these Regulations in their entirety at all times during an Event. The design of the Race Aircraft, its components and systems shall, with the exception of safety features, demonstrate their compliance with these Regulations by means of physical inspection.
9.3 Non Compliance
Failure to comply with the Technical Regulations will attract sanctions as outlined in Regulations Part A "Sporting Regulations" including exclusion from participating in an Event. In special cases an exception to these Technical Regulations can be given by the Director Aviation.
9.4 Tolerances
All tolerances must be within the manufacturer defined limitations (Pilot Operating Handbook (POH), maintenance documentation etc.).
9.5 Initial Compliance
Every Race Aircraft shall demonstrate compliance with these Part E "Technical Regulations". This initial compliance shall be demonstrated by a detailed technical investigation in theory and practice as well as by means of performance demonstration flights. Details and depth of the technical investigation will be at the discretion of the Race Committee. In the course of that all necessary data will be collected that serve as reference for the inspections and evaluations carried out throughout the season.
As part of the initial proof of compliance, new Race Aircraft designs will be required to perform an initial performance demonstration which will include but is not limited to:
Demonstration flights at competitive speeds in configurations to include:
- Max allowable race mass and forward CG limit
- Max allowable race mass and aft CG limit
Demonstrate stall, landing, and take-off requirements at:
- Max allowable race mass and forward CG limit
- Max allowable race mass and aft CG limit
Demonstrate the ability of the Race Pilot to exit the Race Aircraft within the 10 sec time requirement.
The Director Aviation, the Race Director as well as the Technical Director shall be present during these demonstrations and may inspect any aspects of the Race Aircraft necessary. They also have the right to request any additional flight maneuvers they deem necessary to ensure acceptable flight characteristics.
9.6 Modifications
Modifications that are made to the Race Aircraft during the course of the Red Bull Air Race World Championship and that affect compliance with these Technical Regulations shall be announced by the respective Race Team to the Race Committee.
Type certified aircraft:
Any modifications carried out that deviate from the type certificate data sheet must be approved by either:
- The manufacturer
- Form 8110-3 or 337
- EASA Form one
- STC (Supplementary Type Certificate)
- EASA or FAR approved part 21 design organisation.
All modifications must be approved by the Authority of the registration for the Race Aircraft and certified by an appropriately licensed technician in the aircraft log book. Modifications classed as minor may be installed and certified by an appropriately licensed technician. The Race Committee may ask for a copy of the modification approval at any time.
Experimental / amateur built aircraft:
Before embodiment the modification will be passed to the Race Committee, who with the co-operation of the aircraft manufacturer, Technical Director and Research and Development Manager will determine whether the modification is a major or minor change. All minor modifications will be approved by a waiver issued by the Technical Director and/ or Research and Development Manager and certified by an appropriately licensed technician in the aircraft log book.
All major modifications will be approved by either:
- the Manufacturer
- Form 8110-3 or 337
- EASA Form one
- STC (Supplementary Type Certificate)
- EASA or FAR approved part 21 design organisation.
The modification documentation may be sent to the Technical Director and the Research and Development Manager who with the cooperation of the manufacturer or EASA part 21 design organisation will decide if the modification is suitable for installation onto the Race Aircraft. If suitable the major modification will be approved by a waiver issued by the Technical Director and Research and Development Manager and certified by an appropriately licensed technician in the aircraft log book.
Modifications to improve safety when designed on behalf of the Race Committee, by the Race Teams and or by the manufacturer may be implemented during the Red Bull Air Race World Championship season at any time. The introduction of the safety modifications can be implemented after the approval by the Race Committee.
9.7 Initial Race Scrutinising
After shipping, reassembly and mounting of the Race Specific Equipment in the Race Aircraft, technical scrutinising shall be performed with all participating Race Aircraft. This may include but is not limited to the following points:
9.7.1 General
- Identification of the Race Aircraft according to the data plate.
- Visual inspection of the Race Aircraft for prohibited installations, prohibited systems or deemed dangerous designs.
9.7.2 Fuselage
- Identification of the fuselage by means of the data plate (Serial number).
9.7.3 Wing
- Identification of the wing by means of the data plate (Serial Number).
- Measurement of the wing span.
9.7.4 Engine
- Removing the engine cowling and visual inspection for prohibited installations, prohibited systems or prohibited modifications.
- Identification of the engine by means of the data plate (Serial Number).
9.7.5 Propeller
- Identification of the propeller by means of the data plate (Serial Number).
9.7.6 Race Specific Equipment
- Correct and plausible function of the data acquisition system
- Verification of the telemetry link
- Setting and proper function of the cameras mounted onto the Race Aircraft
9.8 Pre-Race inspections
Before the start of each Flying Session, with the Race Aircraft already refuelled, the following inspections shall be performed with all participating Race Aircraft:
Radio, transponder and race specific equipment (e.g. data acquisition, telemetry cameras) shall work properly. All required safety equipment shall be present (harness, helmet, parachute, spare air).
9.9 Monitoring of Limits during the Flying Sessions
In order to validate that each Race Aircraft is being operated within mandatory limits during the Flying Session, the following parameters shall be available by means of encrypted telemetry and / or on board data recording:
- GPS Time
- Position (latitude, longitude, altitude MSL) of the Race Aircraft in the WGS84 Datum
- Angles of roll, pitch and yaw
- Angular velocity in pitch, roll and yaw
- Accelerations in all three body fixed axis directions
- Static pressure
- Total pressure or the resulting dynamic pressure as measured at the Race Aircraft ports
- Video images from the cameras (e.g. cockpit, wing, tail) mounted
The above mentioned data will be sampled with at least 10Hz and will be stored and/or transmitted with a corrected UTC time stamp for each data set.
9.10 Post-race Inspections
In the Parc Fermé, immediately after the final Flying Session of an Event, the following inspections shall be performed at the "Top three ranked" Race Aircraft as well as one randomly chosen Race Aircraft ranked lower than third place:
- Visual inspection of the cockpit for prohibited installations or systems.
- A fuel sample has to be drained at the defined port located after the pump and filter in the fuel system or directly from the fuel tank. This sample will be checked for density and contents.
- Check the amount of remaining fuel.
- Check and record max. and min. G-load read out.
9.11 Spot checks
Spot checks for compliance can be randomly accomplished with every Race Aircraft during the entire Event, with or without suspicion of non-compliance. These inspections will be accomplished by the Technical Director and/ or the Technical Steward.
9.12 Verification of technical problems
If a Race Aircraft returns with a technical problem to the airport during any of the Flying Sessions, it shall be taxied to the Parc Fermé after landing. If the Race Aircraft is unable to be taxied it shall be pushed or towed to the Parc Fermé. The Pilot shall remain seated in the Race Aircraft, except if his or her life is at risk, due to fire or other hazards. Only the Technical Director, the Technical Steward, the Director Aviation, the FAI Delegate and an Engineer or Technician from the respective Race Team is allowed to enter the Parc Fermé. Before verification of the Technical Problems, the procedures as described in section 9.10 have to be performed. After the verification of the Technical Problem, the Technical Director will report the findings to the Director Aviation.
10 Payload
10.1 Telemetry and Camera Control Box
Image A.2.1. (below) indicates the Telemetry and Camera Control (TCC) Box that shall be carried by each participating Race Aircraft.
Dimensions and mass of TCC Box: Height: 18 cm; Width: 25 cm; Length: 41 cm; Mass Range: 8-10 kg
Mounting Location: The TCC Box is mounted on the luggage rack behind the Race Pilot and shall be easily accessible (see Image A.2.2).
Image A.2.3. (below) indicates a raw base plate for the TCC Box. The edges may be shaped according to the shape of the fuselage. The plate shall be integrated into the Race Aircraft's luggage rack. Fittings and the connecting structure shall be sized in order to hold the box during a 20g front impact.
10.2 Cameras
Image A.2.4. (below) indicates possible camera locations (marked in red). Each location will be able to accommodate a cylindrically shaped camera with a maximum diameter of 2 cm and a length of 10 cm. Not necessarily all Race Aircraft will carry real cameras at all locations. In order to assure fairness, dummies of equal size and mass will be installed instead.
10.3 Antennas
Image A.2.4. (below) indicates potential antenna locations (marked in blue). One antenna will be fitted at each location. At those locations it should be possible to drill holes into the skin of the Race Aircraft in order to mount the antennas and let the wires go through.
10.4 Cable Ducts
It shall be easily possible to connect each camera and antenna with the TCC Box. Therefore cable ducts shall be permanently installed within the Race Aircraft where possible. The cable ducts should have a minimum inside diameter of 15mm and a radius of curvature of 300mm. Furthermore it shall be possible for the telemetry system to access the static and dynamic pressure ports of the Race Aircraft.
Image A.2.4: TCC Box (yellow), Cameras (red) and Antennas (blue) location.
(More detailed information is available through Research and Development Aviation Manager)
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