Open Rat Race
Rules
| 4.8. |
OPEN RAT RACE |
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| 4.8.1.1. | A Rat Race is a simultaneous race between two control line models in heats and final races, similar to Team Racing, but with less restrictive requirements. The objective is to fly the set number of race laps in the least possible time. | |
| 4.8.1.2. | A team shall consist of a pilot, a mechanic and an assistant (if required). | |
| 4.8.2. | Model Specifications: | |
| 1. | Engine shall have a displacement of 2.51 – 6.6 cc. | |
| 2. | The undercarriage must be arranged to permit normal take-off and landing. It may be retractable during flight, but must return to its unretracted position before landing. | |
| 3. | Models shall be rigged for counter-clockwise flying. | |
| 4. | Models must R.O.G. | |
| 5. | Fuel shut-offs are mandatory. Pilots must be able to stop and land the model within ten laps, when required by the Contest Director. | |
| 6. | Model shall have a maximum weight of 1300 gm. | |
| 4.8.3. | Models shall pass a general safety inspection prior to each race or heat. | |
| 4.8.4. | 1. | The line length shall be 18.3 metres + 100 mm, – 0 mm. |
| 2. | The minimum line diameter shall be 0.455 mm (-0.011mm). | |
| 3. | Metal handles are mandatory. They must be of a size and shape that the pilot shall be able to change hands whilst flying. | |
| 4. | Single line control systems shall not be used. | |
| 5. | Model control mechanisms from the handle and including the model shall withstand a 35 g pull test which will be held for a minimum period of five seconds prior to each heat. | |
| 6. | Each entrant may have two models. Only one model may be used in each heat race. | |
| 4.8.5. | RACE SITES: A race site must consist of two concentric circles which shall be marked on the ground as follows:- | |
| a) | Circle to be used by mechanics is 22.1 m radius. This is called the flight circle and is divided into six equal 60 degree sectors, the limits of which define the starting and refuelling points. | |
| b) | Circle to be used by the pilot shall be 3 m radius. This is called the centre circle. The pilot shall be permitted to place one foot outside the centre circle after the mechanic has retrieved the model. | |
| 4.8.6. | 1. | Races shall consist of two 70 lap heats and two 140 lap finals. One refuelling stop is mandatory in each heat and two refuelling stops in the finals.The race ends when the number of laps completing the required distance has been covered by all the competing models or, when the official time limit has been reached, which is 10 minutes for heats and 15 minutes for finals. |
| 2. | The four teams who have recorded the fastest times from one of their two heats qualify for the finals. | |
| 3. | Each contestant must take part in at least one heat to qualify for the final but may participate in two. |
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| 4. | The first and second fastest teams in the heats fly in the first 140 lap final and the third and fourth fastest teams in the heats fly in the second 140 lap final. The fastest three times from the finals shall determine the placings. | |
| 4.8.7. | Procedure: | |
| 1. | All races shall be run with two fliers. | |
| 2. | The contestants have three minutes to appear at the competition circle after they are called to fly. The Contest Director may disqualify contestants who are late. | |
| 3. | A first signal given by the Contest Director authorises the mechanics to proceed with the warming up of the engine(s) during 90 seconds. A second signal announces the end of the warming up period and orders the mechanics to stop engines. | |
| 4. | A period of 30 seconds is allowed for the final preparations and the Contest Director announces the last five seconds by reverse counting. | |
| 5. | The starting signal is given by the Contest Director through a visual and a sound signal. | |
| 4.8.8. | Flying Regulations: | |
| 1. | All flying must be done between 2 and 6 metres altitude, except for passing. A warning shall be given for consistent violation. | |
| 2. | Passing shall be accomplished as quickly and as safely as possible. Warnings will be given for dangerous or high flying. | |
| 3. | The event director may at his discretion call for a re-start in the event of a collision. | |
| 4. | Engine starting devices shall not be allowed. | |
| 5. | Whipping is permitted but contestants will be warned for dangerous flying. | |
| 6. | Mechanics must not at any time enter the flight circle without the consent of the Contest Director, and then they must enter the flight circle radially to retrieve models. | |
| 7. | The wearing of safety helmets worn on the head with the chinstraps worn under the chin by mechanics is mandatory. | |
| 8. | After the mechanic has caught the model, he must pit the model at a vacant segment line. | |
| 9. | In the event of an accident or entanglement bringing down all models, a new heat shall be run. A contestant causing a deliberate collision shall be disqualified and the heat re-run. | |
| 10. | When a model is being pitted and the other model is landing, the landing model must clear the already grounded models lines. | |
| 4.8.9. | Scoring: | |
| 1. | Officials shall consist of a Contest Director and a time-keeper for each model in the heat or final. Each entrant shall have his time-keeper pointed out. | |
| 2. | Each model shall be timed from the starting signal until the completion of the required number of race laps. | |
| 4.8.10. | If, in the Contest Director’s opinion, a contestant with deliberate or malicious intent, conducts himself or performs any flight manoeuvre so as to endanger other pilots or team members, cause damage to other models or to flagrantly disregard any of the aforementioned rules (either pilot or crew member), such action will result in the disqualification of the team for the event. | |
| 4.8.11. | Warnings and Disqualifications: | |
| Warnings shall be given to the mechanics; a team receiving three warnings will be disqualified. | ||
| A team shall be warned for: | ||
| 1. | mechanics not pitting to segments; | |
| 2. | pilots not flying between specified height levels; | |
| 3. | dangerous flying; | |
| 4. | pilots leaving the centre circle; | |
| 5. | if during the start of a race or during a pit stop the model is not kept in contact with the ground or kept outside the flight circle or the handle and lines are not kept as close as possible to the ground. |
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| A team shall be disqualified: | ||
| 6. | if passing is done by flying under the slower model; | |
| 7. | if a member of the team or the model causes a collision; | |
| 8. | for any other flagrant breach of the Rules; | |
| 9. | for arguing with the Contest Director. | |
| 10. | Refer 4.8.2.5 failure to shut engine off and land the model within ten laps when directed by the CD. | |
| 11. | Refer 4.8.8.10. Landing model fails to clear lines of already grounded model. | |
