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RE: 4th Aerokart International Challenge

Paige — Fri, 24 Feb 2006 03:07:12 GMT

WindWorX (23/02/2006)

GOOD LUCK! To Nigel and Alison. I am pretty sure this thing is this weekend, and I wish you guys the best of luck!

Ditto that! Best of luck u 2. Kick *** take names

RE: 4th Aerokart International Challenge

WindWorX — Thu, 23 Feb 2006 12:02:28 GMT

GOOD LUCK! To Nigel and Alison. I am pretty sure this thing is this weekend, and I wish you guys the best of luck!

RE: 4th Aerokart International Challenge

Manu Ars — Tue, 17 Jan 2006 18:28:09 GMT

Hello

You will find hereafter the rules I have designed to run the indoor 4way FS at Aerokart (International Challenge held since 2003).

If you have participated in the previous editions, I'll just tell you that we have raised the technical level for both the 4way and the 3way events this year. The 4way program is based on the FAI (see further), the 3 way program was designed form the 4way blocks and randoms (it will be publish the day of the event).

We have succeeded in having the French Federation of Parachutism (FFP) to recognize this discipline as official. We are currently working to get to the next step : the official recognition by the CIP at the FAI. We would aslo like to establish a World Tour for indoor FS competitions. Anybody interseted can get in touch with me manu @ veloce.fr

For those who have not heard of me, I will introduce myself : Manu Ars, former French 8way member, co-owner (with World Champion Martial Ferre) of the Veloce skydiving school in Gap (coaching, FS, wingsuit, wind tunnel etc) and elected at the French national board to represent the professional schools.

Indoor Formation Skydiving Rules

2006

4 way

1 – General rules

The general rules follow the rules described by the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale for Formation Skydiving from airplane. It will be applied for any rule not described hereafter. In case of litigation, the decision will be made by the judges college.

2 – Rounds

The competition is run on 8 rounds.

3 – Sequences

Each round is judged on 15 formations following a sequence of 5 to 6 formations from the FAI program reduced as follow :

no block 1 - 8 - 13 - 20 / no random F - G - M.

4 – Training

Before sequence evaluation, each team has 60 seconds in freefall to train. Any overtime will be added as a penalty to the evaluation timing. During this training phase, no Star shall be presented since this formation marks the start of the competition sequence.

5 – Evaluation

Before the end of the 60 seconds of training, the team shall present a Star with solid grips. The evaluation timing will start at the release of the Star or at 3 seconds if the Star is held more than 3 seconds. The timing is calculated as the average of the judges timings.

Maximum timing is 60 seconds. Any timing over will count as 60 seconds.

If the last point (15^th) is not closed then the chrono is stopped at the « after-last » point (16^th) when the last point is abandonned.

6 – Penalties

Any penalty point will add 1/15^th to the time of the chrono.

Total timing shall not exceed 60 seconds.

7 – Prises non-visible

Non-visible grips (out of the video) are judged in favor of the competitors.

8 – Re-flight

In case of a « re-flight » (technical problems independant of the team’s responsability), there is no training sequence and the team has 5 seconds to present the starting Star.

8 – Standings

Teams are ranked by adding timings of all rounds, including penalties.

9 – Equipement

Light color gloves are compulsory for a clear judgment in the dark chamber of the tunnel.

3 way

Idem except :

3 – Sequences

Each round is judged on 12 formations following a sequence of 4 predefined formations that have to be built as described (fixed slots, no mirror).

6 – Penalties

Any penalty point will add 1/12^th to the time of the chrono.

5 – Evaluation

If the last point (12^th) is not closed then the chrono is stopped at the « after-last » point (13^th) when the last point is abandonned.

RE: 4th Aerokart International Challenge

freefalljenn — Tue, 13 Dec 2005 23:41:32 GMT

Who can say no to boobies flopping in the wind for charity!

RE: 4th Aerokart International Challenge

Paige — Tue, 13 Dec 2005 17:52:06 GMT

Next year Carrie is going to contact Hustler to see if they will match the total raised for TFTC 2006. They will also do a spread on us where we will get some hot shots on the ground and then fly at least topless (ugly pics I know but they have great touch up artists on staff).

Anything to save the boobies. We could have raised $10,000 this year if we had a sponsor to match our donations. We figure what's $5000 to Hustler.

We're also hitting up FPL (FL Power and Elec) to see if they will donate all of the tunnel time in 2006 since it would be great PR for them. We could then charge next to nothing for tunnel time and still raise tons of $$$$$.

Ah to dream...

RE: 4th Aerokart International Challenge

freefalljenn — Fri, 09 Dec 2005 17:12:27 GMT

Flying naked in the tunnel....now that would be a freeing experience. I don't think I would recommend it in the cold or rain. You know Paige, at some point, I am sure you can convince them to let you fly naked late at night. I did my first freefall naked (free jump, drunk when agreed to it, long story) and it was interesting.

RE: 4th Aerokart International Challenge

freefalljenn — Fri, 09 Dec 2005 17:00:33 GMT

I learned of tunnels soon after I started skydiving in '99. I admit, my first though was, "how hard can it be." I thought that if I could skydive, then I would have no problem tunnel flying. Everyone I knew that went to a tunnel kept saying how much fun it is and I kept thinking it was just a place to practice skydiving. BOY WAS I WRONG! The first time that I went to the tunnel in 2003, I was seriously humbled. I consider myself a decent belly flyer and the first time I got in there, I bounced off the walls for almost my entire session.

After that, I started taking it more seriously. Flying in the tunnel is MUCH more challenging than flying in the air. I have needed a coach to help me learn most everything that I can do in the tunnel. After my most recent tunnel trip in which I attempted to freefly in the tunnel, I have a new respect for those who have put in the hours of training to become awesome tunnel fliers; it is NOT easy. If only every skydiver could have the humbling experience that I did at the tunnel. But don't get me wrong, I can still smile and have fun while bouncing off the walls! I actually strongly prefer flying in the tunnel to skydiving.

RE: 4th Aerokart International Challenge

Bodyflight.net — Fri, 09 Dec 2005 16:58:31 GMT

I still feel that there is reluctance on the part of skydiving teams to take part in the wind tunnel competitions, this is a shame since they are great fun and a real challenge to perform well.

I was under the impression that these previous competitons were comprised entirely of skydiving teams... I don't think I've ever met a tunnel only person who does relative work well enough to BE competitive...except for one who is a former skydiver, (hope I didn't forget anyone) is this a different for you in Europe? Are there alot of tunnel only flyers in Europe/France or something?

RE: 4th Aerokart International Challenge

Paige — Fri, 09 Dec 2005 14:07:47 GMT

Another great post! Whooooo our posts are starting to resemble forums

I know what you mean w. 'what to do next'? When I fly a ton in a day by the end I'm beat and out of ideas for sure.

The confines of a tunnel increases the degree of difficulty when compared to flying formations in the sky. Which, in my opinion, makes formation bodyflying in a tunnel a new and challenging sport in it’s own right. Similar to sky diving but different!

I totally agree, walls add a new element and create different challenges. I can't wait to be more capable hd so I can compete somewhere, anywhere.

I would bet that the top skydiving teams are just too busy to add more to their schedule. It's hard to work to take all that time off from your job to train, travel, and pay for it all. All of my friends down here that compete are already full beyond belief as far as their schedule goes. I can't speak for anyone but myself, however I think there is more to it than the top teams just not wanting to participate.

I so hope that tunnel flying becomes a sport in its own right. It is so exciting, fresh, and fun! Not to mention a great work out. 5 of us flew an hour last night doing mostly 4 way stuff and I'm so sore today. I don't think of tunnel flying as simulated skydiving but unfortunately, I think most skydivers do. Tunnel flying is bodyflight, if I could fly naked all the time I would. I hate having a suit, I hate having clothes under my suit because it makes me feel the air and my body less. I simply love to fly my body, when I started jumping again after my accident & 15 hours of tunnel, freeflying was fun but I had this big lug on my back. An adjustment which wasn't a big deal but I would still rather not have one on.

I wish more skydivers would see tunnel flying as its own entity. I think more jumpers would enjoy the tunnel because they would have better experiences and less expectations of their sky skills transfering to the tunnel.

RE: 4th Aerokart International Challenge

Jalexp — Fri, 09 Dec 2005 11:13:38 GMT

I guess it's just a bit of a machismo thing..

"We jump out of planes and you float around in a tunnel a few feet from the ground" ..

The fact is that these are different sports entirely, One is for the rush of freefall and the spectacles of being so high up .. The other is for the sensation of flight which can be achieved in a much more cost effective and geared way in the tunnel. (I realise this is a generalisation .. But it's right, isn't it?)

I guess tunnel flying is a lot of different things to a lot of people, I like it cause it's something new and allows me to experience a totally new sensation, when I become a better flyer I will undoubtedly pick up some kind of competetive streak, cause you're right. It is a sport and thats what sport is all about. One football team trying to beat the other, one cricket team trying to score the most runs, etc ..

Competition is healthy if it's conducted in a sportsmanly way .. I see no reason why Tunnel Flying should be any different.

RE: 4th Aerokart International Challenge

FUBAR UK — Fri, 09 Dec 2005 09:22:18 GMT

I agree with you totally about flying being for fun. I also agree that we must support all flyers regardless of their skill levels. In fact it is so important that we always go out of our way to encourage new and up and coming flyers to enjoy the sport to the full.

We also love to fly with others for just fun and a bit of a Jolly. This is ok but has limited scope in the confines of the tunnel compared to playing about in the vast expanse of the sky. For us fun flights in a tunnel quickly become a bit “ok so what shall we do next”.

On the other hand we enjoy training for formation work and watching the top teams bash out points. The confines of a tunnel increases the degree of difficulty when compared to flying formations in the sky. Which, in my opinion, makes formation bodyflying in a tunnel a new and challenging sport in it’s own right. Similar to sky diving but different!

If bodyflying in vertical wind tunnels is to grow as a recognised sport in its own right I feel that it is important that the competitive side is encouraged. Of course it goes without saying that we must all enter into any competition in the true spirit of sportsmanship, doing hard battle and fighting it out point for point during the comp but without taking it too far. After all, even competitive flying is supposed to be fun.

In my world it is normal to wind the opposition up with a bit of banter and sarcasm. This is never personal but intended more as a motivating factor, aimed at encouraging teams to rise to a challenge. It’s all part of “The crack”.

I still feel that there is reluctance on the part of skydiving teams to take part in the wind tunnel competitions, this is a shame since they are great fun and a real challenge to perform well.

Yes I agree that it is not the same as the sky, it is very different. As far as not being “real competitions” I would suggest that they are worth trying out, all I can say is that the ones we took part in felt very real to us and that the top teams took them very seriously indeed.

We do not view this as simulated skydiving or as skydiving competitions but as the dawn of a new and exciting sport. A sport that anyone can take part in, including skydivers.

What do you think?

RE: 4th Aerokart International Challenge

Jalexp — Wed, 07 Dec 2005 11:21:34 GMT

Interesting points here ..

I think you are both right. The tunnel flying community is largely a very supportive bunch and it's all about helping each other out and making friends. This is a good thing!

I think on the other side of the coin .. This is still a sport, and there is always some degree of competition, wether you make it good competition, battling it out but still shaking hands afterwards regardless of who came out on top .. Is up to the person themselves.

You all seem like good sportsmen and women .. I don't think there is much to worry about.

RE: 4th Aerokart International Challenge

Paige — Tue, 06 Dec 2005 20:56:13 GMT

I think it should be about fun flying, not reputations or who beats who from what country. Everyone should be supportive of all flyers and their skills. Improving and doing things you've never done before (safely) should be everyone's goal. Each team should cheer for one another not talk trash.

Skydiver perspective: It's just a tunnel comp. Most of the good US teams prepare for Nationals and other 'real' competitions (not how I feel about tunnel comps but its what I hear from a lot of skydivers).

RE: 4th Aerokart International Challenge

FUBAR UK — Tue, 06 Dec 2005 20:29:55 GMT

I was sat here dreaming about the tunnel comps and thought how interesting it would be to get some USA teams over to Paris for the Aerokart challenge. Or even the daft thought of what it would be like if we got some USA teams to do Battle with the French and UK teams at the proposed Bedford Comps this year.

Then reality hit home!

No chance--- none of the top teams from these countries have got the guts to put their reputations on the line.

Then I thought to myself that that will not be a bad thing.

At least it gives us ruff arse flyers a chance to win some of the prizes on offer.

What do you think?

RE: 4th Aerokart International Challenge

FUBAR UK — Fri, 02 Dec 2005 17:54:16 GMT

Also put in some of the dates we are at Bedford so that anyone who wants to come and say hello knows we are there.

RE: 4th Aerokart International Challenge

Jalexp — Fri, 02 Dec 2005 11:50:53 GMT

If you can get some definate dates, send them in a PM (Click on a name and select Send Private Message) to either Cloudfall or I and we can put them up in the forum calender. :-)

EDIT: Looks like you beat me to it

RE: 4th Aerokart International Challenge

FUBAR UK — Thu, 01 Dec 2005 15:49:33 GMT

What a pitty you missed the last Aerokart comps. If you are into tunnels and can fly a bit of formation stuff then this comp is well worth a visit. In fact it's worth training for!

Looks like Bodyflighty are hoping to set up some comps this spring as well so at least that two events to put in the diary.

With Bodyflight also planning a league as well we could be in for a good year.

Nigel

RE: 4th Aerokart International Challenge

Bodyflight.net — Thu, 01 Dec 2005 13:32:27 GMT

Hi,

I've never heard about this before, I'm so disappointed too since it's the 4th one coming up! What a great thing for them to do... I wish more of us in the US had heard about this before. I'll be sure to put up a news story and a reminder on our Aerokart & Calendar page... then more US folks will know this time! I can certainly help support it that way!!!!

Can't wait to hear how it all works out! If someone who is going, would be kind enough to write about it formally, I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to have an article in our news section about how it went! Anywone interested?

RE: 4th Aerokart International Challenge

Jalexp — Thu, 01 Dec 2005 09:03:27 GMT

Good show Nigel and Alison!!

Come on teams, let's show these people what the UK can do!

We've got some awesome tunnelflyers in our country, let's show them what we're made of!

4th Aerokart International Challenge

FUBAR UK — Thu, 01 Dec 2005 07:14:22 GMT

4thAEROKART INTERNATIONAL INDOOR CHALLENGE

25^th & 26^th Febuary 2006

The 4^th International indoor challenge is due to be held at Aerokart –Paris at the end of Feb 2006.

Although we have not been given the exact format of this year’s event we presume that it will be held on the same lines as the previous events.

LAST YEAR 2005

Last years event was the 3^rd Aerokart International Indoor challenge. It took place during the last weekend of February and was once again an outstanding success, attracting teams from as far a-field as Canada and South Africa.

The high profile venue, the official recognition by the French Sporting Authorities of wind tunnel flying and the competition itself prompted the eager sponsorship by some top sporting manufacturers. Prizes were good, ranging from free and discounted canopies to free wind tunnel and go-karting time.

The basis of the event were two individual competitions running in parallel.

The first was the VR4 with the second the VR3.

VR4 is a full-blown four-way event. Entries ranged from National and professional teams, to multinational scratch teams.

The VR3 competition is a three-way event, specifically designed for less experienced teams and as a “stepping-stone” on the way upto four-way, as such the top 3 teams are normally “encouraged” to move upto four-way for future events.

I think it would be fair to say that the level of competence required to compete in either event was relatively high, although the spirit of the event is to encourage flyers of all levels.

Both the VR4 &VR3 are run on the same lines. Both events comprising of eight rounds, each round made up of a set 5-point sequence. Scoring is simply the time it takes to complete three repeats of this set 5-point sequence. Faults result in time penalties with a max time out of 60seconds. The sequences are contrived rather than drawn from a hat, which means that they include a goods balance of random’s and blocks, cleverly selected they produce some tremendous formation combinations.

The competition sequences are issued on the morning of the event and not before (as in previous years). This rightly prevented the practicing of sequences prior to the event and removed any advantage some teams have had previously by repeatedly practicing the formations in the tunnel prior to the competition.

Registration for all the teams was at 08:30hrs, then following a short bilingual introduction the event got under way.

Six out of the eight rounds were to be run on the Saturday with the remaining two rounds completed on the Sunday. This provided ample time to work out all the sequences, then sit back to soak in the atmosphere. Lunch on both days was a leisurely break with the type of buffet that only the French can provide. Again as you would expect with the French, battle re-commenced only after a respectable break to allow the proper time for “meal digestion” as they say. By around 19:00hrs the six rounds were completed and attention turned to the Go-Karting challenge. This fun section of the competition is provided free of charge as an integral part of the event. Although optional, most competitors took part and by the looks on their faces as they returned, eagerly clutching their time sheets, it was just as competitive as the formation flying!

It was then onto the evening meal and straight into the Saturday night party.

4thAEROKART INTERNATIONAL INDOOR CHALLENGE

25^th & 26^th Febuary 2006

The only British contingent last year comprised of a rather unusual team called FUBAR.

FUBAR is made up from two English AFF students Nigel & Alison Haslam and their instructor William. With only 20 jumps between them Nigel & Alison have become totally addicted to RW in the wind tunnel, opting to be trained indoors as opposed to following the more traditional sky diving route.

Team FUBAR is once again planning to compete in the 2006 Aerokart challenge.

With the dive pool including blocks and randoms Nigel say’s “This time we are totally out of our depth but we looking forward to a good fun event”.

He adds

“We don’t stand a chance and will probably get slaughtered but who cares. We will give it our best shot and see where we end up”

He also says “ In 2004 we won Protracks, in 2005 we won free PDF canopies—what a irony! We don’t jump at the moment --- anyone out there want to buy a cheap PDF canopy of their choice?”

THIS YEAR---THE GLOVES ARE OFF!

The Gauntlet is Down!

We now have two UK Wind tunnels, each of which have their own sponsored teams.

So come on Bedford, Airkix and the rest of you Skydivers, don’t let Alison and Nigel be the only UK entry again.

After all “It would be rather a poor show chaps” if the best we can send to represent the UK are two AFF Students with less than 20 jumps between them!

In past years the French have dominated this Sport, so don’t you think it would be good fun to challenge that domination?

Why not put some Brit’s on the Aerokart podium this year!

(I am sure that they are planning to put their teams on our UK Wind Tunnel podiums as soon as our indoor competitions start).

At last year’s competition it was said that the reason some teams did not enter the comp was that they did not have the guts to perform in front of an audience!

Personally I find that type of comment offensive and am sure you do too! After all if Nigel & Alison are prepared to have a go then surely our experienced teams should rise to the challenge. ------Brits with no Balls!----NEVER!

What do you think?

Lets give Nigel & Alison a helping hand this year and show the French what the best British skydivers can do. Please please please don’t leave it upto Nigel & Ali, they will try there best but need the support of good experienced teams!

For further details contact Aerokart or give Nigel a call on 07831879809.