Rules and technical requirements
Before a competition, study the rulebook for your class carefully. Each class (F1A, F1B, F1C, F1D, P-30, HLG, etc.) has strict requirements for minimum weight, maximum wingspan, wing area, power type and DT mechanism. Exceeding even one parameter results in disqualification at technical inspection.
Pay special attention to DT timer requirements – in most classes it is mandatory and must activate within the maximum round time plus a safety margin. Check whether the rules require specific model markings (FAI number, national flag, contest number).
Model preparation
A week before the contest, inspect the model: check the covering against the light (cracks, lifting edges), test the DT mechanism at least 10 times, inspect the rubber motor or the electronic timer battery. Tighten all screw connections, check the rubber hook and control linkage condition.
Weigh the model and compare with the rulebook requirements – minimum weight must be met with covering and timer but without the rubber motor (in F1B class). If the model is underweight, add ballast to the nose while monitoring the CG. Make several test flights in conditions similar to the contest – confirm that trim, CG and timer all work correctly.
Equipment and supplies
Prepare a complete field kit: a toolbox (knife, CA glue, tape, sandpaper, spare timer pins), spare rubber motors or batteries, rubber lubricant, a stopwatch, binoculars for tracking the model in the air, and a wind meter (even a simple handheld anemometer).
Do not forget personal items: sunscreen, a hat, comfortable walking shoes for the field, water and food. Bring a folding chair – rounds can last all day. If the rules call for towing (F1A), check the towline and handle condition and prepare a spare set.
Documents and registration
To enter a competition you need a current sporting licence issued by the Polish Aeroclub (or the relevant national organisation) and modeller's liability insurance. For international contests an FAI Sporting Licence number is required, obtained through the national federation.
The model must be marked according to the rules – usually with the owner's name, licence number or FAI ID and national flag. Before travelling, check the registration deadline (often several days before the contest) and confirm your attendance with the organiser.
Competition day
On the day of the contest, arrive early – you need time for registration, technical inspection and scouting the field. In the morning, thermal conditions are usually weak, which gives a chance for calm test flights and timer calibration for current conditions (temperature affects fuse burn rate).
Before the first round, check wind direction and speed, assess thermal conditions (watch birds, cumulus clouds, chimney smoke). Prepare the model for launch in advance – wind the rubber, set the timer, mount the wing. Do not be caught off guard by the round start signal.
Round tactics
In free-flight competitions the ability to read thermals is crucial. Watch other contestants' models, bird flight and grass movement on the field. Thermals form cyclically, in bubbles rising from heated surfaces every 3–8 minutes. Do not launch immediately when the window opens – wait for signs of lift.
At the same time, do not wait too long – if the round window is 5 minutes and your model flies a maximum of 3 minutes, you must launch by the 2nd minute of the window at the latest. Count the time and plan your strategy. In fly-offs the round time is shortened, so maximise launch height and seek the strongest thermal. Remember: it is better to score a solid result than to risk a zero by waiting too long.