Sprint Tasks

Sprint tasks are designed for pilots that are new to cross-country and task flying. Tasks are typically around 20km in length which is about an hour of flying for top pilots, or possibly two hours of flying for newer pilots. The format for the tasks will generally be an elapsed time start with a launch-open time. This means that once pilots are allowed to launch they can start flying the course whenver they want to.

Scoring will ignore all time points and reward pilots solely for flying the greatest length along the course. Unlike traditional XC competitions, this means several or all pilots could be awarded 1000 points for the day provided they all make it to goal. This will reinforce the idea to pilots that making it to goal is the primary factor and getting there quickly is only an ancillary goal. I believe this will promote more thoughtful, conservative and safe flying as well as establish excellent habits for all future cross-country flights by Sprint league pilots.

Sprint league events are currently set as one day events when they do not coincide with XC league events. If the majority of pilots want two day events I will consider updating this policy. Sprint league events are sometimes run separately from XC league events because the XC league flies at sites that are not suitable for newer students. By keeping the event at Marshall or other moderate sites it keeps events stress free.

Be sure to read up on the league rules before your first event.

What to Bring

• Glider, harness, reserve, helmet, etc
• GPS that you know how to use and a data cable. If you don't know how to use your GPS consider attending an XC Task Clinic
• Pilots should have the waypoints loaded into their GPS in advance if possible. This saves time at the event for more important things.
• HAM radio and cell phone
• Spare batteries, make sure to charge all instruments
• Signed waiver if it is your first meet
• pen and paper
• Cash: $5 cash for the Sprint fee, money for the day use fee of the site, and $5-10 for a ride up to launch.
• water, sunscreen, sunglasses, snacks, etc

Typical Itinerary

• All times are flexible and dependent upon the weather and site. Make sure you are subscribed to the forum to get all the updates. I also post updates on the Twitter feed which can be seen on the home page
• 9AM: If we are doing an XC Task Clinic we will be starting at 9AM, if you are skipping the task clinic then skip to the next item
• Noon: Meet at the LZ. Most of the flying we'll be doing will be later in the day so we won't be charging up to launch super early.
• 1PM: Shuttle to launch
• 2PM: Launch and fly task
• 4PM: Start checking in at the LZ and hand off your GPS to get the task scored

March 15th Sprint Sign-up