Contests

Torrey Pines Gulls (TPG) hosts a variety of contests throughout the year with something happening every few weeks. Our club focuses on thermal soaring. This is where the airplane has no motor, propeller or engine to provide thrust during flight (it may use a motor for the initial launch). Instead, the glider glides through the air like a bird, using rising warm air (thermals) to stay aloft. The challenge is finding the thermals and staying in them. Here are the main styles of contests that our club flies.

F3L / F3RES Thermal Duration

This is a type of RC gliding where the aircraft is controlled by Rudder, Elevator and Spoiler only. No other controlled surfaces are allowed and no motors are allowed either. The gliders are launched by a long bungee cord, called a hi-start. Mostly wood construction and simple rules aim to make it relatively cheap and easy to build and fly an F3L plane. The goal for each round of the contest is to fly for 6 minutes and have a precision landing. This is a great event to start out with as a beginner!

AMA Thermal Duration

AMA Thermal Duration is a type of RC gliding where the aircraft is launched via a strong motorized winch. The wingspan and number of control surfaces is unlimited, however the glider’s weight is limited to 5kg. The goal for each round of the contest is to fly for 10 minutes and have a precision landing.

F3K / Discus Launch Glider (DLG)

This is a type of RC gliding where the airplane is launched into the air by hand, using a spinning discus type throw. Most of these airplanes are advanced designs with carbon fiber construction. Contests are composed of multiple timed rounds with different tasks assigned to each round.

Slope Combat

Slope combat combines RC soaring with a safe and fun competition using cheap foam flying wings in aerial combat. Pilots must use their skill of slope soaring to gain potential energy and then dive to knock an opponent’s plane out of the sky.

F5J Thermal Duration

These aircraft are typically large high-performance 3-4m wingspan model aircraft of composite construction. Gliders are launched with a short duration motor run. The contest is composed of multiple rounds with the goal of each round being 10 minutes of flight and a precision landing.

F5J Foamy Fun Fly

This is a more casual version of the above F5J contest. Most gliders constructed from foam or wood are welcome. The airplanes are launched with a short duration motor run. The goal for each round of the contest is to fly for 7 minutes and get a precision landing. Another great beginner’s event!