Welcome to Torrey Pines GullsFAI F5J RC Electric Powered Thermal Duration Gliders
FAI F5J is an international competition where pilots fly in rounds against each other for timed thermal duration flights with target landings. The aircraft are typically large high-performance 3-4m wingspan model aircraft of composite construction. For the purpose of this contest the models are launched with electric power with devices on board that limit the time of the motor run to a short duration, prohibiting the motor to be used again during the remainder of the flight. These same devices log the altitude associated with motor shutoff, providing a bonus for lower altitudes. Thus the competition is to see who can launch, identify a thermal, and use that at the lowest altitude possible while still making a specific thermal duration time and then landing on a target.
Contest Format
Given FAI F5J is an international competition class, we fly by the rules provided by the Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI).
In addition, several of our events are associated with the US F5J Tour series which has its own additional rule modifications including a lack of flyoffs to end each contest.
Our F5J contests have at least four rounds of flying. Format and tasks are announced in advance of each contest via TPG Google Groups and RC Group contest thread. The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) also offers rules for altitude limited electric sailplanes (463 ALES) competitions and F5J competitions (464 F5J) in the AMA Competition Regulations.
We choose to adhere to the rules associated with the US F5J Tour.
How to Participate
Everyone is welcome to come watch. You will need a current AMA membership to participate. A TPG membership gets you a discount on the entry fee. Don’t be discouraged if you are not flying the latest and greatest super ship. As long as it is safe to fly and is equipped with a motor cutoff and altitude logging device, come out and have fun!
Entry is $5 per class for TPG members. For non-members it is $10 for the first class and $5 for each additional class. For some larger regional F5J events these registration prices may change.
Event registration and payment will be through F3X Vault, with pilots self-entering scores on their phones. Entry will generally close one day before the contest. Registration details for each event will be provided in advance on our Discord server and Google Group.
Contest Location
We hold our F5J contests at the Poway Flight Center. Our ongoing use of these properties is totally dependent on being good guests. Please respect the rules and make safe flying your number one priority. Pilot’s meetings are generally at 8:45am and the event usually wraps up around 1:00pm.