Please join IAC-35 for the 2024 Keene Fall Classic Aerobatic contest!
This contest caters to those who may wish to dip their toe into aerobatic competition but who may not be ready to devote an entire weekend to a contest. We also invite seasoned competitors at any level to enjoy a short format contest. The way our contest works is this: we fly exactly one competition flight: the current year's Sportsman Known. Competitors who normally fly in the higher categories are subjected to a handicap based on their usual competitive category. The handicap is assessed in the form of boundary penalties and/or interruptions within the JaSper scoring program. We believe that this levels the playing field for our competitors and offers an opportunity for newcomers to snag a piece of wood and bragging rights vs. our more experienced competitors. The short format allows us to get in and out within a day: no overnight arrangements required.
The handicaps are as follows:
1. Intermediate Pilots: 75 points
2. Advanced Pilots: 120 points
3. Unlimited Pilots: 150 points
Please note that this contest does not count toward the Regional Series because of its format.
For handicapping the higher category pilots start with negative points. We assume that they bring the Extra's, G202's, etc. that they normally fly. The handicap system lets our friends in the rental Decathlon(s) see something of a level playing
The purpose of the handicap system is to prevent higher category pilots who chose to fly the contest from running away with the trophies. By leveling the playing field we believe that new/Sportsman pilots have just as much of a chance to earn a piece of wood as the more experienced folks.
The pilots who fly this contest have not historically been looking to use it to gain an advantage in the Regional Series. I would dare say they mostly don’t care in this context. Instead they come out and enjoy the opportunity to fly.
