Gliding -- update on Vaal Triathlon from Gert Nieuwoudt

VAAL THERMAL SOARING TRIATHLON
DATE: Sunday 20th November 2005

You are invited to participate in the final HTL event for this year. The event will be hosted at a new field (see directions below). Pilots briefing will be 9H30 to start at 10H00 sharp. This event is not to be missed. If you do not have a team, please let us know and we will slot you in. Entries close on Friday 18th November 16H00. Enter via MGASA database or e-mail to gnieuwoudt@telkomsa.net or Telephone 0824610027 Provide the following info: Team name, Pilot name, class, frequency, (Alt. frequency), SAMAA Nr. If you have a Gazebo I would advise you to bring it along as we usually have some rain showers this time of year. Also bring some anti-mozzie/bug dope.

Rules

1. Only pilots with valid SAMAA membership cards presented at the event may enter.

2. The Triathlon Rules and MGA Rule book apply.

3. Teams competition: Best 3 out of 4 team member’s scores per round will count towards team total.

4. Individual classes: Open, Low tech (last time!) and 2m.

5. All Pilots will fly team competition and will automatically compete for individual class. Pilots may enter for one additional individual class.

6. Four slot, 5 round event and NO throw-away. Fixed slots, no matrixing.

7. 12 minute working time 10 minute max for all classes scored according to the attached saw tooth scale.

8. 3-minute prep time.

9. Max landing points is 200.

10. Full second completed will count.

11. Competitors to record times after each round on central timesheet in middle of launching area.

12. No landing points if the pilot’s aircraft flies into the pilot or his helper.

13. No landing points for landing after working time has run out.

14. Timing stops when working time run out.

15. The competitors must supply their own winches.

16. No re-launches unless line break or pop and re-launch called before chute lands.

17. We are flying on a farm with very dry grass. No fires are permitted.

18. Transmitter control is the “peg on the transmitter” system with any unresolved frequency clashing pilots bein introduced to one another after the pilots briefing.

19. Entry fee is R50 per class entered on arrival (no entry fee no scores!) This includes a cold drink and cold meat roll or two.

20. The prizes will be for first team of four members, first Open, first Low-Tech, first 2m and first Junior.

Cool drinks and some refreshments will be available at the field.

Directions

From the Johannesburg take the N1 in Parys direction. Take the Vanderbijlpark turnoff (close to Iscor factory). Keep going straight through all the stops and robots until you cross the Vaal river (You are entering the Freestate!), past the Sasol factory on the R57 until you get to a 4 way stop. Turn right on the Koppies road. 5km from the stop you will see a farm entrance on your left with sign BELTRIM. Turn RIGHT into an open piece of field. Follow the farm road for 800m in the direction where all the action is (it is open so you will see us, except for Hugh who normally arrives at 5H00). If you see the farm house turn back to main road and read the instructions. If you see a sign for Kragbron left, you went past the turn-off 400m back. From the east of Jhb/Alberton take R59 and drive past Vereeniging over the Vaal river, past Vaalpark on your left and take the R57 Sasolburg/Heilbron turn off to the left. Keep on the R57 in Heilbron direction. Drive past the Sasol factory until you get to a 4 way stop. Turn right on the Koppies road. 5km from the stop you will see a farm entrance on your left with sign BELTRIM. Turn RIGHT into an open piece of field. Follow the farm road for 800m in the direction where all the action is (it is open so you will see us, except for Hugh who normally arrives at 5H00). If you see the farm house turn back to main road and read the instructions. If you see a sign for Kragbron left, you went past the turn-off 400m back From Parys/Kroonstad take the Sasolburg road R59 later on. Turn righ on to the R57 to Heilbron as you past Sasolburg. Drive past the Sasol factory until you get to a 4 way stop. Turn right on the Koppies road. 5km from the stop you will see a farm entrance on your left with sign BELTRIM. Turn RIGHT into an open piece of field. Follow the farm road for 800m in the direction where all the action is (it is open so you will see us, except for Hugh who normally arrives at 5H00). If you see the farm house turn back to main road and read the instructions. If you see a sign for Kragbron left, you went past the turn-off 400m back If you get lost phone me on 0824610027

Cheers

Gert