SAM 35 Personal Handicap Speed 2024 – Rules

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1. MODEL
Any model in keeping with the published rules as specified below:

Class 1          The standard Weatherman model.
Class 2          Any Vintage or Classic speed model as specified in the BMFA/SAM 35 rules.
Class 3          Any model as specified in the BMFA/SAM 35 rules for Weatherman(including Profile), Phantom, Profile Proto and Perky.

Only one model may be flown in any one class at a competition.

2. ENGINE
Class 1            Mills 1.3 and clones, and the Redfin 125.
Class 2            Any engine as specified in the BMFA/SAM 35 rules for Vintage and Classic speed.
Class 3            Any engine as specified in the BMFA/SAM 35 rules for Weatherman (including Profile), Phantom, Profile Proto and Perky.
All models must conform to the relevant rules for that class.

3. STARTERS: The use of electric starters is permitted

4. GLOW HEAD MODIFICATION: In view of the difficulty sourcing glow heads for, eg, the Cox 15 TD, the use of adaptors designed to facilitate the use of conventional glow plugs, of any type, is permitted.

5. PROPELLER: Only commercially available wood, plastic or carbon fibre composite propellers may be used. The only modifications allowed are to shorten one blade for balancing, and reduction of the diameter. No blade thinning is allowed. The propeller must have a minimum of 2 blades.

7. FUEL: Fuel is generally unrestricted within the limits of BMFA safety rules.

8. LINES: All line lengths and diameters are as specified in the relevant rules. The use of a handle safety strap is mandatory. Model, lines, handle, and strap shall be subjected to a pull test as specified in the relevant rules.

9. THE CONTEST:

9.1 A maximum of 3 flights per model will be allowed, per each contestant and class.

9.2 If available, there should be two independent timekeepers, and the mean time calculated. If the difference between the two times exceeds 0.2 second the entrant shall be offered the slower time or a re-fly.

9.3 Points are awarded to the competitor who achieves the highest % personal best at that competition when compared with their previous best time. Where no personal best has been recorded, the relevant record speed shall be used. Points will be awarded as follows; 5 for 1st, 4 for 2nd, 3 for 3rd, 2 for 4th and 1 for 5th in any one class.

9.4 Trophies will be awarded annually to the competitor who achieves the highest number of points at the end of the season, best 8 scores to count, in any one class.

10. PROXIES: Proxy pilots are allowed; however, the entrant must be a member of the pit crew, either starting or releasing the model.

11. VENUES: Competitions will normally be held at Buckminster or Old Warden (restrictions apply), other venues TBA.

12. INTERPRETATION of RULES: Anyone considered to be abusing the spirit of the rules will be disqualified. The Contest Director’s decision is final in all matters.

Tony Goodger   07-01-2024