Test flying eliminated?

[coachchuckaahs]

Previously the daily schedule showed test flying at Moby for Heli and Wright Stuff on Friday. Now it does not. No test flying session listed anywhere anymore.

Has testing been eliminated, or is this an oversight?

Coach Chuck

[rfscoach]

It had to be intentional, as the only changes on the schedule are removing the test flight times for Wright Stuff and Helicopters and removing the practice times in the Lory Ballrooms.

[chalker]

I think they are only going to allow test flights on Saturday morning in order to ensure all teams have equal opportunities, regardless of travel schedules.

[coachchuckaahs]

But even that is not on the schedule!

Having a short test session Saturday morning is always a zoo, unsafe for the aircraft.

Two years ago (Wisc) they had a full morning on Friday. Last year, very small gym, short test session Saturday.

Oh well.

Coach Chuck

[shrewdPanther46]

I think they are only going to allow test flights on Saturday morning in order to ensure all teams have equal opportunities, regardless of travel schedules.

Do you know if something similar will be incorporated for the vehicle events in the ballroom?

[CMS AC]

I noticed this like 2 days ago. They probably will let people test though... last year I went very early to the gym when it opened, we got some time to test. Most people are probably going to be worried that something changed on the plane on a bus/plane ride.

[coachchuckaahs]

But if testing is limited to an hour before competition, it gets pretty hairy in there. In addition, if kids have multiple builds in the same boat, then they must choose to only test one or the other.

I understand the desire to make the level playing field. However, based on prior schedule we arranged our trip to arrive Thursday to make Friday testing a reality.

If testing is limited to an hour Saturday, I do not think it is worth the risk, IMHO. We'll just have to be ready!

Last year the testing was specifically called out on the schedule, with warnings that any testing in the gym at other times woudl be (disqualified or tiered, I don't recall)

Coach Chuck

[Alex-RCHS]

I think they are only going to allow test flights on Saturday morning in order to ensure all teams have equal opportunities, regardless of travel schedules.

Do you know if something similar will be incorporated for the vehicle events in the ballroom?

Bump because I'm really interested in knowing this too.

[CMS AC]

It's the same. Checked the nationals page.

[chalker]

I think they are only going to allow test flights on Saturday morning in order to ensure all teams have equal opportunities, regardless of travel schedules.

Do you know if something similar will be incorporated for the vehicle events in the ballroom?

I'm pretty sure none of the vehicle events will have early practice sessions.