Test flying eliminated?

[shrewdPanther46]

I am a bit curious as to why that is not the case.
What makes it different from WS such that running early practice sessions isn't a valid option?
Please don't misinterpret my intentions, I am simply curious.

[sciolyperson1]

There are lots of devices out there which are very sensitive to things like different flooring and transportation. Giving teams an option to test the day before is a great way to help promote competitiveness the following day.

[knightmoves]

There are lots of devices out there which are very sensitive to things like different flooring and transportation. Giving teams an option to test the day before is a great way to help promote competitiveness the following day.

Building a device that has to work on any reasonable floor is a different optimization from building a device to work on a specific floor. It might be fun if after impound, the ES laid down a roll of rubber dance flooring

[chalker]

I am a bit curious as to why that is not the case.
What makes it different from WS such that running early practice sessions isn't a valid option?
Please don't misinterpret my intentions, I am simply curious.

There are widely differing opinions on the national committee about this. I personally am against the rule and think allowing test runs the morning of is a good idea. However the rules explicitly state no running vehicles on the competition venue surface the day of the tournament, so they want to abide by that.

[coachchuckaahs]

The rules for WS allow flying during the day, not on the clock, at the discretion of the ES. Will that be allowed?

Coach Chuck

[Boss]

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.

Vehicle testing was not allowed last year at nationals either. Several (I noted around 10-12 only because I was looking for a place to test myself) teams tested in secluded sections of the underground tunnel system last year because the rules explicitly stated testing on the track prior to competition was grounds for DQ, but it is pretty crucial that you test your device after travel and make any fine adjustments that are necessary. It was very upsetting that Nationals decided to discontinue allowing testing the day before competition and no matter what they try to implement, the best teams will (and did) find a way to test beforehand, whether that means finding secluded areas to test in where tournament officials will unlikely be present or staying up until 3am the night before the tournament to test on a similar floor scheme as to that of the venue.

[coachchuckaahs]

A lot easier for vehicles than for Wright Stuff!

Coach Chuck

[CMS AC]

For Wright Stuff, there's the Indoor Practice Facility... could that work?

[coachchuckaahs]

Is that being made available to us?

If the issue is just keeping us out of the assigned venue, then yes, that could work. However, it woudl have to be made available, as we woudl not want to be flying around soccer and Frisbee.

Chuck

[ScottMaurer19]

Is that being made available to us?

If the issue is just keeping us out of the assigned venue, then yes, that could work. However, it woudl have to be made available, as we woudl not want to be flying around soccer and Frisbee.

Chuck

I remember flying ELG back in Wisconsin. For flying events such as ELG and WS I definitely think practice time should be made available in a safe space