Race Rules

PILOT QUALIFICATIONS
Be a member of the Sport Air Racing League or enroll in the one-day SARL membership.

The person in control of an Aircraft in any Competition.
Pilots taking part in an Authorized Competition shall necessarily hold a valid Pilot’s License and Medical Certificate unless the Pilot is operating an Aircraft certified in the LSA category in which case the Medical Certificate requirement is waived, however all requirements of LSA operation must be met. A Student Pilot may participate if accompanied by a current Certified Flight Instructor.


AIRCRAFT ELIGIBILITY
Aircraft must be propeller driven, piston or turbine powered, fixed wing.
Possess a valid airworthiness certificate.
Have evidence of a current annual inspection
Be two-way radio equipped.
Have a range to fly race route with reserve at full power.
Have insurance coverage

ADDITIONAL CREW/PASSENGERS
Additional crew/passengers may be carried but only one licensed pilot is required.

BEFORE THE RACE
Pilots must be familiar with and ready to fly the race route prior to arriving at the start. All information and procedures are available on the race web site and in hard copy. A complete and thorough mandatory briefing will be given at the start of the event.

Registration packets will contain hard copies of all course instructions.
Aircraft should have a Race Number on the aircraft but it is not mandatory to participate. The race number should be on both sides of the aircraft if possible. Numbers need to be large enough that they can be viewed by the judges. They should stand out from aircraft color and be outlined as necessary as to be visible. Variations are accepted. Permanently affixed numbers and the usage of two or three digit N# numerals if they are of the required size are acceptable. Numbers on the fuselage and/or under the wings are acceptable.

Check in as soon as practical on arrival at start. At this time you must provide all required documentation and sign “Release of Liability” and pay fees. Fuel and park in designated spot and have your aircraft ready for race start prior to briefing.

All pilot briefings are MANDATORY. If you are not briefed you will not participate.

PILOT RESPONSIBILITIES
Register as soon as possible: http://bigmuddyairrace.blogspot.com/p/registration.html
Big Muddy Air Race registration fee: $15
Provisional SARL Membership is additional $10.00 One race only. Paid at event registration.
Ensuring compliance with all Federal Aviation Regulations.
Ensuring sufficient fuel is carried for flying the event and a safe reserve.
Have all occupants of aircraft sign a “Release of Liability”.
Be a member of the Sport Air Racing League.

FLYING THE RACE
Race VFR is defined as no less than 1200’ ceiling and 5 miles or greater visibility. En route flying will be at a minimum altitude of 500’AGL or in compliance with the FAR’s, whichever is higher.
Engines may not be started until directed by Race Official.
Taxi and take off as directed by the KMDH tower.
Take off will be in speed order, fastest first.
If unable to start as directed, you may go to the back of the line.
If you must land during the race or do not complete the course, notify a race official as soon as possible that you have aborted.

PENALTIES AND DISQUALIFICATIONS
5 knots for not following briefing or procedure instructions, specifically cutting inside a turn point.
Disqualification if Federal Aviation Regulations are violated.
Disqualification if the timing line is not flown.
Safety maneuvers will not be penalized.