In one flight at Interglide, Mike launched without his motor on. This provoked discussion of the current (2026) FAI rules. SFTC will be consulting with CIAM (the part of the FAI dealing with modelling) but in the interim is issuing this guidance for UK CDs and pilots on its interpretation of the relevant rules:
- Launch: as soon as possible; and you only get one go
Under FAI rule 5.5.11.10.e):
‘The launches must be straight ahead for at least three (3) seconds, with the motor running. Model must be launched as soon as the motor starts running. Any other type of launch is not allowed. A penalty of 100 points will be applied for any breach of this rule.’ SFTC’s interpretation of this and related rules is that- The model must be launched as soon as possible after motor ON.
- Where the launch is made
- without the motor running, or
- motor ON occurs before the signal for the start of the working time
the pilot has had their one allowed attempt and there will be a zero flight score, in addition to the above 100 point penalty.
- Timing: is from motor ON
Under FAI rule 5.5.11.12.a)
‘The attempt must be timed from the moment of motor ON’
SFTC’s interpretation is that this does not prevent a pilot who has started their motor from switching off the motor (for example to adjust the model) and then switching on again and making a valid launch – timing from when the motor is switched on again (after which the model must be launched as soon as possible).