TASKS & RULES FOR PPG COMPETITIONS:
Australian Paramotor Comp Rules 18_10_2010.doc
These rules will be updated on a continuing basis. Please check back regularly for updates.
Only members of the NZHGPA & HGFA may compete in sanctioned events. Rankings will published and
based on the scoring rules below and the top three ranked pilots be published in various media.
SCORING
Pilots will receive points for each task based on formulas below. All qualifying
task scores will be added together to
determine the pilot’s event total.
In order for a task to qualify, at least 50% of the competitors must have a non-zero score in that task. In order for an
event to count towards national ranking, at least 50% of the pilots must score.
For national standing purposes, at the end of the event the pilot with the highest score is granted 1000 points. Each
lower scoring pilot receives a percentage of 1000 points based in his final score as a percentage of the winner’s final
score. For example, if the first place pilot earns 2000 points and the second place pilot gets 1800 points during an
event (which is 90 percent of the winner’s) then for national tracking purposes the first place pilot get 1000 points
and the second place pilot 900.
At least Five pilots must compete (have a non-zero score) for a competition to count towards national ranking. If
only 5 pilots compete, the maximum score attainable is 500 points. If 15 or more pilots compete then the full 1000
points are attainable. Any number between those two gets the appropriate points.
So if 5 people compete, the winner gets 500 points to his score for winning. If 6 people compete the winner gets 550
points added to his score for winning and so on.
In the event of a tie for 1st 2nd or 3rd place in any event, the launch and spot landing tasks will be re-flown until those
places are determined. Plaques or certificates (depending on the organiser) are given out to each pilot who places.
Any fall, injury or damage to equipment during a task results in that task’s score being zeroed.
The Judge working a task has final say in all matters relating to his/her task but they are encouraged to use video, if
available, to decide. In the event of two judges, one lead judge will be assigned and have the final say although the
lead is encouraged to get agreement with the other judge.
No pilot may have a negative score on any task. If scoring would result in less than 0 then that task will be counted
as 0.
TARGET
The target consists of three rings and a centre. The outer ring is 4m radius,
the middle ring is 2m radius and
the inner ring is 50cm radius. The bullseye is 25cm diameter. The lines do not necessarily have to be drawn on
these radiuses, but these values will be used for competitions. (4m radius not shown below)
Tasks:
(Not all of these tasks may be included in the competition)
Foot Drag
The pilot flies through the first gate dragging at least one foot and continues through as many gates as possible until
passing the last one. At least one foot must remain on the ground and points are scored each time a gate is passed. It
is timed and greater speed is beneficial. The gates must be passed in order.
Scoring:
1. 100 points per gate passed between the cones. If a cone is touched, then no score is earned for that gate.
2. 20 points are subtracted each time or each second (if it lasts more than a second) that both feet leave the
ground. In the event a pilot runs, each footstep is counted as having both feet leave the ground so 10 steps
would mean 200 points are deducted.
3. Time Points: FT=Flown Time, ST=Shortest Time completed, LT=Longest Time completed, TR=Time
Range (LT-ST), time points awarded = 100 x (LT-FT) / TR.
4. A zero score is assigned if the pilot falls, his wing touches the ground or the gates are passed in the wrong
order.
Cloverleaf
The pilot kicks the centre stick then rounds the upper left one and flies according to the diagram. It is timed and greater
speed is beneficial. The pilot is only allowed one try to kick any stick. Time runs from passing the first stick to the
last stick. The sticks must be kicked and rounded in order.
Scoring:
1. 50 points per kicked centre stick.
2. -50 points for missing/inside a corner stick.
3. Time Points: FT=Flown Time, ST=Shortest Time completed, LT=Longest Time completed, TR=Time
Range (LT-ST), time points awarded = 100 x (LT-FT) / TR.
4. A zero score is assigned if any part of the pilot or his/her equipment touches the ground except the sticks.
5. A zero score is assigned if the sticks are kicked/rounded out of order or in a turn done in the wrong
direction.
Slow/Fast
The pilot flies straight through the gates as slow as possible then goes around flies straight through the gates as fast
as possible. Each run is timed from gate to gate and the greater the difference, the higher the score. Time runs from
passing the first stick to the last stick. The pilot must complete both the slow and the fast portion to get any points.
Scoring:
1. Pilot Ratio=Long-Time/Short-Time, Migration=minimum achieved Pilot Ratio, Migration=highest achieved
Pilot Ratio of all competitors that flew both halves, Diff Ratio=difference between the highest and the lowest
ratios.
2. Points=200 * (Pilot Ratio – Min Ratio)/Diff Ratio
2. A zero score is assigned if any part of the pilot or his/her equipment touches the ground OR the sticks.
Takeoff
The pilot makes a clean takeoff in the fewest attempts. The wing cannot touch the ground after initial inflation.
Scoring:
1. 300 points are awarded for making the first attempt, 200 points from making the second and 100 points for
making the 3rd.
2. After a pilot is cleared to launch, 20 points will be deducted each time the wing is brought up off the
ground and no launch is made.
3. A launch is considered begun if the pilot starts running in a forward inflation or gets at least halfway
around while turning to run forward after a reverse inflation.
4. A zero score is assigned if the pilot falls after being cleared to launch.
Power Off Landing
The pilot flies over the landing spot at least 300 feet above ground level (AGL) and shuts off the motor. He then
lands as close as possible to the “bulls eye” with minimal energy (travelled distance) and stops. The point of first foot
contact is the touchdown and is the most important element of scoring. A small part of the score comes from having
minimal distance travelled.
Travelled distance is from initial contact to standing still and is measured to the touched point farthest away from
initial touchdown. For example, it is permissible to just touch the centre and have that count as a bull’s-eye, but if
two pilots touch the centre, the least travelled does better.
1. A zero score is assigned if any part of the pilot’s body or equipment touches the ground, other than his/her
feet until after the wing first touches down. It is permissible that the pilot may kite the wing out of the
circle after body motion has stopped if approved to do so by the judge.
2. Initial contact scoring is based on the first point of contact:
a. 250 points for touching the centre. If one foot touches visibly before the other than the distance to
the heel of the first touchdown will be used. If the landing is on both feet simultaneously and
either foot touches the centre marker, it will be counted as a centre touch.
b. 175 points for touching on or inside the inner ring.
c. 100 points for touching on or inside the centre ring.
d. 50 points for touching on or inside the outer ring.
5. Distance Travelled scoring: DT=Distance Travelled, SD=Shortest Distance Travelled, LD=Longest Distance
Travelled, DR=Distance travelled Range (LD-SD), points awarded = 100 x (LD-DT) / DR.
6. Pilot score is Initial Contact Score + Distance Travelled Score.
Power On Touch & Go Landing
The pilot flies the directed pattern and lands on or near the “bulls eye” then runs/walks exactly 10 steps followed by
a takeoff. The point of first foot contact is the touchdown and is the most important element of scoring. A small part
of the score comes from having as close to 10 steps as possible. The 10 steps must be made within 10 seconds. The
walk/run portion is only counted within 50 meters of the centre point to get points for the steps portion.
Scoring:
1. A zero score is assigned if any part of the pilot’s body or equipment touches the ground, other than his/her
feet, from touchdown through lift-off. The task is completed when the pilot has climbed at least 50 feet.
2. Ring Points are awarded for initial contact the same as for a spot landing.
3. 100 step points are awarded for travelling exactly 10 steps. 20 points are deducted for each step over or
under 10. The first touchdown is step 1 and each foot fall is another step.
4. Step points are zeroed if the pilot steps beyond 50 meters from the centre point.
Kite War
All competitors kite their wing up when the judge starts the event. Pilots attempt to keep their wing from touching
the ground as long as possible: last one up wins.
The wing used must be one the pilot has flown or be within the recommended weight range (body weight only). This
is to prevent the use of an abnormally small wing which could proffer an advantage. A box will be outlined (marked
by cones) and pilots must remain in the box. The box should be sized so as to allow all pilots a reasonable layout
area. Pilots location in the box will be determined by experience. Those with the most experience must be placed in
the rearmost (downwind) location.
For the task to count towards any pilots score there must be at least 5 competitors and at least one wing that remains
up for 2 minutes or more.
The wing fabric must not touch the ground or another pilot. Once this happens the pilot must ball up the wing and
exit expeditiously without touching or interfering with other competitors or their gear. The task starts on “Go” when
the judge shouts “Ready, Set, Go”. The task ends at the point where only one wing remains up or in the box. From
start to finish is the task’s time.
Scoring:
1. 100 points for being the last one up or in the box
2. 50 points for the second to last one up or in the box.
3. 25 points for the third to last one up or in the box.
4. 10 points for keeping the wing up at least 2 minutes (is additive for the placers)
Kite
Race
All competitors line up on a start line/zone in 2 rows - Beginners in the front
row, experienced pilots at the rear.
When the race is started, pilots kite their wing up and run to the finish line
- 100m away.
You cannot drag your wing or pick-up and carry your wing. It doesn't matter
how many times you drop and relaunch
your wing, however your wing must be in the air when you cross the start line
and when you cross the finish line.
Both you and your wing must cross the finish line to finish.
If you are over the finish line and your wing is not, you must pick-up your
wing cross back over the finish line,
towards the start line. Re-launch your wing and re-cross the finish line.
Scoring:
1st. 100 points for being first across the finish line.
2nd. 50 points for being second across the finish line.
3rd. 25 points for being third across the finish line.
Bomb Drop
Light weight, approved and marked “bombs” will be dropped from any height while flying. Where the “bomb” stops
is the scored position.
ORD=Outer Ring Distance, FDD=Farthest Drop Distance where the worst scoring bomb stopped as a distance from
the centre.
Scoring:
1. 100 points for hitting the centre.
2. 50 points for hitting on or inside the inner ring.
3. 30 points for hitting on or inside the middle ring.
4. 15 points for hitting on or inside the outer ring.
5. 100 x (FDD – DD) / FDD.
Ball Scoop & Drop – Advanced Only
The pilot either picks up or dribble kicks (runs) a soccer-sized ball with his/her feet and drops it into a circle or
barrel 50 meters feet away in the least amount of time possible. Additionally, points can be scored getting the ball to
simply hit the barrel.
1. No part of the pilot’s body or equipment can touch the ground, other than his/her feet, until after the ball
has hit the barrel.
2. No part of the pilot’s body or equipment can touch the circle (or barrel).
3. Once the pilot crosses the starting point he must always be moving towards the target. Stops are permitted.
Scoring:
1. 100 points for first touching the ball.
2. 100 points for carrying the ball airborne for more than 10 meters.
3. 100 points for the ball dropping into the circle or barrel.
4. 100 points if the ball touches the barrel (note: this is additive to the dropping points).
5. Time Points: FT=Flown Time, ST=Shortest Time completed, LT=Longest Time completed, TR=Time
Range (LT-ST), points awarded = 100 x (LT-FT) / TR.
Beam Walk
The pilot lands on beam, walks in one direction then takes off. The pilot makes as many steps as possible in the
shortest time. The time starts at first touchdown.
The beam may be from 2 to 4 meters long and between 0.1 and 0.5 meters wide. No part of the pilot’s body or
equipment can touch the beam or ground except his/her feet. Additionally:
1. The pilot must be airborne for at least 10 seconds before and after landing on the beam.
2. Each step must have the foot completely in front of the preceding step.
3. The task (and time) ends when:
a. Both feet first leave the beam.
b. A foot touches the ground.
c. A foot lands in the wrong direction of travel.
Scoring:
1. 20 points for each forward footfall (the first touchdown and then each subsequent forward-moving footfall
counts).
2. Time Points: FT=Flown Time, ST=Shortest Time completed, LT=Longest Time completed, TR=Time
Range (LT-ST), time points awarded = 100 x (LT-FT) / TR.
Platform Stand
This can be done with or without the motor. The pilot must stand in place or within a 1/2 meter square meter
platform while kiting the wing for as long as possible. The competition director will declare whether or not
stationary placement is used instead of platform placement. Stationary placement means the pilots feet must not
move at all (vertically or horizontally) from the point he declares the start.
The pilot must start within one minute of stepping onto the platform and will call “start” for the judge to start the
task’s time.
1. No part of the pilot or his equipment, except the feet, can touch the ground or platform.
2. The task ends when any part of the pilot or his equipment touches the ground beyond the platform or, if
stationary placement is being used, any foot moves.
Scoring:
1. 200 points for having the longest time.
2. Each pilot will earn a number of points as a percentage of the longest time.
Efficiency
Each pilot starts with an empty gas tank and fuels exactly 2 litters of fuel (including oil as appropriate). He launches
and tries to stay up as long as possible, up to 60 minutes. Pilots must have the approval of the launch judge prior to
taking off so their time can be recorded. They should announce their landing on the radio. Pilots are required to note
their launch time and landing time which will be used in the case judge’s time is not available.
Scoring:
1. Most points are awarded for having the longest time.
2. Pilots must land within the 60 minute window or be assigned a zero score.
3. Each pilot will earn a number of points as a percentage of the longest time.
4. Task Score is: Efficiency Points Avail * (Time Up)/Eff Time Range * Multiplier
5. Multiplier is: Mot Factor + (CC's - Min Motor)/(Max Motor - Min Motor)
6. Motor Factor (MotFactor) is 0.4.
Economy
Race
Pilots, just before taking off, must have their fuelled motor weighed. Each
pilot launches and completes
20 laps of a 2km loop.
On the upwind leg of each circuit the pilot must kick one of 8 kick sticks spread
out across the launch field.
If they miss kicking a stick, that circuit does not count and has to be repeated.
After kicking the last stick to complete their 20th lap, the pilot kills their motor and lands as soon as possible.
He/she then unclips their wing and their motor is re-weighed.
If the pilot does not come directly to the weighing area after landing, he/she will be disqualified.
No fuel may be added or removed, between each weigh-in.
Scoring:
Pilots are then ranked from the least amount of weight loss to the most weight lost.
Most weight lost = 1st position. Least weight lost = 30th (or the total number competitors).
If 2 or more pilots have the same position, the next position is relative to the number
of competitors. For example: If 2 pilots are ranked 2nd, the next position is 4th.
If 3 pilots are ranked 2nd, the next position is 5th.
Your position is then multiplied by 10 to calculate your point allocation.