Short Field Landings - Competitors fly a precise landing pattern using power and flaps to control airspeed and descent
rate in order to land at an exact line in “the box” which is the size of a football field. The line is one third of the way
from the beginning of the box and points are assessed against the competitor for each foot away from the line and failure to
fly a precise pattern leading to the landing. The lowest number of points determines the winner.
Power Off Landings - Similar to short field landings, in these the power is placed to idle abeam the intended point of
landing and the contestant must adjust the pattern and manage the energy to land at the same line in “the box”.
Message Drop - Two 2.5 ounce balsa wood message containers with streamers are dropped from the aircraft on two different
targets from an aircraft cruising at 200 feet altitude.
Measurements are taken of the distances from the targets and points
assessed against the bombardier for every foot away from the targets. The lowest number of points determines the winner.
VFR Navigation - Contestants are given the weather report and 30 minutes to plan a visual flight route and submit the
times that they expect to arrive at about 5 different check points at the end of each leg of the route as well as the total
time and fuel required. Points are assessed against the competitor for each second off from the times planned and any
miscalculation of fuel. The lowest number of points determines the winner.
IFR Precision Flight - (Sometimes held at nationals only). A typical scenario for an IFR flight is set up similar to
an instrument check ride. The student will copy an IFR clearance to a certain destination, receive the weather, and take off,
following departure instructions and enroute clearance, while maintaining airspeed, altitude, heading, and course within
certain prescribed parameters. He will then receive holding and or approach instructions and finally execute the approach
and missed approach as depicted.
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