Main    Contacts   2010 Events  2009 Events  2008 Events  2007 Events  2006 Events


Optional: download this file (pdf)

Glider Launch Program for Soarfari Safaris

1. Intent

1.1. This Launch Program is designed to be put in effect when the Soarfari group

contracts for and obtains the service of a tow plane for its pilots exclusive use

during a scheduled safari.

1.2. This Launch Program is designed to create a system of launch rotation to

provide a fairly equal opportunity for persons at a soarfari event to launch

over the time period of the soarfari.

2. Procedure

2.1. On the day of the start of the soarfari, a Launch Roster will be created of all

pilots.

2.2. The Launch Roster will be divided into three groups or whatever number of

groups the pilots decide. The intent will be to have an equal number of pilots

in each group, or as close to it as possible. New pilots coming days later to

the safari will be placed in the smallest group or if groups are equal in the last

group, in that priority order.

2.3. Within each group, each group will determine how they want to organize and

determine the method to sequence pilots of the group for each day’s launch.

2.4. On the start day of the soarfari, the group at the top of the list will be at the

start of tow sequence, followed by the remaining groups in order for that day.

The group that started for the first day will go to the bottom of the list of

groups for the second day and each other group will move up the list in order.

This process of cycling groups will continue for each day.

2.5. A Start of Tow Time will be established by majority of vote of the pilots each

morning. That will be the time that the General Towing Process will begin.

Once started, the General Towing Process will continue until all groups and

pilots on the Launch Roster have had an opportunity to be towed.

2.6. Once the General Towing Process starts, the members of a group may change

launch position WITHIN the group, but, if any of the unlaunched pilots of the

group that is launching decline to prepare for and launch as part of their group

position so as to slow or stop the launch process, those pilots will cycle to the

back of the day’s launch sequence. Generally pilots may not exchange launch

position with other pilots in other groups (see below for exceptions). For a

relight, pilots go to the back of the launch sequence for the day.

2.7. Pre Start of Tow Time Launch

2.7.1. Any pilot may launch at any time up to fifteen minutes before the Start

of Tow Time without regard to their position on the Launch Roster. If

there is more than one pilot that wishes to make such a launch, they must

organize so that their launching is completed fifteen minutes before the

Start of Tow Time, as Pre Start of Tow Time Launch activity will be

terminated then so that the General Towing Process may start on time.

For a relight, their position is skipped over in the launch sequence, and

they go to the end of the launch sequence for the day.

2.8. Pilots that are prepared to do a legitimate badge flight, may go to the head of

the Launch Roster for that day.

2.9. Pilots planning a SSA sanctioned task or attempting a FAI record, may by

mutual agreement, exchange places with another pilot on the Launch Roster

version RKL 2/19/2008