Winch SAP Task Sheet: Tasks and Guidelines (Adobe PDF)
Electric eSAP Task Sheet: Tasks and Guidelines (Adobe PDF)
Please email all completed task sheets to the LSF board
Section I - Introduction
The LSF Soaring Accomplishments Program consists of sequential performance tests or "Levels", as they shall be referred to hereafter, for flying radio controlled (R/C) model sailplanes which meet current FAI specifications.
Section 2-Level I (Primary)
The performance tasks pursuant to Level I are presented in the Soaring Accomplishments Program, Requirements Summary, Section12. Upon completion and documentation of the Level I tasks, the Aspirant must submit the performance documentation voucher to the LSF Executive Board for membership enrollment. After acceptance of the voucher, the LSF Executive Board will award the Member his LSF number and remit a Level II performance documentation voucher. The Member may then display a red I centered immediately below a Soaring Accomplishments Program insignia, and his LSF number.
Section 3 - Levels II Through IV (Intermediate)
As in the previous Level, the vouchers are submitted, accepted, and a voucher for the next Level is returned. As earned, the Red II will be displayed to the immediate left of the Soaring Accomplishments Program insignia, the III to the right, and the IV centered immediately above the insignia.
Section 4 - Level V (Advanced)
Level V is formulated to recognize advanced knowledge, skill and determination in R/C model soaring. Skill in slope soaring is mandatory, as Level V is intended to delineate extensive experience in all facets of R/C model soaring. The earned silver V will be displayed immediately above the red IV.
Section 5 - Witnesses
Verification of each task of each Level requires the signature of qualified witnesses.
The approved witnesses for non-competitive requirements shall be:
Level I: One witness, over 21 years of age, who is not related to the pilot, or one witness, holding Level I status or higher, who is not related to the pilot.
Level II: Same as for Level I.
Level III: Two witnesses, as in Level I.
Level IV: Same as for Level III.
Level V: Two witnesses, each holding Level II status or higher, who are not related to the pilot.
The approved witness for competitive requirements shall be either the contest Director or the Official Scorer.
Section 6 - Procedures
The tasks required at all Levels must be performed with the following restrictions: (a) all work done at Level I must commence after the voucher is received: (b) requirements for the subsequent Levels may be achieved any time after the previous Level form has been postmarked, However, these said requirements will be nullified if the postmarked form sent is returned due to errors or incompleteness; a single performance may be used for only one Level.
Section 7- Thermal Duration Flight
SAP: A thermal duration flight commences at the time of release from the end of towline or at release of hand launch. The distance from the extreme end of towline, at the winch, hi-start hold-down, towman, vehicle, or towline return device to the attach point at the model shall be no more than 300 meters (984.3 feet). Tow men and vehicles shall be limited to a maximum of sixty (60) seconds from launch to towline release. Towing by means of aircraft or other airborne devices is expressly forbidden.
eSAP: All thermal duration tasks will be attempted with an electric sailplane equipped with an altitude limiting device set to a maximum launch height of 200 meters (656.2 feet) and a maximum motor run time of 30 seconds. The flight commences when the sailplane leaves the pilot or helpers hand or when the sailplane leaves the ground if a rise-off-ground takeoff is used. A motor restart voids the flight attempt.
A flight shall be deemed a thermal duration flight if, in the opinion of the pilot and witnesses, the lift being used to remain aloft is primarily attributable to thermal activity. Termination must be with a landing within 200 meters (656.2 feet) of the launch point, which is the point at which the model first become airborne.
Section 8 - Slope Duration Flight
A slope duration flight commences with either a simple hand-launch or a launch from the end of a towline, as defined in Section 7. The flight shall be deemed a slope duration flight if, in the opinion of the pilot and witnesses, the lift being used to remain aloft is primarily attributable to wave-action or winds blowing upslope on a ridge, hill, cliff, wall, etc. Termination must be with a landing within 200 meters (656.2 feet) of the launch point.
Section 9- Precision Spot Landing
A precision spot landing is accomplished by landing the sailplane so that the extreme forward tip of the nose or forward most point of the longitudinal centerline, at rest, is within the required distance from the center of a designed spot on the ground.
SAP: All precision spot landing flights must commence with a launch meeting the specifications for towline lengths and methods outlined in Section 7, except that the towline shall be not less than 75 meters (246.1 feet) in length.
eSAP: All precision spot landing flights must commence with a launch meeting the specifications for launch methods outlined in Section 7, except that the minimum altitude of 200 meters must be attained.
The landing shall be voided if the model jettisons or loses parts, comes to rest in an inverted position or touches any person or object while landing. However, contact with a spot-marker which does not noticeably impede the flight or landing of the model is permissible.
Section 10 - Goal and Return Flight
A goal and return flight is a thermal duration flight which commences with a launch as specified in Section 7.
SAP: After towline release, the sailplane must be flown over the launch point and then to a pre-designated goal a minimum straight line distance away, as specified in the Soaring Accomplishments Program, Requirements summary, Section 12, and back to the launch point.
eSAP: After motor run, the sailplane must be flown over the launch point and then to a pre-designated goal a minimum straight line distance away, as specified in the Soaring Accomplishments Program, Requirements Summary, Section 12, and back to the launch point.
Section 11 - Competition
Competition requirements specified in the Soaring Accomplishments Program, Requirements Summary, section 12, may be fulfilled only in LSF recognized contests which are defined to be those meeting the following specifications:
A-Size
All contestants must compete at the same location on the same date.
Level II - Five (5) or more participants
Level III - Ten (10) or more participants
Level IV - Fifteen (15) or more participants
Level V - Twenty (20) or more participants
B - Rounds
Three or more separate opportunities to score
C - Events
Fifty percent (50%) or more of the contest events must adhere to at least one of the following guidelines:
- Thermal Event Guideline - Extended thermal duration, distance, or speed; precision aerobatics, or altitude.
- Slope Events Guideline - Duration, distance, speed, precision aerobatics, or altitude.
Two alternative methods of scoring may be used to meet competition requirements. Either the Place System, where a place is recognized to be first (1st), second (2nd), or third (3rd) in the final standing of a contest; or the Competition Points System, where a minimum total of competition points from any six (6) contests may be used. Competition points are computed by first dividing the participant's score by the winner's score and multiplying by 100; then, multiplying the resultant value by one (1) plus the number of lower standing contestants. A minimum of six (6) contests must be flown no matter which scoring method is used.
Example:
(a) Winner earns a score of 531
(b) Participant earns a score of 312
(c) Participant beats 5 other contestants.
(d) Participant's Competition Points are:
312 / 531 x 100 x (1 + 5) = 352.
D - FAI World Records
The establishing of a world record - recognized by the Federation aeronautique Internationale - shall constitute the requirements for a contest win. However, six contests or records or a combination of six contests and records must be recorded on all performance vouchers from Level II through Level V. The 12,000 point requirement must also be fulfilled for Level V.
Section 12 - Summary of Requirements
* A second thermal flight which meets the basic Thermal Duration requirement for this Level may be flown in lieu of the Slope Duration requirement. However, the second thermal flight may not be flown on the same day.
** Section Section 11 - D (FAI World Records)
Official LSF Address:
Please email completed task forms to the LSF board.
LEAGUE of SILENT FLIGHT
c/o AMA
PO Box 3028
Muncie, IN 47302-1028
USA
League of Silent Flight Officers: 2020-2021
To send the same e-mail message to all of the LSF Officers, use:
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President:
Jody Miller
LSF Level V
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Vice-President
Ed Dumas
LSF Level I
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Secretary:
Walter "Wally by Golly" Adasczik
LSF Level IV / eLSF IV
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Treasurer:
Jim McCarthy
LSF Level V
General LSF Financial Officer
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A slim, graceful, long-winged craft arcs upward smoothly and steeply into the summer sky, accompanied by the faint whistle of air accelerating past its gleaming surfaces. All eyes are on the machine as it dwindles with each passing second, a surging aerial trout playing out yards of taut singing line. A tiny parachute blossoms gently and returns the shining nylon filament to earth. Someone hurries to pluck the blossom before it touches the ground and soon other sailplanes are on their way in a quest to find lift. Flying a pure sailplane requires a modicum of learned skill as having it gain altitude in the heat of a thermal is an art.
Along comes technology. Perhaps some of those sailplanes, accompanied by the quiet whirr of an electrically driven propeller, will leave the launchers hand bound for a predetermined altitude, at which time the motor will stop and the propeller will fold snugly against the fuselage, and where the pilots to will join the hunt for elusive lift.
After the launch, little sound or movement is evident among the small group of pilots who's gazes pierce the sky. Yet there is tension amongst them and knees tremble in anticipation, all are alert for the subtle lift of a wing that signals a bubble of warm, rising air. Now, a turn begins, and then a tightening of the turn and a sweep into the lift, the pilot curves his obedient ship upward, betraying his or her satisfaction by just a smile or noticeable relaxation. Minutes, or perhaps hours later, the sailplane reappears at a lower altitude and is electronically grooved to a perfect landing on the grass at the feet of its once-remote master. Such a scene is repeated thousands of times during the soaring season all over the world by men and woman of all ages and talents.
A call is given by the pilot, "Lads...mount up...I have crossed the starting line and heading on course!". The team of driver, observer, and pilot scramble into the back of a pickup or convertible and head out onto the cross country course. The variometer, plugged into the car radio or pilot headset, is wailing with the telemetry data sent back from the sailplane...telling the pilot to climb, climb until you cant see the tail anymore, and only the wings. Higher the sailplane goes, 300, 400, 600, 800 meters until it is a speck. The pilot is telling the driver to pick up speed, "Up 5 they say, then up 10, then down 5". They are out on the course chasing the glider, trying to get 10 kilometers down the road to the turn point. A command of stop the car is given periodically as the pilot getting low on altitude tries to find another thermal to take him higher, and higher, and hopefully back to the starting point. This is wind in your hair, sun in your face, and a challenge for all to take, a challenge they call cross country.
Another call is given in a different part of the earth. Here the wind is fierce and so is the pilot and his skills. The sailplane rises gently out of the hand and accelerates flying away from the mountain. A turn is given and the dance begins. Circles become smaller and the speed is increasing. A helper with a radar gun yells over the wind, "480mph, 490 mph, 497mph". A record is set, and all on the side of the mountain know and out on the groups...yes this is dynamic soaring at its best!
Now ask yourself...who are these people? What are they doing and why?
Welcome Ladies and Gentlemen...to the League of Silent Flight!
The League of Silent Flight was established by a group of RC sailplane modelers in 1969 to provide a collective identification for radio control sailplane enthusiasts. The LSF, as it is now known throughout the world, quickly became very popular and has since grown to a membership of over 7,500 modelers. The non-profit LSF fosters and supports all phases of both sporting and competition activity for model sailplanes and encourages the advancement of model aeronautics and related aspects of RC soaring.
The best known aspect of the LSF is the Soaring Accomplishment Program. This system recognizes individual proficiency and accomplishment in RC soaring through a set of successively harder tasks that measure the sailplane pilot's skills and knowledge of soaring. The modeler has an opportunity to achieve these specific tasks with a sailplane of his or her choice. These tasks are designed to challenge and entertain, while allowing the pilot to measure and improve his flying skills and understanding of model soaring against a proven set of standards. The Soaring Accomplishment Program is organized into five Levels of achievement, starting with Level I, the simplest, and progressing through Level V, which demands truly exceptional performance. These levels are arranged so that the beginning flyer can pace himself and gain confidence and skill, knowing that his efforts are being measured against the same criteria that other LSF members have already been measured by. As the flyer completes his Level 1 voucher and submits it to the LSF, he is issued a new voucher for Level 2 and so on up through Level V. There is no time limit or pressure for completion of any task or level. Accomplishment of individual tasks may take only a few weeks or completion of levels may extend over several years, depending on the individual's own interest and activity. Once a voucher is completed and all the tasks on it are approved by the LSF, it becomes a permanent part of the member's record in the LSF computer database and the tasks need not be repeated.
The LSF also sponsors the Soaring National Championships each year at the AMA flying site in Muncie, Indiana and periodically supports other regional contests throughout the country. As you fly in the various contests all over the US, you will meet, compete against and learn from other LSF members who have enjoyed the spirit of comradeship that the LSF has fostered through the years. You will be proud to earn and display the brightly colored LSF logo on your jacket and on the wings of your sailplane. It is the sign that you are a truly accomplished RC sailplane pilot. And you can aspire to reach that pinnacle of accomplishment , Level V, and qualify to display the silver V above the LSF logo on the wing of your sailplane. Membership does not require dues or fees, merely a $ 2.00 "Donation" to offset printing and mailing costs each time member corresponds with the LSF. Membership in the LSF is gained by written application to the LSF Executive Board and is open to anyone who has an interest in RC soaring. LSF has over 7500 members living in thirty foreign countries, some of which have their own National Chapters serving their countrymen locally. The only requirement is that the member, in any country, must hold a valid FAI modeling license. In the USA, that is an AMA membership number. The LSF is a fully volunteer program with an Executive Committee of four elected officials who serve two-year terms. Some foreign countries also require a valid radio operator's license
The LSF is now the SIG to the AMA for Soaring
Applications may be printed from this site, and emailed to : This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
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