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02, 2022
North Island AkroFest 2021
zeebob2022-01-14T11:32:13+13:002021 North Island Akro Fest
awarding
The Langley Marshall Trophy
Hello summer! And hello to the second annual North Island Akro Fest, awarding the Langley Marshall Trophy, in memory of Brian Langley and Paul Marshall, passionate Northshore Aero Club aerobatic instructors and stalwarts.
There will be category winners and the presentation of the Langley Marshall Trophy to the pilot scoring the highest overall percentage across all categories in the judged competition flights.
Past winners have typically (but not always) been from the lower categories, so everybody has a chance to win the BIG Trophy.
To be involved (pilots and helpers), please enter here.
it is easier for us to manage cancelations than last-minute entries.
There will be category winners and the presentation of the Langley Marshall Trophy to the pilot scoring the highest overall percentage across all categories in the judged competition flights.
Past winners have typically (but not always) been from the lower categories, so everybody has a chance to win the BIG Trophy.
2012 Winner David Cranna with Paul Marshall
This two-day competition will allow (weather permitting) at least three competition sequence flights per competitor, in your selected category.
| Categories |
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| Sequences/flight order |
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The 2021/22 Known sequences are on the NZAC website or on OpenAero (Library > 2022 > NZAC)
If you are new to competition aerobatics, there are many ‘how-to’ articles on the NZAC website too.
Hangarage, overnight parking and fuel available.
Mercer Hotel Backpackers (http://www.mercerhotel.co.nz), located on the airfield, has accommodation:
- Bunk Beds – $ 35.00 per person per night
- Queen Beds – $ 70.00 per room per night
Facilities include a full kitchen, BBQ, TV lounge, and laundry facilities. Bed linen supplied but BYO towel.
To book – Email: [email protected]
Phone: 09 232 6767
Helpers required both days to assist with ground duties
NO HELPERS = NO FLYING!
No experience required for many of the roles.
Get involved to learn more about our sport.
Please register too (no membership or entry fee required for Helpers)
Entries close 28th January (late entry fee of $50 after that)
6
01, 2022
Have a Go at Aerobatics – RESCHEDULED
zeebob2021-11-13T12:55:45+13:00Get a taste, extend your skills or have a go at competition-style aerobatics.
BYO plane or register to get airborne in various attending aircraft:
- Cessna 152 Aerobat
- Robin/Alpha 2160
- CT4
Experienced instructors will be on-site over the three days, including Tim Marshall, Nic Rowe, Wayne Ormrod, Jason Alexander, Andrew Hope, Jason Drake, John Ashman, and Grant Benns. Training material to assist with the understanding of the in-and-outs (and ups-and-downs) of competition aerobatics will be provided to registered attendees.
Hangarage and AvGas now available at Mercer Airport – accommodation available too, at Mercer Backpackers.
The draft daily timetable is as follows:
| Flying | 9:00am onwards | Dual Instruction |
| Solo coaching/critiquing | ||
| Watch judging in action | ||
| Seminars | 10:00am | “It’s not that scary!” – Your First Competition |
| 11:00am | Aresti Notation – Reading the sequence card | |
| 1:00pm | Getting your head in the game” – Competition Racecraft | |
| 2:00pm | What the Judges are looking for | |
| Lunch Break | 12:00-1:00pm | |
| BBQ Dinner | 7:00pm | Mercer Backpackers |
More detailed info for registered attendees.
3
01, 2022
NZAC COVID-19 Pandemic Policy
slackie2022-01-03T12:55:24+13:00
The Executive of the NZ Aerobatic Club is committed to the safe and responsible continuation of aerobatic competitions and training/coaching events during the COVID-19 Pandemic, observing any mandates or guidelines put in place by the NZ Government under the COVID-19 Protection Framework (CPF) as is current at the time.
The Executive is also cognisant of the possible long-term effects of Covid-19 infection on the pilot and ATC members, many of whom rely on maintaining their medical for employment.
Airport operators, aeroclubs and social venues used by the NZAC have put in place requirements for users entering facilities to follow. Therefore, this must also be considered when setting the NZAC requirements for a competition or training camp, particularly when indoor briefings are required.
Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of all competitors, officials, volunteers, and spectators to ensure we all act in a manner to minimise the threat of the ongoing transmission and spread of the virus, by following the NZ Government mandates, rules and guidelines in place at the time, as well as complying with NZAC participation requirements during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Additionally, airport operators, aeroclubs and social venues have the right to apply additional requirements, which shall be notified to attendees and must also be complied with.
The recommendations for healthy personal behaviours include:
- Regularly wash and thoroughly dry your hands or use a hand sanitiser.
- Sneeze and cough into your elbow.
- Keep your distance from people you do not know.
- Clean or disinfect shared surfaces often.
- If you have a cold, flu or COVID-19 symptoms, stay home and get a test.
Covid Protection Framework (CPF) Guidance
All competitions and training/coaching events are deemed ‘Gatherings’ by the Executive, under the COVID-19 Protection Framework.
The COVID-19 Protection Framework outlines three different settings which may be prescribed for a geographical area – Green, Orange or Red. Each setting places restrictions on the number of attendees at a Gathering and may therefore restrict attendance at NZAC Gatherings.
NZAC Participation Policy
While respecting the rights of all members/attendees to have the choice to be vaccinated or un-vaccinated, the Executive wishes to be inclusive in safely encouraging all members to participate in club gatherings regardless of vaccination status, in a manner which exceeds the current requirements of the CPF but with a minimal imposition on any attending member.
In this regard, participation at all NZAC-sanctioned events operating under the CPF shall be in accordance with the following:
| Activity definition | Gathering |
| Gathering Attendees* | Green – max 100 attendees |
| Orange – max 50 attendees | |
| Red – max 25 attendees | |
| Health Verification | · My Vaccine Pass, OR
· -48-hour Negative Covid Test (PCR or Rapid Antigen Test) |
*Attendees include competitors, officials/volunteers, and proximate spectators.
Privacy and kindness
Upon entry to any NZAC event venue, attendees must be prepared to present to the Organiser, CD, or delegated official evidence of their Health Verification as detailed above (not currently required for children under 12years of age).
The NZAC will NOT retain any record of the attendee’s vaccination or health status and shall only record the Health Verification has been sighted.
At any NZAC event, attendees will show kindness and respect to other attendees’ personal health choices.
1
12, 2021
South Island AkroFest 2021
zeebob2021-10-01T00:03:48+13:00
So it is that time again, lockdowns notwithstanding! Calling all aerobatic pilots/competitors/enthusiasts/supporters and all other aviators alike. Please find all relevant info attached for the 7th Annual South Island Akro Fest, now run at Ashburton Airfield, hosted by the Mid Canterbury Aeroclub and Ashburton Aviation Museum.
We are all looking forward to spending the week down at Ashburton again this coming December. A huge thank you to Joe and his team at the Mid Canterbury Aeroclub for hosting us again this year. We have got a full compliment of categories open to fly in. Primary all the way through to Unlimited, and the Vintage Class, unique to the South Island Akro Fest.
Please read out latest Rules and Regulations
Accommodation: There are plenty of motel options in Ashburton. Mike Fowler has booked a large house, about 10mins on the Western side of the Motorway. It will sleep 8-10 easy. Please contact him direct for account details and cost. [email protected]. We will have transport to the airfield from the house. It is an awesome spot, a few of us stayed there for the Judges training weekend back in June. We will be hosting the Thursday evening BBQ there.
Timetable: Please see the attached doc for the timetable. Pretty similar to previous years.
Weather alternates: We do not have weather alternates for the event. If we do have interruptions, we will drop a flight as required to ensure we can still complete the competition on Saturday.
Safety Piloting: Please organize your safety pilot in advance if you think you may require one. I personally will not be available for safety piloting during this event but will be happy to assist with training/practice away from the airfield outside of the competition schedule.
Rental aircraft: South Canterbury Aeroclub and Canterbury Aeroclub have very kindly made their Alphas, ZK-VCC and ZK-VCF available for the event. Sarah has booked VCC already. Each pilot will need to contribute a set fee for contribution of the ferry cost. I will supervise sign-outs for both aircraft. Please advise if you would like to fly an Alpha. If we have more than 4 pilots asking for the Alpha will go ahead and book the second machine through SCAC.
Volunteering: We are always looking for volunteers. Some of you are aware of your extra roles assisting on the judging line this time round. If you are interested, please get in touch. Whether it be helping with filing paperwork or scribing, there is always plenty to do!
Registration: I have attached the registration form. Please send these through with payment to the Aerobatic Club in your earliest convenience. Cut-off for registration is 20th November. Once you have registered or signalled your initial interest, I will send an invitation for you to view the Online Registration database so you can see what stage your registration is at. It is also an opportunity to see personnel allocation and your fellow participants. Note: Registration is required whether you are volunteering or competing.
Contest Communication / Notifications: We will be using WASAPP for communication again this year. Please include your cell ph number in registration and download the app so we can setup the chat in advance.
Trophies: Please return your trophies engraved and clean.
Saturday night Prize Giving/Dinner: A huge thanks to the Ashburton Aviation Museum for hosting us for the Saturday night function. Please advise your attendance for this in the registration and indicate how many will be accompanying you. Pay direct on the night. 3 course meal, fully catered.
Covid-19: Under the current restrictions, we are able to run this event. We will be following Mid Canterbury Aeroclubs protocols on this. Any queries. Please contact me or the Club direct.
Key Contacts:
Andy Love – Event Organizer – 021 217 9170
Lachlan Falconer – Contest Director – 021 258 1454
Russell Bell – Chief Judge
CFI Mid Canterbury Aeroclub – Joe Brown – 03 308 7850
Hangarage: Ian Begbie and the MCAC have very kindly made their hangars available to us so there are no issues regarding hangarage.
Sequences: Please check our sequences page for the current Known sequences. Free-Known compulsory figures are also found there.
Categories: We will be running a full compliment of categories this year.
- Primary
- Recreational
- Vintage
- Sportsman
- Intermediate
- Advanced
- Unlimited
We are very much looking forward to the competition. You can never be sure what the weather gods will roll our way but we will make the most of whatever is dished out. I will not send a reminder out for registration but this will be circulated via social media. Any queries, please do not hesitate to get in touch. Have a great week and get practicing!
Event Timetable
| Date | Description |
|---|---|
| Wed 1st | Arrivals / Practice
Note: Briefing to be completed by Andy or Lachlan prior to flying in the box |
| Thurs 2nd | 0800: Briefing (Aeroclub briefing room) 0900: Practice 1200: Lunch 1300: Knowns commence 1800: Box closed (Aeroclub Bar open at 5:00pm) |
| Fri 3rd | 0800: Briefing (Aeroclub briefing room) 0900: Knowns completed. Free’s / Free-Knowns commence 1200: Lunch 1300: Free’s / Free-Knowns complete 1800: Box closed (Aeroclub bar open at 5:00pm) 1830: BBQ hosted by the Mid Canterbury Aeroclub (pay on the night) |
| Sat 4th | 0800: Briefing (Aeroclub briefing room) 0900: Unknowns commence (Sports/Inter/Adv) 1300: Lunch – hosted by MCAC 1400: 4minute Free-Style 1700: Box closed. De-brief at Aeroclub 1700: Bar opens 1800: Dinner – Ashburton Aviation Museum 1900: Prize Giving |
| Sun 5th | Departures, tidy up Aeroclub / hangar |
30
09, 2021
SI AkroFest 2021 – Entry Form
zeebob2021-10-01T00:00:42+13:00
Entries for the 2021 South Island AkroFest are now open. Click the image above to download the entry form.