Host an F3L Contest
Interested in hosting an F3L contest? Whether you're organizing a casual half-day event for your local club or a major two-day championship, we're here to help. This page provides everything you need to know about running a successful F3L competition.
Contest Types
- Half-Day Contests: Great for local clubs, typically 3-5 rounds, single day format
- Two-Day Major Contests: Full championship format, 7-10 rounds over two days
- Series Events: Two day contests approved by the F3L Series Board that count towards the annual F3L Contest Series standings
Use the tabs below to find specific information for your contest type.
Contest Organization
Hosting a Half-Day Contest
Half-day contests are perfect for introducing pilots to F3L competition in a relaxed, club-friendly format.
Format Overview
- Duration: 3-4 hours of flying time
- Rounds: Typically 3-5 rounds
- Pilots: Usually 8-15 participants
- Best for: Club events, practice contests, introducing new pilots
Minimum Requirements
- Flying site with 300ft radius clear area minimum
- AMA field insurance, ideally with a FRIA
- Contest Director with F3L rules knowledge
- Timing system (stopwatches acceptable for small events)
- Launch and landing zone markers
Simplified Setup
Equipment Needed:
- 3-4 stopwatches or timers
- Laptop/tablet for scoring (F3XVault or spreadsheet)
- Launch area markers and landing zone markers
- Canopy/tent for shade (optional but recommended)
- Tables and chairs for registration and scoring
Typical Schedule:
- 8:00 AM: Setup and pilot registration
- 8:30 AM: Pilot meeting and rules briefing
- 9:00 AM: Flying begins (3-5 rounds)
- 1:30 PM: Contest concludes, awards
Scoring Options
For half-day contests, you can use:
- F3XVault: Professional scoring system (recommended if joining series)
- Spreadsheet: Simple Excel/Google Sheets template for informal events
- Manual Scoring: Paper score sheets for very small events
Hosting a Two-Day Major Contest
Two-day contests provide a full championship experience with more rounds, better conditions assessment, and higher-level competition.
Format Overview
- Duration: Two full days (typically Saturday-Sunday, plus optional Friday practice)
- Rounds: 7-10 rounds total
- Pilots: 15-30+ participants
- Best for: Regional championships, series events, attracting out-of-state pilots
Full Requirements
- Excellent flying site with ample space for spectators and camping
- AMA sanctioning (required)
- Experienced Contest Director
- F3XVault scoring system setup
- 2-4 volunteers
- Professional timing equipment
- Multiple canopies/tents for pilots and officials
- Restroom facilities
- Optional camping or lodging information for out-of-town pilots
Equipment & Infrastructure
Timing & Scoring:
- Electronic timing system (recommended)
- Backup manual timers for each flight group
- Computer running F3XVault
- Reliable internet connection or mobile hotspot
- Generator or reliable power source
- Battery backup for electronics
Field Setup:
- Clearly marked launch zones with staging area
- Defined landing zones with accuracy markers
- Safety boundary markers
- Multiple canopies: pilots, timers, scoring station
- Adequate tables and chairs
- PA system for announcements (helpful but optional)
- First aid kit and emergency plan
Two-Day Schedule
Friday (Optional):
- Practice day and early registration
- Social gathering in the evening
Saturday:
- 7:00-8:00 AM: Registration, frequency control
- 8:00-8:30 AM: Pilot meeting and rules review
- 8:30 AM: Flying begins (4-5 rounds)
- 12:00-1:00 PM: Lunch break
- 1:00 PM: Afternoon rounds continue
- 5:00-6:00 PM: Day concludes, standings posted
Sunday:
- 8:00-8:30 AM: Morning briefing
- 8:30 AM: Flying begins (3-5 rounds)
- 12:00-1:00 PM: Lunch break
- 1:00 PM: Final rounds if needed
- 2:00-3:00 PM: Contest concludes
- 3:00 PM: Awards ceremony
Volunteer Coordination
Key roles for a two-day contest:
- Contest Director: Overall management and final decisions
- Assistant CD: Helps manage operations, handles issues
- Scorekeeper: Manages F3XVault, records all flights
- Registration: Handles check-in, payments, AMA verification
- Protest committe :
Budget Planning
Major contests require more investment:
- AMA sanctioning: ~$50-100
- Entry fees: $40-80 per pilot
- Awards/trophies: $200-500 for top finishers
- Equipment rental (if needed): $100-300
- Supplies (markers, score sheets, etc.): $100-200
- Total budget: $500-1500 depending on scale
Promotion
To attract pilots from outside your area:
- Post contest information 2-3 months in advance
- List on F3XVault calendar
- Announce on RCGroups F3L forum
- Coordinate with series organizers for promotion
- Provide lodging and camping information
- Create event on social media
Join the F3L Contest Series
Want your contest to be part of the official F3L Contest Series? We welcome high-quality events that follow FAI F3L rules and provide an excellent experience for competitors.
Series Benefits
- Promotion through series website and communications
- Attract pilots from across the region and nation
- Contest results count toward series championship
- Support and mentorship from series organizers
- Access to templates, resources, and best practices
- Connection to the national F3L community
Series Requirements
- Contest Format: Must be a two-day event (7+ rounds preferred)
- FAI Rules: Strict adherence to official FAI F3L rules
- F3XVault Scoring: Required for series standings integration
- AMA Sanctioning: Must be AMA sanctioned
- Quality Site: Excellent flying location with adequate facilities
- Experienced CD: Contest director with F3L experience
- Advance Notice: Contest date confirmed 3+ months in advance
Application Process
If you are interested in adding your event to the series, please use the attached proposal template and send the proposal to info@F3Lcontestseries.org.
How to Apply
- Download the Contest Bulletin Template
📄 Download F3L Contest Bulletin Proposal Template - Complete all sections of the template including:
- Contest name, dates, and location
- Site description and directions
- Registration information and fees
- Schedule and format details
- Contest Director information
- Lodging and camping details
- Submit your completed bulletin to:
info@F3Lcontestseries.org - F3L Series Board Review
Your submission will be reviewed by the F3L Series Board - Approval & Promotion
Once approved, your contest will be added to the series calendar and promoted
F3L Series Board
The F3L Contest Series is overseen by the F3L Series Board. Contest applications and proposals are reviewed by the board members:
- Greg McGill
- John McNeil
- Gary Fogel
- Ed LaCroix
- John Ihlein
The board evaluates proposals based on site quality, organizer experience, dates, and overall fit with series goals.
Timeline
Plan ahead for series inclusion:
- 6+ months before: Submit initial application
- 5 months before: Committee review and approval
- 4 months before: Contest added to series calendar
- 3 months before: Full promotion begins
- 2 months before: Registration opens
- Contest weekend: Execute your event!
Support Available
Series organizers can provide:
- F3XVault setup assistance
- Sample materials and templates
- Advice on logistics and best practices
- Promotion through series channels
- Connection with experienced contest directors
Questions?
Contact the series organizers at info@F3Lcontestseries.org with any questions about joining the series or hosting a contest.
Small monthly contest
Landing competition is a key scoring element
General Resources
Resources applicable to all contest types:
Official Rules & Scoring
- FAI F3 Soaring Rules (PDF) - F3L is in Section 4.3.6
- F3XVault Scoring System - Industry standard for F3 competitions
Additional Resources
More templates and guides will be added here as the series develops. Check back regularly for updates!