Q&A # 5

Q: Can we be charging our batteries at the hanger while the aircraft is waiting in the queue?  Can we charge batteries in line if we leave them in the aircraft instead of removing them to be charged?

A:  You should have noticed in the rules that provisions for battery charging/installation while waiting in the queue were changed. 

Aircraft may not have any work performed in the starting line queue. Aircraft propulsion batteries may be left out of the aircraft when in line. Teams will be given a maximum of 2 minutes to place their aircraft on the starting line and prepare for competition before the judges start the timed flight period. During the two minute period teams may install batteries and make any final adjustments. Aircraft not ready to fly at the end of the 2 minute period will go to the back of the flight queue.

Under the current rules you may bring the batteries out just before your turn to fly arrives (which would allow charging them in the hanger while waiting in line), and install them during your 2 minute "preparation window" (but not at any time before while the aircraft is in the queue).  To be fair,  we will also allow a charger to be hooked up while in line if the batteries remain installed, however the charger must be self-sufficient, (ie auto shut-off), as you will not be allowed to access it (ie. turn off or disconnect it) until your 2 minute "preparation window" begins, the same as if installing batteries previously charged.

This change was made to allow more parity for teams with limited battery resources (they can enter the queue while recharging batteries, where previously only teams with multiple packs "ready to go" could get back into the queue).

We will again enforce the "no people standing by the plane in line" rule to prevent any other work on the aircraft while in line (which will be covered more during the pilots briefing). 

Be aware that if your batteries have not completed charge (ie. If for ANY reason your not ready to fly when you reach the front of the queue, and your 2 minutes expire) you don't just slip a spot, but must go back to the end of the line.

-Greg
Gregory S. Page
ITT AES B210
2560 Huntington Ave
Alexandria, VA 22303
202-404-1251
202-767-6194 FAX

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