IPC Plenary Meeting, Faro, Portugal 2017: Day 2

Thursday 26th January 2017:

This morning's agenda opened with the presentation by Italy for their Bid to host the Indoor Skydiving Championships in 2018. 

Yet another gift from a bidder, following the trinket box (traditional) from Bahrain, with a outline of their bid inside - chocolates from Norway, we now have a scarf and sweets from Italy!

Matiha marketing manager of Aero Gravity, Milan and Christina Event Manager. The Aero Gravity tunnel is under construction and close to the city center of Milan, being linked to two main rail lines as well as the Metro and very close to Expo site, so they have all the same facilities.

Technology of the tunnrl 17 ft diameter and 66 ft high flight chamber all glass. It will be the largest indoor tunnel facility in the world with a design which leads to less turbulence in the chamber.

They have a professional management team as well as a marketing and publicity team.

They are offering a complete service, including accommodation and travel and transfer arrangements.

Ron Miasnikov asked two questions - "How familiar are you with the rules of the Competition? In the bid you have listed events that are not part of IPC event programme." Exi pointed out that the Aero Gravity are offering the tool for the competition and the NAC is responsible for the bid. The Delegate responded by saying that at the opening of their bid they say they need and would welcome the expertise from the IPC to do the best competition possible. They are planning to hold 3 test events.

Jiri Blaskov asked how complete is the tunnel? Matiha replied that they are currently operating with skydivers, but the formal opening will be in March 2017.

Gernot commented that the type of questions being put to Aero Gravity have not been put to the other bidders who made similar virtual reality presentations.

 Bid from Germany for WISC 2019

The bid is from a new tunnel in Munich which is nearing completion with an Official Opening earmarked for March 4th 2017.

Karl and Silvia presented a very new concept of a wind tunnel. They have support from the NAC and the experienced FCE organisers in Germany. The venue's location is close to Munich airport and a major autobahn, noting that Munich is in the centre of Europe.

It will be a joint venture between an experienced wind tunnel creator, Jochen Schweizser and Airbus. The innovative building can accommodate 1,200 people in the whole area of the tunnel, with three different restaurents - the tunnel is 14.ft diameter and performance height is 12 metres. They will live stream to three large screens throughout the building.

There will also be a shuttle service to and from the Hotel hourly.

Ron asked two questions about the bid, one they said 2 days and 4 cameras, and these are outside our rules. What age limit is there for children? No age limit on children other than those that may be dictated by the tunnel operator.

 Canopy Piloting:

Alberto Martin Paracuellos presented his report (Annex 25) after introducing his committee adding that Nina Engels, from Germany, will be joining the committee too.

He called for questions on the document but none was forthcoming.

The World Championships last year in Canada had a good attendance by competitors and NACs, but unfortunately the weather was against them and only 2 events were completed namely Speed and Accuracy and it was disappointing from that point of view.

Very positive test event of the World Games. During 2017 Dubai is to host this later this year, despite rumours it is still on the calendar. The desert DZ is fully operational and the UAE delegate will be here for the Plenary and Exi feels he will inform the Plenary on the changes they propose for the Final and Semi-Final rounds. These will no longer be able to be held at the Palm DZ which had been the intention as it is under a construction change, but there are plans, Exi explained, to source an alternative for the last two rounds.

 The proposed rule changes were then shown to the meeting for discussion, before final approval at the Plenary, subject to any modifications. An official practice period is now official, competitors must make one training jump. This is for safety reasons, to familiarise themselves with the Drop Zone. There was discussion from the floor regarding the last line of Alberto's report, which gives the ability to waive the rule.

The introduction of the Team Event and the rules from last year creating the need for a team to jump grouped together as in Accuracy Landing and this did not work. The committee decided to keep the Team Event but to cancel the clauses relating to grouping the team together.

Change the center zone size in the accuracy but the proposal is not finalised by the committee. Suggestion from Exi an automatic measuring device in the centre - 2mt x 2mt. Exi talked on the control pad - suggestion from John Smyth the high speed landings onto an electronic pad. Still under discussion by the committee who welcomed suggestions and comments before finalising.

Proposed to clarify the definition of the course markers and make it more precise. Other housekeeping changes as a result from problems in Canada, the definition of the safety procedures for closing the course. The percentage calculation for scoring is a good system giving a very fair competition, but it is difficult to explain, difficult to sell to the public and it is now proposed a 'normal' ranking system.

This is very unpopular with competitors - but the committee feels this is the way to go. Patrice asks that this is voted seperately at the Plenary, because as a NAC he has to represent his competitors' opinion. Exi reminded all delegates that this would conform to the Strategic Plan of IPC and this is the way forward to meet those aims, also if we don't make this kind of change we may find World Games would not welcome Parachuting again.

 This system will be used in the World Games this year and Alberto hopes to convince competitors that this will work particularly when they see the screen and the public presentation. Also following problems in Farnham the committee has decided to redefine the material to be used in the accuracy landing pit. The wording presented asks for approval by the FAI controller and CJ. It was suggested this is the responsibility only of the FAI Controller. Changing 11 FAI Judges to 7 FAI Judges with the Organiser responsible for providing 4 suitably qualified and approved by the CJ in advance.

The proposals in the Agenda to create a Default Score and change the exit altitude will not be persued by the committee.

A new definition for the Duration of the CP Competition has been written. There was discussion and this will be looked at during the Extended Bureau and R & R Committee to see where IPC goes with this whole question. Fine tuning regarding Weight Checks. Redefining responsibility. Also redefining the Z1 and Z2 Accuracy points to make it better to stay in Z1 and stand up than pushing to Z2 and falling down. Redefining the Tie-break rule with the new ranking system proposed for the World Games.

 Bid from Poland:

The Alternate Delegate for Poland, Agnieszka Sobczynska-Solomon, popularly known as Aggie, presented the Bid for the 7th World Canopy Piloting Championships in 2018. The venue of the competition is located north of Wroclaw, Poland's 4th largest city and in 2016 was designated a European Capital of Culture as well as the World Book Capital. The proposed dates are 1-8 July 2018.

Able assisted by Marek Jozwicki, the Managing Director of Wrocklaw Aeroclub, Aggie highlighted several aspects of the Bid most notably the 80 x 20 mts new swoop pond, built in 2016 for the sole purpose of use during the 2016 Pre-World Games Test Event and the forthcoming 2017 World Games Event. 

For Accuracy there is a gravel pit and the siting of the pond allows a left turn for the Speed event and for Distance there is open clearance of 250m from the entry gates. The scoring system of choice will be Intime.

The entry fees are calculated to be an all inclusive price, ie to include accommodation. Fuller details can be had on Annex 28. 

 Freefall Style and Accuracy Landing:

Gunter Bernedt started by thanking the FAI Recording Secretary and the Bureau for their help. He then introduced his committee members.

The main competition in 2016 was at the Mondial in Chicago and his report is on the agenda. In total 178 competitors who competed in both disciplines. It was well prepared, except for Freefall Style which changed the site three times. The competitors were unhappy with the organisation and the schedule of the competition. The electronic scoring system was mixed from different providers with a lot of errors. For the future, because of these problems, only approved systems must be used at a FCE.

Exi spoke on this matter that the system was a mixed system that was not defined, but for the future only a combined system would be approved for FS & AL. The committee have now defined the size of the windsock.

Juniors can be in part of the team and now they can also jump in the Senior event for medals. Patrice asked the question - "Do we need the Junior category?". The Junior category will be jumping within the Senior competition, but be ranked in a Junior competition. Jump within the Male or Female competition under the same conditions for all competitors. Training jumps have been removed from the official rules for the competition.  Timetable for the competition will be included in the Competition Rules so that all bidders are aware of the length of the competition.

Gustavo Eduardo Reyes - delegate from Argentina presented their bid for the World Cup 2019. Cordoba is the 2nd largest city in Argentina, and we watched a short video of the town and area at the same time as hearing the music of the local dance (not the Tango). They will use the Webecker System which they will purchase and they have the support of the Military, Olympic Committee and Nationally to host this competition. This is their first bid for an FAI FCE.

Question from why they pick the May for the competition - because it gives the best weather at that time of the year in the Southern hemisphere.

Wingsuit committee.

John Smyth took over the role of Chair when Jimmy Hayhurst had to stand down as USA Alternate Delegate. John then introduced the committee. Buzz Bennett, who has helped the committee with the writing of the rules working closely with Klaus, Dennis from Denmark a very active competitor, international known jumperHenny Wiggers and Randy Connel, the alternate delegate for USA. He extended grateful thanks to the USPA for allowing Jimmy Hayhurst to be an Official Observer and to remain on the committee  as a very valuable member and who had contributed so much to the emerging discipline.

Wingsuit Flying is a Discipline with two Events, Performance and Acrobatic. We were shown a short video of the Acrobatic event and John made the point that these athletes are not 'falling' they are 'flying' as they consider themselves 'pilots'. He then moved onto Performance Flying - lane flying is so important over the 4 miles from exit on a crosswind line, to the landing area.

Potential rule changes and these are items are or continued discussion over the next few days. Acrobatic want to change from working time to an altitude window however the technical equipment is not yet there to be accurate. At this moment in line with the IPC mission statement - as this would slow down judging. Exi feels this would be OK once we have good air to ground transmission, but not yet. The committee will probably not change, but there is very strong pressure  from competitors to move to this way. Exi queried the current system of judgement in Acrobatic, John stated that they committee are working on this. 

Housekeeping, the draw, delivery of the video (to follow FS), grip totals, make up of the committee, judging panel for Acrobatic. The recommendation is to reduce the panel from 5 to 4, particularly if they do not change the Acrobatic rules. Exi went on to suggest that they combine Performance and Acrobatic and have 3 per event, 6 judges in all.

John moved on to Performance. He has had many requests to bring the altitude down, but John confirmed they will not be reducing the altitude for several safety reasons. Definition of lanes - by Sunday there will be a set of rules that will be clear to all - to keep it safe and presentable. This issue will continued to be discussed by the committee and by Sunday they hope to have something definite to present. 

He then showed an amazing video of Red Bull Aces - FAI IPC event is not possible, far too expensive, however it could be a demonstration event for the WAG.

Future events that are IPC friendly - Netheravon UK will be hosting an Open Nationals and are looking at a demonstration event, namely a Canopy Piloting and Wingsuiting combination. John then showed a video of a demonstration to test the possibilities of developing this aspect of competition. Rules are being worked on.

Following lunch James Hayhurst presented the one Bid for the 2nd World Cup of Wingsuit Flying in 2017 on behalf of the organiser, Sammy Vassilev of Fyrosity, who in turn offered his apologies for not being able to present in person. The venue for the competiton will be the DZ at Overton, Nevada covering the period 1-9 November 2017.

Although Fyrosity have no experience on their new DZ they wanted to give the Wingsuit community a competition this year. They do know, through SkydiveTV, what is required to run an FCE. Sammy Vassilev has great communication links with Las Vegas media companies and is working at bringing in a ground-to-air camera, as was used for the Red Bull World Record. As this is the only bid on the table for 2017, it is very much a take it or leave it scenario.

James Hayhurst confirmed that they will be given clearance to go to the necessary altitude to conform with the Competition Rules. He went on to confirm that the costs of the scoring and judging equipment is included in the entry fee and not an additional cost to the competitors. Entry fee for two events - is double - however Jimmy Hayhurst will seek confirmation on these points from Sammy. 

Czech Republic Bid: Wingsuit Flying 2018

Jiri Blaska presented the bid in respect of the 2nd FAI World Wingsuit Flying Championships to be held in Prostejov during the period 26 August - 2 September 2018.

Three things which will be different from other presentations - 1) he will not show beaches, 2) churches, 3) he will show reality. The video presentation running in the background showed the history of previous world level competitions held at Prostejov, depicting both the extremes of good and bad days on the DZ. On the screen he shows competitors enjoying themselves whilst on the ground and in the air.

The goal is a full competition, ideally with no protests and no rejumps. Over and above their extensive competition experience, they Will bring in the expertise necessary to be ready for the competition. Their Bid also proposes to offer the 1st FAI European Wingsuit Flying Championships and World Cup during the same time scale

The DZ has a very large landing area, supported by a large out-landing zone, no overhead cables and no restrictions on the flying area. It is also notable for being a safe DZ. As for previous Bids, fuller details can be had within the Annexes, this particular Bid is No 35.

The Netherlands Bid: Wingsuit Flying 2018

Henny Wiggers presented the Bid for the 2nd FAI World Wingsuit Flying Championship to be held in Teugue, nr Apeldoorn during the period of 8-16 September 2018.

Last year the DZ at Teuge did 44,000 jumps have just accquired a 3rd Cessna Grand Caravan, with the Texas Turbine 900 HP Supervan conversion. The DZ is used to Wingsuiters and 100% priority will be given to the competition. They have an operational ceiling of FL 130 and due to the airfield's proximity to Schipol airport there are occasional height restrictions but they are used to working around them. Likewise, any forthcoming rules changes will be accommodated.

The entry fees of 410 euros + 90 Euros sanction fee for the single event or 680 euros + 90 euros sanction fee for both are low because the organiser is a club, not a business. Obviously these fes exclude accommodation.

Para-Ski:

Michael Egger started his report by introducing the committee comprising Henny Wiggers, Deputy Chair, Gernot Rittenschober, Mark Potapov and Gunter Berendt. Ulf Tingert was unable to attend.

He advised that his entire committee are experts, all of whom will be at he World Meet in March in Austria. They have three competitions planned for the World Cup Series 2017. Michael then showed a short video from the competition which took place last weekend. That competition was a test event where the Meet Director and Chief Judge were those that would be used at the World Meet. Registration is now finished with eight Nations registered, however they will keep the registration open till the end of the month should more teams wish to register. The organisation is ready.

Changes of the Rules - None! The audience received that announcement with an amused degree of relief!

He ended his report by asking for Invitations to host future competitions.

Czech Bid: Para-Ski 2019

Jiri Blaska presented a Bid fo host the 17th World Para-Ski Championships in 2019. The location is in an area known as Krkonose (Giant Mountains) in the north of the Czech Republic, about an 1.5 hrs by car from Prague. The dates proposed are 26 Feb - 3 March 2019. The venue is in the ski resort of Vrchlabi which has previously hosted World Cup series in Para-Ski.

Entry fees have been set at 630 euros (Juniors)/670 euros + 90 euros sanction fees each, to include accommodation and meals. The scoring system will be the Weckbecker System or the new Austrian Airshot system, both systems are approved by IPC.

Jiri recognised the help and support given by Michael Egger.

 The day concluded with reports from the Judges' committee and the committe of Rules and Regulations.  In both cases extensive discussions took place and will be formally reported on before the close of the Plennary Sessions.