Micro Helicopter Racing League

I'm getting a great response to the indoor RC thing. I may be on to something here. I have a lot of kids in my high school interested in purchasing a Syma S107G, and a couple who already have. I've also reeled in the principal, VP and a counselor, and I'm pretty sure I have a science teacher.

I'm going to start the Micro Helicopter Racing League.

These will be the rules:

• All racers will use the Syma S107G or an equivalent micro helicopter approved by the contest director.

• Two pylons, 15 feet apart.

• Competitors race 2 at a time, but they race for time. Matches are not head-to-head.

• Two foot-wide circles are placed at 6 feet and 9 feet along one edge, perpendicular to and 3 feet from the line between the pylons. Both helicopters are placed anywhere in the circle, such that each skid is entirely contained within the circle.

• Competitors stand directly behind their starting circle, no closer than 3 feet, and no closer than 6 feet to the pylon line.

• If a competitor cuts in front of a pylon, they must go back and round it properly or be disqualified.

• The pilot on the left side (facing the pylon line) will fly to the left and circle right. The right-hand pilot will fly to the right and circle left. Helicopters will thus pass head-on on the far side.

• At the start, time keepers activate their time pieces. Competitors race around the pylons three times, making three complete circuits, and at the end land such that each skid is entirely within the pilot's starting circle.

• If a helicopter crashes, and the pilot cannot or will not recover it remotely using the transmitter, the pilot may say "crash." Neutral ground crew will then place it upright where it crashed and it may continue.

• A limbo bar may be added at each pylon, three feet wide and three feet from the ground adjacent to and in line with each pylon. If a helicopter flies underneath it in the course of the race the pilot may remove a second from his or her time for each successful limbo. Pilots may not circle a pylon to remove more seconds. The maximum number of seconds which may be removed is 6.

Pilots may compete any number of times. The more you compete, the more skilled you become and the better your chances.

A league leader board will be kept and at the end of the season awards will mark first through fifth place. Maybe first place gets a helicopter.

Both students and teachers will race in the same league.

These rules have the advantage of allowing for flexible scheduling of races, and for official pickup races. I think that this could turn into a big deal.