BE A CONTEST VOLUNTEER
The In’s and Out’s of Volunteering
Aerobatic contests can’t be organized and run without a coordinated team of volunteers. You don’t need to be an aerobatic pilot to volunteer, just have a willingness to learn and to step in where help is needed. Some of our most valuable volunteers have never even flown in a small aircraft (really!).
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Volunteer Positions
For our chapter contest, these are the volunteer positions we are looking to fill:
RECORDER
The recorder sits on the judges line and writes down scores and comments on individual figures as the judge grades the flight. These comments are then returned to the pilots and help them understand their scores. Serving as a recorder is a great way to get more exposure to Aresti and learn what the judges want to see if you are interested in flying competition some day.
ASSISTANT JUDGE
The assistant judge must be able to read and correctly call (speak) Aresti and keep track of where the pilot is in the sequence. They sit next to the judge and keep him/her aware of what they should be seeing in the air. They also help count “points” on rolls, which way a plane turned, etc. This is the most advanced volunteer position outside of being a grading judge.
BOX MONITOR
The box monitor keeps an eye on the pilot in the box and other aircraft that might be in the area, especially during practice sessions. This position requires the ability to use a handheld radio and a keen eye to spot traffic that could interfere with contest flying.
CTAF MONITOR
Our agreement with the FAA requires a CTAF Monitor at Redlands. This is an experienced pilot with the ability to use a handheld radio and communicate using proper language to inbound aircraft. They alert them to the traffic
pattern change and direct them away from the north side of the airport.
RUNNER
We need runners both on the judging line to help collect scores for the chief judge, as well as those with vehicles to run errands as needed into town.
STARTER assistant
The Starter is an experienced pilot who coordinates the departure of contest pilots into the hold. He or she needs several volunteer helpers to wrangle pilots and make sure they are strapping into their airplanes on schedule.
registration
Volunteers in the office help out starting on the registration and practice day. Pilots and volunteers need to be checked in and paperwork completed. The office is a beehive of activity and there’s almost always something to do.
scoring
Non-flying volunteers can assist scoring by picking up sheets at the judges line and bringing them to the Scorer. This volunteer can also prepare each contest day’s paperwork. If you are organized, this is the place for you!
You in for Redlands?
Volunteer Training
To assist both our chapter and others in training volunteers, we have put together the following training pages.
Please link back if possible or credit Chapter 26 if you use these materials on other sites.
How the Judging Line Works
What to expect on the judges line if you volunteer as a recorder, runner, or assistant. Hint: bring sunscreen.
The Aresti Language
In order for pilots around the world to be able to describe and fly the same figures, the Aresti pictoral language was developed.
General Volunteer Info
An overview of contest volunteering and tips to make your volunteer experience worth Instagramming.