There are two new categories for the Navigation (NAV) event: Traditional and Unlimited. This rule change is now in affect but the new categories will not be used in the 2018 Region IX competition.
The NAV Event will still be one event but with 2 Categories. Each team will still have 3 contestants in the event but will have the option to choose which category or categories to participate in. The aircraft used in each category will need to comply with the rule:
This is in the latest version of the Red Book.
B. Airplane Eligibility
1. Aircraft type certificated as Airplane-Single Engine Land only.
2. No more than four (4) place.
3. Maximum horsepower-250 bhp.
4. May not be equipped with an after-market STOL modification.
5. In order to be eligible for the “Traditional” category in the Navigation event, the aircraft must meet requirements 1 through 4 above as well as containing no area navigation capabilities. This includes, but is not limited to, GPS, LORAN, Single (or multiple) point R-NAV units, or any other area navigation equipment. This prohibition applies to both installed and portable devices.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q: Will the route for Traditional category be different than the Unlimited category?
A: No, but you will only be scored against other contestants in your category.
Q: If only 1 contestant participates in the Traditional (or Unlimited) Category, does that mean they will automatically win that category?
A: Yes provided the contestant does not DQ?
Q: Is there a point advantage should 1 team win both categories?
A: There is an opportunity for a team that wins both categories to gain some extra points. I use the word opportunity because if a different team wins the other category they can gain some additional points. For example now there are 2 opportunities for teams to win 1st, 2nd and 3rd, etc and the points that go along with that.