Client Computer Specifications:
Hardware should exceed the recommended system requirements of IL2 Forgotten Battles plus Ace Expansion Pack plus Pacific Fighters, specifically, should have a high performance graphics accelerator. A reasonable network ping is desirable (under 300).
Screen Name:
Your screen name should not contain any offensive words. Assume that players of all ages will be participating.
GETTING READY
Classes of racing:
There are two types of races, restricted class and open class:
Restricted class race:
All racers select the same plane type for that race. The plane type is usually chosen by the winner of the previous race, or at the host/official's discretion. Racers may lobby for a particular type of plane by using the chat feature, but the winner or host has the final decision. In the event that a pilot wins two races, the 2nd place finisher of the last race will usually choose the plane type. The goal is to allow every pilot a chance to choose a plane during a league event. The host or official will announce the plane type before the race.
Open class race:
Each racer may choose from any of the available plane types. Racers should choose a plane that has both speed and endurance. Keep in mind that Complex Engine Management (CEM) greatly affects engine longevity/durability and overall speed. There is no substitute for practice and testing.
Arming:
Racers must choose Empty as the Weapon Loadout. Shooting at other racers is strictly forbidden and may result in being booted from the server. The only exception to this rule is that the host may choose to allow a 'Guns Hot' race. Under these circumstances, racers can arm their planes with ammunition. During a guns hot race, racers must follow any guidelines the host sets forth, such as, "guns hot only after the first lap". Guns Hot races are not counted for points.
Country Selection:
Your Choice (If you are using a custom skin, select None)
Regiment:
Your Choice
Skin:
Your Choice. Custom racing skins are usually welcomed and encouraged. If a server is experiencing excessive lag or connection issues the host may request that racers turn off the skin download option and use the default skins. Make sure your custom skins do not contain profanity, nudity, or anything else that might offend other players. In other words, your skins should be suitable for all ages. Please note: your custom skin may not be visible to all the other players for several minutes, they take time to download.
Pilot:
Your Choice. Again, make sure your pilot is suitable for all ages.
Number:
Enter your registered number in this field.
Squadron:
Your Choice
Fuel Quantity:
Your Choice. The air racing courses vary considerably in length, but as a general guide you will not need more than 25% fuel. Study the course and use your own discretion. Extra fuel adds unnecessary weight to your plane and slows you down.
Course Direction:
Generally courses run counterclockwise, but a few run clockwise. If you are unsure just ask.
START LINE
Starting Grid:
Prior to a race, planes will taxi to their starting positions. When taxiing, take your time and use the taxi-way. Much time is wasted by accidents caused by collisions on the ground and racing across the rough ground between the taxi-ways. Be aware of those around you. Racers must line up two abreast on the main runway, and single file on the taxiways. Racers should space themselves at least 100 meters (.1 km) behind other planes. Usually the courses have grid markers placed next to the correct start positions. You must leave room between the planes at the starting line to avoid crashing into the plane in front of you on takeoff. On the larger race-style runways, line up one plane per runway slot. Turn off your engine when you are in your starting position. When all the racers are in their starting position, the host or official will indicate the start is about to begin. We will rotate the starting lineup. Front row will move back to the last row and the second and third row will move up one row for the next race. This should slow down all racing to get the front spot and make for better racing.
Starter Scripts:
Sometimes starter scripts are used. These are automated starting routines initiated by the host once everyone is lined up and ready. If a particular race server is not using these scripts, then the starting sequence shall be as follows.
Manual Starting Sequence:
When given the 'Ready' signal, all racers start their engines while holding down their wheel brakes. After all engines have started and the racers are ready, the starter will signal 'Set'. On the 'Set' signal, racers rev up their engines, make engine management changes, and turn on Nav lights. Your plane can not move before the GO is seen on the screen or you will be disqualified. The starter will then give the signal to start the race. The signal is: "Go, Go, Go". Once the 'go, go, go' signal is given, racers accelerate down the runway and takeoff. Stay straight down your lane until you clear the end of the runway. Do not cross other racers lane during takeoff. Once past the end of runway, look before you start your turn.
IN THE AIR
Once airborne, keep the smokestacks, pylons, balloons or campfires to your LEFT unless the course has inside corners or crosses. If the course is complicated in this regard, it is best to practice the course beforehand. If you have not then please lineup in the back of the grid so you can follow other racers.
Pilots shall fly the course, not simply navigate way marks. In general, maximum elevation shall not exceed one wing-span above local height markers (typically chimney stacks and/or observation balloons). When in traffic, or avoiding collisions, this height may be exceeded. When using a 'yo-yo' manoeuvre to fly around a corner, this height may be exceeded for a few seconds. Pilots shall return below the maximum elevation as soon as possible.
If for some reason you can not finish the race or go out of bounds, you are to turn off your nav lights and make a sharp turn in a safe direction (please look first), the preferred direction is a hard vertical climb, this might help keep racers from following you and leaving the race course.
Planes in front of you have the right-of-way, pass with caution. You should assume that any plane in front of you may not be able to see you.
After the race, all racers must land and survive the landing to qualify for your position and points. If you crash and are killed then you will forfeit your finished position and points. If you do crash and are not killed you must eject, so everyone knows you are still alive as all official races are recorded and reviewed before posting on this website. Also, after ejecting, you must hit the refly button and remove your plane and equipment from the runway so others can land safely. Landing should be made at the airfield where the race was started and in the same direction as the start of the race, whenever possible. If you can not because of equipment failure (i.e. motor, gear, etc.) then land at the first available safe spot doing your best to survive the landing.
The host or official determines and announces the number of laps around the course. The start/finish line is marked by a line of campfires running perpendicular to the direction of the course and/or by the start or finish pylons. The winner of the race will be the plane that crosses the finish line first after completing the specified number of laps.
Good sportsmanship is expected at all times from the participants. Lag can cause crashes, if you are involved in a midair collision, don't jump to conclusions, just watch, no chat (unless you want to help call the race) and wait for the next race.
Please keep your chat friendly and clean of profanity.
If and when you do crash DO NOT RESPAWN until the race is over and all racers have landed. Use the "shift F-2" view to see what is going on or wait until the next plane and laps are called. Most host will say when you can spawn or respawn. If you are late joining for an Official race ALWAYS ask if it is alright to SPAWN and wait for a reply, please.
OFFICIAL LEAGUE RACES
The officiator will make decisions on the spot and they most be complied with, NO DEBATE. If you do not respond to his commands, you will be removed from the meet. If you feel you were treated unfairly, then file a complaint on the forum after the event and ask for a ruling.
Starting April 1, 2004 we have put into place a new points system. Points will be awarded for the first five finishers as described below for all races. Also, for your points to be displayed in the "Top 25 Registered Pilots" list you need to have a registered number.
Points will be awarded as follows:
Officiating =
30 points
1st place =
18 points
2nd place =
14 points
3rd place =
10 points
4th place =
06 points
5th place =
02 points
Finished race and Landed =
01 point
Pilots who enter the Friday evening event will not be allowed to enter the Saturday event. The same course shall be raced on both the Friday and Saturday servers. The same number of (official points) races shall be run on both servers.
Please note: These events are often Passworded. This information will be posted prior to the event. The dates and times of these and other events will be found in the Racing Schedule page.
Earning Points:
To win a race, the plane that crosses the finish line first, must also land successfully. It is not necessary to taxi to the ramp, but your pilot must survive the landing, i.e. a controlled crash landing counts, if you can successfully eject your pilot. In the event that a first place finisher does not successfully land, the win will be awarded to the next highest finisher that can successfully land his/her plane.
Point totals are kept on the home page of the website. League points are reset at the end of the season, as league 'seasons' begin and end.
Booting: The Host is responsible for booting players that consistently break the rules. Booting should be at the discretion of you, the official, or a majority of complaining racers.
OFFICIATING
The race official will run the race. The official may be the Host, but does not have to be. Officiator responsibilities include:
Announce the plane type and number of laps before the race.
Monitor taxiway usage and start line setup.
Correct and/or encourage new racers with helpful suggestions to ease their transition into racing pilots, and to follow the rules.
Call start and begin recording the track for later review (if necessary).
Call laps as they start.
Optional: Call 'commentary' on the race, especially close racing.
Call the finish of the race, including the first six finishers.
Monitor landing and assess points.
After the racing, review tracks that were close to ensure correct placement of finishers.
Record points per race and post results in the comments section of the website.
