Maximum Distance Double Drop

15.18 MAXIMUM DISTANCE DOUBLE DROP (XDD)

15.18.1 Competitors will attempt to achieve two marks or valid track points far apart in the scoring area(s).

15.18.2 Task data:

a. description of the scoring area(s)

15.18.3 The result is the distance between the marks or farthest valid track points. Greatest result is best.

Competition Ballooning – Maximum Distance Double Drop

The rule (or information) for this task is set out in Chapter 15 of the Event Rules

The Maximum Distance Double Drop is very similar to the Minimum Distance Double Drop (See December 12th door) but instead of attempting to achieve two marks or valid track points closest together in the scoring area(s) you attempt to achieve them the furthest apart. The tactics are the same; you still have the scoring areas where either marker outside results in a no score and you still have to line up your approach to the opposite ‘corners’ such that you pass over the furthest points in the areas. For visible marks you need to fly low over those points to drop your marker accurately; for electronic marks you may be given an altitude to fly through at those points or you may be allowed any height which makes the approach much easier.

Figure 1: Hot Air Balloon World Championship 2018, Austria

Written by David Bareford