General Aviation Navigation Group

The Royal Institute of Navigation (RIN) runs this long-established competition. It is arranged to provide a challenge to crews irrespective of their navigational experience and is open to crews of GA aircraft, motor gliders, microlights and helicopters, with the route appropriately adapted.

What is the reward for taking part in this challenge? Well in previous years up to 30 crews have experienced two hours of exhilarating flying in pursuit of good training, trophies and cash prizes.

Sponsors and prize-givers include AOPA, BALPA, RAFFCA, Flyer Magazine, GAPAN, Transair, Wansbrough-White & Co Ltd and the West London Aero Club. GASCO and the RAeC support the event.

The 30th Competition will take place at White Waltham on Saturday 12 July 2008. The RIN is very grateful for the cooperation of the West London Aero Club who hosts the event and again has waived landing fees for the competitors. A copy of the flier for this Competition can be downloaded below.

The following details are provided for those interested in entering the competition:

How to enter and fees

TopNav Competition Rules

Sponsorship

HOW TO ENTER AND FEES

Entries should be submitted using the Form provided by the RIN. A copy may be downloaded below.

The entrance fee is £50 inc VAT per aircraft and covers competition fees and morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea for 2 crew. The charge for additional persons, including passengers is £10 inc VAT each; this covers all sustenance. Landing fees are waived for competitors.

TOPNAV COMPETITION RULES

The General Aviation Group (GANG) of the Royal Institute of Navigation (RIN) organises the TOPNAV competition on behalf of the RIN. The ultimate authority for the competition rests with the RIN.

The competition is open to teams of general aviators who may fly a range of aircraft – GA, motor gliders, microlights and helicopters Competition crews should consists of a minimum crew of two persons.

The RIN will appoint a management committee to organise the event.

The RIN will appoint a panel to judge the event and decide the competition winners, the decision of this panel will be final and all competition must accept this fact.

The pilot in command must hold a current and valid licence to fly in the UK and in the type of aircraft operated in the competition.

At all times during the competition the crew and aircraft must be operated in accordance with all UK legislation, including the current Rules of the Air Regulations and Air Navigation Order. The aircraft used in the competition must conform fully with the appropriate airworthiness requirements.

Competitors will be required to certify that all details of their entry are correct and that they agree to the Competition rules. Failure to comply with regulations in force during the competition will result in a crew’s disqualification.

The competition will be flown on the day stated, although if the organising committee decides that conditions on the day are unsuitable, alternative arrangements may be employed. In the event of a competitor being unable to reach the competition during the day due to a last minute problem such as airframe problems or illness, the judges will consider the circumstances and may make arrangements for the entrant to fly on another occasion, which would normally be within one week of the competition date.

Entrants are required to complete and submit, after the flight, a detailed flight log on the forms provided and photographs or digital pictures of the stated waypoints within 14 days.

The points on which the competition is to be scored will be awarded for planning, accuracy of navigation, airmanship, log and handicapping.

Any queries regarding the rules should be address to the RIN in writing.

To download a copy of these rules please use the links below.

Further information on this competition will be posted here shortly.

SPONSORSHIP

Sponsors and prize-givers include Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association (AOPA), British Airline Pilots Assocation (BALPA), Royal Air Force Flying Clubs’ Association (RAFFCA), Flyer Magazine, Guild of Air Pilots and Air Navigators (GAPAN) , Transair Uk Ltd, Wansbrough-White & Co Ltd and the West London Aero Club. General Aviation Safety Council (GASCO) and the Royal Aero Club of the United Kingdom (RAeC) also support the event.