Modified Assigned Speed Task (MAT)

Today's "B" task is a MAT.

In the "MAT" or "modified assigned speed task," the competition director assigns a minimum time, and you choose where to go. The CD can also assign some turnpoints. In this case, you have to complete the assigned turnpoints before going on to turnpoints of your choice. If you can’t get through all of the assigned turnpoints, you can still return to the home airport for a finish after completing only some of the assigned turnpoints.)

 

In today's case, there are 3 assigned turnpoints; the competitors' GPS files must prove they were within 2 km of each, and after Windover Airport, each competitor must either return to the finish gate (2 km around Pendleton, at a minimum altitude of 800' above sea level (540' above ground)), or select other way points to increase their distance before finishing.  The pilot who goes the furthest in 2 hours 30 minutes (highest average speed) wins.

 

The distances are handicapped to allow different types of gliders to compete fairly.

 

I have taken the above from faculty.chicagobooth.edu/john.cochrane/.../Fun%20with%20MAT.pdf‎.

 

Here is a picture from the discussion (TP 1, 2, 3 are mandatory):

 

The MAT allows pilots of various skill (or daring) to compete using the same initial course.

 

 

It is probably obvious that a navigation computer, or a GPS with a moving-map display is very useful when flying this task... since a bunch of other gliders are doing the same course, and other general aviation aircraft may be transiting the area.  It is very challenging to fly these tasks, but if the day is much better than forecast, you can add turnpoints, to a maximum of 11 total, to use all the day.