Aircraft Selection Considerations:
- any piston or radial engined aircraft that flew in the 1930s to 1950s.
- range of at least 450 nm (maximum Leg distance is 345 nm, maximum Leg planning distance is 450 nm, including possible diversion due to weather);
- fitted with NDB and VOR is ideal;
- if not fitted with NDB and VOR, NDB is recommended, otherwise most of the event has to be flown by "dead reckoning"; and
- fitted with DME would also be good, but not absolutely necessary.

Route Information:
- total distance - 3575 nm;
- 19 Legs (some with sub sectors);
- average Leg distance - 188 nm; and
- maximum Leg planning distance - 450 nm, including possible diversion due to weather; and
- a weather variable, based on historical statistical data for the route, which can involve wind speeds in the low 20 kt range with gusts up to the mid 30's (worse case scenario).

Q1.  What is the GAAR?
A1.  The GAAR is the Great Australian Air Rally and is an annual event for flight simulation enthusiasts conducted by Bluegrass Airlines, typically in Feb / Mar of each year.

Q2.  Who can particpate in the GAAR?
A2.  The GAAR is open to flight simulation pilots of all skill levels, from the novice to the more experienced pilots.

Q3.  What fight simulator is used for the GAAR?
A3.  The GAAR is officially supported in FS9 and FSX.

Q4.  Can I use another flight simulator?
A4.  Yes, but it will not be supported with required files and results will not be included in the official results.

Q5.  What aircraft can I fly in the GAAR?
A5.  Any radial or other piston engined aircraft that flew in the period 1930's to 1950's.  This includes any subsequent production models, e.g. Cessna 172 - first flew in 1956 (therebt making it eligible) with current production models being the 172R and 172S (or 172SP).   A model variant will only become ineligible if it compromises the rule on engines, i.e. fitted with a turboprop, turbojet, turbofan and other such engine.

Q6.  Can I fly multiple aircraft in the GAAR?
A6.  Yes, but you must submit a separate Pilot Registration for each aircraft entered.

Q7.  How is the competition run?
A7.  The GAAR is not a race nor a competition.  It is an event in which individuals participate against their own flying ability by navigating over a series of Flight Legs on which they are aiming to fly as close as possible to an individually calculated "target time".

Q8.  Why do some Flight Leg distances appear to have large distance and navigation errors when I do my flight planning?
A8.  The Flight Legs are not always flown "as the crow flies" (straight line).  Detailed navigation instructions will be provided later.

Q9.  I have other commitments during the official Feb - Mar 09 conduct period that will interfere with participating, can I fly the GAAR in advance?
A9.  Yes, you can.  Required files will be available for download from 00:01 hrs UTC, 01 Jan 09 and you can submit PIREPS from 00:01 hrs UTC, 15 Jan 09.

Q10.  Can I fit "ferry tanks" to my chosen aircraft?
A10.  Yes, an aircraft may be fitted with "ferry tanks" to effect a minor increase in the range of the aircraft.  Where "ferry tanks" are used, the total aircraft weight must remain inside the specified maximum take-off weight (MTOW) for the aircraft and / or the capacity of the "ferry tanks" must be no greater than 10% of the original specified fuel capacity for the aircraft.

Q11.  How is my target time calculated?
A11.  The 'Target Time is based on the 'Test Flight Time'.  It is applied to the distance for each respective Flight Leg with elements factored in for the various stages of flight, Climb, Cruise, Descent and Circuit.  The Climb component factors in a reduced speed and distance covered, as does the Circuit component, which is based on a combined Downwind, Base and Final Leg of approximately 12 nm.   (See the forum for a more detailed post).