For the most part, NEPRO rules are the same as the AMA rules for 424 and 426. Below are rules recently discussed by the membership and are here for clarification.
NEPRO specific rules and/or deviations from the AMA rules are also described below.
2017 Changes to AMA Rules
- Composite tails are now allowed Nationally for 424
- Shimming the head of the EVO motor is legal
2017 Changes to NEPRO Rules
Current Rule:
- If a Standard pilot receives 3 times under 1:20, the pilot moves into the Expert class for the next race (they remain in Std for the current race). When this occurs, the pilot has the option to keep their points in the Standard Class for the remainder of the year or move them into the Expert class.
- If a Std pilot moves into Expert and that pilot won the Standard championship the previous year, their points automatically go to the Expert class. The pilot does not have the option to keep their points in the Standard class. If the pilot moves into Expert class on the last race of the year, then this rule is not in effect and they are eligible for the Standard championship 2 years in a row. Note: A pilot can receive the Std Championship multiple years in a row, as long as they do not move into the expert class.
Rules recently discussed, for clarification/reinforcement
- If a heat is re-flown, any pilot that was on the start line is eligible for the refly, even if they received a zero.
- At the National level there was discussion about the handling when a racer receives a light and a cut at Pylon one. If this occurs the racer is entitled to an automatic re-fly. There is work being to to modify the Judgeman system to only allow one button to be pushed at Pylon one. This is being targeted to be used at the NATS in 2017. It will become available as an upgrade to the judgeman system sometime this year.
- Callers must remain with their pilot until their plane is on the ground. This is for the safety of all. Please make sure the plane is on the ground before going to the starter for information or disputes, safety first.
- It is legal to retrieve your plane before everyone lands, if and only if both the pilot and their caller agrees that it is safe to do so. The starter can override your decision. If the starter says you cannot retrieve your plane by the starter you must not run out and retrieve it. This is a common sense rule, so be smart about it and keep everyone safe.
NEPRO Deviations from AMA Rules
- The AMA claiming rule states a pilot can buy another pilots engine for $120. The NEPRO rule is $500.