How is the official time measured?

[rbonneau]

After yesterday's close finish, it got me wondering how the official time is measured (it's reported down to the thousandth of a second, after all).

Does it officially begin at the "Gentlemen, you have a race" call, or after they pass a certain point on the chute? What's the mechanism for stopping the clock for each plane at s/f? GPS?

[Mluvara]

Re: How is the official time measured?

It's done with timing and cameras. There is a virtual line that they cross that extends to the East for the start of the race (shortened first lap).

Details: http://reports.airrace.org/timing.shtml

Michael

[rbonneau]

Re: How is the official time measured?

Thanks, Michael!
Exactly what I was looking for.

[boomtown]

Re: How is the official time measured?

Do they use a the same camera system to measure atlitude? According to my course map from 2013, the altitude restrictions for the unlimited course are:

Pylon 5 418' AGL
Pylon 8 318' AGL
Pylon 2 252' AGL

2013.Unlimited.RaceCourse-1.pdf