This was part of a private question and my response - since it touches on race policy rather than exclusively team information - my response is posted for everyone to see.
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The unknown start point, unknown corridors, unknown bonuses, unknown requirements are a key element vital since the first race to make it interesting and a challenge. I think everyone agrees that running the same route year after year would be the death of the race.
Mike, Matt, Ian and I work very hard and very long hours - some of us about 150-200+ hours each - to ensure there is not ONE fastest route around the world. Last year we had four near identical routes.
And yet after running an average of 80-100 routing options each year, the three teams always surprise us with their picks. Sometimes they find a route which is slightly shorter/ faster than we have found, sometimes they ignore the shortest route combinations.
We realize the planning burden and try to have the final announcement at least 24 hours before the start.
The first race I followed had the start point - no corridors - released two hours before the start. I did not fly in 2004, but followed the race closely.
My first race in 2005, the introduction of corridors, bonus airports and jump jets, we had about 4 hours notice of the start and requirements.
There may or may not be an advance NOTAM this year. Those are usually reserved for when we add something unique and new to the race.
Variations in corridor, leg length, required airports, wild card leg distance, etc - are not new or unique in our opinion. Frankly having to deal with the planning issues is a big part of what makes the race fun. Teams which can deal with uncertainty well always do a good job on the race. We make variations in the standard elements just to keep people on their toes. But we are very aware of the physical limits of the world and how those dictate some routing choices.
We hear and try to adhere to the requests for simplicity - but we are also very aware of how much people enjoy most of the unique challenges.
Last year's rule related to crashes while carrying the baton is an example. We had heard for years from many people that there should be a penalty if a pilot with the baton crashes which keep him from flying the aircraft for the rest of the race. We tried the simpliest implementation we could come up with, but not making the rule an exclusion for the entire race. As you are well aware, that rule did not work. It will not be back, in any form.
As always, teams need to focus on flying fast and landing their primary race aircraft in any conditions. There will always be places where a piston 4 engine propliner is advantageous, or a long range 2 engine turboprop.
There may or may not be jets and 3-4 engine turboprops allowed.
Helicopters and classic aircraft are very popular with race participants - we've also heard nothing but good thinks about team flights.
Focus on the basics, focus on being fast, and focus on making those landings perfect.
-----------------------------------------------------
The unknown start point, unknown corridors, unknown bonuses, unknown requirements are a key element vital since the first race to make it interesting and a challenge. I think everyone agrees that running the same route year after year would be the death of the race.
Mike, Matt, Ian and I work very hard and very long hours - some of us about 150-200+ hours each - to ensure there is not ONE fastest route around the world. Last year we had four near identical routes.
And yet after running an average of 80-100 routing options each year, the three teams always surprise us with their picks. Sometimes they find a route which is slightly shorter/ faster than we have found, sometimes they ignore the shortest route combinations.
We realize the planning burden and try to have the final announcement at least 24 hours before the start.
The first race I followed had the start point - no corridors - released two hours before the start. I did not fly in 2004, but followed the race closely.
My first race in 2005, the introduction of corridors, bonus airports and jump jets, we had about 4 hours notice of the start and requirements.
There may or may not be an advance NOTAM this year. Those are usually reserved for when we add something unique and new to the race.
Variations in corridor, leg length, required airports, wild card leg distance, etc - are not new or unique in our opinion. Frankly having to deal with the planning issues is a big part of what makes the race fun. Teams which can deal with uncertainty well always do a good job on the race. We make variations in the standard elements just to keep people on their toes. But we are very aware of the physical limits of the world and how those dictate some routing choices.
We hear and try to adhere to the requests for simplicity - but we are also very aware of how much people enjoy most of the unique challenges.
Last year's rule related to crashes while carrying the baton is an example. We had heard for years from many people that there should be a penalty if a pilot with the baton crashes which keep him from flying the aircraft for the rest of the race. We tried the simpliest implementation we could come up with, but not making the rule an exclusion for the entire race. As you are well aware, that rule did not work. It will not be back, in any form.
As always, teams need to focus on flying fast and landing their primary race aircraft in any conditions. There will always be places where a piston 4 engine propliner is advantageous, or a long range 2 engine turboprop.
There may or may not be jets and 3-4 engine turboprops allowed.
Helicopters and classic aircraft are very popular with race participants - we've also heard nothing but good thinks about team flights.
Focus on the basics, focus on being fast, and focus on making those landings perfect.
