The Chairwoman's Challenge Trophy

The aim of this competition is to undertake a flight on a theme, which is set each year by the judges.

You can choose your own route, use any type of aircraft, and complete the flight anywhere in the world; the challenge is to make your flight as interesting and imaginative as possible, and to fly to the highest standards of airmanship, in a total flight duration of not less than 75 minutes, and not more than 120 minutes. The theme for 2010 is:-

Britain's Natural Habitats

The competition is open to any female member of the BWPA, including student pilots. The judges will use a handicapping system based on pilot experience and ratings, aircraft type and avionics etc, to ensure that every competitor has an equal chance. The flight can take place in any type of flying machine, including single or multi-engined fixed wing, rotary, microlight, glider, hang-glider or balloon.

The Rules:-

• The flight may be undertaken at any time between March 1st and October 30th.
• The duration of the flight should be between 75 minutes and 120 minutes.
• Flying time is designated as time taken between takeoff and touch down.
• Time spent on the ground, eg for taxying, cannot be included as flight time.
• The flight must be based on the theme set by the judges.
• One interim landing is permitted during the flight.
• The pilot in command may take a co-pilot/navigator. They may each fly a portion of the route, but all pilots and passengers must be included on the entry/declaration form.
• The pilot(s) must provide evidence that the flight has taken place. This should include flight plans/route plans, weather details, aerial photographs of features and turning points, receipts for fuel/landing fees etc, and any other relevant documents.
• Details of the flight should be presented in the form of a written log-book, explaining the purpose and significance of the flight, and including documentary evidence (as outlined above).
• Completed log-books must be with the judges no later than 21 days after the flight has taken place.
• The judges must receive the entry/declaration forms and a fee of £10 before the commencement of the flight, together with a brief resume of the route and approximate timings.
• The judges will take careful note of any difficulties encountered during the flight and will take into account examples of good airmanship.

Download Entry Form / Download Rules

A trophy will be awarded to the pilot who has used her aircraft in the most imaginative and interesting way, and who has exhibited the highest standards of navigation and airmanship. The presentation of the trophy will take place at the Christmas lunch, and members will be able to examine the competitors’ log books.