Bright Ideas on a MAT
A MAT task is a Modified Assigned Task, used at US contests. There are a lot of details and complexities that require reading the rules. However, the basic idea is you get to choose the points that you can use, giving the pilot flexibility to avoid storms, bad areas, stay in the strong weather, etc.
Some contest sites have listed landable areas as points on the map. Others might only be a start point or finish point and not listed as a turnpoint.
At a contest in Hobbs NM, I had a point come up on the moving map, I selected it, flew over it, and kept going on my way to the next turnpoint. However, it was not a turnpoint. I did not have it marked on my map, but I didn't look.
Now what I do is make sure I have turnpoint numbers listed first on my computer. Many sites will list the turnpoints as 1-99. So I can see a 2 digit number then the start of the name. Then other points are listed in the hundreds. So I know if it is 345Bills, it is not a turnpoint and just a point. Some computers only allow you to load turnpoints to the task page, but I cannot claim that for all. I can tell you the software I was using then did not.
On my map, I mark turnpoints with a circle and number and only highlight other points if they are given by the organizers.
The other bright idea for a MAT task makes total sense once on the ground but in the air, it is an easy mistake that can be costly. I believe it was Doug Jacobs that said something along the lines of 'You don't get points for originality' and 'you do not get style points.'
I have done this, you see a turnpoint way out there but you cannot actually see the ground or the sky that far away. As you cruise under the clouds you are out away from other turnpoints and you realize that the clouds stop 15 miles from the turnpoint. However, there is no turnpoint nearby to get. You either have to make a 90-degree deviation or make a 30-mile adventure in the blue.
Either way, this great idea you had will cost you dearly while someone else stays under the clouds.
With two flight computers I will head off towards two different turnpoints and as I get closer then change my focus to one turnpoint and plan for the next direction. Sometimes a good theory would be to find a fast triangle and just repeat it until your time runs out.
It might feel a little sheepish way to turn in your score and rack up miles, however, it is probably a safer way to put yourself on the top of the score sheet. Rarely do you hear the winner talk about going to some obscure turnpoint. It is like going to Vega (40) when flying from Hobbs, a turnpoint really really far from Hobbs and out there by itself.
Photo: Mika Ganszauge
Garret Willat holds a flight instructor rating with over 8000 hours in sailplanes. His parents have owned Sky Sailing Inc. since 1979. He started instructing the day after his 18th birthday. Since then, Garret has represented the US Junior team in 2003 and 2005. He graduated from Embry-Riddle with a bachelor's degree in Professional Aeronautics. Garret represented the US Open Class team in 2008 and 2010 and the Club Class team in 2014. Garret has won 3 US National Championships.
