I've watched this race for several years now, and near as I can tell it's all about time and distance and nothing more. Is that correct?I wonder if anyone's ever considered adding fuel use into the equation? Such that the team that uses the least amount of fuel due to optimum flight planning gets a bonus.

Interesting idea, someone may have to propose that to the race organizers.I am pretty sure the software we use for tracking does track fuel usage.Hmmmm..

Yes, wasn't that part of the Europe to South America race last summer (or the summer before that, can't remember) over at Sim-Outhouse? I don't really remember, I never got further than to Amsterdam... :blush:It could be an interesting to have to consider fuel, though it could complicate aircraft selection, and I don't have any stats on this, but I guess there is probably at least as much problems with realistic fuel use as top speeds of aircraft. So it might not be a great idea for the entire race, though it could be used in a challenge or something like that.By the way Ed, are you interested in joining in on all the fun? We are always looking for more racers! :(

It's a good thought, and nothing that would prevent them from adding the tracking of fuel consumption to the Duenna application in order to implement some kind of rules regarding fuel economy.But, for the sake of presenting both sides of the story, I can see a possible significant down side....In order to achieve good fuel economy, we'd have to fly slower. Slower legs will cascade down the line, and will add very significant extra time to the total race duration, my best estimate might be as much as a full day, maybe even longer. So, for those who booked time off of work, those who are abandoning friends, family and particularly spouses, and those who may sacrifice some sleep for the race, such a significant extra amount of time racing can be a big deal. Case in point: Several years ago, the race committee sparked a "significant upset" when they tried to enforce a maximum ceiling of 8500' for the entire race. If I remember correctly, the belief was that this rule would have added 2 or more days to the total duration of the race; and for the above-mentioned reasons, many people were upset at this rule. As a result, a compromise was reached, and only enforced the 8500' rule in the eastern hemisphere, limiting the extra race duration to something "within reason" that most of us were able to accept.I definitely like this idea, and think it could find a place within the race to some extent, but the race committee would really have to take the effect on total race duration into consideration if they consider enforcing it on the whole race. Perhaps, as already said, they could use it just for a special challenge or two. Or do like the infamous 8500' rule, and choose one hemisphere/continent/etc where fuel rationing/fuel economy would be required.

Yes, wasn't that part of the Europe to South America race last summer (or the summer before that, can't remember) over at Sim-Outhouse? I don't really remember, I never got further than to Amsterdam... :blush:It could be an interesting to have to consider fuel, though it could complicate aircraft selection, and I don't have any stats on this, but I guess there is probably at least as much problems with realistic fuel use as top speeds of aircraft. So it might not be a great idea for the entire race, though it could be used in a challenge or something like that.By the way Ed, are you interested in joining in on all the fun? We are always looking for more racers! :(

First, I really don't have the skill-set to participate. Seriously. I spend 99% of my sim time working on aircraft FDEs and gauge/system code.Second, I doubt I have enough free time to make a difference one way or the other.Third, I'd only fly my Citation X.

Fuel economy does play a role also when you are flying into headwinds. Last year I landed on fumes in Alaska in my p-47D (1%) remaining. Just as I landed the engine died because of fuel starvation. Same thing happend to me on a practice run this year! I would second (third, fourth or fifth) Dark C's invite! We can always use someone talented in business jet. We have at least two long trans oceanic corridor legs and some intra-contentital jet legs! If you can plan a trip from point A to B, takeoff from point A and land at point B, make a post in this forum, you are qualified! Please don't fret about the skill set, we all have varied amounts of knowledge and skills! (I didn't know a F-4U had a turbocharged engine, until the other day!) At the bare minimum, come by this weekend. We have a team training event through Norway! 2,000 miles of flying! It will be fun!BTW I fly using freeware aircraft of all sorts and still contribute to the team! Cheers WarpD! Hope to see you this weekend!