Big Sky Air Race Route Information

Short Course Route HERE
  
Standard Course below
  

All racers will launch from Townsend and proceed to the IP (Initial Point). 46° 22.236'N 111° 32.092'W.
This should be your first GPS point in the flight plan. See image above.
Remain on 122.8 for the start.

At the Start IP you will turn to the Start point, 46° 25.099'N 111° 34.284'W. Your start time will be hacked as you pass abeam the marina (approximately the red line, depending on the sighting the timers use), but as far as the pilots are concerned the start is this start point. Be at max speed inbound to the start. Turn on the point of land at the Start but make a start call as you are abeam the marina on 122.8.

Note that on the start you are within the traffic pattern of 8U9 - but we expect little to no traffic on race day.
Heads Up!
Start altitude per FARS but less than 1,000 AGL (for identification and to keep you out of the 8U9 traffic pattern.

Once you pass the start line, your outbound heading to Turn 1 is 327 degrees.
Switch to 123.45.
  

Turn 1 will be a point abeam and 500 feet off shore of the White Earth Recreation Area marina and campgrounds (turn on the green rowboat).

46° 31.337’N 111° 35.046’W

Inbound towards Turn 1 you will aim towards a point of land just south of the actual turn. See above.

To assist in your accurate turn on this admittedly difficult turn point, we've included a shot (above) which shows that you make your turn when you are abeam the campground inlet. When you see what that picture shows, turn towards Turn 2.

Turn altitude per FARs.
Turn freq. 123.45
Your outbound heading to Turn 2 is 311 degrees.
Remain on race frequency 123.45.
  

Turn 2 will be Cemetery island.

46° 38.175N 111° 42.303W

Turn altitude per FARs.
Turn freq. 123.45
Your outbound heading to Turn 3 is 217 degrees.
Remain on race frequency 123.45.

Turn 3 will be a large white building at a lumber mill.

46° 28.507'N 111° 58.829'W

Turn altitude per FARs.
Turn freq. 123.45
Your outbound heading to Turn 4 is 185 degrees.
Switch to 122.9.

Turn 4 will be the hangar at Boulder airport (3U9).

46° 12.560'N 112° 6.325'W

Turn altitude 6,000 feet MSL.
Turn freq. 122.9
Your outbound heading to Turn 5 is 174 degrees.
Switch to 122.8.

Turn 5 will be Whitehall VOR (HIA - 113.70).

45° 51.707'N 112° 10.177'W

Turn altitude per FARs.
Turn freq. 122.8*
* 2.7 NM East of Turn 5 the course line will take you within 1/2 mile of Jefco Skypark (MT41). Be alert for local traffic and remain on 122.8 to monitor until 5 NM beyond Turn 5
Your outbound heading to Turn 6 is 069 degrees.
Switch to 123.45.

Turn 6 will be Wheat Montana (red roof).

45° 55.194’N 111° 35.927’W

Turn altitude per FARs.
Turn freq. 123.45 *
* At Turn 6 you will be 2.5 NM from Three Forks (9S5) - heads up for local traffic.
Your outbound heading to Turn 7 is 010 degrees.
Remain on 123.45.

Turn 7 will be the bridge (mid-span)at Toston.

46° 10.450'N 111° 26.740'W

Turn altitude per FARs.
Turn freq. 123.45
Your outbound heading to the Finish is 328 degrees.
Switch to 122.8.

The Finish will be East of Canyon Ferry Airport (8U9). Specifically, abeam and 500 feet off shore of the Canyon Ferry marina.

46° 24.835'N 111° 34.148'W

As you are inbound to the finish your aim point is a point of land beyond the finish line. Head for that point of land and your time will be taken as you pass abeam the marina (see picture).

Finish altitude: On this run-in line you will be 1,000 lateral feet from the marina however be cautious of boats in the area as well as traffic for 8U9 (small chance).

Call your finish on 122.8

After crossing the finish line (continue on heading for several seconds to make sure you get a finish time), make a climbing right turn, remain on 122.8 and head for Townsend (131 degrees) for a normal recovery.
Remember that you are on the Finish frequency and make brief and minimum pattern calls to avoid stepping on a fellow racer.