RACE Format
The Icarus X Series has been designed to be achievable and an adventure for all manner of pilots, not just the action heroes or experienced. We want pilots to succeed in the challenges and courses we create. Icarus X is about getting to the start line and having an amazing, unforgettable experience as you race to the finish line.
You’ll need to be a safe and competent pilot, so if you’re new to the sport or nervous about your skill level then click HERE for training advice. All pilots will be asked to perform a competence flight prior to race launch, which varies for Adventure & Race class pilots. If our resident expert doesn't think you're up to scratch, you won't be flying!
The event kicks off with a mandatory pilot briefing, where we'll introduce the route, the rules, and instructions on how to use the issued satellite tracking device.
Icarus X runs over a circular route, starting and finishing in the same place, with various checkpoints and tasks to complete as you progress.
To ensure all entrants are connected and safe, Race Control will receive regular data transmissions vital for remotely monitoring the precise location of all our valued pilots.
Once all pilots are back safely, we'll slap each other on the back and hand out the much-coveted trophies to the winners of each class, and follow all that with a raucous knees-up to celebrate.
While the core format and rules of the Icarus X Series will remain similar to previous events, several changes and innovations will be announced in the next few weeks based on feedback received from experienced Icarus X pilots and potential participants. These will be communicated in a formal update no later than a week before the event, but here are a few that we are incorporating this year...
COMPETENCY TEST
This year, entrants come from all walks of life and we have a duty of care to ensure the utmost safety of all our pilots throughout the Icarus X event.
So we've scratched our heads to devise a short and simple competency test that you can carry out, that is relevant to the Icarus, to ensure you are all as well prepared as you possibly can be, cometh the hour.
Race Class
Take off from a specified location and then perform an engine off landing from 500 ft to within a 10 x 10 metre target.
Adventure Class
Take off from a specified location and then perform an engine off landing from 500 ft to within a 40 x 40 metre target.
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO PERFORM THIS TEST PRE START – but you do have to declare during scrutineering that you are capable of performing to this level.
BATTERY PACK
It's really important to keep the tracker and your phone charged throughout the event. Every pilot must take a USB battery pack of at least 10,000 mWh capacity. The scrutineers will check this when you register at the event.
TEAMS
This year, we are introducing the concept of teams of two pilots, with separate team trophies for both Race Class (First pair back) and Adventure Class (Team with best stories to tell!) To form a team with a fellow registered pilot, simply email us at info@icarustrophy.com
MAX. DEPARTURE FUEL LOAD
For safety reasons, and from the feedback of many previous participants, this is now capped at 20 litres at launch (regardless of tank capacity). The onus is on you, the pilot, to prove to the scrutineers that you launch with 20lt or less. We will provide accurate scales for this purpose.
3RD PARTY LIABILITY INSURANCE
Not a new rule, but just a reminder that you will need to show the scrutineers that you have 3rd party liability cover in place. BHPA, AXA, or equivalent policies are fine – please ensure you bring a copy of your insurance along with you.
RACECOURSE TIMINGS
Course opening and closing times for the Icarus X event are typically defined by sunrise and sunset, regardless of the rule that states that we can legally fly no sooner than 30 minutes before sunrise, and no later than 30 minutes after sunset. Race Control will officially define sunrise and sunset times which will be as close to the average for the location and time of year. Pilots airborne outside of these times will be disqualified.
FAQ’s Rules
What kit do I need?
● A well fitting helmet according to your preference, keep in mind the BHPA recommend CE marked EN966 (HPG), EN 1077 Class A, ASTM 2040, or SNELL rs98.
● Reserve parachute - suitable for your weight and set up as decided by you, the Pilot!
● A Paramotor which you deem airworthy and capable!
● A certified glider: we recommend a minimum certification of DGAC
● Some sort of reliable moving-map display for navigation or even paper maps! Just two forms so you have a backup, a smartphone, and app are often the easiest!
● Power management solution or plan - need to keep the tracker and phone charged for flights, this needs a 10,000mah minimum USB output. This is mandatory.
● Survival kit (foil blanket, whistle, torch)
● A Bivy, A Basher, A Tent or A Tarp
What does the entry fee cover?
Entry into the greatest weekend adventure race in the country.
Satellite tracking and messaging system.
Race committee to oversee proceedings.
Start and finish line.
Event and course briefings.
Live tracking for supporters.
Camping at the start/finish line.
Can friends, families and spectators come along?
Absolutely, everyone is welcome. They can join us at the X Series HQ at the start / finish line where they will be able to follow the race live with other supporters, join you for a celebratory drink or 9 when you finish, and grab some hearty grub on a cash-only basis.
If you just want to come and check out the action and perhaps do a bit of flying you can certainly do that. We may charge a small entry fee depending on the venue.
Where will I sleep?
This one is up to you. Whether you want to camp or stay in 5* hotels. Many pilots take minimal bivvy equipment.
What shall I do about fuel?
There is a 20 litre maximum fuel carrying limit during the race , where you get it from and how often you fill up, is up to you !
What is the length I can hike or travel without being penalised?
Race class pilots can only travel forward by means of flying or walking. Adventure class pilots can progress however they like, just so long as they have an adventure.
What if I don’t make the checkpoint before sunset?
The courses are often designed so that you are very unlikely to reach a checkpoint before sunset and will have to camp, blag a bed or something. That's the whole point.
What happens if you land short of checkpoint and need assistance when you are in race class?
If you get any assistance, you will be disqualified in Race Class, but you can then continue in Adventure Class. In Adventure Class anything goes.
What are the rules, and what could I be disqualified for?
Pilots must...
● Attend the mandatory pilot briefing before launch.
● Successfully complete pre-launch flight test - Perform engine off landing from 500ft to within 40m of a target for Adventure class pilots, or perform engine off landing from 500ft to within 10m of a target for Race class pilots.
● Keep tracker activated at 5 minute intervals and on at all times during flight. Pilots will be disqualified if found to be flying without the tracker activated in flight.
● Respect all local airspace restrictions, including any temporary notices affecting the event route. It's the pilot's responsibility to be compliant with airlaw.
● Abide by airspace requirements and weather minimums at all times.
● Maintain kit in a safe condition
Pilots must not:
● Endanger themselves or others, or bring the sport into disrepute in any way - infringement of this rule will be decided by the race committee, as decided by the event organisers.
Additional rules for Race Division
In order to remain a valid contender in the race class a pilot must fulfil the following criteria:
Only further his/her race position by means of flying or walk carry their equipment. (Pilots may backtrack to find suitable launch location) if a pilot can only safely take off ahead of their position they must fly back along the route and pass the landing site with good clearance to make it clear on the track log.
No unsportsmanlike or un-gentlemanly behaviour tolerated
Remain unsupported for the entire event - see below for definition.
The pilot must remain flying the same kit he/she took off with at the start line - e.g. if you decide to switch gliders mid-race you are automatically in adventure class.
The pilot that crosses the finish line first (without cheating) will be the winner.
Definition of Unsupported
Using only ‘open access’ support i.e. anything that any non-participating person can access e.g. Gas stations, random lifts from a stranger. If in doubt - consider “is this in the spirit of the adventure?”
No pre-planned or designated assets, or advanced logistical help. E.g race support team / chase vehicle, pre-positioned spares / logistics caches, roadside assistance, etc.
If the Organisers deem that any of the above rules have been breached, then the pilot will no longer be in the Race Class and will continue in the Adventure Class.
Adventure class can do whatever they like as long as they get to the finish line. There is no competitive element to Adventure class, except to have the best adventure.
Do I need to arrange my own support vehicle?
Race class is completely unsupported. Adventure class can arrange their own support if they want to.
What happens when the weather is too bad for flying and pilots need to land wherever, how will everyone be collected?
For the Icarus X we will endeavour to assist , but we can't promise to get to you. If you have your own support or can hitch or blag a lift, then you should do that so that any support is free for those who REALLY need it.
What happens if the weather is too bad that weekend, will the event be postponed or cancelled?
If the weather is so bad that the race can’t go ahead, it will be rescheduled and pilots will have the choice to reschedule or get a refund of their entry fee.
If you have any questions that haven't been answered here, drop us an email using the box below
ICARUS X MANAGEMENT
Supported by Parajet
Originally created by The Adventurists in 2014, the Icarus X Series of weekend-long events are now run independently and on a not-for-profit basis from 2021 onwards. The goal of the next phase is to increase participation and allow even more paramotor pilots to experience long-distance aerial adventure racing. The Icarus X Series events are organised by an updated experienced and professional race team and will continue to be supported by Parajet and other partners.
Which paramotor?
You can enter the Icarus with any Paramotor, as long as it is safe and both machine and pilot meet our requirements. Paramotors are without doubt the best way to have an aerial adventure. They can take you pretty much anywhere and are probably one of the cheapest and easiest ways to get airborne.
For a serious adventure like the Icarus or Icarus X, we have to recommend a machine built for purpose.
One that is simple, with ingenious design. One that is strong, with a lightweight titanium airframe. These are the things that make the Parajet Maverick paramotor the perfect partner for those that live for the thrill of adventure, or the camaraderie of a weekend cruise with friends.
The Maverick will blow your mind as to how capable it is. All killer and no filler. The perfect well-mannered training workhorse one minute, to dominating technical cross-country without a second thought the next.
