Welcome to the 1st Fighter Ace "TOP GUN" Tournament. 
This event is designed to answer the question every pilot wonders, but many are afraid to ask;
fearing a conclusive demonstration:

Who is the best pilot flying?

Each match is best of three.   The first pilot to win two duels is the victor.  A match is one continuous session and all duels must be played during the same period.  A pilot intentionally leaving the Arena during a match automatically forfeits the match.

After the Round is drawn and Matches set, you will receive an "Engagement Notice" via eMail. 

NOTE ABOUT DISCONNECTS: In the event of a net or server disconnect, you must log on immediately and finish the match.  If the match for some reason cannot be completed immediately, you must notify the Referee Committee and your match will be rescheduled.  A pilot disconnecting 3 times during a match will automatically forfeit the match.

When the match is complete, the winner submits a Victory! Form to allow us to update the standings and return the winning pilot to the "pot".

We are using the honor system here and expect all pilots to participate in this tournament with a high level of honor and integrity.  However, should a conflict arise, the losing pilot may submit a Dispute Claim to be reviewed by the Referee Committee.  Dispute Claims must be submitted within 2 hours after the completion of a match.  If no Dispute Claim is filed, the match will be considered a "clean victory".

Rescheduling
If there becomes a problem with completing a match in the specified time period, the pilot with the issue MUST notify his opponent and Referee Committee prior to the start time of the match.  Failing to do so will result in forfeit.

NOTE:   Each pilot is required to film his entire match and save it until  the completion of the Tournament.  That way, if an issue arises, the Referee Committee has both sides to look at.  No Film, No Fair.  Without a film, the RC may not be able to render an accurate judgement of a dispute.  Further, we may  ask for the films to be submitted at the conclusion of the Tournament to be enshrined in the Top Gun "Hall Of Fame".

Name the films as Round 1, Duel 2 - Round 4, Duel 3 - etc. (i.e. r1d2.flm, r4d3.flm, etc.)

Forfeiting
It may occur that one pilot forfeits a Match.   If this occurs, the winner by default will complete a Victory! Form just as if the Match was won during combat.  In the "Comments:" section, please note the victory was by forfeit.

Each duel begins at a firm 12,000 ft. altitude (+ - 300 ft. maximum), AWAY from all bases and all other players.  See "Announcing to the Arena" below. Opposing pilots will fly head on and will be "cold" for the first pass.  No maneuvers or firing until AFTER the first pass.  The Free First Pass rule applies to ALL duels.

Announcing to the Arena
Since you will be battling in an area where other hostile pilots will be present, you should announce that you are in Tournament competition to minimize interference.   You may have to repeat yourself. You should also announce the beginning of each duel to each other so there is no question.  We have created a "toall.txt" file with these macros included.  Download Tournament "toall.txt" file here.

Planes
Whatever type of plane you begin the match in, is the plane you must finish the match in. No switching planes.  Any pilot switching planes during the course of a match will forfeit the match.

Landing
No landing for repairs during combat!.  Each duel is a fight to the death.

Only after the duel is complete and one pilot is downed, may the winning pilot land for repairs so both contestants may resume at even strength.

When a pilot is downed, the duel is complete.  The winning pilot of that duel can now return for repairs if necessary.  The downed pilot will return to the previous start position / altitude and acknowledge "ready" when ready to start next duel.

Collisions
Collisions will be considered a DRAW. 

NOTE:  After winning a duel, the victorious pilot MUST BE able to make it back to base under his own power.  If an engine is blown and he crashes on the way to base, the duel is a draw. Similarly, if a kill is recorded, but the winning pilot crashes (after diving attack), duel is a draw.

Bottom Line:  If the winner dies before the start of the next duel, the duel is a draw and must be replayed.

ESC'ing
Just like hitting ESC is not tolerated in Open Arcade, it will not be tolerated in the Tournament.  Any pilot hitting ESC during combat is automatically disqualified.

Players will need to ESC to save films after each duel, but must make it clear that is happening (i.e. [Open Comm]: "saving").

Changing Planes
You are not allowed to change planes during a Match. You can, however, freely change planes within your specified country between Rounds only.

Changing Countries
You may change countries of origin between Rounds only.  To do this you must notify me before the next "Engagement Form" is sent.  If you receive the "Engagement Notice" and still want to change countries, you must get the permission from your opponent.  If your opponent agrees to the switch, then notify me of the cchange so I may update your record.  If your opponent does not agree, you must fly for the country you have currently specified on file. 

Victory Definition
A pilot is considered the victor when his opponent is destroyed (by gunfire or by crashing) and the victor is capable of returning safely to base.  This is defined as t60 or greater or, if less than t60, safely returning to base for repairs.

If Winner is damaged to 80% or greater
If a pilot is t60 or greater after killing his opponent, he is officially the victor, even if the kill is recorded to his opponent when ESC'ing to save film. At t60 or greater it will be assumed he could have made it back to base for repairs.  Less than t60, he MUST return for repairs for the victory to count.   If he crashes on the way to base, the duel will be considered a draw and must be replayed.

Getting Vulched After a Kill
If the victor is "vulched" on the way back to base, and if both pilots agree on the victory, the victory will stand.  If they agree on a draw, the duel will be replayed. If there is a dispute, the pilot will fill out a Dispute Claim, and the Referee Committee will render a decision based on the film.

NOTE: There may be more then three duels flown if "draws" occur.

All FA Pilots are welcome to participate!

Let's keep it fun, ethical, fun, honorable, fun
and fun.

Good Luck!