Airlegging/Jacklegging

The airleg drilling event is one of the two events that does not involve the entire team (the other is surveying). In this event two team members drill into a vertical rock or concrete face using a pneumatic airleg drill. Each person is given three minutes to drill into one of two 10″ by 10″ squares designated by the judge. Each team will drill one 'low' square and one 'high' square. During the drilling, the other team member is allowed to assist the driller only by handling the air and water hoses, and providing support to the base of the drill leg. After both team members have drilled their three minutes, the total combined drilling distance is recorded for the team. Penalties are assessed against the driller for drilling out of his/her assigned square or drilling into other holes. The greatest overall drilling depth, after any assigned penalties, is named the winner of the event.

This event is the only one of the seven events that hasn't changed significantly and is still used in many mines today. Jumbo drills are slowly replacing it. One airleg known as the 'widow maker' was the single biggest killer in the mining industry in the old days when proper ventilation and correct Occupational Safety and Health Practices weren't available.