Edition: Model Aviation - 1991/03
Page Numbers: 97, 98, 99, 100, 105, 106, 107, 108
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COMPETITION NEWS

A Note From the Technical Director — Bob Underwood

There comes a time in the life of most competitors when the phrase "There ought to be a rule—" is uttered. That statement usually reflects an individual's belief that a change will correct some perceived problem in the existing rules. The logic used to support the change often contains the admonition that if we don't make the change, the event will suffer. Unfortunately, many people express this "infinite wisdom" verbally to anyone who will listen rather than by the one means that can be successful: submitting a written proposal.

Some seem to think rules are carved in stone by some faceless "Headquarters" with malicious intent. But rules do not appear that way. Anyone within the system is empowered to place their suggestion in written form and have it reviewed by the broader community. If the effort is well founded, it can become part of the rule book—at least until the next person says, "There ought to be a rule—" and the process starts again.

Call for Final Site Bid: F3E Electric Team Selection

Clubs interested in hosting the 1992 F3E Electric Team Selection Finals should submit bids in writing to AMA Headquarters (attn: Michelle Madison). The team selection finals shall take place well ahead of the World Championships and at a time when poor weather in some parts of the country will not inhibit prospective fliers from practicing and properly preparing for the team selection finals.

  • Time frame: August–October 1991. The host organization will select the exact date provided there is no conflict with other AMA events.
  • Site/host selection will be based on competitive bid. Bidders should demonstrate a sincere desire to host and the ability to run the contest.
  • The bidding organization must be able to supply needed equipment: sighting devices, timing devices, weighing devices, and field marking devices.
  • The host must be acceptable to a voting majority of the F3E team selection committee.
  • Bidders must submit a budget of expected expenses and declare any additional on-site entry fees (surcharge).
  • Any surplus funds after expenses will be sent to the AMA for the F3E Team Fund; any shortfalls are the responsibility of the host organization.

FAI Officers Meeting — Paris, France, November 29–30, 1990

John Worth, CIAM Secretary

Aeromodelling's international sport aviation committee officers met in Paris to review plans for 1991 World and Continental Championships and to consider proposals from many countries for changes to international competition rules. The CIAM Bureau (the officers) meets each winter to prepare items for vote at the Spring plenary meeting; about 30 nations send delegates and technical representatives to the Spring meeting, while the Bureau meeting is typically about 20 people.

U.S. representatives at the November meeting (sponsored by the AMA) included John Worth (CIAM Secretary), Ron Chidgey (RC Aerobatics Subcommittee Chairman), Bob Brown (RC Pylon Subcommittee Chairman), Horace Hagen (RC Helicopter Subcommittee Chairman), and Laird Jackson (Control Line Subcommittee Chairman).

Highlights from the Bureau meeting:

  • The Bureau approved all proposals submitted—approximately 90—with only minor edits for format and clarity. Approvals were on procedure and format, not on content.
  • The Bureau did not accept an Italian proposal to host AerOlympics III (an RC World Championships combining Aerobatics, Pylon Racing, and Helicopters). The offer was rejected primarily because of cost (estimated entry fee per competitor about $1,000) and concerns about judging, jury arrangements, and flight schedules.
  • Australia agreed to move their acceptable, similar offer to 1991; AerOlympics III will be held near Melbourne, Australia next October.
  • The First World Air Games (originally scheduled for France in 1991) were rescheduled to 1995 in Greece.
  • The first Junior World Championships for control-line (CL) models, originally scheduled for the USSR, was left uncertain because no USSR representatives attended. The Bureau gave the USSR until the end of 1990 to submit written details for review.

1991 World Championships schedule approved by the Bureau:

  • F3B (RC Soaring) — The Netherlands, August 24–September 1, 1991
  • F1A, F1B, F1C (Free Flight) — Yugoslavia, July 3–9, 1991
  • F1E (Free Flight Slope Soaring) — Romania, May 22–27, 1991

Further proposals to be voted on at the Spring 1991 plenary meeting will be reviewed at that time.

National Records: Monthly Update

The following new National Records were processed during December 1990:

  • Indoor Free Flight — Category I: HL Stick Open — 25:20, Robert R. Randolph, 11/9/90
  • F1D (FAI) Open — 25:20, Robert R. Randolph, 11/9/90
  • Outdoor Free Flight — F1J Open — 21:24, William H. Lynch, 11/17/90
  • Outdoor Free Flight — Category II: Autogyro Open — 5:59, Jean F. Andrews, 11/14/90
  • Outdoor Free Flight — Category III: A Gas Senior — 12:20, Mike Keller, 5/27/90

Note: No continuation of the "Competition News" article appears on the scanned page; that page contains the "Competition Directory" (Experimental RC Aircraft Inspectors listing and contest/contest coordinator directories) rather than additional article text.

Technical Director — How to Write a Rule Proposal (continued)

We won't discuss the mechanics of filing a proposal here—the contest board procedures and the rule process are well documented in Model Aviation and in the Competition Regulations. Instead, we need to discuss how to write a rule proposal effectively.

Key points:

  1. Define the reason for your proposed change.
  • Put your rationale on paper and study it. You'll have to sell your change. If you can't support your reasons, you have likely lost the game.
  • Determine whether the change arises from a single incident or from problems noted at multiple events. Talk to other competitors who participate in the same event to see if they've encountered the issue.
  • If it's a new event, document where and how often similar rules have been used.
  1. Research related rules.
  • Search the rule book for other areas that might be affected. Rules are interrelated; a change in one place often requires modifications elsewhere.
  • Be mindful that similar rules may exist in multiple events (for example, RC Sport Scale changes might affect CL Sport Scale and several RC events). If your proposal affects multiple events, consider suggesting additions to related events to prevent unintended impacts.
  1. Write clearly and precisely.
  • Convey your meaning unambiguously. Many proposals fail not because the idea is bad but because the wording is unclear.
  • Include concrete examples or documentation where appropriate.
  1. Sell your change.
  • Gather support from others, document recurring problems, and be prepared to explain why the change benefits the event or the sport.
  • Be realistic about the scope of change and willing to compromise.

If you follow these steps, your proposal will have a much better chance of being understood and accepted.

FAI Officers Meeting (continued)

Proposals and recommendations discussed, to be considered at upcoming meetings:

  • a) Plenary (Spring) meetings to be held only every other year after 1991; Bureau meetings to continue annually.
  • b) World and Continental Championships would provide 10% of entry fees to be used for aeromodelling purposes only, as authorized by the CIAM.
  • c) No minimum difference from old world records to establish a new world record (any percentage improvement would be accepted).

Information items:

  • Current subcommittee chairmen of F3E (Electric Power), Information and Education, and Spacemodeling will not be running for re-election at the Spring meeting.

Details of proposals to be voted on at the Spring 1991 CIAM plenary meeting will be provided later.

Scale: Future Directions? — Dave Platt, Chairman, Scale Contest Board

On December 1, 1990, the Scale Contest Board met in person at the AMA headquarters in Reston, Virginia. The Board faced a large workload: 192 rules proposals were submitted, with 120 requiring initial consideration. The in-person meeting began at 9:00 a.m. and concluded at 6:30 p.m., during which all 120 proposals were discussed and the Initial Vote ballots were cast. Slightly more than 50% of the proposals passed the initial phase and will be reconsidered during Final Vote balloting. Even with roughly half eliminated, up to about 63 proposals could still be incorporated in the 1992–93 rule book.

After the formal meeting the Board reconvened informally to identify recurring problem areas and suggest improvements. Highlights:

  • The 4:6 ("Matrix") rule is the most problematic area. Contestants dislike losing static points for items they purchased, even though many agree purchased items reflect lower craftsmanship. Extremes (either greatly increasing the penalty or eliminating it) are unlikely to satisfy most contestants.
  • The Board proposed an alternative: invert the matrix rule. Instead of deducting points for purchased items, a form would allow contestants to check items they created (not merely modified) and receive fractional bonus points. Only contestants claiming created items would use the form; others would neither request the form nor suffer deductions.
  • A proposal to eliminate RC Precision Scale passed the Initial Vote. With this change, Sport/Classic Scale Expert will become the top level of RC Scale. The Board proposed slight relaxations for Sportsman and slight tightening for Expert to create clearer levels of competitive demand and provide incentives for contestants to advance.
  • Proposed staged progression:
  1. Learn to fly and compete in Sport Scale at low pressure.
  2. While improving building skills, compete in Sportsman Scale with greater demands.
  3. When ready, move up to Expert for the highest demands and recognition.

The proposed system aims to create a layered skill-level environment, giving contestants choice and incentive to progress.

(Report continues; additional details were discussed.)

General Contest Board and Executive Council Tabulation — Initial Vote

Y = Yes P = Passed N = No D = Defeated

Abbreviations:

  • IN = Indoor Contest Board
  • CL = Control Line Contest Board
  • FF = Free Flight Contest Board
  • SC = Scale Contest Board
  • ELC = Electric Contest Board
  • RCA = Radio Control Aerobatics Contest Board
  • RCH = Radio Control Helicopter Contest Board
  • RCR = Radio Control Racing Contest Board
  • RCS = Radio Control Soaring Contest Board
  • GEN-92-1: Selection of National Champions, p. 9. Reword by deleting the word "National." Result: P (90Y, 5N)
  • GEN-92-2 and Ex C-92-1: Protests, para. 18, p. 7. Change "He may return it..." to "He must return it...". Change "...he should make every effort..." to "...he must make every effort...". Result: P (76Y, 20N)
  • GEN-92-3 and Ex C-92-2: Contest Directors Interpretation, p. 1. Change "However the intent is usually understood and this should be..." to "However the intent is usually understood and this must..." Result: P (69Y, 27N)
  • GEN-92-4 and Ex C-92-3: Contest Directors Interpretation, p. 1. Change "On the other hand, where the language is clear, there should be..." to "On the other hand, where the language is clear, there must be...". Result: P (62Y, 34N)
  • GEN-92-5 and Ex C-92-4: Contest Directors Interpretation, p. 1. Change "AMA sanctions exist to promote national standards—each CD should make..." to "AMA standards exist to promote national standards—each CD must enforce the rules." Result: D (10Y, 86N)
  • GEN-92-6 and Ex C-92-5: General, p. 7. Add 17.3: "Contest directors, event directors and judges who knowingly allow contestants to compete with aircraft which do not meet the rules set forth for the event in which they are entered, or allow aircraft to be flown in a manner counter to the rules of the specific event, are guilty of misconduct and must be excluded from further duties in the contest. All decisions made by the guilty parties in the contest will be disallowed." Result: D (3Y, 88N)

Scale Contest Board Tabulation — Initial Vote

Y = Yes N = No D = Defeated

  • SC-92-1: Sport Scale, Event 509. Recommend use of the AMA-approved CJ Sport Scale score sheet for judging; add to para. 5-1, p. 108, and para. 7.1, p. 109. (9Y)
  • SC-92-2: Pistachio Scale. Add new rubber-powered provisional event (8-in. max wingspan or 6-in. overall length, excluding prop). (9N)
  • SC-92-3: Peanut Scale, Events 501, 505. Change model dimension rules. (9Y)
  • SC-92-4: Fun Scale, Event 550, p. 114. Change to the introduction. (9N)
  • SC-92-5: Change to Unified Scale Judging Regulations. Result: D (1Y, 8N)
  • SC-92-6: Professional Scale. Add new provisional RC event; this event excludes the builder-of-the-model rule. (9N)
  • SC-92-7: Scale General, para. 3, p. 99. Add the words "Fun Scale" to the first sentence of item 3. (9Y)
  • SC-92-8: Peanut, Indoor Rubber. Add to the end of item 3, p. 99: "Events 501, 505, and 507 are exempt from this requirement." (9Y)
  • SC-92-9: RC Sport Scale, Events 511, 514. Para. 5.5b, p. 112. Change "Same size, shape, and color" to "Similar size, shape, and color." Result: P (6Y, 3N)
  • SC-92-10: RC Giant Scale, Event 514, para. 1, p. 113. Delete "Except that pilot figures are not required in Giant." (9Y)
  • SC-92-11: RC Scale Flight Judging Guide, para. 4.2.1, p. 117. Add to errors: "If the pilot takes off on the second attempt, the maximum takeoff score will be an 8." (9N)
  • SC-92-12: RC Scale Flight Judging Guide, para. 4.2.4, p. 117. Add to errors: "If a pilot determines it is not safe to land he may elect to go around. Maximum points on the second try is 8." Result: D (1Y, 8N)
  • SC-92-13: RC Scale Flight Judging Guide, para. 4.2.5, p. 117. Add to errors: "No taxi before takeoff—minus .25 points. No taxi after landing—minus .25 points. Gear down on a plane that should have retracts—minus .50 points." (9N)
  • SC-92-14: RC Sport Scale, Events 511, 512. Changes in Declaration. (9N)
  • SC-92-15: Sport Scale, Event 509. Changes to flight/scoring rules. (9Y)
  • SC-92-16: New event. Indoor Electric RC Scale. (9N)
  • SC-92-17: Sport Scale, Giant, Fun, Events 511–514, 520, para. 9, p. 113. Add to end of present sentence: "To the nearest half-point." (9Y)
  • SC-92-18: Scale Flight Judges Guide, p. 114. Transfer sketches illustrating maneuvers from the FAI Sporting Code to the AMA Competition Regulations. (9N)
  • SC-92-19: Sport Scale, Giant, Fun, Events 511–514, 520, para. 5.6, p. 112. Add: "There will be a time limit of 12 minutes to complete the static judging of each model." (9Y)
  • SC-92-20: Helicopter, Event 518, para. 4a, p. 121. Change to: "a) A published three-view or more drawing and" (9Y)
  • SC-92-21: CL and RC Sport Scale/Giant, Events 509, 511–514, para. 4.6, p. 109, 112. Replace "Wheels, tires -15 points" with "wheel hubs, rims or covers -05 points." Result: P (7Y, 2N)
  • SC-92-22: CL and RC Sport Scale/Giant, Events 509, 511–514, para. 4.6, p. 109, 112. Change all wording of "glass" to "fiberglass." (9Y)
  • SC-92-23: New event classification; Fun Scale Open Class. (9N)
  • SC-92-24: Fun Scale, Event 520. Change in event description. (9N)
  • SC-92-25: Fun Scale, Event 520, first sentence, p. 114. Remove "entry level." (9Y)
  • SC-92-26: Fun Scale, Event 520, para. 1, p. 114. Add: "With advance notice, the event may be conducted in different classes based on skill or age level, i.e., Open, Entry, Junior, Senior, etc." (9Y)
  • SC-92-27: Fun Scale, Event 520, para. 2, p. 114. Insert at the beginning: "Static score will be 0 or 5 points." (9Y)
  • SC-92-28: Sport Scale, Giant, Fun, Events 511–514, 520, para. 2, p. 111. Change "The following safety provisions must be observed" to "Non-compliance with the following safety provisions is cause for disqualification." (9Y)
  • SC-92-29: Sport Scale, Giant, Events 511–514, 520. Change in muffler requirements exempting electric motors. (9Y)
  • SC-92-30: Sport Scale, Fun, Events 511–513, 520. Dummy pilot visibility rules change. (9N)
  • SC-92-31: Sport Scale, Giant, Events 511–514, para. 4.5, p. 111. Change last sentence to: "Three-views larger than 8½ x 11 in. may be, but are not required to be submitted flat and mounted on a stiff backing." Result: D (3Y, 6N)
  • SC-92-32: Sport Scale, Giant, Events 511–514, para. 4.6, p. 112. Delete "Plastic film covering" from the list. (8Y, 1N)
  • SC-92-33: Sport Scale, Giant, Events 511–514, 520, para. 5.3, p. 112. Delete entire paragraph, renumber 5.4 and 5.5. Result: D (2Y, 7N)
  • SC-92-34: Sport Scale, Giant, Events 511–514, 520, para. 5.5a, p. 112. Change to: "A flying propeller of any diameter and color may be substituted for a scale propeller for flight." (9Y)
  • SC-92-35: Sport Scale, Giant, Events 511–514, 520. Flying/static spinner rules changes. (9Y)
  • SC-92-36: Sport Scale, Giant, Events 511–514, 520, para. 5.5e, p. 112. After "—those submitted for scale judging," add "Static judges will make note on the static judging sheet of all observed droppable stores in place on the model at the time of static judging." (9Y)
  • SC-92-37: Sport Scale, Giant, Events 511–514, 520, para. 5.5f, p. 112. Change first sentence to: "Sharp pitot tubes or other like objects projecting from the wing or fuselage will be removed before flight as a safety consideration." (9N)
  • SC-92-38: Sport Scale, Giant, Events 511–514, 520, para. 7.2, p. 113. Delete "in conditions of very light winds." (9Y)
  • SC-92-39: Sport Scale, Giant, Events 511–514, 520, para. 7.3, p. 113. Add second sentence: "A flight shall be considered official when the time starts, unless excepted by the CD due to circumstances beyond control of the contestant." Result: D (2Y, 7N)
  • SC-92-40: Sport Scale, Giant, Events 511–514, 520, p. 113. New paragraph with flight rules changes. (9Y)
  • SC-92-41: Sport Scale, Giant, Events 511–514, 520. Flight rules changes in paragraph 8, p. 113. (9Y)
  • SC-92-42: Sport Scale, Giant, Events 511–514, 520, new paragraph 8.5, p. 113, with flight rules changes. Result: D (1Y, 8N)
  • SC-92-43: Sport Scale, Giant, Events 511–514, 520, p. 113. Add a new paragraph with flight rules changes. (9Y)
  • SC-92-44: Sport Scale, Giant, Events 511–514, 520, para. 9.4, p. 113. Rewrite with flight rules changes. (6Y, 3N)
  • SC-92-45: Scale Judges Guide, para. 2.3, p. 115. Flight rules change. (9N)
  • SC-92-46: Scale Judges Guide, para. 2.3, p. 115. Change "'B-29 may well be spectacular—" to "'B-29 may well be spectacular, but it may receive a significant downgrade in Realism in Flight score for being outside the capabilities of the aircraft.'" Result: D (2Y, 7N)
  • SC-92-47: Scale Judges Guide, para. 2.3, p. 115. Change "In the majority of full-scale prop-driven aircraft—" to "In many full-scale prop-driven aircraft." (9Y)
  • SC-92-48: Scale Judges Guide, para. 3, p. 115. Pre-contest pilot's meeting rules change. (9Y)

Scale Contest Board Initial Vote (continued)

  • SC-92-26: (duplicate listed earlier) Fun Scale, Event 520, para. 1, p. 114. Add: "With advance notice, the event may be conducted in different classes based on skill or age level, i.e., Open, Entry, Junior, Senior, etc." (9Y)
  • SC-92-27: (duplicate listed earlier) Fun Scale, Event 520, para. 2, p. 114. Insert: "Static score will be 0 or 5 points." (9Y)
  • SC-92-28: (duplicate) Sport Scale, Giant, Fun, Events 511–514, 520, para. 2, p. 111. Change to make non-compliance with safety provisions cause for disqualification. (9Y)
  • SC-92-29: (duplicate) Change in muffler requirements exempting electric motors. (9Y)
  • SC-92-30: (duplicate) Dummy pilot visibility rule change. (9N)
  • SC-92-31: Sport Scale, Giant, Events 511–514, para. 5, p. 112. Add new sentence about three-views larger than 8½ x 11 in. Result: D (3Y, 6N)
  • SC-92-33: Sport Scale, Giant, Events 511–514, 520, para. 5.3, p. 112. Delete entire paragraph. Result: D (2Y, 7N)
  • SC-92-34: Sport Scale, Giant, Events 511–514, 520, para. 5.5a, p. 112. Allow flying propeller substitution. (9Y)
  • SC-92-35: Flying/static spinner rules changes. (9Y)
  • SC-92-36: Static judges to note droppable stores on static judging sheet. (9Y)
  • SC-92-37: Remove projecting sharp pitot tubes before flight as safety consideration. (9N)
  • SC-92-38: Delete "in conditions of very light winds." (9Y)
  • SC-92-39: Official flight timing statement. Result: D (2Y, 7N)
  • SC-92-40: New paragraph with flight rules changes. (9Y)
  • SC-92-41: Flight rules changes in paragraph 8. (9Y)
  • SC-92-42: New paragraph 8.5 flight rules changes. Result: D (1Y, 8N)
  • SC-92-43: New paragraph with flight rules changes. (9Y)
  • SC-92-44: Rewrite para. 9.4 with flight rules changes. (6Y, 3N)
  • SC-92-46: Change regarding 'B-29' example. Result: D (2Y, 7N)
  • SC-92-47: Change phrase to "In many full-scale prop-driven aircraft." (9Y)
  • SC-92-48: Pre-contest pilot's meeting rules change. (9Y)

(Additional SC-92 items continued)

  • SC-92-75: CL Sport Scale, Event 509, para. 4.6, p. 109. Delete "Plastic film covering" from the list. (8Y, 1N)
  • SC-92-76: CL Precision, Event 508, para. 3.1, p. 106. In the second sentence, delete "ducted fan installations and". (9Y)
  • SC-92-77: CL Precision, Event 508, para. 2, p. 106. Change sentence ending "...must be visible in the model during flight." to "...must be installed and visible in the model or the contestant will receive a zero for 'Realism in Flight'." (9N)
  • SC-92-78: CL Sport Scale, Event 509, para. 3, p. 108. Dummy pilot visibility rule change. (9N)
  • SC-92-79: CL Sport Scale, Event 509, para. 8.2, p. 109. After "...typical of the aircraft modeled" add "but not to include climb or dive." (9Y)
  • SC-92-80: CL Precision, Event 508, para. 8, p. 107. After "...typical of aircraft modeled" add "(not to include climb and dive)". (9Y)
  • SC-92-81: CL Precision, Event 508, para. 8l, p. 107. Change in touch-and-go rules. (9N)
  • SC-92-82: CL Precision, Event 106, para. 6, p. 106. Add "6.3 each maneuver must be announced prior to commencement and called on commencement by 'now'. The completion of the maneuver will be announced by the word 'complete'." (9Y)
  • SC-92-83: CL Sport Scale, Event 509, para. 8.2, p. 109. After "...judging form before flying," add "Any maneuver and/or scale operation may be selected for scoring only once during any single official flight." (9Y)
  • SC-92-84: CL Precision, Event 508, para. 8, p. 106. After "...unless operation is complete." add "Any maneuver and/or scale operation may be selected for scoring only once during any official flight." (9Y)
  • SC-92-85: CL Precision, Event 508, para. 6, p. 106. Add new item with flight rules changes. (9Y)
  • SC-92-86: Sport Scale, Giant, Fun, Events 511–514, 520, para. 2, p. 111. Add item "2.9 There shall be no use of an 'automatic pilot' type device which places the model under anything less than full pilot control at all times." (7Y, 2N)
  • SC-92-87: Sport Scale, Giant, Events 511–514, para. 5, p. 112. Add item "5.6 The static scoring of rivets and panel lines shall only be considered for 'accuracy of outline'." (9N)
  • SC-92-88: Sport Scale, Giant, Events 511–514, para. 4, p. 112. New item: documentation scoring rules. (9N)
  • SC-92-89: Sport Scale, Giant, Events 511–514, para. 7, p. 113. New item "7.4 Official Flight. There is an official flight when an attempt is made whatever the result. There is an attempt when the model lifts off or the model fails to commence the takeoff maneuver within the 12 minutes allowed for each flight." (9Y)
  • SC-92-91: Sport Scale, Giant, Fun, Events 511–514, 520, para. 5.5. Add "g. Where a model is equipped with a tailskid and the takeoff surface is paved, a tail wheel may be added, for flying only and to assist ground controllability. This wheel may not be added where a grass takeoff surface is available for the contestant to use if he chooses." (7Y, 2N)
  • SC-92-92: Sport Scale, Giant, Events 511–514, para. 4.6, p. 112. Constructor Declaration Statement rules changes. (2Y, 7N)
  • SC-92-93: Sport Scale, Giant, Fun, Events 511–514, 520, para. 8, p. 113. New item 8.5: optional maneuvers/mechanical options rule change. (9Y)
  • SC-92-94: Sport Scale, Giant, Fun, Events 511–514, 520, para. 8.1, p. 113. In the second sentence, delete the phrase "not including the multi-engine option, if used." (7Y, 2N)
  • SC-92-95: Sport Scale, Giant, Fun, Events 511–514, 520, para. 3, p. 111. Add new sentence: "The use of an 'automatic pilot' type of device (for example, rate gyros) is prohibited in competition except as it may apply to wheel steering and/or rudders for added safety." (7Y, 2N)

(End of tabulation excerpts provided.)

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.