focus on Competition

focus on Competition

A Note From the Technical Director

Bob Underwood

A few years ago this column carried some ideas for fun-fly events, a couple at a time, over a period of some six months. As 1991 dawned and the calendar crept toward spring and summer event time, I began to receive a number of calls from CDs asking for help coming up with ideas to baffle the troops. In some cases the CD was new to the ranks and simply didn't have any ideas. In other cases they were looking for something new to use. In an effort to stimulate the old noggin, I thought I would pass along some ideas you might not have used.

The events proposed here are a collection from my experience and those of seven others who sent in ideas during the first listing. Most of the ideas are Radio Control oriented, though many can be modified for Control Line or Free Flight; a few originated in those disciplines. I will note when appropriate.

No attempt is made to present a complete, detailed set of rules. Two reasons: fun-fly events are better with simple rules, and it's more fun to conjure up the way you're going to surprise the troops on your own! There will be some cautions passed along from experience. Understand that no matter what you do, someone will find a loophole in every event you design and fly their model right through it!

Spot Landing

The old staple of every fun fly. It's simple to run and always challenging. It can be incorporated into a variety of other events, making a separate flight unnecessary. Mark the spot with lime and put a circle around it a few feet in diameter so the spot is easy to see.

Suggestions:

• For power planes, require that the engine be running when the model comes to rest. Otherwise someone may drive a brand-new model into the turf to hit the spot.
• Measure where the model comes to rest rather than where it first touches the ground. This eliminates judgment calls. Measure to the tail wheel, nose gear, or the nose if it is a sailplane.

Adaptable to Free Flight and Control Line.

Timed Two Minutes

A simple-to-run event suitable for novices. No takeoff or landing requirements—if the novice can keep the model in the air, they can participate.

Procedure:

• Once airborne, the flier says "Start" and the timer begins.
• At the end of what the pilot perceives to be two minutes, he says "Stop" and the watch is stopped.
• Closest to two minutes (plus or minus) wins.

Cautions:

• Don't let the pilot see his watch; watch for transmitters with built-in timers.
• Engage the flier in conversation during the two minutes to break any counting routine.
• Sailplanes may excel at this task; vary the target time if mixing types.

Adaptable to Control Line and Free Flight (with variations).

Loops and Rolls

Many variations exist. Most involve timing from takeoff until a set number of loops and/or rolls are completed.

Concerns and suggestions:

• Safety: Do not start the maneuver immediately after takeoff—lack of speed or altitude can get a pilot into trouble.
• Consider timing only while in the air (start and end timing in the air) to avoid a second chance at mistakes during landing.
• Half of this combination can be used for Control Line.

Limbo

Often called "Hobby Shop Owner's Delight"—it shortens wings, breaks props, and removes canopies and fins. The event can be simple (number of passes under a preset-height ribbon in a set time) or progressive (moving the ribbon down in increments with points assigned). Assign higher points for inverted passes if desired.

Notes:

• Not for new fliers.
• Provide solid supports for poles (e.g., pipe welded to scrap rims).
• Crepe paper streamers work as ribbons; pre-stretch and twist them to reduce wind stretch.

Bomb Drop (Egg, Doughnut, Streamer, etc.)

Personal preference: egg drops—they entertain the crowd.

Construction suggestion:

• Cut a 3" square piece of plywood, attach a plastic or metal cup, glue thin foam to the bottom, place two small screws on opposite edges, and rubber-band it to the model.

Tactics and cautions:

• Place the cup slightly ahead or behind (not too far) of the CG so a small down-elevator blip will eject the object.
• If placed on the CG, more aggressive maneuvers may be needed to release the object.
• Closest to the spot wins.
• If using doughnuts, avoid glazed ones—they melt in the sun and stick.
• Instruct the flier to watch the model, not the object, to avoid simultaneous ground impact.

Adaptable to Control Line.

Ground-Based Events

Some clubs prefer events where the model doesn't intentionally leave the ground.

Examples:

• Engine-start routine: the "pilot" removes the prop and glow plug, stations himself some distance away, races to the model, installs the parts, and starts the engine. First running engine wins.
• Caution: stress safety; cross-threaded plugs can damage engines. No diesels, please.
• Taxi course: mark a course with gates (flags, traffic cones). Taxi through in the shortest time. Decide in advance whether wings may be removed for the run.
• Some clubs have run this with the modeler looking in a mirror—safety concerns apply.

Some ground-based events can be adapted to Free Flight or Control Line; others cannot.

Balloon Bust

Natural for Control Line (where it originated). In RC it's harder due to three-dimensional flight.

Options:

• Tie balloons to sticks anchored in the ground, or fill them with helium and try to hit them in the air.
• Use time-to-bust or number-busted as the scoring method.

Cautions:

• For RC, ensure safe pilot positioning—don't let the pilot stand too close to the balloon.

Carrier Event

Mark off a "carrier deck" on the runway (lime or tape). Typical size: about 50 feet long on smooth grass, width no more than 24 feet.

Task:

• Takeoff must begin within the deck (model can be held for a full-throttle run-up).
• Once airborne, perform three touch-and-go's on the deck.
• If the ground is touched outside the deck or the engine quits on a touch, the flight is over.
• Final task: land on the deck. Model may roll through the end line but not the sidelines.
• Assign points for takeoff, each touch-and-go, and landing. Extra points for stopping within the deck.

Notes:

• Not for novices; takes time to run.
• Control Line possible but touch-and-go's are difficult without throttle control.
• Example point scheme used previously: 5 for takeoff, 10 for each touch-and-go, 15 for landing (20 if kept on the deck).

Musical Pylon

A chance-type event akin to musical chairs.

Setup:

• Split the runway into halves with a line; place a pylon (pole or person with flag) off each runway end, slightly to one side.
• Run multi-plane heats of four to six planes.

Procedure:

• The CD secretly sets a time (30 seconds to 1.5 minutes).
• On takeoff, models fly an orbit pattern around the pylons at no particular speed.
• When the secret time elapses, the CD signals "Land!" All must land immediately.
• If a model is downwind of the runway center line, it must fly around the pylons before landing.
• The last pilot down is eliminated; repeat until one remains.
• No engine restarts allowed.

Notes:

• We never had a mid-air collision, though we had some ground incidents.
• Adaptable to Free Flight and Control Line; Control Line could be very exciting at landings.

Spins

Event: most spins after a set time on climb-out or takeoff.

Cautions:

• Expect controversy in counting spins and pilots misjudging altitude.
• Don't let novices try this—panic recovery often causes incorrect control inputs. Most models stop spinning only when both rudder and up elevator are released.

Not suitable for Control Line.

Climb and Glide

Can mix sailplanes and power models.

Rules:

• Subtract one point for every second of climb-out (or high-start time).
• Add one point for every second of glide.
• Limit climb-out time (30 seconds is suggested).
• Optionally add points for a spot landing. Require the power plane engine to be fully shut down; idling engines can skew results.

Notes:

• Event can favor sailplanes in good lift; consider separating classes if necessary.
• This is a Free Flight event.

General Do's

• Do consider safety first.
• Do keep rules as simple as possible.
• Do try to eliminate subjective judgment.
• Do balance skill and luck events.
• Do require the flier to use only one model for all events (no specialized aircraft for specific events).

While you may keep events low-key for the "fun" part, be prepared for high competitiveness—people will dive their models to hit spots, look for loopholes, and measure up their next victim. It is fun—sometimes like watching a demolition derby.

If you have new ideas to share, please do so. Enough now! Cheers!

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Technical Director (continued)

Spot Landing (summary)

Spot landing can be adapted to Free Flight and Control Line. Mark the spot clearly; require running engine for power planes; measure final rest position to avoid judgment calls.

Timed Two Minutes (continued)

This event can be run with novices; avoid allowing pilots to see timers; watch for sailplane specialists.

Loops and Rolls (continued)

Time events should begin and end in the air for safety.

Limbo (continued)

Not for beginners; use sturdy pole supports and appropriate ribbon material.

Bomb Drop (continued)

• For doughnut drops, replace the cup with a doughnut.
• Place the cup near the CG for easier ejection with a small down-elevator blip.
• Emphasize watching the model, not the dropped object.

Ground-Based Events (continued)

• Engine-start races and taxi courses are popular; stress safety and rules about helpers and equipment.

Balloon Bust (continued)

• More difficult in RC than Control Line; watch safety and pilot position.

Carrier Event (continued)

If takeoff is not completed within the deck area, the flight is over. Three touch-and-go's and a landing on the deck are required. Work out your point scheme.

Musical Pylon (continued)

Secret-time landings create excitement; no engine restarts allowed.

Spins (continued)

Count spins carefully; novices should not participate.

Climb and Glide (continued)

Consider separate classes if sailplanes have an unfair advantage due to lift.

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1991 CIAM F3C Helicopter Report (continued)

A number of items were discussed at the CIAM meeting. Highlights follow.

• Proposal about limiting helper and spectator entry fees to 20% of competitor's fee was accepted in the Plenary Meeting (applies to all FAI categories). The consensus is this may reduce the number of offers to run World or Continental Championships or raise competitor entry fees to compensate.

• Interference testing prior to FAI Radio Control competitions was recommended by the F3C Sub-Committee, but concerns were raised about practicality (availability of equipment) and legal liabilities.

• Item added to 1993 rules: a means of breaking ties for the first three places (this had been inadvertently left out when the fly-off scheme was added). Unanimously recommended.

• Sound level measurements: concern about measuring sound at 3 meters from hovering helicopters with hand-held meters due to safety. Suggested use of tripod-mounted microphone with remote meter. Experiments in 1991 will continue. Measurements at the 1990 NATS indicated that 98 dB over hard surface and 96 dB over grass are achievable with existing mufflers. Proposed 1993 maximum levels: 96 dB (hard surface) and 94 dB (grass).

• Scoring criteria: a suggestion to use 0.1 point increments instead of 0.5 was voted down by the F3C S/C because judges have difficulty with 0.5 increments already. To date, no tie score at Continental or World Championships; 1993 classification will introduce three elimination rounds, two flyoff rounds, and a clear tie-breaking method.

• Judges: many judges concentrate their scores in the 5–10 range; judges must be trained to use the full 0–10 range. Increase number of qualified judges by holding judge schools at major competitions and encourage pilots to attend.

• Consideration of removing the practice of dropping the high and low scores for each maneuver was discussed. Dropping extremes forces judges to narrow their ranges. Scores at upcoming competitions will be analyzed before making any change.

Two rules clarifications were introduced after the 1990 contest season and approved as clarifications by the Technical Secretary of CIAM; they became effective immediately and will be followed at the 1991 World Championships in Australia.

Clarification 1: Re-positioning between Horizontal Eight and Nose-In Circle maneuvers

• The rule book originally made landings between maneuvers score zero to prevent pilots from landing to re-adjust transmitters and extend flight times.
• Clarification: For re-positioning purposes only, the model may be lifted off to a maximum altitude of eye level between the HORIZONTAL EIGHT and NOSE-IN CIRCLE maneuvers.

Clarification 2: Autorotation with 180 Degree Turn (replacement paragraphs for 5.4.12.9)

• The model flies at a minimum altitude of 20 meters.
• The maneuver begins when the model crosses an imaginary vertical plane from the center judge through the central helipad. The model must be in autorotation (engine off) and descending when it crosses this plane. The 180° turn must start at this point and turning/descending rate must remain constant to touchdown on the helipad.

Scoring criteria (summary):

• Maximum 10 points: smooth touchdown on central helipad without direction change.
• Max 9 points: landing inside the 10 m square with any landing gear touching the 1.2 m circle perimeter.
• Max 8 points: perfect landing inside the 10 m square.
• Max 5 points: perfect landing outside the 10 m square.
• Manoeuver downgraded if flight path is stretched (flying parallel to ground) to reach the square or helipad.

Upcoming international competitions:

• Pfaeffikon, Switzerland — May 9–12, 1991: 17th International Military (RC Electric) Cup (includes electric helicopters).
• Provence Cup — Avignon, France — June 21–23, 1991.
• 4th International Helicopter Cup — Kravisern/Salzburg, Austria — June 29–30, 1991.
• F3C World Championships — Wangaratta, Australia — October 27–28, 1991 (dates approximate).
• 1992 European Championships — Austria (date/place TBA).
• 1993 F3C World Championships — Austria, as part of Aerolympics IV (with F3A and F3D).

The FAI F3C Sub-Committee now includes representatives from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Japan, Liechtenstein, Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom, U.S.A., and the U.S.S.R.

Comments and suggestions for improving FAI F3C rules may be forwarded to: Horace G. Hagen, 15 Parkway Place, Red Bank, NJ 07701.

In attendance:

• Len Bliss, United Kingdom (S/C Member)
• Alex Goossens, Belgium (Observer)
• Brian Green, Australia (1991 WC Organizer)
• Horace Hagen, U.S.A. (S/C Chairman)
• Ritsuri Honda, Japan (Observer)
• Jean Claude Lavigne, France (Observer)
• Peter Oberli, Switzerland (S/C Member)
• Henry van Loon, Netherlands (Observer)
• Jan van Vliet, Netherlands (Observer)

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1991 CIAM Scale Sub-Committee Report (continued)

Key points and accepted proposals:

• A French proposal to weigh every model immediately after the first flight of each contestant was accepted (effective 1993). This requires competitors to drain fuel tanks after flying if near the 7 kg limit; models will be weighed with flying propeller and spinner in place.

• A French proposal that a noise measurement be made at least once to determine compliance with the 98 dB limit was accepted (effective 1993).

• Helpers may manipulate transmitter controls during engine start-up before a flight (accepted). Related rule: the timekeeper must ensure helpers do not touch the transmitter once the first maneuver has been called. If a helper touches the transmitter during the official flight, the flight is scored zero (effective 1993).

• A Belgian proposal to modify the complexity bonus (accumulate 5% bonuses to total 10%) was rejected. The sub-committee favors reducing bonuses rather than proliferation; new proposals may appear later.

• Electrically powered models may be permitted an extra 0.5 kg (7.5 kg total) and will be weighed with batteries in place; fuel-powered models are weighed with empty tanks (effective 1993).

• South Africa proposed reducing flight times for F3B prototypes and removing the procedure turn to save time; changes to K factors were proposed and accepted for implementation in the 1993 rule book.

• South Africa's proposal to reduce the landing zone from 100 m to 35 m was rejected.

• A proposal to use instant cameras for static judging references was rejected; static judging should rely on competitor-supplied documentation. However, the sub-committee recommended static judging areas have good overhead lighting and a plain white background behind the model (effective 1993).

General note: Without U.S. presence in these meetings, the AMA and U.S. modelers lose voice in international decisions. The AMA offered to host the 1992 Scale World Championships in Muncie, Indiana, August 21–29 (F4B Control Line and F4C Radio Control).

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Submitting FAI Rules Proposals

Modelers wishing to submit proposals to FAI international competition rules should send them to AMA Headquarters, addressed to M. Madison. Proposals must be received by August 16, 1991.

Proposal requirements: a. Quote the relevant paragraph and/or heading in the Sporting Code. b. Detail exactly the alteration or addition in wording proposed. c. Give reasons behind the proposed alteration in a short separate paragraph.

Sample (imaginary) proposal format provided in the meeting (example of event announcement omitted here for brevity).

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Nats Soaring Update

Gil Gauger, Event Director 100 Wabash, Box 8, Oaktown, IN 47561 Phone: 812-745-6512 (evenings)

The '91 season is gearing up; make plans for participation in this year's Nats. AMA is returning to Lawrenceville-Ninctennes (sic) — arrangements will be similar to last year. Lincoln High School will be used again and the schedule will repeat last year with some modifications: new frequencies, modified site impound procedures and flight groupings. Notably, the F3B event this year will run per FAI rules.

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1991 CIAM RC Soaring Report (continued)

Significant items:

• Scoring computation change (H.5.6.6.c) for team finishes:

1) If there is a finisher:

• Fastest finishing team's score: Score = 1000
• Other finishing team's score: Score = 700 + (Twf/Ti · 300)
• Non-finishing team's score: Score = Di/Dw · 700

Where: Ti = team's time to finish the course Twf = fastest time to finish the course Di = team's distance flown Dw = distance of the task

• An international F3H newsletter has been initiated. Contact: Myers Moran, 10428 Oso Ave., Chatsworth, CA 91311.

• F3J (Thermal Duration Gliders) is close to becoming an official event—three of the five required international contests have been recorded with CIAM; the U.K. is hosting another qualifying contest this year.

F3J rule changes (effective when minutes are distributed):

• Change flying site bonus circle radius: from 12.5 m to 15 m.
• Replace scoring for landing bonus: measured landing distance from the marked spot now awards points as follows:
• 1 m: 100 points
• 2 m: 95
• 3 m: 90
• 4 m: 85
• 5 m: 80
• 6 m: 75
• 7 m: 70
• 8 m: 65
• 9 m: 60
• 10 m: 55
• 11 m: 50
• 12 m: 45
• 13 m: 40
• 14 m: 35
• 15 m: 30
• over 15 m: 25
• The distance for landing bonus is measured from the model nose at rest to the landing spot allocated to the competitor.
• Minimum allowed flights: at least five (preferably more) official flights.
• Minimum competitors per group: at least 4, preferably 8 or 10.

A proposal to determine final placing by aggregating fly-off rounds plus qualifying rounds was defeated; winners remain determined by fly-off rounds. A proposal on stopwatch failure was referred back to the sub-committee.

F3F:

• An international newsletter for F3F Slope Soaring started. Contact: Preben Norholm, Godthabsv/7, DK-7400 Herning, Denmark.

F3I:

• Proper English translation of F3I Aero-Tow Glider rules completed; to be included in the next Supplement to the Sporting Code when printed.

F3G:

• A German proposal to establish F3G (combustion engine-powered glider event) had little interest and was withdrawn.

The class F3J is expected to become official around 1993, and several rule changes to make the event more measurable and international-traveler friendly were adopted.

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