Author: Steve Kaluf
Edition: Model Aviation - 2003/03
Page Numbers: 175,176,177,178,179,180,181,182,183,184
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Focus on Competition - 2003/03

Technical Director

Steve Kaluf skaluf@modelaircraft.org

Introduction

We have reached the first critical stage in the 2005 Rules Change Cycle. All basic rules change proposals have been received, reviewed, and are now being published in this issue of Model Aviation so that the membership may make comments on them. If you fly in competition, you should read every proposal that affects the events you fly and make comments to the proper Contest Board representative for that discipline and your district. Contest Board members represent their constituents' views on competition matters; if they do not hear from the membership, they cannot properly represent those views.

In February 2003 the initial ballot for these proposals will be sent to all Contest Boards. Proposals in the initial ballot will no longer be considered outside that process. Those that pass will continue through interim and final votes.

If a proposal falls under Executive Council jurisdiction (contentious issues affecting two or more Contest Boards or EC matters), contact your district vice president to make comments. All proposals will be voted on in February; those that fail the initial vote will no longer be considered.

Please contact the Competition Department if you have questions or need complete copies of proposals not reproduced in full here.

'Til next time ... MA

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Urgent Rules Change Proposal

Move Outdoor Scale Events to Free Flight Jurisdiction

  • Wording for change: Move events 501 (Outdoor Peanut Scale), 503 (Outdoor Flying Rubber Scale), and 504 (Outdoor Gas Power Scale) from Scale Contest Board jurisdiction to Free Flight Contest Board jurisdiction. These events would also move to the Free Flight category in the Competition Regulations.
  • Logic behind proposed change: Free Flight Outdoor Scale events are nearly extinct, while Flying Aces Club (FAC) events continue to grow. In 2002 the Nats was one of the few events offering AMA Free Flight Scale; other events offered FAC Scale. The Scale Contest Board consists of experts in controlled flight but has little experience with Free Flight issues.
  • Submitted by: Jerold Murphy, AMA 917

Approximately four weeks after this publication a ratification vote will be taken. If passed, the proposal would go into effect January 1.

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Control Line (CLB)

CLB-05-5: Event #328 — Forfeiture

  • Change: Paragraph 11.1 Forfeiture, subparagraph 1. Delete the portion that reads: "The crankshaft/propeller is also excepted if due to crankshaft breakage."
  • Submitted by: Larry Driskill, AMA 20210

CLB-05-6: Event #328 — Fuel Specification

  • Change: Fuel shall not contain more than 10% nitromethane, not less than 20% lubricant, and the remainder methanol. At the discretion of the Contest Director (CD), use of contest-supplied fuel may be required.
  • Submitted by: Larry Driskill, AMA 20210

CLB-05-7: Optional Equipment/Specifications (High Performance 1/2A)

  • Add new paragraph: At the CD's discretion, sanction applications may specify "High Performance 1/2A rules in effect". Doing so indicates:
  • Line length will be 42' ± 3"
  • Mechanical and electric starters allowed
  • Streamers will be 3/4" wide with a string leader marked 60" from the knot, and shall extend beyond the ink mark 12"
  • Submitted by: Larry Driskill, AMA 20210

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RC Aerobatics (RCA)

RCA-05-1: Flight Pattern and Maneuvering Area (Paragraph 14)

  • Add: Calling of box entry must allow a minimum 15-meter straight line before the first maneuver; judging of the maneuver begins at that point. Calling of exiting the box must be done after a minimum 15-meter straight line following the maneuver; judging ceases at that point.
  • Rationale: Lines into and out of maneuvers are part of the maneuver and are always judged.
  • Submitted by: C. W. Reed, AMA 21971

RCA-05-2: Cleanup and Deletions (Various pages/paragraphs)

  • Delete or revise multiple holdover phrases referencing classes "with scored turnarounds" and a paragraph on normalizing that are no longer applicable.
  • Change a sentence in "Lines" to read: "More points are subtracted for greater differences."
  • Submitted by: John Fuqua, AMA 5955

RCA-05-3: Flight Counts, Reflys, and Minor Fixes

  • Page 68, paragraph 4.2: Delete phrase "however, such deletion must be published in advance of the event date."
  • Page 71, paragraph 9: Change third sentence to: "Once this number has been announced, this is the exact number of flights that should be flown."
  • Page 71, paragraph 10.3: Delete middle sentence "The contestants may, at their option, elect to re-fly the entire flight." Also delete the second-to-last sentence about maneuver scores prior to collision.
  • Page 72, paragraph 14: Correct phrase to read "...150 meters in front of".
  • Submitted by: John Fuqua, AMA 5955

RCA-05-4: Judges Guide — Spins

  • Add to "Spins" on page 78:
  1. The pilot who best combines precision/geometry of the spin (shape and correct degrees of rotation) plus wind correction to adjust track should receive the higher score.
  • On page 84, delete subparagraph beginning with "Crabbing the model."
  • Submitted by: John Fuqua, AMA 5955

RCA-05-5: Landing and Takeoff Descriptions (Replace existing)

  • Landing Sequence:
  • Execute a 180° turn to a downwind heading (or optional 360° if completed on a downwind maneuver). Fly a downwind leg, then turn 180° to the wind for final approach, touching down in the landing zone. Landing is complete when the model has rolled 10 meters or comes to rest.
  • Landing Zone:
  • Marked by lines perpendicular across the runway spaced 100 meters apart. Width normally equals runway width but shall not exceed 30 meters.
  • Landing Downgrades:
  1. Model does not follow landing sequence — zero (0) points.
  2. Any landing gear leg retracts or collapses on landing — zero (0) points.
  3. Model ends up on its back — zero (0) points.
  4. Model passes behind the judges' line ("flight line") — zero (0) points.
  5. Model lands outside of the landing zone — zero (0) points.
  6. Only two scores, a 10 or a 0, may be awarded for the landing sequence.
  • Take-off Sequence:
  • Model placed on runway, takes off within landing zone, turns 90° toward line defined by upwind/downwind marker poles. When approximately over this line the model turns 90° or 270° for a downwind trim pass. When even with the downwind marker the model initiates a 180° turn, reversal, or other turnaround.
  • Take-off Downgrades:
  1. Takeoff sequence not followed — zero (0) points.
  2. Model takes off outside the landing zone — zero (0) points.
  3. Only two scores, a 10 or a 0, may be awarded for the take-off sequence.
  • Submitted by: John Fuqua, AMA 5955

RCA-05-6: Replace Masters Schedule (Schedule 18 / 404)

  • Replace the current Masters schedule on page 73 and insert new maneuver ver instructions alphabetically in section E (beginning page 77).
  • Proposal too lengthy to publish — contact the Competitions Department for a complete copy.
  • Submitted by: Eric Henderson, AMA 131150

RCA-05-7: Sportsman Class Weight/Size Option

  • Page 69, paragraph 4.3: Add sentence: "The Contest Director shall have the option of deleting the weight and size requirements for the Sportsman Class at any sanctioned event; however, such deletion must be published in advance of the event date, and the model in question must conform to AMA weight limits."
  • Submitted by: Thomas Weedon, AMA 2537

RCA-05-8: Advancement Points Sliding Scale

  • Replace first sentence in paragraph 8.2.3: "The accumulated points for required class advancement will be based on a sliding scale of 4 years time. Advancement points acquired before the fourth (4) year will not count towards advancement."
  • Submitted by: (no submitter listed in OCR)

RCA-05-33: Minute Freestyle Program

  • Page 90, paragraph 17. Replaces existing text for paragraph 17 (4) Minute Freestyle Program.
  • Submitted by: Thomas Wheeler, AMA 405590

RCA-05-34: Gender Reference in Preface

  • Page 90, paragraph 1 — Preface:
  • Add: Reference to any gender in this document shall include both male and female. Revise the preface sentence to read inclusively.
  • Submitted by: Thomas Wheeler, AMA 405590

RCA-05-35: Delete FAI K-Factor Exceptions

  • Page 91, paragraph 2: Delete the paragraph that described exceptions to FAI K-factors for rolling circles and tailslides.
  • Submitted by: Thomas Wheeler, AMA 405590

RCA-05-36: Scale Aerobatics Rules Comparison (Changes)

  • Page 92: Revise section 3. Rules — provide comparative table of differences between Scale Aerobatics, IAC, and Pattern:
  • Downgrade per deviation:
  • Scale Aerobatics: 10 degrees
  • IAC: 5 degrees
  • Pattern: 15 degrees
  • Judging criteria:
  • Scale Aerobatics: Flight path
  • IAC: Aircraft attitude
  • Pattern: Flight path
  • Box size:
  • Scale Aerobatics: 180° angle; 2000' wide; 1000' deep
  • IAC: 3300' wide; 3300' deep
  • Pattern: 120° angle; flight line 150 m from judges
  • Out of box penalty (maneuver circled by judge — fixed):
  • Basic: -2 pt
  • Sportsman: -4 pt
  • Intermediate: -6 pt
  • Advanced: -8 pt
  • Unlimited: -10 pt
  • Center of maneuvers:
  • Scale & IAC: Within center area of the box
  • Pattern: On centerline
  • Number of judges:
  • Scale Aerobatics: 2 minimum
  • IAC: 3 minimum
  • Pattern: 5 standard
  • Submitted by: Thomas Wheeler, AMA 405590

RCA-05-37: Positioning (Scale Aerobatics)

  • Page 92: Revise section 4 — Positioning:
  • All scored maneuvers must be flown in front of the judges, within the "box," balanced about the center of the x-axis and at an optimal distance from the judges.
  • Judges give position grades based on balanced use of the aerobatic box and overall presentation.
  • Scores range from 10 to 0 in 0.5 increments.
  • If the sun hampers judging, the contestant may request an offset for certain maneuvers prior to the flight.
  • Pilot or caller should announce direction of flight (Left-to-Right or Right-to-Left) before entering the box; this is the pilot's option and independent of wind direction.
  • Category Positioning coefficients:
  • Basic: 5K
  • Sportsman: 10K
  • Intermediate: 15K
  • Advanced: 20K
  • Unlimited: 25K
  • Submitted by: Thomas Wheeler, AMA 405590

RCA-05-38: Aerobatic Box Definition

  • Page 92: 4.1 Scale Aerobatic Box:
  • Two horizontal lines, 90 degrees to each side of centerline.
  • Total length: 2000 ft (610 m) parallel to flight line.
  • Rear boundary: line parallel to flight line 1000 ft (305 m) from competitor position.
  • Penalty for box infringement: judges circle the maneuver; penalties assessed when scores are tabulated:
  • Basic: 2 points per infringement
  • Sportsman: 4 points
  • Intermediate: 6 points
  • Advanced: 8 points
  • Unlimited: 10 points
  • Judges may disagree on infringements; give competitor benefit of the doubt when uncertain.
  • Submitted by: Thomas Wheeler, AMA 405590

RCA-05-39: Eliminate Scale Aerobatic Zones

  • Page 93, 4.2 through 4.2.2 Side Zones: Eliminate these rules.
  • Submitted by: Thomas Wheeler, AMA 405590

RCA-05-40: Redefine Zero Reasons

  • Page 97, paragraph 6.3 Zero: Redefines reasons a zero may be given.
  • Submitted by: Thomas Wheeler, AMA 405590

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Scale Aerobatics / Scale Contest (SCA)

General: Model Requirements Revision

  • Revise current section 3, Model Requirements:
  • Delete third paragraph: "With the exception of electric motors, the engine must be equipped with an effective muffler."
  • Re-number current sections 3 through 11 as sections 5 through 13 respectively.
  • Submitted by: Mike Gretz, AMA 7614

SCA-05-7: New Event — Indoor Electric R/C Scale

  • Power and Model Requirements:
  • Maximum motive power: single stock 280 brush can motor; no restrictions on gearing or propeller size; no restrictions on battery type or size.
  • Maximum wing loading: 5 oz/ft².
  • Multiple motors allowed only if total equivalent does not exceed a speed 280 motor.
  • Static Judging:
  • Judged at 5 feet for finish color & markings and accuracy of outline; at 1 foot for craftsmanship.
  • Cockpit detail included in craftsmanship.
  • 50-point maximum for each of 3 categories (finish, outline, craftsmanship) — static max = 150 points.
  • Flight Judging:
  • A flight consists of 10 maneuvers: 5 mandatory and 5 optional.
  • Each maneuver scored 0–5 for a flight max of 50 points.
  • Mandatory: takeoff, minimum 2 laps left (counterclockwise), minimum 2 laps right (clockwise), landing, realism of flight.
  • Optional: retract/extend undercarriage, bomb/leaflet/tank drop, etc.; maneuvers can be in any order.
  • Minimum of 2 rounds; final flight score = average of best 2 rounds.
  • Total max score = static (150) + flight (50) = 200 points.
  • Submitted by: Ernest Harwood, AMA 6550

SCA-05-8: Event #518 — Sport Scale Soaring (RC Flight Plan)

  • Change section 8 to read:
  • RC Flight Plan consists of 10 maneuvers/scale operations: 3 mandatory and 7 optional.
  • Mandatory items:
  • 360° thermal turns
  • Landing
  • Realism in flight
  • Mandatory and optional maneuvers may be performed in any sequence but must follow the contestant's flight plan presented to judges.
  • Move "Climb to Release" from mandatory to optional maneuvers.
  • Delete "maintain straight attitude" (section 1.2) from maneuver lists.
  • Submitted by: Terry Edmonds, AMA 9438

SCA-05-9: Event 517 — Official Score (Static)

  • Change section 10 wording:
  • From: "The official score shall be the total of static points (100 maximum) ..."
  • To: "The official score shall be the total of static points (30) time multiplier maximum)."
  • Also delete second reference to (100 maximum) for static points in section 10.
  • Submitted by: Terry Edmonds, AMA 9438

SCA-05-10: Event 517 — Flight Scoring with Difficulty Factors

  • Delete first sentence of section 9 (which read "Maximum total flight score is 100 points.").
  • Add to end of section 9.1: After the flight is complete each maneuver score is multiplied by the difficulty factor for that maneuver. If a maneuver is not on the list, use difficulty factor 1.0.
  • Delete reference to "(100 maximum)" for flight score in section 10.
  • Maneuver Difficulty Factors (selected examples):
  • Takeoff: 1.0
  • Aerotow Including Release: 1.2
  • Climb to Release: 1.0
  • 360° Thermal Turns: 1.0
  • Straight Flight Back: 0.7
  • Inside Loop: 1.2
  • Outside Loop: 1.5
  • Roll: 1.2
  • Spin: 1.5
  • Cuban Eight: 1.5
  • Scale Operation: Dumpable Water Ballast: 2.0
  • (Full list included in original proposal.)
  • Submitted by: Terry Edmonds, AMA 9438

SCA-05-11: Event 517 — Launch and Multiple Launches

  • Change 7.2: "Launch shall be by winch or aero tow" to "Launch shall be by winch, aero tow, high-start or hand tow".
  • Change allowance for two launches per round:
  • "Two launches per round will be allowed except for aero tow, if a pilot requires them to complete his flight maneuvers. In the case of two launches, a given maneuver will be judged only once, the first time it is performed."
  • Submitted by: Robert Harold, AMA 2457

SCA-05-12: Worksheet for Static Judging

  • Worksheet for static judging of CL and RC Sport Scale attached to original proposal.
  • Submitted by: Charles Bauer, AMA 21824

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RC Electric (ECL / ELC)

ECL-05-1: Adds New Event — Elexaco

  • Summary: Electric version of 1/2A Glow Texaco using a rated 400 motor. Designed for simplicity and field-friendly endurance events.
  • Elexaco Event Rules:
  1. Any model with aspect wing ratio < 7 (wingspan / center chord) qualifies.
  2. Any rated 400 electric ferrite motor qualifies (not brushless or cobalt and not geared).
  3. A 7-cell 250–350 mAh power pack must be used.
  4. Any motor shutoff device acceptable.
  • Flight Rules:
  • Timed from takeoff or hand launch. Motor allowed to run for 2 minutes and must be shut off by radio. If motor is shut off prior to 2 minutes it may not be restarted; if restarted, score = 0.
  • Flight continued and timed toward max flight time of 15 minutes to land at designated field.
  • Score: 1 point per second (max 900 points). Exceeding max results in penalty of 1 point per second.
  • Submitted by: Joe Beshar, AMA 175

ELC-05-2: Indoor Electric Duration — Battery Wording

  • Page 186, section 4.21: Change "Battery size is limited to (6) 50 mAh cells" to "Battery size is limited to (6) NiCad cells."
  • Submitted by: Steve Leighton, AMA 322830

ELC-05-3: New Event 629 — Weight and Wing Loading Limits

  • Plane shall not exceed 21 ounces flying weight. Maximum wing loading shall not exceed 3.5 oz/ft². Battery limited to any rechargeable cells designated by manufacturer. Plane flies a circular/oval/figure-eight course as specified by judges. ROG or handlaunch permitted. Total points = duration in seconds. Contest director sets number of attempts allowed.
  • Submitted by: Steve Leighton, AMA 322830

ELC-05-4: Clarify Battery Size for Indoor Electric Duration

  • Page 186, section 4.21: Change wording to "Battery size is limited to a maximum of (6) 50 mAh NiCad cells".
  • Submitted by: Steve Leighton, AMA 322830

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Special Events (SEB)

SEB-05-1

  • Was moved to Executive Council jurisdiction.
  • Submitted by: (not listed)

SEB-05-2: R/C Competition Fun Fly

  • Adds timed flight wording to allow variations in total flight time and maneuvers to be performed.
  • Proposal too long to publish — contact the Competitions Department for a copy.
  • Submitted by: Dan Luchaco, AMA 723

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RC Combat (RCC)

RCC-05-1: New Open RC Combat Class

  • Page 62, section 3.1: Create new Open RC Combat Class.
  • Submitted by: John Vaught, AMA 122092

RCC-05-2: Create New Open RC Combat Class (duplicate/related)

  • Submitted by: Ronald Caravona, AMA 668956

    • RCC-05-3: Weight Limits (page 193, 3.3.1)

    • 3.3.1 Maximum dry weight of 3.5 lb for any single-engine design.
    • 3.3.2 Maximum dry weight for multi-engine designs:
    • Twins up to and including 50" span: 4.0 lb
    • Twins >50" to ≤60" span: 4.5 lb
    • Twins >60" span: 5.0 lb
    • Submitted by: Ronald Caravona, AMA 668956

    RCC-05-4: Scale RC Combat — Eligible Aircraft (page 193, 3.1)

    • The model must be a minimum 1/12 scale replica of a Pursuit, Fighter, or Attack aircraft produced or in service between 1935 and 1955.
    • For this contest, such aircraft are those designed for interception, high-speed ground/sea attack, dogfighting, or escort; must have been designed to have onboard guns installed. Aircraft with guns mounted for defensive purposes only do not qualify.
    • Submitted by: Ronald Caravona, AMA 668956

    RCC-05-5: Engine RPM Limits and Inspection (page 193, 3.2.1)

    • Engines will be limited to specific RPM ranges for Open B events; engines may be spot inspected. Sport inspection will be in query only at CD request. No one can suggest to the CD to inspect an engine. Non-compliance results in disqualification. If non-compliance is discovered, one extra test by a non-participating party can be executed. Full access to transmitter and needle valve settings must be provided to the inspector.
    • Prop Diameter / RPM chart:
    • 8" x 4" — 19,000 ± 100 rpm
    • 9" x 4" — 17,500 ± 100 rpm
    • 9" x 5" — 17,000 ± 100 rpm
    • 10" x 3" — 16,800 ± 100 rpm
    • 10" x 4" — 16,500 ± 100 rpm
    • Submitted by: Ronald Caravona, AMA 668956

    RCC-05-6: Event 750 — Scale RC Combat (page 193)

    • Proposal attempts to improve existing event without introducing new classes or major format changes.
    • Submitted by: Ed Kettler, AMA 730493

    RCC-05-7: Add New Class 1520 to Scale RC Combat

  • Submitted by: Ronald Caravona, AMA 668956

    • RCC-05-8: Event 750 — Aircraft Rules (page 193)

    • Proposal changes aircraft rules regarding dimensions and maximum engine sizes.
    • Submitted by: Louis Melancon, AMA 15165

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    Please contact the Competition Department for complete copies of proposals that were not reproduced in full. If any of the above proposals interest you, contact the appropriate Contest Board representative for the event and your AMA district — or, if under Executive Council jurisdiction, contact your district vice president. All proposals will be voted on in February; those that pass the initial vote will continue in subsequent voting.

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