RADIO CONTROL AEROBATICS
Eric Henderson, 303 Shady Ln., Marlton NJ 08053; E-mail: eric.henderson@comcast.net
Correction and acknowledgements
In the last column I mentioned the Freestyle Almost Ready-to-Fly (ARF) model as a potentially very good airplane to start out with in aerobatics or as a model to use for lunchtime practice. The Freestyle is definitely a good platform for more complex or violent maneuvers, such as snaps, etc.
Sadly, I got the manufacturer's name wrong — it is easy to mix up "globe" and "world." The error generated more than a dozen e-mails asking where to find the airplane because searches on the word "world" were not yielding results for the Freestyle. Several e-mails also supplied the corrected information.
The following letter from Global Hobby Distributors' Product Manager Mike Greenshields (Hobby Shack/Hobby People, Global Hobby Distributors, 18480 Bandilier Cir., Fountain Valley CA 92708; Tel.: [714] 964-0827, extension 308) contains the most accurate information about the airplane. It is printed here to get the correct information out and to allow me to offer my apologies for the error.
"The airplane you refer to in the article as being a World Models Freestyle is actually a Global ARF Freestyle, one of our many ARF aircraft offerings. I am quite pleased that you have enjoyed the plane so much.
"I was just hoping you could maybe make a correction about this in your next article. Please feel free to contact me if you have any comments or questions or requests."
Engines and competition performance
In a prior column I wondered how well the new YS 140 DZ would perform in 2002. It did well at the 2002 AMA Precision Aerobatics Nationals, especially in Masters and Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI). The YS 140 DZ users in FAI placed first, third, and fifth. In Masters, the engine users placed first, second, and fifth. Although YS did well in general, it was clear that two-strokes were infiltrating the Advanced and Intermediate classes in some force. The really good news is that the choice of engines is getting broader for all of us.
How does a contest work? (Frequently Asked Question)
A precision aerobatics contest is really just a somewhat eclectic bunch of RC pilots trying to see who can do a series of preordained aerobatic maneuvers better than the others. The "bunch" will be made up of varying degrees of skill and accomplishment. Pilots practice a maneuver schedule and then fly it under judging.
Contests will most likely be made up of five possible aerobatics classes. Each class has a name and an identity number:
- FAI — 406
- Masters — 404
- Advanced — 403
- Intermediate — 402
- Sportsman — 401
You can fly in one of these classes, so there are really five contests within a contest. Pilots choose a class, practice the maneuver schedule for that class, and follow the rules and maneuvers in the AMA contest handbook. AMA rule books can be ordered from AMA Headquarters. You can also find this information at http://modelaircraft.org/templates/ama/ or the National Society of Radio Controlled Aerobatics (NSRCA) website: http://nsrca.org/.
Contests can last one or two days and consist of any number of rounds per class. In a round, all the pilots in a class are given the opportunity to fly the maneuvers for that class. One round can be a contest if, for example, there is bad weather. If multiple rounds are flown, the pilot gets to throw away some of the lower-scored rounds: in a four-round contest, the best three rounds are totaled; in a five- or six-round contest, the best four scores are counted.
Preparing for a contest
To prepare, practice flying the maneuvers. Beyond that, do as much as you can to be ready physically and logistically. Given a preference, you do not want to be turning an engine or dialing a radio seconds before you compete. "Plane practice" is good: the engine should be set to run reliably, the model should fly "hands-off," and you should be sure of what your aircraft will really do when you pull, push, or roll the control sticks.
Take spare plugs, propellers, etc. Make sure your starter motor and Ni‑Cd starters are fully charged. Take the right tools. It is good to have enough supplies to make a field repair — that one little screw or tool can keep you grounded otherwise.
Getting to the contest and logistics
Getting to the contest can be the hardest part. Most club or contest sites are in secluded areas. You will get good directions if you call the contest directors (CDs); they want you to be there. The NSRCA website lists all sanctioned AMA contests by geography. You will also find contests in Model Aviation's "Contest Calendar."
Carry all necessary telephone numbers with you and allow plenty of travel time so you arrive without getting stressed.
Think carefully about whom to take with you. You might need moral support, but you also need to concentrate without too many distractions. A flying buddy is often a good support agent at your first contest and can help foster ongoing involvement.
One big support-equipment item to take is a chair. Take two — it invites people to sit next to you and chat, which is a great time to pick someone's brain. Timing is everything: avoid talking to a pilot as he or she is assembling the airplane, starting the engine, or just after a flight — those are bad times to extract useful information.
Other useful items:
- Pencil/pen and paper to write down names, notes, and tips.
- A video camera to capture how other pilots flew the routines (film winners or leaders to study their techniques).
What to bring (practical checklist)
- AMA card
- Contest fee (recently around $30–$40)
- Spare plugs and propellers
- Fully charged starter motor and Ni‑Cd starters
- A comprehensive set of tools and spare small parts (screws, hardware)
- Chairs (at least one, preferably two)
- Writing materials
- Camera (optional)
- Caller/spotter (if possible)
Also, pay attention to the frequency system being used at the contest — it may not be the normal system for that field. Remember to return the radio and pen to the transmitter impound after you have flown; forgetting this can slow the contest.
At the contest and during your flight
When your turn comes:
- Fill your model's fuel tank.
- Fill in your name and the class on a score sheet and give it to the judges and their scribes.
- You have three minutes to start the engine and have your airplane carried out to the flightline. Keep an eye on the judges in case they tell you to hold for a model that may be landing or still on the runway.
You will definitely need a caller to keep your head straight during the flight. If you have traveled alone, tell the CD — there will usually be someone who can call and spot for you.
Attitude and final advice
Of all the things to bring, try to leave one behind: your ego. You will get feedback you might not like. Your skill at the local field may be unquestioned, but when performing a precision aerobatics routine you will find most, if not all, of your maneuvers are less than perfect. This is a humbling but valuable experience. Judges are not judging you as a person but judging your flying against a predetermined requirement. Read the rules before you fly — if you don't, they will be just as beneficial afterward. It's a great education.
One piece of advice to enjoy a contest: fly for yourself and your own enjoyment. It works!
Until the next contest ... M.A.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
