130 MODEL AVIATION
Racing is addictive, and that’s a good thing
[[email protected]]
Radio Control Pylon Racing Scott Causey
Above: A couple types of racers: (L) a
Miss Ashley Q-40 and (R) a Q-500 Bird of
Prey. Both are equipped with Nelson
engines.
Above right: Dan Williams (Kansas City
MO) flies a Great Planes Viper in an AMA
Sport Quickie race over Pylon 3 in a
tough battle to win the heat.
Right: World Champion F3D pilot and
caller Randy Bridge readies his stance as
he prepares to launch teammate Fred
Burgdorf’s (of APC) model in a Q-40 race
in Fort Lauderdale FL.
Also included in this column:
• Pylon Racing primer
• It’s a team sport
THE PURSUIT: The desire to win is
inherent in all of us. For some, it begins as a
simple desire to compete. For others, it is
much more powerful and manifests itself as
a deep-seated compulsion not only to
compete, but also to excel.
For the dedicated RC Pylon competitor,
it’s also the pursuit of the thrill—that heartpounding,
adrenaline-pumping thrill of
head-to-head competition. It’s difficult to
explain this sensation to someone who
hasn’t experienced the excitement.
About the Author: I consider myself to be
a dedicated RC Pylon competitor. My wife
may use the word “consumed,” but that’s for
another column. In the last two seasons, RC
Pylon Racing has become an exciting part of
my life—nearly as exciting the birth of my
1-year-old twin boys.
The Pylon community welcomed me and
has been eager to lend a hand to make sure
I’m successful. I have experienced a great
sense of camaraderie and inclusion.
Fellow pilots have been willing to give
me advice about everything from choosing
the right airplane-and-engine combination to
helping with the building process. And they
have aided me in every other facet of the
sport—not to mention getting around the
poles tightly and bringing my racer back in
one piece.
I think back on my first Sport Quickie
race as a nerve-racking experience. I can
recall the walk toward the start line, my
tingling fingers grasping my airplane and
radio. I had butterflies in my stomach and
my heart pounded in my chest. The
excitement grew with every step I took.
I set my racer on the line, and my hands
started to shake as the starter approached.
My aircraft and radio were turned on and
ready to roll. The clock started: 60, 59, 58,
down to zero. I was ready to race as my
caller positioned for launch. The race was a
blur and I finished in last place, but I was
undoubtedly hooked.
Even now, after getting a couple of
seasons under my belt, I get that same rush
of excitement every time I set out toward
the start line. I have no regrets that I took
the leap and became an active Pylon racer.
The atmosphere at a race is exciting,
competitive, and an experience I cherish.
I’m thrilled to have been given the
opportunity to spread my excitement for RC
Pylon Racing as the author of this column.
In this first writing, I’ll introduce the RC
Pylon classes that exist for everyone—not
just the die-hard Pylon competitor, as I am.
04sig5.QXD 2/24/09 1:03 PM Page 130
Club 40 Racing: This event has been on
the rise in the world of entry-level Pylon
Racing. As are most Pylon categories, Club
40 is considered a “spec” class; the rules
are specified to maintain equality in design
and speed.
There are currently two designs allowed
in the Club 40 rules template: the World
Models LA racer and Sky Raider Mach II.
Both fly extremely well and have little
difference performancewise. These models
are available as ARFs, so you can be ready
to race in a few short hours.
Whichever airplane you choose, you are
sure to get a winner. They fly similarly to
sport models and use standard radio
equipment, which are two of the more
appealing aspects of Club 40.
The engine of choice for this class in
many regions is the Thunder Tiger Pro .40,
which has proven to be an economical and
reliable power plant for Club 40. In
addition, the Pro .40 can be used to
progress to the next Pylon class.
Sport Quickie (AMA Event 424): This is
the next level of Pylon Racing and the first
of the AMA events. The rules were
designed to maintain a lower cost, event
through exclusion of the more costly
molded composite models. All airplanes in
this class have to meet standard
specifications.
The Viper, distributed by Great Planes,
is a popular choice for this class. It is
available as an ARF and can be race-ready
with a small investment in shop time. As
with Club 40, standard servos can be used
for guidance in Sport Quickie.
The only engine that is currently
approved by the AMA rules is the Thunder
Tiger Pro .40. It propels a Sport Quickie
racer to approximately 110 mph; that may
sound quick, but it is comfortable for most
pilots who have a little stick time. The
minimum weight limit of your empty-tank
model is 3.75 pounds.
This class is making a comeback across
the country, fueled in large part by the
Viper ARF, with many new pilots stepping
up to the starting line. This infusion of new
competition has drawn out many dormant
RC Pylon enthusiasts.
Quickie 500 (AMA Event 428): This
competition class steps it up a notch. The
“500” specifies the number of square
inches allowed for wing area. Quickie 500
(Q-500) uses the same airframe
specifications as Sport Quickie but allows
molded composite wings and tail feathers.
There are currently three engine options
in this class: the Jett, the Nelson, and the
Profi .40 cu. in. powerhouses. With these
engines, you will race at speeds ranging
from 150 mph to 170 mph.
Those speeds may seem intimidating,
but the draw to this level of racing can be
quite appealing after honing your skills in
Sport Quickie. Both events are flown
annually at the Nats at the International
Aeromodeling Center in Muncie, Indiana.
Quarter 40 (AMA Event 422): If 170 mph
doesn’t blow your hair back, perhaps 190
mph will. Quarter 40 (Q-40) models pull
more than 26 Gs in the turns, spin a
propeller more than 25,000 rpm on the
ground, and fly as smoothly as a high-end
Pattern (RC Aerobatics) aircraft.
The current “top fuel” event in the US,
Q-40 is the pinnacle for many RC Pylon
adrenaline junkies. This is the next step of
the progression of RC Pylon Racing
classes. The models are designed to
resemble the full-scale racers that have
competed at the Reno Air Races in Nevada.
There are many Q-40 aircraft
manufacturers and a variety of competitive
airplanes in this class.
Q-40 is not a class for Pylon Racing
newcomers. Experience in the slower
categories is highly recommended before
entry in Q-40.
Team Sport: Believe or not, RC Pylon
Racing is not an individual sport. Each flier
needs a caller, or teammate, to help judge
the distance required to get around the
pylons without flying too far past the pins.
Much like a caddy in golf, the caller
keeps the pilot informed of what is going on
and tries to keep him or her focused on the
task at hand: staying ahead of the
competition. The caller is the pilot’s second
set of eyes, helps with midair avoidance,
informs the flier of the race status in terms of
laps completed, helps with pilot placement,
and allows the competitor to concentrate on
flying quickly and smoothly. The caller is as
important as the pilot when it comes to
excelling in RC Pylon Racing.
Race Basics: AMA rule book (Competition
Regulations) events (424, 428, and 422) are
flown on a three-pylon course. Races are
commonly flown on the AMA long course
for a duration of 10 laps. Each lap traverses
1/4 mile, for a total distance of 2.5 miles, if
you’re right on the poles.
The race starts with three to four teams
(pilot and caller). At the line, the starter
checks to make sure that the pilot’s radio is
turned on and functioning properly. The
clock starts, and each team has 60 seconds
to get the engine running and tuned for the
race.
When the clock reaches zero, the starter
drops the flag to signal a staggered start.
The first two pilots launch their models,
followed by the second flag’s drop and the
launch of the remaining competitors. This
half-second staggered start helps prevent
congestion during takeoff and reduces
collisions.
For more information about AMA rule
book events and Club 40, please visit the
National Miniature Pylon Racing
Association’s Web site.
This column’s objective will be to
appeal to both casual and die-hard RC
competitors. If you have suggestions and
ideas for column topics, please send me a
note.
Fly hard and have fun. MA
Sources:
National Miniature Pylon Racing
Association
www.nmpra.org
Tower Hobbies
(800) 637-6050
www.towerhobbies.com
Performance Specialties
(775) 265-7523
www.pspec.com
Jett Engineering
(713) 680-8113
www.jettengineering.com
Profi Engines Worldwide
c/o Judith Booker
20 Turtle Creek
Monticello IL 61856
www.flycontrolline.com
Ace Hobby Distributors
(949) 900-3300
www.acehobby.com
The World Models (Hong Kong)
(852) 2707-9783
www.theworldmodels.com
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/04
Page Numbers: 130,131
Edition: Model Aviation - 2009/04
Page Numbers: 130,131
130 MODEL AVIATION
Racing is addictive, and that’s a good thing
[[email protected]]
Radio Control Pylon Racing Scott Causey
Above: A couple types of racers: (L) a
Miss Ashley Q-40 and (R) a Q-500 Bird of
Prey. Both are equipped with Nelson
engines.
Above right: Dan Williams (Kansas City
MO) flies a Great Planes Viper in an AMA
Sport Quickie race over Pylon 3 in a
tough battle to win the heat.
Right: World Champion F3D pilot and
caller Randy Bridge readies his stance as
he prepares to launch teammate Fred
Burgdorf’s (of APC) model in a Q-40 race
in Fort Lauderdale FL.
Also included in this column:
• Pylon Racing primer
• It’s a team sport
THE PURSUIT: The desire to win is
inherent in all of us. For some, it begins as a
simple desire to compete. For others, it is
much more powerful and manifests itself as
a deep-seated compulsion not only to
compete, but also to excel.
For the dedicated RC Pylon competitor,
it’s also the pursuit of the thrill—that heartpounding,
adrenaline-pumping thrill of
head-to-head competition. It’s difficult to
explain this sensation to someone who
hasn’t experienced the excitement.
About the Author: I consider myself to be
a dedicated RC Pylon competitor. My wife
may use the word “consumed,” but that’s for
another column. In the last two seasons, RC
Pylon Racing has become an exciting part of
my life—nearly as exciting the birth of my
1-year-old twin boys.
The Pylon community welcomed me and
has been eager to lend a hand to make sure
I’m successful. I have experienced a great
sense of camaraderie and inclusion.
Fellow pilots have been willing to give
me advice about everything from choosing
the right airplane-and-engine combination to
helping with the building process. And they
have aided me in every other facet of the
sport—not to mention getting around the
poles tightly and bringing my racer back in
one piece.
I think back on my first Sport Quickie
race as a nerve-racking experience. I can
recall the walk toward the start line, my
tingling fingers grasping my airplane and
radio. I had butterflies in my stomach and
my heart pounded in my chest. The
excitement grew with every step I took.
I set my racer on the line, and my hands
started to shake as the starter approached.
My aircraft and radio were turned on and
ready to roll. The clock started: 60, 59, 58,
down to zero. I was ready to race as my
caller positioned for launch. The race was a
blur and I finished in last place, but I was
undoubtedly hooked.
Even now, after getting a couple of
seasons under my belt, I get that same rush
of excitement every time I set out toward
the start line. I have no regrets that I took
the leap and became an active Pylon racer.
The atmosphere at a race is exciting,
competitive, and an experience I cherish.
I’m thrilled to have been given the
opportunity to spread my excitement for RC
Pylon Racing as the author of this column.
In this first writing, I’ll introduce the RC
Pylon classes that exist for everyone—not
just the die-hard Pylon competitor, as I am.
04sig5.QXD 2/24/09 1:03 PM Page 130
Club 40 Racing: This event has been on
the rise in the world of entry-level Pylon
Racing. As are most Pylon categories, Club
40 is considered a “spec” class; the rules
are specified to maintain equality in design
and speed.
There are currently two designs allowed
in the Club 40 rules template: the World
Models LA racer and Sky Raider Mach II.
Both fly extremely well and have little
difference performancewise. These models
are available as ARFs, so you can be ready
to race in a few short hours.
Whichever airplane you choose, you are
sure to get a winner. They fly similarly to
sport models and use standard radio
equipment, which are two of the more
appealing aspects of Club 40.
The engine of choice for this class in
many regions is the Thunder Tiger Pro .40,
which has proven to be an economical and
reliable power plant for Club 40. In
addition, the Pro .40 can be used to
progress to the next Pylon class.
Sport Quickie (AMA Event 424): This is
the next level of Pylon Racing and the first
of the AMA events. The rules were
designed to maintain a lower cost, event
through exclusion of the more costly
molded composite models. All airplanes in
this class have to meet standard
specifications.
The Viper, distributed by Great Planes,
is a popular choice for this class. It is
available as an ARF and can be race-ready
with a small investment in shop time. As
with Club 40, standard servos can be used
for guidance in Sport Quickie.
The only engine that is currently
approved by the AMA rules is the Thunder
Tiger Pro .40. It propels a Sport Quickie
racer to approximately 110 mph; that may
sound quick, but it is comfortable for most
pilots who have a little stick time. The
minimum weight limit of your empty-tank
model is 3.75 pounds.
This class is making a comeback across
the country, fueled in large part by the
Viper ARF, with many new pilots stepping
up to the starting line. This infusion of new
competition has drawn out many dormant
RC Pylon enthusiasts.
Quickie 500 (AMA Event 428): This
competition class steps it up a notch. The
“500” specifies the number of square
inches allowed for wing area. Quickie 500
(Q-500) uses the same airframe
specifications as Sport Quickie but allows
molded composite wings and tail feathers.
There are currently three engine options
in this class: the Jett, the Nelson, and the
Profi .40 cu. in. powerhouses. With these
engines, you will race at speeds ranging
from 150 mph to 170 mph.
Those speeds may seem intimidating,
but the draw to this level of racing can be
quite appealing after honing your skills in
Sport Quickie. Both events are flown
annually at the Nats at the International
Aeromodeling Center in Muncie, Indiana.
Quarter 40 (AMA Event 422): If 170 mph
doesn’t blow your hair back, perhaps 190
mph will. Quarter 40 (Q-40) models pull
more than 26 Gs in the turns, spin a
propeller more than 25,000 rpm on the
ground, and fly as smoothly as a high-end
Pattern (RC Aerobatics) aircraft.
The current “top fuel” event in the US,
Q-40 is the pinnacle for many RC Pylon
adrenaline junkies. This is the next step of
the progression of RC Pylon Racing
classes. The models are designed to
resemble the full-scale racers that have
competed at the Reno Air Races in Nevada.
There are many Q-40 aircraft
manufacturers and a variety of competitive
airplanes in this class.
Q-40 is not a class for Pylon Racing
newcomers. Experience in the slower
categories is highly recommended before
entry in Q-40.
Team Sport: Believe or not, RC Pylon
Racing is not an individual sport. Each flier
needs a caller, or teammate, to help judge
the distance required to get around the
pylons without flying too far past the pins.
Much like a caddy in golf, the caller
keeps the pilot informed of what is going on
and tries to keep him or her focused on the
task at hand: staying ahead of the
competition. The caller is the pilot’s second
set of eyes, helps with midair avoidance,
informs the flier of the race status in terms of
laps completed, helps with pilot placement,
and allows the competitor to concentrate on
flying quickly and smoothly. The caller is as
important as the pilot when it comes to
excelling in RC Pylon Racing.
Race Basics: AMA rule book (Competition
Regulations) events (424, 428, and 422) are
flown on a three-pylon course. Races are
commonly flown on the AMA long course
for a duration of 10 laps. Each lap traverses
1/4 mile, for a total distance of 2.5 miles, if
you’re right on the poles.
The race starts with three to four teams
(pilot and caller). At the line, the starter
checks to make sure that the pilot’s radio is
turned on and functioning properly. The
clock starts, and each team has 60 seconds
to get the engine running and tuned for the
race.
When the clock reaches zero, the starter
drops the flag to signal a staggered start.
The first two pilots launch their models,
followed by the second flag’s drop and the
launch of the remaining competitors. This
half-second staggered start helps prevent
congestion during takeoff and reduces
collisions.
For more information about AMA rule
book events and Club 40, please visit the
National Miniature Pylon Racing
Association’s Web site.
This column’s objective will be to
appeal to both casual and die-hard RC
competitors. If you have suggestions and
ideas for column topics, please send me a
note.
Fly hard and have fun. MA
Sources:
National Miniature Pylon Racing
Association
www.nmpra.org
Tower Hobbies
(800) 637-6050
www.towerhobbies.com
Performance Specialties
(775) 265-7523
www.pspec.com
Jett Engineering
(713) 680-8113
www.jettengineering.com
Profi Engines Worldwide
c/o Judith Booker
20 Turtle Creek
Monticello IL 61856
www.flycontrolline.com
Ace Hobby Distributors
(949) 900-3300
www.acehobby.com
The World Models (Hong Kong)
(852) 2707-9783
www.theworldmodels.com