Radio Control Scale Aerobatics
How to perform the Basic IMAC sequence
John Glezellis [[email protected]]
In the last column I covered the first five maneuvers of the 2007 Basic International Miniature Aerobatic Club (IMAC) sequence. This month I will continue to help you become familiar with reading Aresti (the language of aerobatics).
As a recap, please take a moment to review the 2007 Basic IMAC program. Its sequence consists of the following maneuvers:
- Roll
- Humpty Bump with a half roll on the down-line
- Reverse Shark's Tooth with a half roll on the 45° up-line
- Reverse Teardrop
- Hammerhead
- Loop
- Half Cuban 8
- Shark's Tooth with a half roll on the 45° down-line
- Immelmann
- 1½ turn upright spin to upright exit
We left off at the description of maneuver 5, so I'll pick up from there.
6) Loop In Aresti a standard loop is shown as a circle. This maneuver is to be flown directly on the pilot's centerline; as soon as the model passes the pilot, a radius should begin. The loop should be 50% complete when it approaches the pilot's centerline (at the top of the maneuver).
Increase your throttle to full just before beginning this maneuver. The larger the loop, the more difficult it will be to keep the model parallel to the runway and to maintain a perfect 360° shape.
7) Half Cuban 8 This maneuver, in this case, is flown at the end of the aerobatic box as a turnaround. The pilot will perform 5/8 of an inside loop to a 45° down-line. Once a short-line segment is shown, execute a half roll. Then fly another short-line segment equal to the first. Pull to upright, level flight to conclude the maneuver.
8) Shark's Tooth You will need to fly your model to the opposite side of the field (the opposite side of the aerobatic box). When ready, apply full throttle and pull to a vertical up-line. Once established and at the desired height, gently pull to a 45° down-line. When the 45° down-line and a short-line segment are shown, perform a half roll. Show an equal line segment to the first, then gently pull to upright, level flight. Remember that your entry and exit altitudes should be the same for the best presentation.
9) Immelmann Fly to the opposite side of the box to perform this maneuver, which is used to gain considerable altitude for the last component of the Basic sequence. Apply full throttle and perform a large half loop. As soon as the model is inverted, perform a half roll to upright, level flight. Begin to decrease throttle in preparation for the spin.
10) 1½ Turn Positive Spin Reduce throttle since the spin will be performed at the pilot's centerline. As you reduce power, apply up-elevator to maintain altitude. Once throttle is at idle, feed in up-elevator until the model stalls. One wingtip will drop, which determines the rotation of the spin. Typical spin inputs include right aileron, right rudder, and up-elevator (if the right wing dropped), or left aileron, left rudder, and up-elevator (if the left wing dropped). After 1½ rotations, establish a vertical down-line and gently pull to upright, level flight.
2007 European Extreme Flight Championships I attended the 2007 European Extreme Flight Championships with Mark Leseberg. The event was held in Model City Znojmo, located in the Czech Republic. This was an invitation-only Freestyle contest. In a Freestyle competition each pilot flies a four-minute routine choreographed to music to fulfill certain judging criteria (which I will discuss in the future).
It was a great experience because the European flying style differs from that in the U.S. The hospitality was fantastic, and many new friendships were made. Most importantly, I urge everyone to take action at the local flying site to help ensure the prosperity of this fine sport.
For more information, feel free to visit the official European Extreme Flight Championships website. Enjoy the pictures, and keep practicing.
Until next time, fly hard! JG
Sources:
- European Extreme Flight Championships
- International Miniature Aerobatic Club
Box 1010 King, NC 27021 www.mini-iac.com
- Krill Model
(603) 781-8352 www.skylineaviationonline.com
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
