Author: John Glezellis
Edition: Model Aviation - 2011/06
Page Numbers: 115,116,117
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Radio Control Scale Aerobatics — 2011/06

Contest preparation

As I am writing this, winter has finally come to an end and the contest season is quickly approaching. I’m going to break this month's column into two segments.

Also included

  • Talking maneuvers

First, since aerobatics is a fairly individualized sport, I want to discuss mental preparation for the competition scene. We will look at how full‑scale aerobatic pilot Michael Goulian prepares for a given flight and how I prefer to get ready for a competition flight.

Second, I will examine a maneuver from the 2011 International Miniature Aerobatic Club (IMAC) Advanced class, covering flight tips to assist you throughout the competition season. The accompanying diagrams serve as visual aids.

Before your first competition

Prior to entering your first competition, check the IMAC website for both a local competition and a judging seminar.

Coaching and early experience

When I started participating in contests, I flew Novice RC Aerobatics (Pattern) with both my father and a close family friend named Jeff Carrish. We all began flying Pattern at the same time and helped one another throughout the ranks.

Some will argue that you need to have a higher‑ranked pilot as a coach. That can be the case but is not always reality. Let’s face it: you don't need an Unlimited‑class pilot to tell you that your geometry is incorrect or that a roll rate varied throughout a given maneuver. Any aerobatics pilot with a firm grasp on the rule book can help you.

Mental preparation

In addition to physically practicing various maneuvers, remember that mental training is extremely important. I urge you to treat each practice flight as a competition flight. Visualize judges standing behind you, watching and critiquing your every move.

In the full‑scale arena, Mike Goulian is a well‑known air show and competition pilot. He likes to visualize his aerobatic sequence 45 minutes to a half hour before he has to perform a flight in a contest. Mike prefers to listen to music to serve as white noise, which enables him to focus on performing for the judges. This is a great tool, but keep in mind that what works for one person may not work for another. As Mike does, I like to repeatedly visualize my sequence. If something breaks his concentration, he mentally goes through the routine from the beginning. These and other techniques are covered in a book Mike co‑wrote with Geza Szurovy titled Advanced Aerobatics.

Pre‑flight checklist

During contests I have my airplane prepared well in advance of each flight. I make sure it is fueled and that all servo connections, bolts, retainers, etc., are secure. The only things left before a flight are to turn on the transmitter and aircraft, prime the engine, and start up.

Maneuver review — IMAC 2011 Advanced Known Class (second maneuver)

At heart, this maneuver is a Split S that starts from inverted. The pilot performs 1 1/2 rolls and instantly begins a soft push to perform half of an outside loop. Once horizontal inverted flight is established, the pilot must immediately perform 1 1/2 negative snap rolls to upright level flight.

Performing maneuvers such as this requires not only quick reactions to stick inputs, but also the proper aircraft setup. A properly programmed model will decrease the pilot’s workload and increase the ability to consistently perform a maneuver well.

Throttle management

I am a firm believer in constant‑speed flying. Hanno Prettner emphasized this style of flying years ago, and it does add to the presentation of any aerobatic move.

Suggested power progression for this maneuver:

  1. Start the maneuver with approximately 60% throttle and perform 1 1/2 rolls.
  2. Once the rolling segment is almost complete, pull the throttle back to roughly 20%.
  3. When the wings are level (inverted horizontal), pull the throttle back to 5%–10% power and begin a soft push for the half outside loop.
  4. As the airplane almost completes the looping segment, increase power to approximately 75% and get ready for the snap.

Do not fly the model at excessive speed. The key to aerobatics and success is consistency: if you perform this maneuver at close to the same speed every time, the necessary control inputs will be similar, decreasing workload and producing a prettier maneuver.

Roll rates and control throws

Roll rates must stay consistent. Since we are performing 1 1/2 rolls, it might be easy to change the roll rate inadvertently. Check your dual rate and exponential settings:

  • If the model is too sensitive in roll, increase the exponential slightly and decrease the dual rate in small increments.
  • If the model is too sluggish or does not respond properly, decrease the exponential and increase the dual rate for that sequence.

Settings that work for one pilot might not work for another. Every pilot prefers different flying styles, and aerobatic airplanes are no different.

Half outside loop and elevator control

For the half outside loop you will need to push ever so slightly on the elevator stick. Smoothness is crucial—avoid sudden elevator input changes to maintain a constant looping radius.

If the airplane is too quick to respond to elevator and it’s difficult to hold a smooth radius, check elevator control throw and exponential values. As with aileron inputs, practice the half loop a few times before changing radio setup to ensure you are fixing a real issue and not an isolated error.

Negative snaps vs. tumble

Once the model breaks inverted flight, perform 1 1/2 negative snaps to upright level by adding throttle and immediately applying down elevator with opposite‑direction aileron and rudder input.

Clarification:

  • A negative snap occurs when the pilot applies down‑elevator and opposite aileron deflection compared to rudder (cross‑control between aileron and rudder).
  • A "tumble" occurs when the pilot applies down‑elevator and the same‑direction aileron and rudder input. This is incorrect for IMAC sequences and will receive a score of zero. Don’t lose easy points.

Flight modes and snap adjustments

I like to utilize flight modes. Flip to a "medium" rate immediately before performing the 1 1/2 negative snaps, then apply the proper control inputs.

If the airplane snaps too quickly, reduce the aileron deflection (roll rate). If the aircraft gets too "deep" in pitch, decrease the amount of down‑elevator input. After performing a few snaps and making modest changes to dual/triple rates, the snaps should come together.

Practice and record settings

You have now learned a few tricks to mentally prepare for aerobatics competition and about a maneuver in the 2011 IMAC Advanced class, including setup adjustments.

Remember each pilot has personal preferences. Make changes to see how your model responds. I urge you to record settings that work for you—deflection and exponential rates—before making a change. I make a note of these values for peace of mind. Changes don't always work out, and it is reassuring to be able to revert to previous settings.

And last, always remember to have fun!

MA

Sources

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