TECHNICALLY SPEAKING - 2012/05

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154 Model Aviation MAY 2012 www.ModelAviation.com
This month I’ll take
a few lines to explain
a couple frequentlyasked
competition
questions. Of
course they’re all
controversial at
times, but we’ll
leave that to the
debaters and concentrate on what is fact
and maybe why.
First off, a question asked by the
president of the National Association of
Scale Aeromodelers (NASA) last week
at the Toledo Show: what’s the gist of
experimental aircraft (over 55 pounds)
being allowed to, or not allowed to, fly in
a Scale contest?
This rule is cloudy because of the
number of times I’ve had to answer it. An
experimental-class aircraft can be flown
in Scale competition as long as the field
layout can be changed if needed to meet
experimental field-safety requirements,
if the CD so desires. The conditions
involved must be considered closely by
the event’s CD. Whether that class aircraft
can be flown at a particular contest is the
CD’s call.
The issues that must be considered
are safety related and include flightline/
maneuvering set-back changes and
pit/spectator set-back changes. The
“required” setbacks are waived in the case
of a Scale contest, so the final decision of
what to change, if anything, is ultimately
up to the CD.
Also, to be eligible to compete, the
pilot of the experimental aircraft must
have his valid permit-to-fly with him
and be able to produce it at the time of
registration, similar to requiring a turbine
waiver. Many contest venues do not have
the space needed to accommodate the
required distances, and therefore make the
decision easy. If the venue has the room it
is up to the CD to make the call.
Another FAQ on competitions is
the sound level allowed. I know much
speculation has been issued on this, but
the facts are few. The only categories in
the competition regulations that spell out
certain sound levels are Scale Aerobatics
(IMAC) and RC Aerobatics (Pattern).
There have been several general rules
put in place over time and then rescinded.
The IMAC sound rule was taken out and
responsibility has been placed upon the
judges to decide if an aircraft is too noisy
and adjust the score accordingly. Pattern
still operates off of the FAI rule, but
because electric power has become such a
force in Pattern, sound is becoming less of
an issue.
As time goes on, there will definitely be
more rules instituted, considering sound
is the most hotly debated problem facing
modeling.
If you have a rule question or would
like one clarified or see a discussion point,
don’t hesitate to ask. Drop me an email
and I’ll consider it.
TECHNICALLY SPEAKING by Greg Hahn, Technical Director
Competition questions
gregh@modelaircraft .org
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