Control Line: Scale
DO YOU WANT to be a US Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI) Scale Team qualifier in 1997 for the 1998 World Championships? If so, some things to consider are what type of model should you build; what type of documentation is required; and, of great importance, can the model be from a kit or must it be scratch-built? Stan Alexander, vice president of the National Association of Scale Aeromodelers (NASA), accompanied the US Scale Team to the 1996 Scale World Championships in France, and he came back with some observations about what it takes to be a world competitor. I'll explore his comments, which were published in a recent issue of Replica, the NASA newsletter. As with any type of competition, the first step should be to obtain a copy of the event rules. The FAI Sporting Code contains all of the rules and regulations for FAI contests and championships. You will find the requirements for model size; weight; engine type and size; maximum surface area; maximum loading; required photos and three-views; etc. (I have been told by AMA Headquarters that a new issue of the FAI Sporting Code is expected in 1997. Contact the Competitions Department for availability and cost.)
Control Line: Scale
TRIM YOUR MODEL for Proper Ground Handling: Ground handling of Control Line (CL) Scale models can be a major problem. Have you ever watched a beautifully built, beautifully finished Scale model struggle, drag itself around the circle, or hop during a taxi lap? Grand Hiestand (past Nationals CL Scale winner) says that in addition to trimming CL Scale models for flight, the models must also be trimmed for ground handling. One of the main reasons is that leadout and line rake is generally put into the model so that it stays taut on the lines during flight. Grant notes that if landing gear is set in a straight-ahead position, the built-in line rake will cause the model to steer away from the circle during the taxi or takeoff run, instead of tracking the circle.
Control Line: Scale
SCALE RULES PROPOSALS that can affect Control Line (CL) Scale modeling have just been through the Initial Vote for the 1998-1999 rules cycle, and you might be interested in the following: SC-99-21, designating the popular Profile Scale as an official Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) event, has passed and should have little difficulty passing the final vote. Profile Scale is featured in most CL Scale contests around the country. SC-99-24, which called for noise abatement in "All RC [Radio Control] and CL Events," has failed. Although CL Scale models are required to use mufflers, which don't seem to cause a problem other than spoiling a model's appearance, passage of this proposal would have caused havoc in other events. How would you muffle a Jet engine?
Control Line: Scale
GROUND HANDLING and setting up your model for proper ground tracking was presented in the August 1997 column; Grant Hiestand told us of the importance of proper ground handling and how to accomplish it. During the next couple of months, I will explore ideas from Fred Cronenwett, my West Coast reporter, about throttle control and test flying (especially for new Scale models). Throttle Control: While some of this may be old hat to some readers, I am sure that there are newcomers to aeromodeling, especially to Control Line (CL) Scale, who might benefit from a few words on the basics. Who knows? Maybe some of the Old-Timers might even find it interesting. Some CL models, such as those flown in Speed and Combat, use engines with a fixed venturi and needle valve, and run at a fixed rpm (until the fuel supply is gone), other models, such as those flown in Navy Carrier, Scale, and Sport flying, have throttle control. Throttle control is possible when the engine is equipped with a carburetor that allows the venturi to be opened and closed, metering the air/fuel mixture and giving control of the engine rpm. Such is the arrangement you want for Scale models.
Control Line: Scale
Test Flying (continued): In the August and October columns, I talked about setting up Scale models for proper ground handling, throttle control, and taxiing, and I have progressed to the point of getting the model into the air. I'll continue the discussion with the Flight Glide (required number of laps if in competition), and getting that super-special project safely back on the ground. Now that you know that you can fully control the aircraft's engine and successfully get the model airborne, consider how the model will react. (If it is properly powered, you should have gotten it airborne without having to apply full throttle.) Keep it airborne, but only two or three feet above the ground. That gives you an opportunity to evaluate the model's stability, and a short distance in which to get the model back on the ground in case of emergency.
