Control Line: Aerobatics
ACCURATELY BUILT MODELS FLY BETTER! No one who has built flying models will dispute this, but it's difficult to quantify and focus this broad statement. We all know that there is no such thing as absolute accuracy, and that accuracy takes time, and can increase costs. So how far does one go in trying to achieve the ultimate-and what is the ultimate? Paul Walker once wrote that he could tell if an airplane was misaligned by 1/64 inch. Now that's not a lot in any dimension, but bigger problems are often the result of an accumulation of these small errors. From a practicality standpoint, we should try to construct all of the subassemblies (the wing, tail, and fuselage) in fixtures or jigs, with reference to flat, true surfaces. The better the fixture, the more automatic the accuracy of the piece.
Control Line: Aerobatics
WHY DO THE SUCCESSFUL FLIERS seem to have everything work well on almost every flight? They don't, but it seems as though they do, because they pay attention to details. The details, or technical solutions, evolve over time, proved field testing, and if adhered to, provide solid flying packages. Often these "details" seem insignificant, but can have an impact on how your airplane performs. For example, look at tolerances in the control system. Do the experts pay attention to what's happening here? You bet! There are several philosophies or approaches about how to set the systems up, which we should discuss before we get further into the control system. For the moment, we'll limit the discussion to leadouts, bellcrank, horns, and pushrods-the heart of any Control Line model. Leadouts: There are two options: solid and cable. Each has positives and negatives and the final choice is personal, but the choice should be made knowing the "playing field."
Control Line: Aerobatics
THE OBVIOUS QUESTION that someone looking into a new hobby might ask is: Why Control Line? and more specifically, why Precision Aerobatics? The passion I have for this event has lasted more than 45 years, and still challenges me every time I fly. However, as I pondered what approach to use to persuade anyone to give Control Line aerobatics a try, I realized I'd completely ignored the most obvious and important factor: the people. Characterized by exceptionally diverse backgrounds, they are collectively what Stunt is all about-sharing experiences with caring, knowledgeable, and appreciative individuals. "They" have become lifelong friends and one of the major reasons I recommend this event to everyone. Control Line has some very visible differences from other areas. Unlike Free Flight or Radio Control, the Control Line flier actually has direct touch with the model. You experience the sensation of controlling your model.
Control Line: Aerobatics
FOR SOME TIME I've wanted to do a column on practice, but I wasn't quite sure how I could put it together so it would benefit the broadest spectrum. While teaching the other day I ran across a video by musician Wynton Marsalis titled Tackling the Monster, wherein he discussed his method for practicing. I was immediately struck with how the methods paralled those that I have used in Precision Aerobatics over the years. The title in particular was both amusing and right on target. Practice is the monster that must be conquered in order to progress in Aerobatics. In previous columns I've talked about how important it is to find a good coach. Mr. Marsalis places such emphasis on it that he ranks this aspect as most important. If you consider how subjective Control Line Precision Aerobatics is, it's easier to understand this important point. You can only progress so far on you own knowledge and visualization of the pattern. Frequent sessions with a coach produce a framework on which to build.
Control Line: Aerobatics
IN MY LAST COLUMN I talked about the annual pilgrimage to yesteryear at the eighth Vintage Stunt Championships (VSC) in Tucson, Arizona. Many times during the succeeding months I have reflected on the sights, sounds, and memories, still with wonder after all these years. Until now, we have not had an videotape to preserve the essence of the "happening" for the future. Fittingly, Bob Hunt, former Flying Models editor, has chosen to produce "Wings and Wind in the Desert" chronicling the largest Vintage CL Stunt contest in the world. It's the first subject for his new venture, Robin's Nest Productions. Since this is the company's initial offering, there are some relevant comments that will put the quality of the tape in context. The video is recorded on high-end S-VHS tape, and edited on a digital editing system. This results in a professional, broadcast-quality presentation in the popular VHS format. An example of how the system affects the viewing is in the flying segments-the level laps are deleted from the complete Pattern segments.
