RC Heli Mag FAI Article

[ErichF]

I just need to place this as a disclaimer on behalf of the contest flying circuit. The recent article on "FAI" flying in RC Heli mag is a bit out-dated, with a few references to the old AMA class I, II, and III schedules. For current rules and manuever schedules, visit

http://www.modelaircraft.org/events/rulebooks/RC%20Helicopter.pdf

In Danny Szabo's response to question 2, he stated that class I has no flying manuevers. This is not the case with the new Class I schedule, which does now have four flying maneuvers and a translational descent. I suspect this question was asked of Danny before the new schedules were put in play.

The flight area diagram is also outdated. All horizontal hovering manuevers have been taken out of all four classes of competition. Thus, the new layout consists of only the central heli pad, and two cones placed 5m to each side of the pad, with 1/2 way marks placed between the pad and cones. There never were center cones on the front and back lines of the "box".

It was a pleasant surprise to see a write-up of contest flying in RC Heli, however. Thanks for the effort.

Cheers,

[GMONEY]

Erich, With you being so involved in contest flying. What have you heard about the future of contest flying? I heard a rumor that they are trying to intergrate 3D type flying. Have you heard any of the same rumblings? I know that localy in the IMAC communtiy guys ask for a 3D judging. Normally if guys want to they let them and some kind of impromt peoples choice. The two are kept seperate with fixed wing. What are your thoughts on joining the two...

GMONEY

[ErichF]

Erich, With you being so involved in contest flying. What have you heard about the future of contest flying? I heard a rumor that they are trying to intergrate 3D type flying. Have you heard any of the same rumblings? I know that localy in the IMAC communtiy guys ask for a 3D judging. Normally if guys want to they let them and some kind of impromt peoples choice. The two are kept seperate with fixed wing. What are your thoughts on joining the two...

GMONEY

It's become obvious to me that, unless there's a cash prize, 3D pilots don't care to compete. There has been two events this year that scheduled a 3D contest based on Curtis' 3D Competition rules (similar to the 3DM format). These were Nashville and the US Nationals. No one showed up for the Nashville contest, and only one (Nick Maxwell) came to the US Nationals. He also stated that he would not have come if he wasn't told to do so. I can only assume that, since neither of these events offered a $1000 check at the end, no one cared to attend. In my opinion, most, if not all, pilots that competed at the XFC should have made an attempt to attend the US Nationals trial, unofficial, 3D contest.

While I'm disappointed, I'm not surprised. If I was a manufacturer that sponsored any of these pilots that wouldn't attend a National event, I'd pull their ticket in a heartbeat. If the pilot's aren't motivated, maybe the manufacturer's who sponsor them should also light a fire under their butts.

So, now that the effort was made, and no one rose to the challenge, I don't care to entertain anymore complaints that there aren't any 3D competitions for the average Joe. 3D competition will remain a spectator sport for most pilots who aren't sponsored and invited to these events. Pretty sad state for the hobby.

[MikeV]

Erich, thank you for the heads up. We do our best to make sure everything in the magazine is accurate and up-to-date. Obviously on this one we missed that goal. Thanks again for the clarification.

MIke

[cyclic fever]

Erich,

I'm wanting to start flying F3C and I've just started learning the routine. It is very clear that one must fly morning,noon and night to progress. To save cost I was going to go back to flying gasoline and while at it I thought when I felt ready to enter an event I'd stay with the gas ship. Is anyone out there fly gas or are they all flying 90's? Thanks.

[Shawn K]

Noone at the upper echelons of competition is using gas machines, but I have seen people in lower classes (1-3) use gas helicopters with varying degrees of success.

If you're interested in gas, take a look at Bergen helicopters. I've owned several brands of machines in my years (gas and nitro), and the Bergens are still my favorite machines in terms of overall flight characteristics.

[ErichF]

Erich,

I'm wanting to start flying F3C and I've just started learning the routine. It is very clear that one must fly morning,noon and night to progress. To save cost I was going to go back to flying gasoline and while at it I thought when I felt ready to enter an event I'd stay with the gas ship. Is anyone out there fly gas or are they all flying 90's? Thanks.


Earlier today I typed up a nice, thorough reply to your post. Then, by some wierd combination of keystrokes, it all disappeared!

So, the abridged version:

Don't over-exagerate the work needed to become proficient to be a contest flyer. I think too many folks hear this and are discouraged from even trying. The lower classes in the AMA rules are fun, simple manuevers that need only a moderate amount of practice to become ready for a contest. The idea is to make it FUN, not a chore. Keep a 3D bird at the ready, to fly between practice sessions to loosen up with. Keep disciplined in your practice, but don't become wrapped around the axle about it and make it more like work.

Gassers would do nicely in AMA class 1 or 2, but unmodified gassers tend to be high on weight and low on power reserve when I comes to the more complex manuevers upstairs in Class 3 or F3C. You said you wanted to start flying F3C...you do realize that's the TOP class of competition, in the world. The AMA classes are designed in building-blocks to help you progress to the F3C level. I spent the last two years competing in AMA Class 2, and pulled off two back to back Nationals championships. So, I really have to move up to Class 3 next year.

If you intend to start flying Class 1 or 2, consider the Bergen Intrepid or Century Predator Gas. If you have the cash, the X-cell Spectra-G with the Tempest FAI head on it would be a good option. Just get a good muffler, as gassers can distract the judges with the noise of stock box mufflers.

Have fun out there!

[cyclic fever]

Great! Thanks fellas. I didnt know F3C was the top class just each class was a division of F3C. Got it now. I'm all about fun. When I go to fun-flys and meets half the fun for me is shaking hands and getting to know the fliers and then when they are unawhere, suck out there knowlage and use it against'em :D

Gas would fit the bill for me to fly tons without the high fuel bill. I mean really, like I'm in this hobby for the prize money? I feel the same way Erich, this is a hobby about having fun and improving yourself for yourself. Not an "I'm better than you, Naa-Naa" contest. If I'm having a good day at the field and others are having a bad day I rather stop and help rather than being at the flight line looking over my shoulder at the one's not flying. After traveling to a few events I was glad to see that most all I meet were of the same mind as me. Makes it feel good to have a so-so flight and the better pilot talks with you pointing out the the good segments and give's his tips or trick to help you improve.