Three steps to F3P
04-15-2020, 04:28 PM
#1
Three steps to F3P
Three steps to F3P
For those contemplating the entry into indoor pattern and/or F3P, here are three steps that can help make that transition.
First- practice on the simulator. Check out some of the models available for download. RC groups is a good resource and has links to RealFlight models. Watch on-line youtube videos and memorize the maneuvers to help become familiar with the sequence. The Canadian F3P page has some nice videos posted of sequences. Things happen more quickly than outdoor pattern flying, but practicing each maneuver element on the simulator to include rudder, elevator and aileron directions, helps to reduce the heart rate when flying the sequence for the first time live, indoors. Get plenty of stick time on the simulator with rudder. Most turns are used with rudder in order to steer the indoor pattern plane indoors and avoid walls and obstacles. Its not hard once you get used to it, just a bit different.
Second, a good technique I found is to practice on one of the UMX type of models. The UMX Yak is a great model to start with. Its lightweight and can take some abuse with little damage. I found that a slightly larger battery in the 180mAh to 220 mAh range is enough for several sequences. Build the sequence one maneuver at a time -- even just the first part of a maneuver- is helpful. Take your time and put each element together. Remember there is no requirement to fly the sequence in both directions; there is no wind to worry about in most flying venues. Pick the direction you are most comfortable with.
Third, put together a real nice indoor pattern/F3P plane. There are several very nice designs with plans available on RC Groups. You don't have to spend $$$$ on a contra drive. Build a standard setup initially and work on putting together the sequence from the first and second steps above. Once you build one of the lighter models- they fly so well and are a pleasure to watch in the air.
I hope you find these hints useful. Indoor pattern is a really fun and challenging event and this year I decided to start flying F3P for that reason.
For those contemplating the entry into indoor pattern and/or F3P, here are three steps that can help make that transition.
First- practice on the simulator. Check out some of the models available for download. RC groups is a good resource and has links to RealFlight models. Watch on-line youtube videos and memorize the maneuvers to help become familiar with the sequence. The Canadian F3P page has some nice videos posted of sequences. Things happen more quickly than outdoor pattern flying, but practicing each maneuver element on the simulator to include rudder, elevator and aileron directions, helps to reduce the heart rate when flying the sequence for the first time live, indoors. Get plenty of stick time on the simulator with rudder. Most turns are used with rudder in order to steer the indoor pattern plane indoors and avoid walls and obstacles. Its not hard once you get used to it, just a bit different.
Second, a good technique I found is to practice on one of the UMX type of models. The UMX Yak is a great model to start with. Its lightweight and can take some abuse with little damage. I found that a slightly larger battery in the 180mAh to 220 mAh range is enough for several sequences. Build the sequence one maneuver at a time -- even just the first part of a maneuver- is helpful. Take your time and put each element together. Remember there is no requirement to fly the sequence in both directions; there is no wind to worry about in most flying venues. Pick the direction you are most comfortable with.
Third, put together a real nice indoor pattern/F3P plane. There are several very nice designs with plans available on RC Groups. You don't have to spend $$$$ on a contra drive. Build a standard setup initially and work on putting together the sequence from the first and second steps above. Once you build one of the lighter models- they fly so well and are a pleasure to watch in the air.
I hope you find these hints useful. Indoor pattern is a really fun and challenging event and this year I decided to start flying F3P for that reason.
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nibor123 (12-17-2022)
