Guys...pardon my ignorance, but I am getting back into the hobby after a 13 year absence. I flew pattern back then, but the sport has changed dramatically since I left it. I have a H9 Cap 232 with a YS 140L in process and JR XP8103, etc. I am struggling to understand the 3-D end of the sport...kind of an "X" games for R/C as I understand it. Point is....real aerobatic aircraft don't hover at 25 feet (1:1 scale altitude) then accelerate straigt up at will. Am I missing something here, or is this a circus element to the sport. I admire the skills...but miss the point...

Joe

It's beyond full scale........................

It's FUN!!!

Let me rephrase.... VERY, VERY fun!

My one word answer, FUN!!! After all, isn't that why we have hobbies? Question, is there anything else in this world that hasn't evolved in the last 13 years? Except maybe, inhale, exhale.

I started doing it a few years back because I could see how demanding it was. I am in now way an expert but can get through most maneuvers now. I still have a long way to go to get to where I want to be.
Theres just something about making a plane do what its not supposed to do that has me facinated.

Try to learn how to Torque Roll. If you are like me, you'll keep at it till you can do it.

*low, slow and behind the power curve is where to be*

Seeing it in pictures or on video is one thing.... seeing it in real life, it REALLY gets a whole new dimention. The first time you see a 40% Edge hovering 1 foot off the ground so close in you can feel the prop blast.... then you'll understand the "point"!

Don't feel alone Joe. I too have returned last year from about the same absence as you and it is a whole new thing. I think you really hit the nail on the head calling it "X" games for R/C. I am a rated instrument single engine and rotor pilot and I have no desire to fly 3D for your same reasons. But that's what makes this sport interesting. I was at Toledo this year, it always amazes me the spectrum of models there. Jets with show quality airbrushed paint to tissue covered fragile models. I guess it's the same with flying styles. Modeling is sure fun.

You're going to want a heavier motor on that plane.

The alpha and the omega are all about flight. For some that is scale looks while flying and while in the hangar. For some that is about scale flight. For some that is about precision aerobatic flight. For some (thanks to the great one, Quique Somenzini) that is about stalled flight. Which I feel is the most exciting, but more important, beautiful flight. Not the funfly flipflopping around... but the refined stuff. Highspeed, very fast, clean, harrier rolls. Clean waterfalls to smooth torque rolls. Perfect parachutes. The movements of the plane have a beauty that pattern flying cannot even dream about.

Golf and bowling are iffy as sports... but this is definitely a hobby. :-)

I fly for a living and like being able to do stuff with models you cant with the real ones.

Everyone has their interests. Just have fun.

As aerobatic planes evolve, we may actually see some fullscale doing 3D. My understanding is that several aerobatic planes are close to having 1:1 power:weight now. Doubt well see blenders but a harrier or elevator wouldn't be out of the question.

RICEC5

In competition, Pattern and IMAC sequences (maneuvers) are still the same, and sequences is still the primary segment of the contest. The only difference is in the Freestyle side, now with planes created with light components and engines so powerful and reliable that the planes are able to do this new kind of aerobatics.

3D style flying was first introduced by Quique Somenzini from Argentina at the TOC in the mid 90's.

Full Scale aerobatic aircraft is getting closer. Some now are doing pop-ups or "The Wall" 3D maneuver and others hovering for a few seconds. but not yet as us .

Everything evolve, including RC Model Airplanes...

Jay Barcelo

You boys obviously have never seen Shawn Tucker, in his 1-800 Pitts Special, torque roll(very slow) down the 10,000 ft runway at Oshkosh!!! He was traveling sooooooo slow, you could have taken a very old man for a walk, AND BEAT SHAWN TO THE END!!

Believe me guys....the big boys are watching us very closely...........that's a good thing!!!!!

Shawn ain't nothing... check out the BULLDOG!!!

http://www.bulldogairshows.com

I would like to learn 3D, where can I find a list of the definitions of the different maneuvers, or some how to's.

As far as where to find some info on 3D, Horizon used to have a real nice page on their site. Not sure it it's still there or not. As far as full scale not being able to do 3D, our planes do things full scale can't every time we fly them_Bob

HawkPilot

Here is some information to learn 3D
http://www.horizonhobby.com/articles/1022.asp
http://www.horizonhobby.com/articles/1033.asp

I also recommend video from Jason Shulman (Defying the Limits)
http://www.jasonshulman.com/video.html

Jay Barcelo

I fly IMAC and 3D. THey do very different things fo rthe soul. IMAC is grace, refined skills to glide thru the air. 3D is sort of like flying a heli. You are trying to beat out the laws of nature. It is more pulling and wrenching the plane about to get it to do what it doesn't naturally want to do. But then, 3D can be very graceful too. It is just a bit closer to the razor's edge.

You can also find some basic info on 3D on my website.
www.fly3drc.com

If you want to see some of the limits being pushed well past the envelope come to Mobile, AL this weekend. WE will have plenty to see at our 3D fly-in.

Thanks!!