Hi Ed,

It sounds like you've got the right approach. Striving to have fun!!

If there's going to be an IMAC Workshop nearby, be sure and attend that. It will give you a good feel for what a contest will be like. If your region is hosting a Judging School, that's invaluable. You'll really have fun when you're working on flying the manuevers to meet the judging criteria and remove the deductions.

John mentioned the "IMAC Tips" that are available to help you out. A ".zip" file with all fifteen articles is at the bottom of the page. The articles cover these topics on being competitive in scale aerobatics.

Preparation for a new season
Your "setup" is critical to success (includes the link to Peter Goldsmith's article)
You MUST be fluent in Aresti
You MUST know the judging criteria
Practice
Practice for Unknowns
Practice to remove zeroes on Spins
Practice to remove zeroes on Hammerheads
Practice to remove zeroes on Snap Rolls
Get help with your practice
Contest Schedule
Contest Procedures
Working with your caller
Reliable Equipment
Thank the Sponsors

Good luck with your first contest!!

Dean Bird
2006 Tucson Shootout Advanced Class Champion