Steve,

I hope the R/C Scale guys can point you to a link to the FAI Rules. FAI is usually detailed about documentation needed, equipment limitations, flight options, scoring, etc.

That kind of info is interesting in itself, and sure helps get into your mind how your SE-5 will be judged.

Warning, if they do the CL Scale rules anything like they did the recent CLPA set, they can get pretty wordy... Still, they expect their judging panels to follow what's written.

Go for it! It's great to enter a competition, if only to see how others have tackled the same challenge, and to see how they solved, or didn't, some of the sticky things that always make our hobby a joy (yeah, right...).

Most central advice I can offer a Scale modeler is, FLY the model! Don't get so wrapped up in the construction and detail that you lose your flying touch. I've seen too many beautiful scale models either poorly flown by a rusty builder - or worse, not flown enough to trim to where it is pleasant and dependable. Don't let that bite you in the empennage.