Gentlemen,

Sorry it took me so long to jump in. I'm new to this forum -not to RCU or IMAC (not by a long shot).

I pretty much started IMAC here on the east coast and our contest (the Capitol IMAC) is one of the largest in he country. That having been said, we initially embraced and encouraged the mini-mac concept. Unfortunately, not once did we have a plane show up that qualified under the rules. There have been a couple of contests that have had a modicum of success, but it was as limited as short lived.

Some of my IMAC/pattern buds have discussed the issue of mini-mac at length. We have found that the current size restrictions are too limiting. However, the real fault - I believe - is in the marketing/focus of mini-imac. Here's what I (we) came up with:

1. Mini-imac should be a separate event and not be included like a sideshow of a "regular" IMAC contest. This makes the event far more approachable. The idea is a lower the cost/intimidation factor and keep the event simple. The name should be changed to better bring home the intent of this venue. In our discussions, we refer to it as "Club IMAC". The idea being that it would run at a more local level much like combat or pylon (quickee).

2. The maneuvers are not conducive to the size/power of the proposed planes. As such there should be new sequences drawn that are more in keeping with the abilities of qualified designs. I would also propose that there be no more than 3 classes: Sportsman, Intermediate, and Advanced. Each with increasing degree of difficulty. The sequences could be drawn based on a single sequence with components added (to increase difficulty) to each maneuver appropriate to the class. This makes sequence development easier. This would also make judging easier as there would be a common thread between class sequences.

2a. The format of the contest should be standardized. Unknowns should be included. The difficulty of the unknowns should be no greater than the compulsory sequences.

3. This is a tough one: size/weight/engine. There are many ways to approach this. You could set a "global" standard or make extend the limits based on the class. I would suggest a maximum of a 1.5 cu in. displacement. After that, fly what you want.

4. Last, but certainly not least. The IMAC BoD is harly interested in mini-mac. Success will require a concerted effort of several energetic persons willing to step up and put the concept together. This would be presented to the board, and ultimately AMA for provisional status.

I'm going to close now. We have always believed that there's been a grass roots interest in mini-mac, err "Club IMAC". All that is needed is action. Someone to take these notions and build on it. When I founded the CAPI seven years ago, we only had 9 pilots. Our club (which is BIG on pylon) wasn't very enthusiastic. Now the "CAPI" is the darling of the club. To use the catch phrase:

"Build it, and they will come."

Exiting (soap) Box.


Marc Spicer
Contest Director & Founder
7th Annual Capitol IMAC
Bowie, Maryland
July 11-13th, 2003
www. aerobatix.com (Official Site)