Folks:
I am looking at entering my first CL stunt contest later this month and have been working on the beginner stunt pattern. Don't have alot of CL time under my belt, so even the beginner pattern will be a real stretch. I think I will get the minimum on the square loop and the overhead 8's :}

I have read the stuff on the PAMPA site, but I need to ask a few questions that are probably obvious to evryone else, but not having even watched the pattern before I need some more info:

I assume the manuvers have to be in the order they are listed, with a minimum of 2 laps in between each, right? so after takeoff, two laps, then the wingover, two laps, then the inside loop, etc...?

I understand that you only get one shot at each manuver? so if i have an engine bobble mid way thru the overhead eight (assuming i get that far:}) then that is it for that manuver, don't get to do a few level laps then try again, right?

Finally (and I realize this is probably highly classified info...) but I would like a tip or two on getting the Brodak 0.40 engine tuned right. I am using a stock brodak 40, normal muffler, uniflow standard metal tank, mounted a bit above the centerline of the engine. To get the 2-4 break consistently seems to be a challenge. I am getting close by setting the motor on the ground for best run, then back the needle valve out about 60% to 75% of a turn rich. The rpms sag a bit, but not more than 500 rpm or so. Sound about right, or is there a better prescription?

Thanks in advance.

r.

I fly FAI stunt but the rules are quite similar to your AMA rules. There should be 2 level laps between manoeuvres but watch out for that takeoff. The model is released and starts to move on the ground (naturally ) but from the moment it leaves the ground you have to do a steady and slow climb to normal level flight height which should be reached exactly over the point the model first left the ground. That's one lap of flying so far. Then you have to continue in level flight for another 2 level laps starting from where it first got to normal level flight. That's the end of the judging for takeoff. So far you've done 3 laps so then you have to do another 2 laps (minimum) before starting your wingover. What you need to be careful of here is where the position of the takeoff ended and where the wind is for your wingover to begin. This could be a little less than the 2 level laps between manoeuvres so I always do 1 extra lap before the wingover in case there's an over-critical judge. You only get the one shot at each manoeuvre.

As far as tune goes, every engine is different and some won't do a 4-2-4 break so at this stage of the game all you want is a nice consistent engine run that you feel comfortable with. An awful lot depends on what prop you're using but for starters tune the engine rich until you hear it go into a steady 4 stroke then lean it until the it's just barely into a 2 stroke and try it. If it's got good line tension and you're feeling comfortable then fine but if you don't feel comfortable then wait until the tank runs out and next flight lean it out a little more. I don't particularly like setting an engine close to peak for test flying because some will lean out in the air and then you have an agonising wait for it to run dry and believe me, it'll feel like it's running for 3 hours .

I think you are OK. Do ask questions at the contest. There should be a pilots meeting before you fly and that is the time to ask any questions you may have. Do not be shy!

From 13.1 in the AMA competition regulations: A correct takeoff consists of the model rolling smoothly along the ground for a distance of not less than 4.5 meters (14.8 feet), but not greater than one quarter of a lap. The model then rises smoothly into the air with a gradual climb and a smooth leveloff to normal flight level over the point at which the model commenced its ground roll. The model continues on for two (2) smooth laps of normal level flight to point of original leveloff.

So, from the point you take off do not go more than a quarter lap on the ground and try to smoothly climb to flying height achieving that level at your release point. That is takeoff. You then fly 2 laps level before being judged on level flight which is two laps level with minimum deviation. That again is followed by 2 laps. So start counting when you get back to your release point, laps 1 and 2 are space laps. Laps 3 and 4 are judged, laps 5 and 6 are space laps, the next time around to the upwind side of the circle should be your wingover BUT you can make extra laps at this point and depending on region you may be required to signal your acceptance for an official flight. Above beginner your turn to inverted on the reverse wingover.

Practice takeoff and 6 level laps and then your manuevers with 2 laps inbetween. Make sure they tell you how they want it at the pilots meeting and go off and dry fly through your manuevers. THIS IS IMPORTANT AND WILL HELP YOU. Gymnasts, Aerobatics pilots like the Blue Angels, Thunderbirds, Patty Wagstaff, all of them DRY FLY thier manuevers. This is because when you go through it in your brain, your brain builds the synoptic pathways for the manuevers along with any other repetitive skills that you go through. The astronauts go through these routines before spacewalks as well. It just helps. Once your reflexes (those darn neurons) get trained you only need to correct for varying conditions like windgusts, motor burps, birds, etc. etc.

Go now and sin no more.

Yes, you need to do the maneuvers in the correct sequence IF you want to get pattern points. You will not be required to attempt every maneuver in the beginner pattern if you so choose. You must let the judges know which ones you will be attempting if not doing the pattern and you'll get scored only on the ones you fly.

And please remember the start signal. This starts the clock. Your entire flight will be timed from the time you signal the judges (raise your hand and get their acknowledgement) until you land and the model rolls to a stop. You have 8 minutes to get the full pattern in or you'll lose whatever maneuver (and pattern points) not done within the limit. You'll have to set up your model in the circle (it's better to fuel up in the pits), prime/choke so the engine will be ready to start readily. THEN you signal the judges and start the engine. Electric starters are permitted.

It's also OK to have a coach with you in the pilot's circle to read off the order of maneuvers, if you wish.

First maneuver is the takeoff AND level flight. It's a combined maneuver. Takeoff is the first complete lap from your starting point. I'm not sure but I think they score your 2 level laps for level flight immediately after the takeoff lap. You'll do 3 laps for score then fly another 2 laps before going into the wingover.

Above all, relax and enjoy yourself. Contest organizers and judges want to you succeed and enjoy the contest. They'll help you out however they can.

Takeoff and climb is one lap, then you have two laps after that first lap till the level flight laps which are laps 3 and 4. Then you have 2 laps and wingover, 2 laps, 3 inside loops, 2 laps, 3 outside loops, 2 laps, 2 inside squares, 2 laps, 2 horizontal eights, 2 laps, 2 overhead eights, then at least 2 laps and wait for engine cutoff. Fly smoothly decending to touchdown and roll out. This of course is the beginner pattern not full routine.

jerichod,
I think we need to reference the rulebook for the correct description of a couple of things.

You're going to be flying manuevers from the AMA pattern, right? Well, the AMA rule book has a good description of a couple of things.

Takeoff is maneuver 13.1 and it is one lap of climb that starts when the wheels leave the ground. AND THEN it includes two level laps as part of it. You'll then do the two spacer laps before doing the wingover. After you have flown those two spacer laps, THEN go on around to directly upwind and do your wingover (if that's the next maneuver in the beginner pattern).

And the rulebook mentions a handsignal to the judges to start their watches. You do that when you're setup ready to start your engine. They start the watch when you wave. You then start your engine and have at it....... The flight is considered to be official when your model turns inverted on the reverse wingovers. No signal is needed.

Clean,
You've got two posts that describe the takeoff in detail and that count all the laps. It appears to me that the two descriptions conflict with each other.

There is no "level flight" maneuver in the AMA rulebook. The takeoff includes the two level laps that are judged as part of the 13.1 maneuver. Lap 1 is the climb lap. Lap 2 and 3 are level and part of the first judged maneuver. If you look closely at the rulebook, the errors to look for in that one maneuver include tracking outside the level flight altitude during the maneuver.

Laps 4 and 5 would then be "level flight between maneuvers" laps. If you read section 11.1 about those laps, they don't have to be 2 complete laps. Obviously, one will be, but if you start the wingover before reaching the leveloff point of your takeoff, and you've done almost two "in between" laps, the wingover counts and there is no penalty. There also is no penalty for additional "in between" laps, but you certainly don't want to have too many.

AMA members can read the rulebook pages that cover all this at:

http://www.modelaircraft.org/comp/05...ook/claero.pdf

In order, yes.
2 laps between, yes.
Takeoff includes 2 level laps that are judged as part of that one maneuver.
two laps, yes
wingover, yes
two laps, yes
inside, yes

You're right. You get one shot.

The judges are going to look for each maneuver in order. Trying again disrupts that order. If you deviate from that order, they will be thrown into chaos and have every right to score every following maneuver as a 10. There has been an understanding for many years, however, that after you've completed all but the landing, if your engine is running long, that you can pull some tight loops or something to kill the engine. Keep in mind that you'd best have at least two level laps after the last flying maneuver before you try that.

Good luck.

Make sure that you plan your day so that you can fly a couple of practice flights before your first official. You want to get a good needle and check your flight time. The different weather and the different location will change your needle setting from the last time you flew.

One hint.
When you're on the circle and it's time to wave at the judges, give 'em a big wave and then forget they're there. And then take a deep breath. You're about to have the best time of your life.

It has always been my understanding that the takeoff and level laps were seperated by 2 laps, that would be wrong in reading the rules, yet I read them this morning, yesterday and only with this reading do I see that they are three conjoined laps from release followed by two spacer laps before you go into wingover. Where this has slipped into my routine I don't know. Be sure to check with your local CD during pilots meeting.

There is a question, I think not universally resolved, as to when a Beginner flight becomes an official flight rather than an attempt. In the full pattern when you pull out of the reverse wingover inverted, it is official. However there is no reverse wingover in the Beginner. Again, something to find out at the pilot's meeting. Also check to see if you have 6 minutes or 8 minutes to complete the pattern. That varies from place to place.

Has PAMPA published a pattern description for the beginner pattern? Seems that would resolve the question about the start of the pattern. I've not gotten an AMA rule book in years and years and haven't been a PAMPA member for awhile, so can't help with what the official rules are.

AMA rulebooks are online at the AMA site, download the applicable section or the whole thing and print it out.

The confusion here is that there is no separate level flight maneuver for either the full AMA pattern or the PAMPA beginner pattern. The first maneuver is Takeoff AND Level Flight for a maximum total of 40 pts. The takeoff is one full lap from your point of release and the level light is the next 2 laps immediately after the takeoff. THEN you get scored for the maneuver. You should fly 2 additional laps as the judges are recording your score before you go into the wingover. So including the one lap takeoff/climb and level flight, you need to do (including the takeoff) 5 total laps before pulling into the wingover. A lot of pilot will do 6 laps before the wingover as a safety margin.

My son's first official flight at the Sig contest he didn't do enough level laps before the wingover and lost his pattern points. He got scored for both the Takeoff/Level Flight and the Wingover but zip for pattern points.

Has PAMPA published a more complete pattern description for the beginner pattern?

Or have they offered some clarification for it?

Thanks, folks for all the posts and advice.

I have been practicing and tuning the plane based on some good tuning guides found on the aeromaniacs.com site, and am optimistic that by contest time i at least will be able to attempt everything even if iwon't be able to complete them to my satisfaction.

Thanks again for all the suggestions.

r.