Hi guys,

There was some confusion at our imac comp last weekend regarding take offs.
We are new to imac here in Australia and only have been running comps for the last
12 months.
We understand that no aerobatics are allowed after take off, eg rolls knife edge etc but
I normally take off into wind turn 90 degrees and turn say 270 degrees to downwind.
Then once at the down wind point of the box, pull up to 45, half roll and enter the zoneless box.
I like it this way as I have a nice stright entry into the first manouver.
Is this allowed? or is it deemed as an arobatic manouver?? should I be "pinned" and therefore zeroed
on the first manouver.

regards Glenn Orchard
Australia.

Exceeding 60 degrees of bank or 30 degrees pitch is considered an aerobatic manuever. Normal turns and straight and level passes are all that's allowed until you enter the box. Technically, performing any aerobatic maneuver prior to entering the box will result in a 0 for the first maneuver. The good news is that you used to get a 0 for BOTH the 1st and 2nd manuever, but the rules have changed somewhat pertaining to that, I believe.

Short answer, "turn around" manuevers using aerobatics is prohibited prior to the box entry.

Erich

ALRIGHT - IMAC down under. GEE, wonder what I would have to do to make a contest???? :-)

Erich -I have no idea what rule book you are reading, but that is NOT correct.

Glenn - what you described is legal. You are allowed "positioning" maneuvers, including turn around maneuvers. Now, If you pulled to the 45, did 1 1/2 snaps to negative and then a 4 point opposite direction roll before the 5/8 loop - well, then you performed an aerobatic maneuver and you zero the ROUND - not just a maneuver or two. This also means you zero BOTH sequences if you were flying two knowns in a round!!!

So - turns are best, reverse half cubans, emmelmans, and other "turn around" maneuvers are perfectly legal.

Also - the rule states before AND after the sequences. In other words, if you hot dog it on final and do a snap roll to landing, you get hit with the penalty.

You can download the Judging guide off of the IMAC site. www.mini-iac.com

Hope this helps.

Keith Sessions

FWIW, remember that no aerobatic manuevers are permitted after the completion of the sequences either.

Oops, looks like Keith types faster

Fly4fun2:
I agree basic turn around maneuvers are fine. I take off the same way as edge quick out hard bank and into the flight path.

KG

Hi Fly4Fun2,

All I am basically doing is a half cuban at the end of the down wind pass, this always gives me a nice entry into the first manouver
which is an Inverted teardrop in the Advanced class.
Doing a second procedure turn would be a pain "in the you know what??"
I was not zeroed but had a disagreement over a few beers later on that night with another flyer.
I simply needed to clear up this matter so I can do things right.
I think he may now owe me a slab of cans!

Thanks for you imput.

Regards Glenn Orchard
Mildura, Australia.

What you did it perfectly legal. You are allowed basic turn around manuvers to position yourself to enter the box.

I donno,
is the half cuban and reverse half cuban leagal? I know basic turn around manuvers are premetted. This includes Immelmans, Split ess or reverse immelmans, Humpty's - it's just the half cubans I'm not sure of...
RickP

I do the half reverse cuban eight to before entering the box myself. How many turn arounds are you allowed before entering the box? Here in the SC region you are allowed an unlimited number I believe, but only before the first sequence. You must enter the box for the second sequence immediatly after the first.

Ryan

take off, bank 90deg from runway, fly out, bank 270deg, fly down wind pass, pull 45 upline, 1/2 roll, pull 5/8 loop, enter box. if it is an unknown that enters inverted, then same 45 upline, no roll, push 5/8, enter inverted. whats the big deal?

Hubb

THe maneuvers that you mention are allowed.
THe rules say no aerobatic maneuvers down low.
I know of two pilots that do reverse half cubans before entering the box. Nothing wrong with it.

yes those basic turn around manuvers are fine... just dont go nuts with them and do a whole bunch b4 or after your sequence.

Yup...My routine is just about the same as most have posted here. Take off...fly out straight, perform
a 90/270 to a downwind leg followed my a half-reverse cuban eight and enter the box.

-Bill

The rule book states for events 411, 412, 413, and 414:
13. Time Limits
13.1.The contestant has two (2) minutes to start his/her engine
and become airborne. If after two (2) minutes the contestant is
unable to start the engine, they will move to the end of the
round rotation. If the contestant fails to start a second time,
they shall receive zero for the round.
13.2. The contestant has one (1) minute from the time the
wheels leave the ground during takeoff to enter the aerobatic
box.13.3. There shall be no time limit while in the aerobatic box.
13.4. The contestant has two (2) minutes between leaving the
aerobatic box and touchdown for landing, unless required to
hold upon command from the appropriate official.
13.5. Prior to entering the aerobatic box, pilots shall be allowed
to perform appropriate trim and positioning maneuvers. Such
maneuvers may not be performed at low altitude or directly in
front of the judges. No aerobatics are allowed immediately
following the airplane breaking ground (except for freestyle).
Upon exiting the box pilots are allowed only the necessary
positioning maneuvers to execute a safe landing. No
unnecessary low altitude aerobatics are allowed. Any infraction
shall result in a penalty of zeroing the round.

There is nothing that states a time limit between sequences.

Nothing new.90/270turns topull 45% 1/2 rotation pull 5/8 loop.enter box.

ScottyC