I was reading through the IMAC rules I printed off the IMAC site last night. One rule I found surprising is how the PILOT tells the judges whether he/she will be flying a left-right or right-left pattern before entering the box regardless of the wind direction. (Page 5 section 4.2.1.). Am I reading this correctly? In theory one could just practice the sequence in one direction and then fly it independent of the wind direction. Doesn't this take out some of the "skill" by having the ability to do equally well on the maneuvers in either direction?

Thanks..........Mark

Because landing and takeoff are not judged(usually the deciding factor for direction of flight) the pilot has the option to fly in any direction they decide. This must be indicated to the judges before entering the box.

The biggest detraction to flying downwind is the spin. A spin can be executed downwind but is much more difficult

It is still in the pilot's best interest to learn a sequence left to right, and right to left.

Ed

there is nothing worse then to have to do a down wind spin in an Edge 540.