My first Basic contest???
 

12/07/2006

Ok...

I recently found out that there is an IMAC contest in Port St. Lucie Florida on the 20th and 21st of January... And I'm considering trying the Basic class. I have just recently starting flying again after a long layoff and I just moved up to a Funtana X100 which seems to fly really well. Is there anything in particular I should consider before competing in a real competition??? Is there any issue with a really green aerobatic pilot at a meet like this???

Any advise would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks,

Ed "Hibrass" Harley

RE: My first Basic contest???
 

There's a lot of good info here:

http://www.teamflyingcirkus.com/newi...?page=imactips

RE: My first Basic contest???
 

Download the basic sequence and practice it. If possible get some one to talk you through it. I practice a couple of manuvers at a time then link them together.
I flew my first contest last year and had a great time. There are alot of great people in this hobby.

RE: My first Basic contest???
 

Hiya Guys!

Thanks for the suggestions so far!

Another question? Do you have to pick a caller from the contestants or could my wife be my caller???

Hibrass

RE: My first Basic contest???
 

Go to the Down on the Deck web site and right on the home page are video links for each 2007 sequence being flown on Aero Fly Pro.

I’m a visual learner myself and these videos are very helpful.

http://www.downonthedeck.com/#

RE: My first Basic contest???
 

No issues with a green pilot.
Get there a day early and get with someone to call for you.
It does help to know how to do loops and rolls but it is not required.
Just remember to keep your wings level and you can win.

RE: My first Basic contest???
 

SDR great link!

GeistWare,

I can roll and loop :-)... Wings level I will work on over the next couple of weeks! :-)

Thanks for the advice guys! Now to finish trimming my plane and get a little / lot of practice in...

Hibrass

RE: My first Basic contest???
 

What user name and password one should enter? I tried by downtodeck.com's userid. It does not work. Thanks

RE: My first Basic contest???
 

nonstoprc, I'm a little confused. Is the Down on the deck site asking you for a user ID? I’ve never registered with the site and never had issues accessing any part of it.

I double checked the link I posted and no problems. Took me right to the home page.

Anybody else?

RE: My first Basic contest???
 

Believe it or not, if you do a loop and your starting and ending point is not on the same line then you didn't keep your wings level through the loop. I see unlimited guys who have this problem so it is not the easiest thing in the world to do.

RE: My first Basic contest???
 

Dont forget to have fun!

RE: My first Basic contest???
 

The actual download has a security issue on the site. It requests userid and password. dosn't work even if you have one. I posted the issue in the forum and they are aware and working on the issue. Maybe they will have it fixed soon.

RE: My first Basic contest???
 

Geist,

I see your point now.. I can be a little slow on the pickup sometimes. I can do all of the Basic maneuvers in the sequence, weather of not I can do any of them without getting a "Zero" is an entirely different story.. :-)

Wgeffon you hit the nail right on the head...! If it isn't fun then why do it..? I did variuos shooting sports for 20 years and saw so many people who just made themselves misarable when they didn't do well (and those around them.) I never could understand that attitude this stuff to me is a hobby to escape the stress of the real world. If I want to be miserable I will back to the Office... :-)

Hibrass

RE: My first Basic contest???
 

If you would like to have one of the more advanced pilots call for you, that should not be a problem. Just ask the CD to hook you up with someone who can help and you'll be fine. Show up, make some friends, fly your plane, keep your eyes open [X(] and you'll have fun and learn a lot at your first contest.

RE: My first Basic contest???
 

Hi Ed,

It sounds like you've got the right approach. Striving to have fun!!

If there's going to be an IMAC Workshop nearby, be sure and attend that. It will give you a good feel for what a contest will be like. If your region is hosting a Judging School, that's invaluable. You'll really have fun when you're working on flying the manuevers to meet the judging criteria and remove the deductions.

John mentioned the "IMAC Tips" that are available to help you out. A ".zip" file with all fifteen articles is at the bottom of the page. The articles cover these topics on being competitive in scale aerobatics.

Preparation for a new season
Your "setup" is critical to success (includes the link to Peter Goldsmith's article)
You MUST be fluent in Aresti
You MUST know the judging criteria
Practice
Practice for Unknowns
Practice to remove zeroes on Spins
Practice to remove zeroes on Hammerheads
Practice to remove zeroes on Snap Rolls
Get help with your practice
Contest Schedule
Contest Procedures
Working with your caller
Reliable Equipment
Thank the Sponsors

Good luck with your first contest!!

Dean Bird
2006 Tucson Shootout Advanced Class Champion

RE: My first Basic contest???
 

Dean,

Thanks a lot for the advice.. You appear to have some experiance on this subject... :-)

The articles you mentioned have been downloaded, printed and added to my Dope book..

Hope to cross wings with you some day..!

Ed "Hibrass" Harley

RE: My first Basic contest???
 

SDR-hammer,

Yes, I was able to watch the video today. Very cool.