Guys,

I'll be entering an FAI competion for the first time, Sportsman catergory. Its a requirement to have a caller, my question is,

1. what is the function of a caller?
2. Does he just tell me whats the next manuever?
3. Does he yell out start / manuever name / end, that the Judges can hear him?

Thanks in advance.

Regards
Marcus

I"m not sure how it works where you are but I can tell you here in the states that I know you should have a caller. I do know of one or two people that don't use a caller though that fly in FAI class. Sportsman though, I believe you should always use a caller. It helps calm the nerves. I think if you fly at the nats a caller is required . Not sure on this though. Anyway. As far as regular contests are concerned here in the states, a callers function is to provide you with the manuevers by speaking them to you in a calm tone. The judges don't have to here them, but some judges prefer to. It makes it easier for them to score if they don't have to look away from your flight to read what manuever is next. You do not have to say start or end to manuevers. Although you do at times have to tell them entering or exiting the box when you are not in a turnaround manuever... Hope this helps, good luck to ya!!!!! Chris

If you are entering a competition, then presumably you have practiced the schedule of maneuvers often enough to have it committed to brain memory and muscle memory. From that point of view, you don't need a caller to call out the next maneuver for you. But... people do sometimes get rattled when flying in front of judges, so having the maneuvers called out for you can help calm the jitters, allow you to concentrate better.

The rules may vary somewhat from one meet to another, according to the Contest Director's discretion. However, there are some rules of etiquette that are never out of place. I always ask the judges if they're ready for me to take off. In the days of scored take-offs and landings, I always announced the beginning and end of take-off and landing. Some flyers like to make these announcements to their caller, and have the caller repeat them to the judges. I like to announce my free downwind trim pass as well. Any exit from or entry into the box must be announced. Also, you should ask the judges if it's OK to land, since there may be another model setting up an approach on the same or an adjoining runway. And of course you should immediately announce loss of power or loss of control. And finally, when your model is back on the ground, thank the judges.

I can say that when I have sat as judge, I've always appreciated hearing either pilot or caller announce each maneuver loud enough for the judges to hear. It frees the judge and scribe to concentrate on their particular responsibilities--judge to keep his eye on the flight at all times, scribe to get the scores recorded accurately.

As you get up in the higher classes, occasionally fly in a class for which your practice is rusty, or fly Unknowns, the caller becomes more useful, even indispensable. So it's good to learn how to make the best use of a caller. If you're calling for another pilot, do your best to accommodate whatever he asks.

I agree- almost - being a Masters' flyer who FREQUENTLY forgets what he's doing (just ask ANY of the callers/helpers I've had THIS season) during a comp round, I *need* a caller...and he's announcing maneuvers at a different time than the judges need...so...my opinion....the caller is there for YOU.

Personally, I find if the caller has to holler a maneuver loud enough, and in the time frame for the JUDGE, then I don't want him there. It is a mental distraction.

And since I *still* cannot remember the difference between a Half Square w/ 2 of 4 and a Half Square with a 1/2, it becomes pretty important that my caller be able to "translate".

Finally - to "narrate" the full maneuver for the pilot is foolhardy in the upper classes, particularly FAI, where saying the manuever title takes LONGER than the manuever....

I strongly recommend a helper/caller that serves the PILOT's needs. The CD should see to the JUDGE's needs, IMHO. <flame suit on>

Aerobob called for me at my first contest and was MOST helpful. He got me through that first one and I have been hooked ever since.
A caller does two important things for you.

1. They help get your airplane running and out to the flight line and retrieve it after the flight.
2. Not only calls out you manuvers but can assist you in making corrections that you dont see that can enhance your scoring.

I have used many different people to help call for me. It helps to have one person that knows your flying style and your plus/negatives. Having a calming voice behind you makes a big difference.
Right Bob?

Wayne Galligan
NSRCA 3582
AMA 679374

I would like to ask a question or for opinions concerning how far can a caller go in "coaching" during a scored flight. Should rudder inputs/ corrections be discussed? Is it appropriate for "any" coaching to be going on? My feelings are that under contest circumstances that the caller should only be there to call the maneuvers and no coaching should be the rule. I can see an argument at the Sportsman level that some corrections would not be too harmful but then again an even playing field would be harder to obtain.

Here in the UK I guess F3a is pretty much seen as a team sport. The caller will call the manoeuvres (obviously) but will also give information to the pilot such as position in the box etc. If they want to give advice about rudder inputs etc then why not? Although by the time you get to a competition you should really have flow it enough to not need this level of help during the flight.

The key is to practice with a regular caller, that way you get to know what each other wants such as when to call a manoeuvre, how much detail, where you need help in positioning by counting into centre etc.

Ultimately the flight is down to the pilot but having a good experienced caller makes a big difference.

As for calling for the judges - definitely not!! That is what the scribes are for.

James