O.k. guys,

I just started to "try" to fly pattern. I got myself a Tai Ji-40 w/ a Rossi 45 for power, using an APC 10x6.

First question:

How is my setup for this type of flying??


Let's continue.

I got myself a Nordic pattern schedule from some F3A site. 23 manuevers. If anyone has anything else you could post I'd appreciate it tons'. I understand and almost make all of the manuvers, but......(ther's always a but.) This brings me to....

Second question:

What is a Cobra roll and how do I do it?


Any help will be rewarded with tons of kids ......LOL


regards,

Rfarias.

Get the competetion guide from AMA. It's new this year. The carrier you got your AMA card on has a number. Or check the website for additional information as to how to obtain.
EXCAP232

I think FAI may be a bit much to start with....go to

www.nsrca.org

The National Society of Radio Control Aerobatics is the AMA's version on a pattern club. The NSRCA runs the US Nationals in Pattern and has lots of good info on their web site.

On the site are schedules of sequences for all the levels from the starting out new guy (Sportsman) up to Intermediate, Advanced, and Masters. These classes are designed to help build skill levels as you move up and through them. The FAI sequence you have with the 23 manuevers is flown on an international level by the guys like Quique Somenzini and Chip Hyde. Many of these manuevers are easy to do and you should give them a try...but take a look at the NSRCA web site the Sportsman, and Intermediate maneuvers are easily done by most planes including Tiger 2's and Super Sportsters...As you go up into the Advanced Class you need a more pattern style model. But take a gander at the sequences and try them out.....


Where are you in Texas?


Airplane setup is a bunch more than just the right engine and the right model. The combo you have will work well....My recommendation is to get somebody local that is a pattern flyer or was one and can help you get an airplane "setup"

The control throws in the instruction manuals of most kits are not always the best....not to mention these things need to be "setup" properly. Geometry and mechanical advantage are critical to an airplanes setup.

On the NSRCA web site there is a section on trimming your airplane.....its doesn't mean moving the trim tabs on the transmitter.....It talks about how to get the balance just right...(by the way just because it balances on the spot in the instructions may not be the best...for flying as straight and true as possible.)

The trim chart will give you tests to perform with the plane and based on your results it will lead you to some corrective action.

You need to realize that no airplane is 100% perfect and some bad tendencies can't be taken care of....Or the fix makes other things worst....Trimming is an art form and like Mario Andretti working on a car and Indy.....it has a lot to do with personal preferences and the model.

Its really cool stuff, Pattern. I have been flying competitively since 1987 and I have the same drive to get things perfect as I had back then....Of course a few years has helped but its still not perfect...its kinda like that perfect golf game...many people strive for it and its a life long pursuit. You can go as deep as you like and as long as you want. Its a great Sport to be involved with.


Go check out the NSRCA website and let me know. You can email me privately also...


Troy Newman

Also take a look at the web site of the Great Britain R/C Aerobatics Association - www.gbrcaa.org - We have five classes, sportsman, standard, senior, masters and FAI. The schedules are on the website in pdf format. Have a look at them, try them and fly the one you feel most comfortable with.

The fact that you are asking the question suggests you should probably be considering the sportsman or standard, fly them until you can fly it right every time. The progress up as you get better.

The best way to improve though is to actually compete so I would seriously recommend joining your national body and getting to some comps.

rfarias,
Visit our Aerobatics section and look at the animated maneuvers. I know that are the basic maneuvers but it will give you an idea of where to start. We hope to be adding more by the end of this year.

Geistware,

That was exactly what I was looking for. Setup, basic maneuvers.


Thanks...

the little airplane animations are great! can you do that for other manuvers too? or string them together in a sequence?

too cool

Hubb

Yes, I can do it but I would prefer to hear what people want to see. Some are easy to do, Stall turn, some are difficult to do, rolling circle.

I want to begin using Flash animations, but I don't know how to drive.

I have never flown competion pattern--but one of my favorite planes was a Cylpso with a YS45 and pipe. I enjoyed the challenge of trying to make the perfect smooth manuver--I would like to make just one comment on your setup. I found enjoyment in changing the prop from time to time just to see how easy or more difficult the manuver became. For instance I had always used an APC 11/6-11/7 until a friend suggested and APC 11/3. I thought he was joking--At the time I did not know there was an 11/3 prop--boy did it make a difference. Slowed the plane down and gave me a ton of verticle. That was a different plane and I was just sport flying, but my point is don't lock yourself into what everybody else is doing or flying. You may find a better combo down the road. If I was flying compition I am not sure I would have listened to him. Just my opinion.