How are we judged?
 

Just a query on the manuevers. I am new to pattern flying and would like to ask something about the manuevers. If in the schedule it says 3 rolls, and you see the diagram that the rolls are to the LEFT, must it be the same? Will you lose points if you roll right or would you lose all the points? If it says a stall turn to the LEFT and you execute it to the RIGHT, again, will you lose points or would you lose all the points? Can anyone who knows the rules enlighten me please? Thanks!

RE: How are we judged?
 

no schedule will tell you what direction a roll, spin or stall turn should be in.

its your choce and depends on wind direction and presentation.

for instance, stall turn the same direction as the wind, its easier to turn downwind rather than into the wind.

with rolls you usually present the top of the model to the judges first, so if flying left to right then roll right and roll left if flying right to left. presentation is important.

hope this helps.

RE: How are we judged?
 

jaycey ... okie got it, as far as the judges are concerned you just ROLL or TURN, direction does not matter to them but of course as far as the contestant is concerned you want to roll or turn in the manner which will make your manuever looks best, that is all governed by wind direction & presentation etc. Thanks! I love the internet ...

RE: How are we judged?
 

There is no judging criteria that dictates a roll direction other than in some complex figure in F3A sequence where rolls are reversed. Example in the current Preliminary sequence P-09. There are a few figures that require reversing rolls. maneuver #2 is a 1/2 Reverse Cuban 8 with 2 half rolls in opposite direction.

You can roll either way you like on the first one but the second one must be reversed.

When you are looking at Aresti drawings like you are referencing. The rolls are shown reversed on the same line means they must be reversed. If there is only one roll on a line. It can be either direction. When different rolls combinations are on the same line and one arrow points up and the other down...this dictates a reversed element. If the rolls both go the same direction then they are the same direction.

One other thing to consider. In some figures a roll direction is determined by the exit of the maneuver. Some figures like Top hats or cross box stuff as turn around maneuvers will require you to exit upright or inverted. If the rolls are 3/4 or 1/4 rolls and you roll the wrong direction you will exit inverted when the figure required you to be upright.

Not sure how the skill levels work in your country. Here in the USA we have lower skill levels for learning pilots. In these different categories its rare that you have these types of roll direction decisions to make. However there are some instances where you must do some reversed rolls.

The best thing you or anyone else should do is get a copy of the rule book. Each maneuver has a description and it also talks about what types of defects a judge can deduct points from your score. If your country uses only the F3A schedules or class then this is the FAI sporting code for F3A. In the USA the AMA has a specific rule book for pattern flying. But these rules only apply to AMA class events and have zero weight in the F3A events.


I hope this helps answer your questions.

Troy Newman
Team JR

RE: How are we judged?
 

Troy ... thanks for the info ... yeah if its a 1/4 roll then the wrong direction may bring you out wrong for the maneuver. I do realise that too. :) There is no handbook here as F3A is not that popular but its picking up soon. Yeah, its good to get clarification so we know what is expected etc. Wanna come for a holiday in exchange for a workshop? Heheheheeheee ...

RE: How are we judged?
 

Hi tIANci,

Troy is right with the roll directions on certain manouvres like the Stall Turn 3/4 roll up 1 1/4 snap down in PO9. I remember the correct roll direction by which way I'm flying the schedule ie: if I'm flying a right - left I will do a right roll up and right snap down, likwise if I'm flying a left - right schedule I will fly a left roll up left snap down for this manouvre, in other words, in from the left - roll left, in from the right - roll right!

Heres a couple of links for you to read through, they should clear things up a little:

http://www.gbrcaa.org/acrobatfiles/s...obatics_08.pdf

http://www.gbrcaa.org/acrobatfiles/J...ion%202004.ppt

http://www.gbrcaa.org/acrobatfiles/P09engl.ppt

Hope this helps a little,

Regards,

Andy.

RE: How are we judged?
 

You guys all just too kind ... hehehhee ... thanks!

RE: How are we judged?
 

I like pattern because of the objective criteria the pilot is judged upon. I would recommend purchasing the "NSRCA Judging Program Certification and Training" book. It will tell you exactly how many points are taken off and for which defects.

RE: How are we judged?
 

Nate ... if I can only get it here, heheheehehee ... I am half way round the world from you!

RE: How are we judged?
 

The judging guide is available for anyone to purchase... shipping may cost you a little extra but it is well worth it.