The Patterns
There are five categories, or levels of
difficulty, in Radio Controlled Model Airplane "Pattern" flying.
Follow the links to see examples.
Sportsman
(use to be Novice)
In the Sportsman class, level controlled flight is required. Gumpy says that
whomever can do the best 3 loops in Sportsman will win the contest. It is definitely
the most challenging.
Intermediate
(use to be Sportsman)
In Intermediate class, a demonstration of proficiency in the rolling maneuvers is
required. If you've started to master the rudder, your well on the way to winning
in the Intermediate class. The '3 loops' maneuver from Sportsman is repeated
here. The demonstration of proficiency is allot higher though. Gumpy says that
it takes 1 million practice loops to do 3 good loops at a competition. Or at least
it seems like it takes that many.
Advanced
In Advanced class, a demonstration of proficiency with the rudder is required. The
controlled snap(high speed spin) maneuvers start in this class. This class is where
you must start to learn to hide your mistakes or heading corrections from the
judges. Otherwise, they will see that you made a mistake.
Masters
Gumpy will start Master class in 2000. Obviously, proficiency of all the flying maneuvers
is required to be competitive in this class.
Proposed
Masters
Many flyers retire in Masters class. To keep from getting bored, the
sequence changes periodically. This is the sequence under consideration
for the next rules cycle.
FAI
This class is the highest level of Pattern competition. The maneuvers for this class
are fairly similar to the lower classes but with odd (and difficult) twists thrown in.
For example, one of the maneuvers is a 1/2 reverse cuban eight with a 1 & 1/2
snap on the down line. That can be a pretty exciting thing to try if you've never
done it before. If you only do 1 snap, and pull back on the stick to regain
altitude, you'll find yourself buzzing straight towards the ground. Yikes!
Flyers from around the world compete in the Federal Aviation International' or FAI class.
Gumpy says: Print your pattern maneuver sequence and start practicing today.
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