Precision Aerobatics - Pattern Flying

Taking your Passion for flying RC Airplanes to the Next Level!

Precision aerobatics is a type of disciplined RC airpane flying where pilots strive to perfectly execute a series of aerobatic maneuvers. IMAC is dedicated to Scale RC airplane Aerobatic competition where as the NSRCA governs Pattern Flying RC airplane competitions.

Many people get "pattern flying" confused with "flying the pattern". "Flying the pattern" refers to the "landing pattern" used for taking off and landing. "Pattern Flying" is a type of precision aerobatics for RC airplanes. Confusing eh? Well, at least it used to confuse me!

The main difference between Pattern and Scale competition is the RC airplanes themselves. Pattern RC Airplanes, especially in the top levels of competition, are specifically designed to fly aerobatic maneuvers perfectly.

A pattern plane's length and wingspan must be less then 2 meters, and the total weight must be less than 11 lbs. Other than that, there are really no other restrictions.

On the contrary, IMAC requires that scale planes be exactly that, miniature versions of full scale aerobatic airplanes. A scale model will have all of the undesirable characteristics of its full-scale counterparts.

Why Fly Precision Aerobatics?

Many pilots are perfectly content flying around aimlessly while "boring holes" in the sky. And there's nothing wrong with that if that's what makes you happy!

Precision aerobatics gives you a purpose and a set of goals to work towards when flying your RC airplane. You not only compete with others, but you compete with yourself as you strive to perfect each maneuver by practicing them over and over. Most pattern pilots consider themselves as their biggest competitor!

It takes a lot of discipline to really get good at pattern flying. But there's more to it than just flying. You will develop long lasting friendships with NSRCA members all across the country. It's a huge family of pilots that share a common interest and strive to help one another succeed by sharing their experiences with different types of aircraft, set-ups, and flying techniques.

By joining the NSRCA you will receive a monthly publication called the K-Factor that not only keeps you up-to-date on what's happening with the NSRCA, but also has really good articles sharing information and techniques that have worked well for others.

Governing Bodies for Pattern Competition

The National Society for Radio Controlled Aerobatics (NSRCA) is a special interest group of the AMA that governs pattern competitions in the United States.

The FAI-F3A is the international level of competition for pattern-type precision aerobatics. That's a commonly used Acronym, so let me break it down for you a little bit so you know exactly what it means.

The FAI("Fédération Aéronautique Internationale") also called "The World Air Sport Federation" holds international contests for all areas of aviation. Section F3A of the FAI is specifically for "Aerobatic Power Model Aircraft".

How a Contest Works

There are five levels or "classes" of competition based upon your experience and skill level.

Sportsman
Intermediate
Advanced
Masters
International Level (FAI-F3A)

Each class is given a series of maneuvers to perform which is called a sequence. The difficulty of each maneuver is given a K-Factor. Yeah, that's where the name of the magazine comes from!

The K-Factor of each maneuver weighs into the final score by the judges. The more difficult the maneuver, the more points you get for perfecting it! And of course, the maneuvers in the Masters class will have higher K-Factors than maneuvers in the Sportsman class.

Every maneuver must be performed within an aerobatic box. This box is defined as the space 60 degrees left and right of the pilot's position, and 60 degrees elevation.

Getting Started

You don't need a million dollar first-class pattern plane and tons of experience to fly pattern. All you need is an RC airplane that can perform basic aerobatic maneuvers. Take a look at the AMA rule book, and practice like crazy!

Of course, it always helps when you can find someone else in your area that flies pattern. If there is no one at your local club, find out what district you are in and shoot the district VP an email.

The NSRCA really encourages anyone who is interested in flying pattern to give it a try. Most contest directors, or CD's, will allow RC airplanes that are slightly out of spec. to be flown in the Sportsman level. This allows the average pilot give it a try with just about any sport-type or scale-type RC airplane. Just be sure to contact the CD before purchasing a plane for a contest.