Aerobatics W e s t e r n c a p e PREC I S I O N a e r o b a t i c s ISSUE 2 - 2014
A look back at the 2014 aerobatic season
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“
...well Greg, it’s been like this for years, you with me!
”
Precision
Aerobatics This is the third magazine of its kind, Issue one and two were based on the National Pattern scene, issue three, now only the Western Cape. The decision to make this issue local to the Western Cape was based on the lack of support from local pilots to take part in aerobatic competitions due to what ever reason they had at the time. The introduction of a local championship was made in February, small entries made this a priority and so the “Western Cape Precision Aerobatics� was set up. The events, now to be only local and the aim was to take aerobatics to the local clubs. This would give the events more appeal as a Precision Pattern plane was no longer needed to compete. So after a dismal Western Province Championships, I felt the sport had hit rock bottom and can go two ways, growth or end. Aerobatics next event was at PRF, the first time for many years and a keen club showed great enthusiasm with the guidance of Claude. Unfortunately the event had to be cancelled due to lack of entries, but future events at the club showed great prospects for the future. 2014 will see the introduction of new classes and schedules. New pilots in the lower classes are sure to add new enthusiasum to the sport. Robertson had agreed on a weekend event in October which will be the season end and hopefully will attract a good entry. The future of local Precision Aerobatics looks positive.
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WCPA ROUND 1 - 2 February
Strong winds proved
very testing conditions Helderberg Radio Flyers no Bull at HRF!!!
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A 30 - 40kph South Easter faced all pilots, it had been forecast but one lives in hope so most opted to fly just 3 rounds. Sportsman entries Mike and Christo battled out with the new schedule and the weather. All three rounds were won by Mike who normally flies Intermediate. Christo was quite close behind but like most of us needs more practice. The Advanced class had 5 entries and I suspect this to be the most popular class. Ozzie who had entered had a medical issue and couldn’t make it. So this left the 4 pilots to fight for the honors. Rory now flying the very well set-up Quantum was really getting used to the extra power. He still struggled with the length of the “box” but he will get it right one day and listen to the caller!! Rory won the first and third round, Schalk took round two. It was great to see Damien taking part in flying and calling for Tim. They did battle but neither of them had done any practice. After three rounds it was Rory who won followed closely by Schalk. Masters class had a healthy 4 entries. A welcome back Rodney and Claude joined regulars Stuart and Ernie. Unfortunately Rodney had “flow” issues and missed all rounds, Claude had personal issues which left the two regulars. Round one and two were won by Stuart, Ernie had schedule issues and lost his way. Both pilots suffered landing damage on there second flight which ended there day. Maybe they should go back and start in Sportsman!!
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With the wind now gusting over 40, most pilots opted to not take the fourth flight despite having plenty of time. In fact, we managed to fly 9 entries 2 - 3 rounds each and end before 12. No rout this was down to the splendid work of the CD, Greg who kept everyone in check. The scoring was do by Sheree, this is so vital to keep the scores up-to-date during the event, just fantastic and a BIG thanks from me to Greg and Sheree who took the pressure off me and allowed me to concentrate more on my flying. Thanks must also go to the three Judges, regular Martin, nice man Kas and the one and only Christo.
SPORTSMAN Mike Robling Christo ADVANCED Rory Schalk Tim Damien MASTERS Stuart Ernie
39.17 35.17
53.67 51.83 52.75 41.17 42.50% 41.83
45.26 8.74 0.00 27.04
43.78 44.44 34.59 27.70
47.56 44.74 39.70 40.30
53.50 52.00 0.00 44.94 25.56 0.00
1 2
46.41 1 44.59 2 37.15 3 34.00 4 53.50 44.94
1 2
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team tim/ “ damien put on a
great show, but can we tame them for the future
”
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WCPA Round 2 + MAASA LEAGUE - 6 April
Perfect conditions, great club, happy “ pilots, good food, not bad flying ” Sportsman Hilton INTERMEDIATE Arthur Sheraaz Mike ADVANCED Tim MASTERS Stuart Claude Rodney
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46.17 28.83 47.00 44.17
45.78
47.78 54.85 52.73 52.12 51.21 51.01 53.94 47.07 41.11 46.97 46.97 44.24
53.23 52.05 46.06
31.11 41.33 34.74 40.44
38.84
58.83 51.89 61.00 60.83 42.00 46.11 48.56 44.78 40.56 30.94 0.00 0.00
60.22 46.48 23.83
PRECISION
The Cape produced just
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Stunning conditions Peninsula Radio Flyers What a day, could not have wished for better weather. Slight breeze, clear skies welcomed the pilots for round 2. Once again a good entry had confirmed there entry by the closing date but on the day only 8 of the 12 confirmed took part. Hilton and Lawrence had entered the Sportsman class but Lawrence had lost his plane the week before so this left Hilton on his own. This is only his second competition and he showed consistent scores except for round 2. Good flying Hilton. Intermediate next and the usual Sheraaz, Mike and Arthur battled it out for top gun. Sheraaz a clear winner on the first round but Arthur was having non of that and won the second and fourth round. Mike keeping an eye on the fight was just behind on all his rounds, Sheraaz fort back on the third round but in the end it was Arthur taking the win, very close guys, just fantastic. Once again four pilots had entered the Advanced class but only Tim look part. He did battle a bit with the schedule and without regular caller, Damien calling in sick!!! to guide him had to rely on Claude for help, sorry Tim, Claude couldn’t help that much! Finally Masters, with no Ernie this time, but a welcome back to Rodney who finally has got his engine and plane working. Regular Stuart was showing practice is the key to a good score, winning clearly all four rounds and improving all the time. A huge thanks to all three Judges, Martin,
Nick and Ludwig for there time. We started at just after 8 and finished all fourth rounds at about 1:30 with club flying between rounds giving the club members chance to fly and watch.
and keeping the event running smoothly, this was Kens first time and I do hope he joins us at future events. Thanks to all PRF members, Claude and his team for food, it was a really great event.
Ken, our CD did a fantastic job making sure the score sheets were handed in for scoring
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WCPA Round 3 - 18 May
Cold morning
THE EVENT Just spot-on Tygerberg Radio Flyers Despite the strong wind and very cold conditions that greeted all the pilots, the atmosphere was light and everyone was looking forward to a great competition.
And it was a great competition. The weather warmed up a little, but the wind continued to blow between 25 and 35.
the battery energy available per flight, Ernie found out that flying slower didn’t exhaust his batteries, now that’s going to save you some money.
All pilots battled with the conditions, the battery powered planes used most of
The event started with the Intermediate class, Sheraaz, Mike and Arthur fort it out.
cold and windy “ conditions greated
a healthy entry of 10 pilots
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Mike a clear winner on all rounds accept round four, that was won by Sheraaz and a very respectable score of 55% ahead of Mike and Arthur. Next class, Advanced saw regulars Rory and Cobus
joined by Ozzie. Rory was a little lost on his first flight, “it was an elevator problem” !!!! With that now sorted, he went on winning the second round, equaled the score of Cobus in round three. But his overall average was not go enough
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to beat Cobus for first place, who had to leave early. Great flying, very consistent scores. Ozzie, having been out for a while just stood there in amazement and wondered if he would be able to fly that good one day!!! So now to the “big guns”. The Masters class had a very health entry before the event, 7 entries, just fantastic but on the day 3 didn’t make it. Claude however did make the trip and helped call for a few pilots. Thanks Claude. John arrived mid morning to tell us that his plane not ready yet. So to the competition. Stuart and Ernie now had more competition, Rodney and Gerhard joined the battle for first. With Ernie now confident that his batteries would last, flew with more confidence. Round one was a close battle but Rodney ran out of fuel just before the last couple of maneuvers, managed to land (deed stick) but couldn’t continue due to engine issues. So this left the three to fight for
first. A very close second round between Stuart and Gerhard. In the third round Ernie flew out of sequence and therefore scored ‘0’s for half of his flight. What was he thinking of? Rounds three and four where clearly won by Stuart who was getting used to the conditions to score a well deserved 58 in round four. In fact, most pilots bettered there scores during the event despite the windy conditions. We must thank the three judges, Martin, Nick and Ludwig for sitting out in the cold all morning. To Ken for his CD work and keeping the event on track and to Arthur who help me with the scoring.
Thanks guys very much. And so to the Western province Championships this coming weekend at HRF. Looking forward to a great event. INTERMEDIATE Mike Sheraaz Arthur ADVANCED Cobus Rory Ozzie MASTERS Stuart Gerhard Ernie Rodney
49.90 51.82 52.32 52.02 47.78 44.55 51.92 55.15 24.24 49.80 46.97 48.28
52.05 51.62 48.35
57.70 53.78 55.33 0 34.15 55.04 55.33 55.11 44.37 36.00 44.22 43.85
55.60 55.16 44.15
50.50 52.00 55.06 44.33 52.28 51.22 48.78 50.56 29.56 37.83 0 0
55.13 51.57 50.61 12.61
58.33 51.22 52.50 0
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WCPA Round 4 - 7 June
Best provincial for a long time
aHelderberg breakRadio in the weather Flyers After a week of rain, wind and very cold conditions, the cape supplied a fantastic day for flying.
It started off very cold, but clear skies greated the pilots. The forecast was cold but calm conditions, this was the case until mid morning when the wind picked up to 30km and tested all the pilots in the third and fourth rounds.
It was tough for all 13 pilots to keep the line and land, but we all managed to complete all four rounds. Tim making a one wheel landing coming to a stop on the runway on one wheel, just brillient. Claude kept the event running on time, thank you Claude. “Cheers” Food was supplied by Claude sister Gillian, a thankless job but very welcomed by all pilots, helpers and judges. The plan was for all 13 pilots to fly 4 rounds in
cold but a calm “ start to the day, 4
rounds x 13 pilots in one day, cheers
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one day. The forecast for Sunday was wild and wet, so we had no choice. And we managed it. We started at 8:30 and finished at 4pm, a great event. So the Intermediate class started us off, Sheraaz, (PlaneCrazyRC) was on form coming second behind Mike and in front of Arthur in round one. Mike was on real form winning all four rounds which left Arthur and Sheraaz to fight for second and third spots. Arthur took the second and fourth relegating
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2014
Western Province
Championships 7 June Helderberg Radio Flyers
Sheraaz to third. Arthur not to happy with his performance and he did feel that having to score and fly didn’t mix very well and only wants to score after he has flown at the next event. Well done to Mike for being a clear winner but I am sure with a bit more practice, Arthur and Sheraaz will fighting for top position.
Advanced regulars, Rory and Cobus were joined this time by Ozzie and Tim. Ozzie did have
some engine issues in his Azurit, pulled of a great dead stick landing on his first round. Tim also had issues and followed Ozzie in round one. This left Rory and Cobus. Rory had finger trouble I think, well that’s what it looked like and left Cobus as the clear winner of rounds one and two. Ozzie again had plane issues in round two but managed a full flight in rounds three and four. In fact he finished second in the
last round. Rory and Cobus were really in a class of there own and to fight for top gun was between them. In the end Cobus winning 3 out of four rounds gave hime the win, in front of Rory, Tim and Ozzie. A very healthy entry for the Masters class, 7 entered but Claude had decided to help and took the roll of CD, Rodney who never managed to get his 4 stroke started missed all 4 rounds, sorry Rodney!!
Arthur, ready to take off
Nick, nice food!!
Lots of chit-chat
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WCPA Round 4 - 7 June
So this left 5 pilots. Regular Ernie and Stuart where joined by John, Gerhard and Kurt, welcome back Kurt. Stuart had decided to fly his new DeJaVu but after scoring a very bad first round decided to fly his well setup Envision. Kurt was on top form, his flying was spot on with a 61% first round score way ahead of the rest. Round two was won by Stuart, the highest score of the day which would win him the “PlaneCrazyRC” highest percentage score award. The Envision really showing its true colors. This relegated Kurt to second just ahead of Ernie, Gerhard and Johnny. The scores very close for fourth and fifth. Gerhard was a clear winner of the third round, Stuart making a stupid mistake gave a ‘0’ score on a high ‘K’ maneuver put him down in fifth place. At the end of the third round the class was wide open. Ernie was improving but had left it a bit late.
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Round four, Kurt, Gerhard, Ernie and John, all had very good flights, all scoring mid 50’s, John had his best round just behind Ernie who also improved. But this left one flight, Stuart had to pull off a great round to win, and he did just that scoring a 60+ to win the round and the event. So the 2014 Western Province Championships was all over, 12 pilots x 4 flights in one day, a huge thats to Claude who kept his finger on the clock, to Nick, Ludwig and Martin, our regular Judges, to Arthur for helping me with scoring and Gillian for the food.
Thanks to the Sponsors, Hobby Warehouse, PlaneCrazyRC, Pro-Sec, Square Edge Design, and at the prize giving it was decided by all the pilots and Judges to award the ARF raffle plane, supplied by Square Edge, to Lawrence, Mikes caller and friend who had crashed his plane a few weeks before while practicing. Finally thanks to HRF committee and members who allowed us to use HRF for this great event.
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Cobus watch my plane
TIME FOR THE AWARDS
John Calefato
LAWRENCE colLecting his arf from stuart
Mike - Intermediate
Stuart - Masters
Cobus - Advanced
Stuart - Highest % score
INTERMEDIATE 1 Mike 49.90 56.77 53.43 51.21 2 Arthur 47.27 54.24 47.68 50.00 3 Sheraaz 47.68 53.84 49.09 46.77 ADVANCED 1 Cobus 56.52 52.39 46.01 59.93 2 Rory 42.97 42.03 48.91 49.57 3 Tim 12.83 36.38 36.45 46.01 4 Ozzie 17.97 25.58 40.87 50.51 MASTERS 1 Stuart 53.72 62.17 52.39 60.22 2 Kurt 61.00 57.67 56.83 55.22 3 Ernie 56.00 50.44 54.33 57.72 4 Gerhard 51.22 49.61 58.17 55.89 5 John 48.28 49.61 54.44 54.39 Stuart - Highest percentage score 62.17
53.80 50.64 50.20 56.28 47.15 39.61 38.99 58.70 58.50 56.02 55.09 53.81
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WCPA Round 5 - 17 August
Fantastic Flying Conditions
early summer!! Peninsula Radio Flyers Summer has come early, well that’s what the weather was like on the day. Just fantastic conditions for flying. A small entry of only 8 pilots, but the event was well supported by 4 guys who due to personal circumstances decided not to fly but they came to support the event.
Intermediate class up first and Sheraaz was on fire! He has been putting in the practice time which showed in his scores. Mike gave him a run for his money but did experience interference on his second flight, no damage to his plane, but his heart skipped a beat. Advanced regular Rory was this time joined by Aubry who is making a welcoming return to Aerobatics. Aubry showed he hadn’t lost his touch and improved on each flight to win the class. Rory told me he had the wrong settings on his radio, that’s why his scores were low, (now i have heard it all) Finally Masters class. The regulars were missing John and Ernie who watched from the pit area. Rodney snapped his header pipe on his first flight and that put him out for the rest of the day. Claude feeling the pressure and was “thrust” into a bad angle when his engine moved position, (another excuse). This left Kurt and Stuart to battle it out for the win. Stuart seamed to be on drugs towards the end, with his laid-back attitude left Rodney, (his caller) wondering if he had fallen asleep. (another excuse, wow) so Kurt was just in a class of his own, no excuses at all, just dame good flying.
“
A summers day in the middle of winter, wow
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”
Kurt also won the “highest percentage” score gift voucher prize sponsored by Sheraaz from PlaneCrazy. Thanks to everyone for making it another great event, Nick and Martin for there time judging, the catering staff, etc.
INTERMEDIATE Sheraaz Mike ADVANCED Aubry Rory MASTERS Kurt Stuart Claude Rodney
58.18 68.03 64.85 66.97 59.24 28.64 62.27 64.09
66.62 61.87
58.70 58.80 64.35 65.98 51.30 48.04 55.33 56.41
63.04 54.35
68.75 65.17 69.08 64.58 64.33 67.50 53.75 66.50 55.75 50.67 54.17 57.00 49.08 0.00 0.00 0.00
67.67 66.11 55.64 16.36
WCPA Round 6 - 4 September
11 pilots and 2 Judges fort with
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Those dam buzzing flies Tygerberg Radio Flyers Fantastic conditions all day except for the tiny flys that buzzed in your ears, run up your nose, and blinded you from seeing. Despite all that, what a fantastic day.
The second competition at TMFC, now becoming the second best Pattern Competition venue in the Cape. An entry of 11 had confirmed, Rory had work commitments and with drue his entry. So the 10 pilots arived at 8 in the morning to cloudles skys, no wind, just perfect conditions. The new energy from the committee showed. Refreshemnts available all day and a lunch time braai. Lawrance was the only SPORTSMAN entry, as he told me to start, he hasnt had much time to check out the schedule, (thats what we all say). He did however have engine issues most of the day, but managed to complete the schedule on rounds 3 and 4, next time I hope he gets all four scores.
Perfect weather, “ perfect club conditions greated all 10 entries
�
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WCPA Round 6
2014 TMFC
Those dam buzzing flies 14 September
Mike next in the INTERMEDIATE class, one again the only entry, Mikes consistent flying except for round 3 gave him a respectable 59%. Three entries in ADVANCED class saw a close battel between Cobus, now 4 stroke and Aubrey. Ozzie battled but put in a stirling effort. Cobus won the first two rounds clearly ahead of Aubrey, but Aubrey fort back to win the last two rounds and the class win, but only just.
instead on combination roll and scored a ‘0’. Ernie did out of sequence on his second flight which gave the win to Stuart. Rounds 3 and 4 were clearly won by Ernie with fantastic high scores. Stuart fort back on the final round but clipped the box and a 0 score was given, OUCH!!
And finally to the “big Guns” MASTERS class. The regular 5 pilots took to the sky. Rodney’s second comp this year were he completed all four rounds. He finished on a respectable 52% behind John and Claude. The real battle was once again between Stuart and Ernie. Ernie winning the opening round when Stuart rolled
The event will be HRF in October and maybe a new venune in November, dates to be confirmed.
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A fantastic day despite the bitting bugs, thanks to Kas and Martin for there dedication and support, to TMFC members and committee.
Thanks again, Pattern is on the increase lets all together keep the momentum going and maybe we will get the support and interest from other Cape clubs.
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Sportsman Lawrance INTERMEDIATE Mike ADVANCED Aubrey Cobus Ozzie MASTERS Ernie Stuart John Claude Rodney
-
20.00 43.25 44.75 36.00
59.09 58.64 53.03 59.70
59.14
63.00 61.67 65.22 68.37 63.72 66.44 50.56 65.43 41.00 54.78 47.80 0
65.53 65.20 47.86
64.00 36.68 68.75 57.33 65.33 63.50 56.08 54.17 61.92 56.92 54.67 58.83 52.00 58.17 46.17
67.08 64.78 57.39 56.81 52.67
68.50 65.50 51.42 47.50 47.83
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Technical
Technical
MAKING THAT SNAP One of the most challenging individual maneuvers to fly cleanly is the snap roll. It also happens to be one of the most misunderstood of the different aerobatic elements. Also known as a flick roll in European aerobatic circles, the snap roll shares more with the traditional spin than the conventional aileron roll. Snap and spin maneuvers share an autorotation about the roll and yaw axis caused by a stalled wing and a yaw input. Both aileron and snap rolls rotate the aircraft through 360 degrees, but that is where the similarities end. The important difference is that conventional rolls are primarily an aileron maneuver flown at a relatively low angle of attack, while snap rolls are a rudder/elevator maneuver at a very high angle of attack.
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INSIDE SNAP ROLLS
I can remember clearly the first time I rode through a snap roll. While I had been briefed before the instructional flight, I was taken aback by the incredibly fast roll rate, the instantaneous high g-force of the initial pitchup, and the sudden stoppage back at wings level. I was also amazed that all that power could be harnessed by stalling the aircraft. From that point forward, the snap roll has been a favorite maneuver that I love to perform with both models and full scale. Initially drawn to its dramatic effect on the flight, I have come to appreciate the skill required to precisely execute it. There is nothing more beautiful to me than an inverted 45-degree down line with a precise snap and a half on the line back to upright flight, followed by a crisp pull to level. To perform snap rolls, it is important to have a clear understanding of spin theory and recovery. Recovery from spins should be second nature before proceeding to snap rolls. For all practical purposes, a snap roll is an accelerated horizontal spin. If you were to allow the snap roll to continue for multiple rotations, the aircraft would bleed off energy and end up in a spin. We will do the first few snap rolls from a level line. Be sure to start at an altitude that will allow a half-loop recovery from a failed maneuver. Choose the flight direction to perform the snap roll directly in front of you. A snap roll can put enormous stress on the model, so it is important to approach snap rolls with respect, increasing the entry speed incrementally as you gain experience. Once established on the level line, add enough throttle to maintain a normal cruising speed. Rapidly apply full up elevator and
full left rudder simultaneously. Aided by torque, the model will snap more readily to the left. By adding up elevator, you have instantly stalled the wing. By adding rudder, you have induced a yaw force that will cause the autorotation exactly like a spin. As the wing stalls, the nose will yaw and roll to the left. Hold full left rudder and up elevator until you are ready for the snap to stop. The rotation rate may be very high. It will be time to recover before you can blink your eyes. At approximately 45 degrees prior to wings level, neutralize the controls. This will stop the autorotation, allowing momentum to finish the maneuver for you. You will likely need to add a slight down elevator input to re-establish the level line. It may also be necessary to stop the roll rate with a small aileron input. The most challenging aspect of snap rolls for most pilots is to precisely stop the roll. Practice is the only way to perfect the technique required for your particular model. Some models do not snap well with just rudder/elevator inputs. Some snap better with pro-snap aileron, i.e., left aileron with an upright snap roll to the left. Many pilots find that their snap rolls are easier to control using pro-snap aileron. If you find that your model is hesitant to snap with just rudder/elevator, give some pro-snap aileron a try.
There are many variations to snap rolls; most deal with modifying the roll rate (faster or slower). Here are a couple of common variations: 1– To accelerate the roll rate, many pilots add pro-snap aileron (in the direction of the snap). This will allow for incredibly high roll rates. 2– To precisely stop a snap roll, many pilots initiate recovery at approximately the second knife-edge position, and finish the rolling motion with aileron. This can be considered cheating, as transitioning to the ailerons allows a much more precise termination to the maneuver. In reality though, if it is perceived to be a snap by the judges, then it is a snap. 3– Another technique for accelerating the snap is to reduce the elevator input slightly after the snap has started. This unloads the wings slightly and, although theyre still stalled, creates a higher roll rate. 4– Some pilots use very high elevator throws to slow the roll rate. By adding high throws after the snap has started, the model will enter a very deep stall, which will slow the roll rate down. The problem with this technique is that the model may decelerate significantly and appear to wallow. Snapping too deeply causes a very large deceleration and difficult recovery. 5– While the technique I outlined
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above only describes a snap roll using left rudder, snap rolls can and should be practiced to both the left and right.
may need to adjust the ailerons slightly to stop precisely at the wings-level position. Exit the maneuver in the same inverted level line.
3– Applying either the rudder or the elevator first, rather than simultaneously, when starting the snap roll. If elevator is added first, the model will climb before it stalls. If rudder is added first, the model will yaw before it stalls, causing the snap roll and recovery heading to be offset from the intended heading.
VERTICAL SNAP ROLLS
OUTSIDE SNAP ROLLS
Outside snap rolls share the same basic aerodynamic principals as inside snap rolls. While learning outside snaps, I recommend starting from an inverted level line and recovering to the same inverted line. This minimizes the possibility of a loss of orientation. You should be competent at inverted flight and aileron rolls before proceeding to outside snap rolls. Also, until you are comfortable with them, I recommend performing outside snap rolls at a respectable altitude. If outside snaps are allowed to develop, an inverted spin will result. From a level inverted line, apply full down elevator, and right rudder. Thats correct, down elevator and right rudder. Down elevator will stall the wing with a negative angle of attack. The right rudder input will cause the aircraft to yaw to its right, but because it is inverted, it appears to be yawing and rolling to the left. Go ahead and hold your hand up to prove it to yourself. Outside snaps (and inverted spins for that matter) can be very confusing, which is why I recommend making a small plane on a stick. They are very helpful when trying to visualize new maneuvers. The model will pitch nose up from the inverted position, and a traditional autorotation will occur exactly like the inside snap roll, until the controls are released. Start the recovery at approximately 45 degrees prior to inverted wings level. You
The same variations used during inside snap rolls can be used during outside snap rolls, just reverse the control inputs. The exception is the use of aileron. In both cases (inside and outside snaps) that we have discussed, we have rolled to the left. For outside snap rolls that roll to the right, use left rudder and right aileron. As mentioned above, there will be some models that dont snap well with just rudder/ elevator inputs. Some models do snap better (and may score better) with pro-snap aileron Pro-snap aileron for outside snaps is slightly different than pro-snap aileron for an upright snap. For an outside snap using right rudder, pro-snap aileron is left aileron (during an outside snap using right rudder, the model rolls left). Additionally, many pilots find that their snap rolls are easier to control and recover from cleanly using prosnap aileron. If you find that your model is hesitant to snap with just rudder/elevator, give some pro-snap aileron a try. Be sure to practice outside snap rolls to the left and right. COMMON MISTAKES FOR ALL SNAP ROLLS 1– Inadequate or late recovery. It is not uncommon for the pilot to start the recovery too late while learning. The model can overrotate the bank angle by as much as 90 to 180 degrees. 2– Stalling the model too deeply. This causes a large loss of energy and a slow recovery.
Vertical snap rolls are one of the more challenging maneuvers that you will fly with your model aircraft. Snap rolls, by nature, involve a large pitch and yaw motion. From level flight, the pitch and yaw assist in resuming the level line. There is a positive angle of attack prior to the snap, as well as during and after. A pitch change is necessary, but simply relaxing the stick to neutral after the snap will generally produce an acceptable flight path exiting the maneuver. Snap rolls on vertical lines are entirely different. Once established on a good vertical line, the angle of attack of the wing is very near zero. When the snap is initiated, the angle of attack has to be rapidly increased to cause the stall and subsequent snap. When you initiate the recovery, centering the stick will stop the snap roll, but not re-establish the vertical line. The model can be as much as 15 degrees or more off vertical. To reestablish your line will require a corrective pitch input beyond neutral stick. Here is how I fly a vertical snap roll. Establish a vertical line and initiate the snap. Accelerate the snap roll on the vertical line by reducing the elevator input after the initial rotation by about half. For a full one-turn snap roll, I start the recovery at the 3/4-roll position with an abrupt pitch down and neutral rudder. This will effectively stop the snap roll. Blend in aileron to finish the last 1/4 roll. Some may call this cheating, but if it looks like a duck, waddles like a duck, and quacks like a duck, its a duck. Vertical snap rolls also require a significant energy increase over vertical aileron rolls. Snap rolls
dissipate incredible amounts of energy when stalling the wing. Entry speed and overall total energy of the model must be much higher for a vertical snap than for a vertical aileron roll. Finally, if there was ever a maneuver that had a high likelihood of exiting into a spin if botched, it has to be the vertical up line with a snap. The combination of a snapping autorotation, high thrust setting, gyroscopic forces and low airspeed make for a very likely stall/spin scenario. Be prepared to close the throttle and initiate recovery.
CONCLUSION
I hope at some point in your next flying session you will set aside some time to give snap rolls a try. They not only look great, but also add a new dimension to your repertoire of aerobatic figures. Flying snap rolls cleanly is challenging, but if it were easy everyone would be doing it! The biggest gain, however, is the increased confidence you will get operating your model around the stall. The ability to fly snap rolls and spins increases your comfort level pretty dramatically, making stalled flight part of a maneuver rather than part of an accident. Remember, till next timeaerobatics make the world go round.
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WCPA Round 7 - 12 October
And then came the wind...
AND stopped THE FUN Helderberg Radio Flyers A 30 - 40kph South Easter faced all pilots after the second round. A challenging 3rd flight forced us to opt for only 3 rounds.
Intermediate started the day off with a good flight from Sheraaz. Arthur was some way off his score but he managed to close the gap on the second round but just couldn’t match the flying of class winner Sheraaz. I must mention now that Sheraaz has offered to sponsor, where possible a gift voucher for the highest percentage score, to be spent at his online hobby shop, “PlaneCrazyRC” thanks Sherraz.
Advanced class regulars, Rory, Aubrey, Ozzie and Cobus faught it out for the class win. But Aubrey was in a class of his own and despite the hectic wind on his third flight showed tremendous skill and scored a very respectable 68.22% and won the PlaneCrazyRC voucher. Cobus was the only other pilot in the class to score a 60%+ but was not on form today.
Aubrey, winner of the PlaneCrazy voucher. 20
PRECISION AEROBATICs
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WCPA Round 7 - 12 October
and then came the wind...
and stopped THE FUN Helderberg Radio Flyers Rory who had issue on the Saturday with “glitches” with his Quantum had to fly the OTOP which lacked power. Ozzie, well what can one say!! To the Masters class, the normal 5 entries which was split between 2 and 3. The three being Rodney, John and Claude all flying well but they just couldn’t match the flying of Ernie and Stuart. These two battled it for the class win, neither scoring high 60’s and both making stupid mistakes on the second round. Despite Ernie winning the second and
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third round, Stuarts first flight % was just enough for him to win the class, but only just. So that was the season of 2014, I must thank all the clubs involved for there support and continued support in 2015. A BIG thanks to Nic, Martin, Kas and Ludwig for there judging support. Next year, sees the reintroduction of MAASA, monthlies and League events, Master qualifiers and also new local flying fields. Great season prospects.
INTERMEDIATE Sheraaz Arthur ADVANCED Rory Aubrey Ozzie Cobus MASTERS Stuart Ernie Claude John Rodney
57.58 60.76 54.70 59.17 1 48.94 56.52 47.88 52.73 2 44.11 54.00 49.67 64.56 66.22 68.22* 48.56 53.22 45.56 61.78 58.33 59.78
51.83 4 67.22 1 50.89 3 60.78 2
64.83 63.58 57.25 55.00 48.42
63.67 1 63.42 2 57.46 3 55.88 4 47.00 5
62.50 61.25 63.25 62.83 57.67 55.92 56.75 50.08 45.58 44.58
*Highest % scored - PlaneCrazy voucher
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