Flying aerobatic patterns, such as the IMAC portion of our contest, is a great may to learn a more disciplined way to fly your radio controlled aircraft. This style of flying tends to improve a pilots awareness of what the aircraft is doing and rewards the participant with improved flying skills.
We are confident that you will enjoy this experience!
Do I need a big and expensive airplane?
The giant scale aircraft generally used in the higher classes of competition are not required to participate in the basic class at our event. In fact, you can bring any airplane in your stable to fly. It is helpful to have progressed into the aerobatic airframes such as an Edge or Extra as they make it easier to fly the straight lines required for these precision flights. But for this beginner class, size, airframe type, and powerplant does not matter.
What does it cost?
We want you to give this flying style a try, so there is a small charge of $5.00 for participants in the basic class.
Where do I start?
To get a jump on the competition, get a partner and start practicing the IMAC basic pattern. You can download the current patterns from www.mini-iac.com. These patterns consist of basic maneuvers such as loops, rolls, immelmans, and other simple routines that you are probably already doing.
Your partner can learn the routine and "call" it out to you as you fly.
During the contest, you are required to have a caller. The caller is
generally responsible for reading the sequence as you fly and dealing with the
airplane when on the ground.
The key to being a successful aerobatic pilot is how you connect those maneuvers and how well you stay within the defined airspace or "aerobatic box". There are several great articles out there on these basic tools on the www.mini-iac.com web site.
With a quick search online, you can also find several video demonstrations of the sequences on sites like you-tube and others.
If you are local to the Molalla flying site, feel free to drop by on the weekends! There are usually several pilots from more-advanced classes flying and most would be very willing to give you pointers!