RULES AND GUIDELINES FOR DOMESTIC RADIO CONTROL SCALE COMPETITIONS 1 INTRODUCTION FEBRUARY 2008 1.1 The aim of these rules and guidelines is to stimulate interest in flying R/C scale aircraft competitively and to assist competitors and judges to participate in PERF R/C scale flying competitions for the maximum amount of enjoyment. 1.2 These rules and guidelines are intended to facilitate the interpretation of the latest SAMAA R/C Scale Rule Book within the context of PERF domestic competitions. In order to facilitate the running of domestic competitions, however, the PERF Committee may apply modifications to these rules to cover such aspects as the organisation of competitions, the number of judges required and other practical arrangements. 1.3 If there is any doubt as to the interpretation of these rules and guidelines by competitors and judges, the latest edition of the SAMAA R/C Scale Rule Book shall be used as reference. 1.4 The latest version of the SAMAA Scale Rule Book is available on the SAMAA website: http://www.samaa.org.za under the National Association of Scale Aeromoddlers: Scale Rules. 2 ABOUT R/C SCALE AIRCRAFT 2.1 What is an R/C Scale Aircraft? A scale model is be a reproduction of a heavier-than air, fixed-wing, man-carrying aircraft, which has been airborne. The definition therefore excludes aircraft such as helicopters and drones. 2.2 What classes of R/C scale aircraft are there? 2.2.1 SPORTS SCALE: These are scale aircraft intended for flying only. The model does not have to be built by the pilot. This class is intended to encourage flyers to participate in scale competitions without the need for the time-consuming activity of constructing their own aircraft. The following must, however, be borne in mind when selecting a model to fly in this class: The model must be a clearly recognisable rendition and not a caricature of a full size fixed wing aircraft. ARF Scale Models are eligible. For example an Ugly Stick 1
does not fulfil the criterion that it represents a Fokker Monoplane, neither does a 2 x2 Caprise represent a CAP 232 etc. The decision of the flight judges in this regard will be final. Any scale model with any colour scheme is acceptable, provided that the model fulfils this criterion. (SAMAA Rule) NOTES: (a) This means that your plane must correspond to a three view outline of the original. If you think the judges may question your entry, bring along an acceptable three view of the original full-size (not of your model!) (b) If the pilot of the prototype is visible from the front or from the side during flight, a dummy pilot of scale size and shape shall be equally visible during flight in the model. If such a pilot is not fitted, the total flight score shall be reduced by 10%. (SAMAA Rule). 2.2.2 STAND-OFF SCALE (SOS): The competitor must have built the model, must sign a declaration to this effect and must pilot it. In addition, the aircraft is subject to static judging at a distance of six metres to determine the degree of fidelity to scale and craftsmanship. To enable the judges to assess the aircraft, the competitor must provide documentation in the form of a threeview and a colour photo. 2.2.3 CLASS F4C: This is the international class for scale flying. Models are judged for fidelity to scale and craftsmanship for such items as scale accuracy, colour, markings, surface texture and realism, craftsmanship and scale detail. The model is judged according to detailed and verifiable documentation provided by the competitor. 2.3 What size should my aircraft be? There are no restrictions on the size of the model, weight or engine size; however the SAMAA Large Aircraft regulations apply. There are restrictions for the F4C Class. It is important to know the scale to which your aircraft is built (e.g. 1/6, 1/4 etc) as this information has to be filled in on the score sheet. 2.4 Performance (a) You must to provide the judges with the cruising speed of the full size so it is important to find this out before entering the competition. This must be filled in on your score sheet. The scale speed of the model, based on the speed of the full size aircraft (as indicated on the score sheet and documentation) is judged as if it were performing a public flying display. Model aircraft invariably fly faster than scale speed and marks will be deducted accordingly. For example a quarter-scale Piper Cub should fly at about 30 to 35 kph as the full size has a maximum speed of 137 kph. (b) You also need to find out something of the capabilities of the full size so that you will know how to fly your model. You must indicate on your score sheet whether 2
the full-size aircraft is aerobatic or not. If it is aerobatic what manoeuvres can the fullsize actually perform? (Not what your model can do!). If you select the wrong options you will be penalised for this. 3 PERF RULES FOR FLYING SCALE COMPETITIONS 3.1 How many aircraft can I enter? You may only enter one aircraft per class. Competitors may fly in more than one class provided a different aircraft is used in each class. 3.2 May contestants share an aircraft? Contestants may not share an aircraft. The PERF judges may at their discretion and under special circumstances allow no more than two contestants to share an aircraft in the Sports Scale category only (e.g. a father and son may apply to share the same aircraft). 3.3 About the Scale Flying: Flight Schedule: All three classes of R/C scale aircraft fly the same schedule. The encouraging aspect of scale flying is that the manoeuvres are deceptively easy and besides the compulsory manoeuvres the competitor has a wide choice of options to suite his particular aircraft. All flying manoeuvres are judged bearing in mind the performance of the full size prototype. The aim of the scale flight schedule is to recreate the flight characteristics and realism of the full-size aircraft. (Judges are cautioned not to confuse scale contests with aerobatic contests.) 3.4 What manoeuvres can I fly? 3.4.1 Compulsory manoeuvres There are five compulsory manoeuvres (1 to 4 and 6 in the table listed below), and five optional manoeuvres of the pilots own choice. Manoeuvre Degree of difficulty (K factor) 1 Take-off 9 2 Straight flight 3 3 Figure eight 9 4 Descending 360 0 circle 9 5 Five optional manoeuvres of your own choice 6 each 6 Approach and landing 12 7 Realism in flight: 3
7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4 Engine noise Speed of model Smoothness of flight Choice of options 3.4.2 Optional manoeuvres 3 7 6 12 a) Retract and extend landing gear. (Only a or b not both) b) Extend and Retract Flaps (Only a or b not both) c) Dropping of bombs or fuel tanks. (NO EXPLOSIVES!). d) Stall turn e) Immelmann turn f) One loop g) Split S (Reversal) h) Cuban 8 i) Normal Spin (3 turns) j) Roll k) Parachute drop l) Touch and go m) Overshoot (Non aerobatic aircraft only) n) Side slip o) Contestant may demonstrate two flight functions of his own choice which may not be the same. p) Flight in Triangular circuit (Non aerobatic aircraft only) q) Flight in Rectangular circuit (Non aerobatic aircraft only) r) Flight in a Straight line at constant height below 6 m (Non aerobatic aircraft only) s) Flight in a Straight Line with one engine throttled (multi-engines) t) Chandelle (Non aerobatic aircraft only) u) Wing-over v) Inverted flight w) Derry Turn SEE LATEST SAMAA SCALE RULE BOOK FOR THE DETAILS OF EACH MANOEUVRE AND THE DOWNGRADES Note: i) Some of the manoeuvres are for non-aerobatic aircraft only. ii) It is up to you as the pilot to convince the judges that your aircraft can actually fly the manoeuvres selected. iii) Only one mechanical option may be selected 3.5 May I have assistants / helpers? A contestant may have one helper during an official flight. An additional helper may assist with starting and pre-flight preparations. All but one helper must retire clear from the flying area before the flight is called. No helper may touch the transmitter during an official flight. 4
The judge / contest organiser nominated as time keeper is responsible for observing that helpers do not touch the transmitter once the first manoeuvre has been called. If a helper touches the transmitter, the flight is scored zero. 3.6 Calling the flight Each manoeuvre must be announced by your helper prior to commencement and called on commencement by the word NOW. All flying manoeuvres must be announced upon completion by the word FINISHED/ COMPLETE. It is important that your helper is familiar with the manoeuvres you have chosen and knows when and how to call. A good team makes for a good flight. 3.7 Judges A minimum of two PERF approved judges shall officiate at a domestic competition. NOTE: The only time you may approach the judges during a competition is prior to and immediately after your official flight. At no time should you be standing closer than ten metres from the judges. Any competitor who attempts to influence the judges decisions or interferes with the judges in any way will be immediately disqualified from the competition and asked to leave the flying field. 3.8 Contest organisation The contest organiser shall be responsible for the draw and flight timing. The standard PERF rules and procedures will apply for transmitter control. It is the responsibility of contestants to ensure that their aircraft are positioned in the flight boxes in the correct order and that they are prepared to commence their flight when required so to do. A contestant who fails to commence his flight when required so to do will move to the end of the flight order for that round if, in the opinion of the judges, time permits or will forfeit the flight for that particular round. 3.9 Is there any cost involved? Yes. The SAMAA rules make provision for an entry fee for scale competitions. The PERF Committee has requested that each discipline be financially self supporting and not draw on club funds. It will therefore be necessary to levy a small entry fee per competition. This is to cover administrative and other costs including prizes at the end of the year. For 2008 the entry fee will be R20 per competitor, but may be adjusted annually prior to the commencement of the season. 5
3.10 What about safety? The normal PERF / SAMAA safety rules apply. Any contestant infringing safety rules will be disqualified by the judges from the competition for the day and any points scored will be forfeited. In addition the judges may report the incident to the PERF Committee for disciplinary action. 3.11 Code of conduct / sportsmanship: Any competitor who, in the opinion of the judges, exhibits unsporting behaviour during a competition will be disqualified from the competition for the day and any points scored will be forfeited. In addition the judges may report the incident to the PERF Committee for disciplinary action. 4 ENTERING AND FLYING A COMPETITION 4.1 Entering the competition Before you may fly in a competition you have to pay the entry fee and be entered in the draw. The contest organiser will make the draw using the receipts of payment. The draw will constitute the flight order for the day and will be posted on the notice board alongside the transmitter stand. Latecomers will be added to the end of the flight order as they enrol, but may not fly in the previous round if the next round has already commenced. 4.2 Flight score sheets: Before you can fly a round you need to fill in a Flight Score Sheet for each judge. A copy of the score sheet is attached. Each judge needs a score sheet for each round. If there are three judges and we fly three rounds you will need to complete nine copies of the score sheet. It is therefore advisable to fill these out at home before you get to the field it saves a lot of time and frustration! Photocopies or computer printouts are fine provided they are replicas of the current SAMAA score sheet. 4.3 Order of flying: The order of starting of the various competitors will be established by means of a draw before the start of the contest. The flight order of the competitors will not be changed. 4.4 Official Flights: 4.4.1 Each contestant must execute an official flight within the required time limit on each occasion to be eligible for flight points for that flight. Before commencing your first flight for the day you may inform the judges about the choice of your manoeuvres, the flight characteristics of your particular aircraft and other details you think will help the judges to assess your flight. 6
4.4.2 If a contestant is unable to start or complete a flight and, in the opinion of the judges, the cause is outside the control of the contestant, the judges may award the contestant a re-flight. The judges shall decide when the re-flight shall take place. 4.4.3 An official flight commences at the earliest of the following: a) In the case of a piston engine, when the contestant or helper begins to crank the engine in order to start it, or b) In the case of an electric motor, when the contestant or helper announces the commencement of the first manoeuvre, or c) Three minutes after the contestant is instructed to start the flight. 4.4.4 An official flight is terminated when the model lands and stops. 4.4.5 An official flight shall be considered to have been completed when the model has been airborne for 60 seconds. 4.5 Flight Timing: 4.5.1 The contestant will be required to start the flight when instructed to do so by the judges / contest organiser. 4.5.2 Timing of the flight will commence when the official flight commences as per paragraph 4.4.3. 4.5.3 The contestant will be allowed 17 minutes to complete the flight. 4.5.4 No points will be awarded for any manoeuvre which is not completed at the end of the time allowed. 4.6 Starting Time 4.6.1 If the model is not airborne within seven minutes after the official flight and timing commence, the official flight will end and no points will be awarded for the flight. 4.6.2 If the engine stops after take-off has commenced, but before the model is airborne the engine may be restarted, but no points will be awarded for take-off. There is only one attempt allowed to repeat the take-off. 4.7 Attempts. A contestant may have two attempts to complete an official flight. The attempt must be called before the expiry of the seven minutes time to get airborne, or before the model has been airborne for more than 60 seconds. 4. 8 Order of manoeuvres All manoeuvres must be flown in the order they appear of your score sheet. Any manoeuvre flown out of order scores zero. 7
4.9 Direction of flight, take-off, landing and flight-line You may choose and nominate to the judges the direction of your take-off, landing and touch and go, provided you don t fly behind the judges or over a no-fly area. The flight line is always parallel to the judges with the centre opposite them. 4.10 Number of flights to count Normally a contest consists of three rounds of flying with the average of the best two flights to constitute the flight score. If only two rounds of flying can be completed, the best flight will constitute the flight score. If only one round of flying can be completed, that flight will constitute the flight score. 4.11 Scores and results 4.11.1 Flight scores will be calculated by the judges / contest organiser during the week after the competition and posted on the PERF website. 4.11.2 Competitors entering into the Stand-off scale category will receive flight scores only until such time as static judging has taken place. Once static scores are available the flight scores will be reworked to include the static score to obtain a final score as per SAMAA rules. 5 Stand-Off Scale 5.1 Competitors wishing to enter the Stand-off scale class must indicate this on their score sheets. 5.2 Until such time as the aircraft is judged and receives a static score only flight scores will be used. After static judging, flight scores from previously flown rounds in a year will be converted to SOS results. In order for this to happen the same aircraft that was flown in previous rounds must be presented for static judging. 5.3 Contestants wishing to enter in the stand-off scale category will be required to present their aircraft for static judging at the PERF championships or at some other suitable time organised by the judges. 5.4 Static Judging for Stand-Off Scale Section 1 of the SAMAA Stand-off Scale Rule Book applies. In order to ensure uniformity, however, the judges for PERF domestic competitions shall be restricted to a maximum of five (5) minutes per side, plan and end view each. An additional five (5) minutes is allocated for colour, markings, craftsmanship. The time allocated for judging an aircraft is thus restricted to a maximum of twenty (20) minutes. 8
6 Some Helpful Remarks 6.1 Do make sure that you know what your manoeuvres should look like and practice them before the competition. 6.2 Practice flying with your caller and make sure you understand each other. 6.3 Prepare a card of your flight schedule for your caller. Decide which manoeuvres you are going to perform into wind and which down wind. Work out what turns you are going to perform to position your aircraft for the next manoeuvre and include these on your calling card. Remember that the whole flight in judged for realism, not just the manoeuvres listed on your score sheet. 6.4 Make sure everything is working before you get to the flight-line. There is nothing more frustrating for everyone than watching you struggle for 7 minutes to start your engine and then come back and do it all over again with the same result! PJG PERF Scale Rules February 2008 9
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