how many laps after take off?

[Paul Taylor]

For the beginner pattern and advance pattern?

[Clint Ormosen]

Five minimum. Three to get scored plus two "between maneuvers" level laps.

[Alan Hahn]

If I takeoff just in front of the judges (roll starts just to the right of where they are sanding), I count 5 laps before the wingover. If I my takeoff roll is just AFTER the judges, then I count 6 laps for the wing over (each lap is counted when I pass the judges and the wingover if right in front of the judges chair).

[john e. holliday]

It all depends on where you take off.  As was pointed out at the stunt clinic.  Take off is just about 15 to 20 feet before you get to the judges.  Take off is about a 25 foot roll to a gradual climb until you get to the takeoff point.  At that point you should be at flying altitude.  Then two laps for the judges to see how level you keep it.  Two more laps and pull vertical in front of the judges for the reverse or wing over, depending whicdh pattern you are flying.

If you take off any where else on the circle you have to make sure you pass your take off point at least five times.  By the way why take off on the up wind side.  Think about the wind blowing on the rudder.  Also you will have less tendancy to balloon the take off into the wind.  All of us were really surprised about the up wind take off.  Having fun.  DOC Holliday

[Scott B. Riese]

I've always do six after take off. And Seven on inverted flight. Been doing it for awhile. Seems to take out the judge with  Math problems. 

Don't give them anything to question your flight.

[Chris McMillin]

Pass the judges five times and you're golden.
Chris...

[peabody]

I suggest SIX laps on take-off as it takes ANY ambiguity out of the deal.  I frequently count out loud when judging.
Same for inverted...I count. I agree that seven laps takes all the question from inverted...if you are ever unsure, do another lap....

[Paul Taylor]

Thanks guys!

I will make sure I pass the judges six times.
If I lose count I will go an extra lap. (Math was hard for me) 

[Jim Pollock]

A near perfect take off is done when your take-off roll continues for just slightly less that 1/4 lap then after ground is broken a slight and gradual climb to 5' after one full lap.  Then you perform 2 level laps at 5' before you do the 2 laps to the wing over or what ever the first maneuver is.  I find the hardest part of take off is breaking ground at the perfect point and ten making a gradual climb from the ground to 5' in exactly 1 lap.  Whew!!! Do it and you can get lots of points on the take-off....

Jim Pollock   

[John Miller]

I count a lap every time I fly past the judges. I always fly 6 laps for the take off and level flight. Never a doubt that way. 

[SteveMoon]

I always do 5 laps total of level flight. I don't see any reason in making
the judges have to stand out there any longer than necessary. I also
try to set up my planes so that they run out of fuel after the pattern
is completed within 5 - 8 laps of finishing the clover. To me, 2 laps is
perfect. I am always amazed at contests by how many people take off
in the wrong spot on a windy day. I can't count how many times I've
seen people try to take off to the right of the judges (as facing the circle)
and then have the wind lift the tail of their plane and hit the prop on
the ground. This is a basic mistake that should be easily avoided.

Later, Steve

[Charlie Pate]

Before you ask ! (and you will ask) how many inverted?
 2between 3 to score, 2 between?

That being said , Busby gave me a tip the other day.
He observed lots of folks are up on the wheel on take offf. Once the plane is air borne, they fly around getting mentally
prepared for the all important wingover which sets the tone of the pattern , and let the scored level laps go to pot.
Every point counts!
He must have been watching me.
Let this be our little secret . Don,t tell anyone I told you this especially Busby. 

[bill marvel]

Before you ask ! (and you will ask) how many inverted?
 2between 3 to score, 2 between?

That being said , Busby gave me a tip the other day.
He observed lots of folks are up on the wheel on take offf. Once the plane is air borne, they fly around getting mentally
prepared for the all important wingover which sets the tone of the pattern , and let the scored level laps go to pot.
Every point counts!
He must have been watching me.
Let this be our little secret . Don,t tell anyone I told you this especially Busby. 

It is 2 Between, TWO TO SCORE and 2 Between (Rule 13.4, Inverted Flight)

You are absolutely correct about giving away points, Charlie!  If flyers focused on takeoffs, Inverted flight and landings as much as they do on the hourglass or clover, most would pick up some cheap points.

Doc:  The takeoff is judged from the "the beginning of the take-off roll" (14.23.1).  That also means that laps are counted from the beginning of the take-off roll.
There is no requirement that a flyer take off in front of the judges or any other specific place.  That is completely up to the flyer.  The judges are unaffected by your choice of starting point.
regards,
bill marvel

[Clayton Berry]

96.

And then you land.  Level flight is important.  So is landing.

People often overlook the important things.

[RandySmith]

Five minimum. Three to get scored plus two "between maneuvers" level laps.

Clint is correct, the number is 5 laps, starting at the release of the plane, it does not matter where you take off  ,or  how many times you pass whomever.
Take off and level flight is 3 laps, then 2 laps before you start the  wing over
You can alway fly more laps if you want to for whatever reason, but that is not required by the RULES

Regards
Randy

[Warren Leadbeatter]

Here is a good link with info on flying "the F2B pattern"

http://www.vicstunt.com/Patterns/F2B-2006/F2B-Pattern-2006.htm

The answer is 5. Take off to level flight 1 lap then 2 laps level flight, then 2 laps before the next maneuver. ie Reverse Wingover.   If you started before or in line with the judges then 5 is fine, but if you started after the judges then you might need an extra lap to line up with the judges for the reverse wingover.

Cheers

[john e. holliday]

As far as counting laps, after I messed up my inverted laps at VSC.  Rusty Brown asked me if I had forgot my music lessons.  He said remember it is, a one an a two an a three an a four an a five an a six.  I still remember that day.  Having fun,  DOC Holliday