Precision Fast Pattern

[phil c]

I always like flying faster better than flying slower.  It's just more exhilerating and harder to do.  Awhile ago the combat guys out west has a Combat speed pattern, but it had no precision. 

A fun way to do it might be to use the current pattern and time it.  Scoring could be as simple as dividing the flight score by the number of seconds from start signal to landing times 1000(so we get scores like 1330).  You could subtract the air time from the flight score, but that runs the risk of a lot of negative scores.

[Russell Shaffer]

That could be fun, but I would vote for starting the time at the moment of launch.  Even out the IC and electric guys that way. I can envision an electric guy setting his timer delay for 10 seconds and sprinting to the handle. 

[Larry Renger]

Look up Kwikee Stunt.

[Steve Thomas]

Out here, the Cowra MAC invented something called Plank Racing as part of their annual Oily Hand weekend.  It's basically a time trial, where models have to do 10 upright laps, 2 wingovers, 2 loops, 2 lazy 8s, and 2 inverted laps in the minimum time. The model has to have exposed controls, a sheet wing of no more than 9mm thickness, and 52' minimum line length.  You get 1 minute to start the engine, and mufflers aren't allowed.  Other than that, there are no restrictions.  It's great fun, and you can build a model out scraps in about half an hour.

[johnt4051]

Hey, I like this.  By my rough calculations, flying a typical AMA fast combat plane (Nelson .36, approx. 120 mph), I should be able to do the pattern in 2 minutes and 15 seconds.  Let me know when the first contest is.  I've already done the pattern this way so I know I can do it.   

[john e. holliday]

Back in the day when the Flying Eagles of KCK were a club to reckon with.  Mike McAdams used to do the pattern with a VooDoo,  Johnson Combat Special, metal pressure tank on .018 X 60 foot lines.  With the exception of take off and landing he would out score most of the guys at the time.

[Bill Little]

It always seemed to help me when I was flying a lot to take out a slow combat model, wind it up tight and fly the pattern.  Made flying the pattern with an actual stunt plane seem to be in slow motion!

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