The Overlooked manuevour

[Leo Mehl]

There are dozens of posts about which manouver is the hardest to do. My answer is the level laps,both upright and inverted and often overlooked by the beginner and intermediant flyer. People think this is easy but it reguires a lot of concentration and the ability to count to 6. Level flight is one that garners good points and should be the easiest,BUT it is not a shewin as you may think. First of all your plane has to track good in order for it to even do it. Next,it is a long manouver and it is easy to get boared flying it. So I actualy put this at the top of the list for those that are learning how to fly the pattern. I have seen more points lost because level flight was not flown right. Level flight ater takeoff is very important for it is a tackon to the takeoff. then there are 5 laps until the wingover. so those laps have to be counted by you and the judges. I have seen some judges put down the takeoff score before the laps were complete so it can really be quit disturbing.. The half lap in the wingover part of the inverted part is really important. Next comes the inverted laps after the inside loops. BOOOOOOOOrin!?@@. Seems like they take forever but they are still worth a lot of points so hang in there and don't fall asleep while doing. Jut some words of wisdome from old flyier that usually does take naps before during and after the fligh.

[Howard Rush]

Good advice, old timer.

[Steve Helmick]

This sounds familiar to me. I got the same lecture from Don McC. after the contest we went to at Delta Park last month. Ragging on me because my climbout on takeoff was too quick. Yes, I paid attention...but don't always succeed in the execution. I tend not to put in enough practise flights at contests, unlike some. When I do put up a practise flight at a contest, it seems to easily be better than my officials... . Howard and I have that in common, I think! I don't know if Howard picks up his score cards, but when I'm Judging, I'll draw an arrow at a rather steep angle, to give the hint that the climbout was too abrupt. I know Howard has gotten some of those arrows drawn.

I recall making the observation at the first Regionals (Albany), where I first Judged Expert...Paul Walker was killin' 'em with the "simple" maneuvers...takeoff, level flight, inverted, landing...100% concentration from the start signal, until the wheels stopped rolling. I also recall once watching Paul on a practise flight...nice flight until the rollout...he quit concentrating before the ImpAct stopped rolling...and it groundlooped. That was a long time ago, and I haven't seen anything like that happen since. He's good! I think he will do well in this hobby!    Steve

[Howard Rush]

Howard's gonna put on a longer tailwheel strut and maybe spend some more time on pavement.

[Randy Powell]

>>...and maybe spend some more time on pavement. <<

I'd watch that phrasing, Howard. You could upset the Stunt Gods.

[john e. holliday]

As Alan pointed out at the stunt clinic I attended.  The takeoff and level laps are what set the stage.  The altitude of the maneuvers is another, which call for consistency.  Then the landing.  Nice smooth desent to touchdown.  The critic sheet he did on me looked like it was bleeding to death.  Will never complain about the scores the leniant judges have been giving me.  The simple maneuvers are what hurts when not done right.  Having fun,  DOC Holliday

[Matt Colan]

>>...and maybe spend some more time on pavement. <<

I'd watch that phrasing, Howard. You could upset the Stunt Gods.

We keep saying, we would much rather have a blacktop circle instead of grass.  We now changed our mind because of a wreck that would've been much worse if it were on blacktop.  When the plane went in, I said, "And we want a blacktop runway"

[john e. holliday]

Well Matt, grass and dirt is mucho easier on planes.  Of course today at the fun fly I tried to put into use what I learned last  week.  I was still a little quick from what I was told until the tall grass reached up and grabbed the plane.  Only thing hurt was pride.  After pushing fuel tank abck where it belongs I did get a flight.  Tried the Hourglass like Alan says and it was so much easiter.  Same with the triangle.  Then the wind came up.  Having fun,  DOC Holliday

PS:Was telling everyone that they need to be on this site.  jeh

[Richard Grogan]

There are dozens of posts about which manouver is the hardest to do. My answer is the level laps,both upright and inverted and often overlooked by the beginner and intermediant flyer. People think this is easy but it reguires a lot of concentration and the ability to count to 6. Level flight is one that garners good points and should be the easiest,BUT it is not a shewin as you may think. First of all your plane has to track good in order for it to even do it. Next,it is a long manouver and it is easy to get boared flying it. So I actualy put this at the top of the list for those that are learning how to fly the pattern. I have seen more points lost because level flight was not flown right. Level flight ater takeoff is very important for it is a tackon to the takeoff. then there are 5 laps until the wingover. so those laps have to be counted by you and the judges. I have seen some judges put down the takeoff score before the laps were complete so it can really be quit disturbing.. The half lap in the wingover part of the inverted part is really important. Next comes the inverted laps after the inside loops. BOOOOOOOOrin!?@@. Seems like they take forever but they are still worth a lot of points so hang in there and don't fall asleep while doing. Jut some words of wisdome from old flyier that usually does take naps before during and after the fligh.

Truer words have never been spoken.Thanks Leo for that obviously missed observation.