1/2 A SCALE RULES

The purpose of this event is to encourage the building and flying of small (commonly called 1/2 A) scale models. To this end, the intent of this event, and of these rules, is to promote the building and flying of relatively simple, primarily profile scale models.  Although "full fuselage" models are eligible to compete, they will have no scoring advantage in static judging.  Partially or fully cowled engines are also permitted, but again, will have no static scoring advantage.

1.  A model of any manned, heavier than air aircraft is eligible.  Profile models are encouraged, and will not be downgraded in static scoring for this.

2.  Models of jet or rocket powered aircraft are permitted.  They can use conventional model propellers.

3.  Engine size shall not exceed .061 c.i., or 1 cc, per engine.

4.  Seaplanes may use non-scale devices to assist in take-off and landing with no scoring downgrades.

5.  No mechanical operations, such as throttle control or flap deployment, etc., shall be permitted.  

6.  Flight Judging.  

     Three attempts to make two official flights each day of the contest will be allowed.  An Official Flight is one that has progressed through at least one laps of level flight.  The final flight score will be the sum of the two best flight scores.

     Flights will be judged and scored on:

   - Realism and smoothness of the flight, 10 laps of level flight, and the landing.                                                  0 to 40 points.

   - One point for each level lap, with all engines running, up to 10 laps, immediately following the completion of take-off.                                 0 to 10 points.

   - Five bonus points for any multi engine model, provided the additional engine(s) run during the majority of the flight (excluding landing).  5 points.

   - The take-off will include the first airborne lap after the model leaves the ground.

   - The landing will be accomplished with at least one engine not running.

7.  Static Judging.

     Static judging and scoring will be based on documentation furnished by the entrant, and will be done at  a minimum distance of five feet from the model.  This documentation must be sufficient to allow the judges to easily and quickly determine the accuracy of the model regarding its scale outline, color, finish, and markings relative to the full scale aircraft modeled.  

     Such documentation will typically consist of an accurate three or more view drawing of the full scale aircraft for judging the scale outline of the model, and colored photographs and/or published color illustrations, or written descriptions, for judging color, finish, and markings.  It is not the intent to require extensive research be expended, or voluminous documentation be presented.  A maximum of four pages in standard report size and format will be sufficient, and is all that will be allowed.

(Just a note of information.  Published color illustrations are available in many airplane books of all kinds, and at many airplane web sites.  Also, most good quality plastic model kits include colored illustrations on their kit boxes, and written descriptions in the instruction sheets and decal sheets.  They've already done the research, and now you've got another model to build ...)

    
     Models will be static judged and scored on:

   - Scale Outline:  Side View:             0 to 20 points

                           Plan View:            0 to 15 points

                           End View:             0 to 5 points

   - Accuracy of:     Color:                   0 to 10 points

                           Finish:                  0 to 10 points

                           Markings:              0 to 10 points

                           Craftsmanship:      0 to 10 points

8.  The Final Score shall be the sum of the Static Score and the Final Flight Score.

9.  A proxy pilot is permitted if the builder of the model is present and is physically unable to fly the model.

10. The pull test will be 10 times the weight of the model.  AMA line sizes for Scale will apply.

11.  All AMA General Safety rules will apply.

 Side, Plan, and End view scores, respectively, decrease in importance.  That kind of reflects the ability of a profile model to match the full size airplane outline in these views.  That should help in equalizing profiles with non-profiles, even though the judges are supposed to overlook the differences ..

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