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Radio Control Model Aircraft Aerobatics in Scotland
Beginner's Guide

First, let me say that you have made a good choice. If you have a Bronze and want to really improve, there is no better way than take part in the monthy radio control model aircraft aerobatic competitions throughout Scotland. You get better, you learn and you have a great time. When you get a minute why not check out my Beginner's Diary - an account of my first year in radio control model aerobatics then have a read at Malcolm Harris' "Airtime" article. Then take a few minutes to read. There are more links at the bottom of the page.

WHO?
You :)
Radio control model aircraft aerobatic competitions in Scotland are run by a Contest Director (CD) on behalf of the Scottish Aeromodellers Association. He agrees the dates and venues with the various clubs, arranges score-keepers, and collates the scores over each competition. Any flier with a bronze or equivallent can take part.

WHERE?
The competitions take part at various locations throughout Scotland. This is the 2010 events list:

Day Date What Where
Saturday 20th March F3a League Lanark 
Saturday 10th April F3a League Dumfries (TC Selection)
Saturday 15th May F3a League Glenrothes (TC Selection)
Saturday 29th May F3a League Mount Lothian
Sunday 20th June F3a League Tarbolton
Sat/Sun 14/15th Aug F3a Scottish Nationals (Castle Kennedy, Stranraer)
Sunday 19th Sept F3a CVF
Saturday 9th Oct F3a MacMerry / Drem (TC Selection)
Visitors and newcommers are positively encouraged to come along to both the fly-ins and the competitions. Help & advice freely available.

 

Tom Laird Campbell Cup 2005

Campbell Cup, awarded to the Intermediate League Winner, 2005.
Flair Swallow 66" Wingspan, Yamada YS120AC

WHEN?
One competition is run each month from about the end of March through to October. In addition the top competitors might take part in international competitions. Everyone who holds an SAA Silver or equivalent is eligable for the Scottish Nationals competition.

Competitors normally arrive about 09:00 for setting up and practice, with the first serious flight taking place around about 10:00 AM. Three rounds are flown i.e. you get 3 flights, each marked by the judges. One of the other pilots will act as a caller, giving you the next manouver in plenty of time. Lunchtime gives a chance for some relaxing flying and most comps are finished by about 3:30 / 4:00 PM

WHAT?
Of premier consideration is the model and engine. One pilot was using a Kyosho Majestic in 2003 and an Excelsior in 2004. A young lad from East Fortune has been using an Acro-wot which seems good enough (plenty on Ebay or Adtrader) and will do everything you need to do to start with. A Chilli Breeze is another great choice.
You need to be slightly overpowered but nothing too wild. Engines in my book should be quiet. I have used the Travel Air with an Irvine 53, my CAP232 with a Laser 150, and Excelsior followed by a 120 powered Swallow which was awesome. My current models are an Angel's Shadow, an Evolis and a Synergy.

Glen's 68" CAP232 with Thunder Tiger 90 four-stroke - replaced with a Laser 150 :) Dave Smith Excelsior with MVVS 90 2-stroke Flair Swallow with Yamada 120 four-stroke and pipe

My advice is to speak to existing aerobatic fliers to get the latest views on the current models as there are new ones appearing all the time.

HOW?
You do not need a silver to do aerobatics unless you want to fly at the Nationals and you will do a far better silver after a year of aerobatics. (If you are doing a silver I'd recommend attending a couple of test days to see the standard required). My view is the sooner you start, the sooner you will benifit. You need to see the standard to aim for and you'll only see that at the comps. Also, you will only learn by flying with people of that standard. The big difference is the intensity. It is one manouver on every pass, sometimes 2. All manouvers are either right in front of you - not when the model just happens to be in level flight. You can either fly Sportsman or Standard. If you do the Standard / Intermediate schedule you can miss out the bits you don't want to do. Next time you are out why not try doing 2 loops dead in front of you. Then progress to a roll either side of the centre line. Then 2 loops in front of you followed by a turn followed by 2 rolls.

ENGINES
At entry level anything does the job but as you progress, Yamada 4-stroke engines are the norm but don't be put off if you are just starting.

LINKS & MORE INFORMATION

How to be an Awesome Pilot (a great and entertaining read from Troy Built Models)

Troy Newman's Blog on Pattern Flying

http://www.gbrcaa.org/ The main UK web site for F3a and a great forum. Also contains call sheets, diagrams and some videos of the schedules.

http://www.3drc.info/ - again, a great forum for f3a as well as 3D

http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/forumid_101/tt.htm The font of all knowledge. RC Universe.

"Getting Started in Aerobatics" by Malcolm Harris, Airtime Autumn Issue 2002

Mathew Howitt's Scottish Aerobatics web site (Pilot profiles, models, manouvers, advice & more)

The aerobatic schedule diagrams are here http://www.gbrcaa.org/ although I believe they change slightly each year - not that it makes much difference at beginner's level

Just to make you drool, all the top models come from
http://www.probuild-uk.co.uk/ (models, accessories, Yamada engines)


Two Stroke Tuned Pipe Exhaust Systems. by By Andy Ellison, Courtesy of Barry's Radio Control Model Aricraft Page

Directions to Tarbolton:

Direction to BURNS COUNTRY FLYERS SITE AT BOGHEAD FARM TARBOLTON.

From Glasgow follow M77 to 3rd exit for Kilmarnock( Q8 ) garage for A76 Dumfries
Pass through 1 roundabout HMP Kilmarnock at 2nd roundabout take right A719 to Ayr
Follow road for approx 4 miles to signpost for Tarbolton turn left ( before steep hill )
TURN Immediately LEFT onto FAILMILL ROAD follow single track road for approx 1 mile
Site is on left at last telegraph pole.

From Dumfries through Mauchline to first roundabout take left onto A719 ,as above. NB if at Tarbolton you see a fishery you have missed the road so turn back and take road on right before major junction. Hope this is of some help in finding the site. Tarbolton is a small village and if anyone cant find the site the nearest well known landmark is (the dump) waste centre.
please note from A719 at turn for Tarbolton turn immediately left.

Map to Macmerry / Drem?