RE: Contra Rotating Propeller Drive for f3a 2m Pattern Planes
One more interesting photo showing a unique prop design for Brenner and team to consider… The crew of Phantom reported a 35 mph increase with this design and it proved to be very quiet (no prop noise even though they were probably running over 4000 rpm.) This plane dominated the Biplane class (mostly Pitts) and set a course record of 260 mph in qualifying.
Posted on: 9/18/2012 1:43 PM by Author "Scott Smith" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11232691

RE: Contra Rotating Propeller Drive for f3a 2m Pattern Planes
A little off topic but still cool…Precious Metal at the 2012 Reno Air Races. She lost a gear door in the final Gold heat and had to pull out. Surprisingly, it didn’t sound that different in the air.
Posted on: 9/18/2012 10:58 AM by Author "Scott Smith" in the forum "Electric Pattern Aircraft"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11232533

RE: 2012 NATS Update
The final version of the Nat's [link=http://www.nsrca.us/documents/nationals/2012/Equipment%20List.pdf]Equipment List[/link] has been posted. Thanks to all those providing their info.
Posted on: 8/9/2012 3:59 AM by Author "Scott Smith" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11186657

RE: Electric Vs Engine.
Only you can answer which is better for yourself; either choice is very capable. As for which is more popular, please see the Contestant Equipment List posted at nsrca.us/index.php/nats2012
Posted on: 8/3/2012 3:13 AM by Author "Scott Smith" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11179379

RE: NATS 2012 : Let the journey begin!
Nat's numbers since 1998...averaging 120:
Posted on: 7/10/2012 2:40 PM by Author "Scott Smith" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11150430

RE: Servo Mounting Questions
2 or 3 wraps of masking tape on the servo will center it nicely and hold it in place while drilling.
Posted on: 7/3/2012 3:25 PM by Author "Scott Smith" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11141768

RE: F3a The Future
[quote]ORIGINAL: Silent-AV8R For those that say ''FAI does it that way'', well consider that FAI weighs helicopters in F3C with fuel or batteries and they have a 6.5kg limit. [/quote] When F3C went to 6.5Kg, did the cost of participating decrease? Did the number of participants increase? Looks like they have a total of 9 registered for the Nat's this year...RCA has 104, second to Soaring with 132
Posted on: 7/1/2012 4:26 AM by Author "Scott Smith" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11138362

RE: Proposed 2013/2014 Sequences
[quote]ORIGINAL: TonyF Also, a downwind avalanche is a big mistake. [/quote] Tony, Please elaborate...is it the downwind loop, upwind snap or something else entirely that would make this a mistake? Thanks, Scott
Posted on: 5/21/2012 2:25 PM by Author "Scott Smith" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11089261

RE: R/C Aerobatics Contest Board Initital Vote
and 5kg. Scott
Posted on: 5/21/2012 3:42 AM by Author "Scott Smith" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11088498

RE: RE:
Total maneuver points - average deduction is what I used. Edit: (10 - Avg score) * Kf would be more accurate!
Posted on: 5/3/2012 1:55 PM by Author "Scott Smith" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11067147

RE: Patriot Resurrection
I have plans for the 3D plus molds for the canopy, cowl and tunnel (and a complete plane!) I would be willing to part with.
Posted on: 4/6/2012 2:37 PM by Author "Scott Smith" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11031077

RE: NSRCA Candidate Rules Proposal Survey is available
[link=http://nsrca.us/images/stories/survey/Advancement%20Proposal_Final.pdf]Advancement[/link] [link=http://nsrca.us/images/stories/survey/Equipment%20Proposal_Final.pdf]Equipment[/link] [link=http://nsrca.us/images/stories/survey/Safety%20Rule%20Proposal_Final.pdf]Safety[/link] [link=http://nsrca.us/images/stories/survey/Weight%20Limit%20Proposal_Final.pdf]Weight Limit[/link]
Posted on: 2/11/2012 2:41 AM by Author "Scott Smith" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10953795

RE: NSRCA Candidate Rules Proposal Survey is available
External arming and disarming requirement...should only be required if one cannot get to the batteries without tools (or if it cannot be demonstrated that they can be unplugged in under x seconds.) I can remove the canopy and unplug just as quickly as someone fiddling with (and trying to get a grip on) an external plug...especially if it's getting hot!
Posted on: 2/10/2012 2:23 PM by Author "Scott Smith" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10953170

RE: Pattern Rules Proposals
[quote]ORIGINAL: protectedpilot Not picking on you, Matt, it's just a good place to weigh in.... I've heard people say, C'mon, I'd love to fly against you with your 13 pound airplane. Tell ya what folks, anybody wants to make it a bet, and I'm game. Within reason; I'm not gonna beat Arch, Frack or Chip. BUT, I'll build up a 1250sqin wing for the Shinden and away we go. You need about 90 squares per pound, give or take, and just jacking up the weight limit will not affect performance by itself appreciably. I'd need to keep the power on a bit more a la' ballistic pattern of the 80's. Might use a gas engine, even. Raise it to 15 lb, and I'll build a 1450sqin wing and use a DA. All within 2m X 2m. A full 15 lb limit will probably put the EP's at a disadvantage again, though. Brian [/quote] And with that weighty scenario, we need to flag some of the criteria for more careful consideration: • Manufacturing - Will current equipment tend to be made obsolete? • Present Models - Will a modeler be able to effectively compete using current models or not? • Effect on Competition - Will the net effect of the proposed change, if passed, be to promote fairness and to encourage contest participation? One question is where does this end? Last rule cycle we got 115gms for development classes. This cycle people are asking for 200 or 500 through Masters. Next cycle it will be 6.5Kg and 51v like F3C. Now we've dramatically changed the event (and really driven up cost! ...although batteries should just about be free by 2015[:)])
Posted on: 2/2/2012 3:28 AM by Author "Scott Smith" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10939813

RE: Pattern Rules Proposals
[quote]ORIGINAL: RC_Pattern_Flyer Again, why do we not treat our CB like 11 electorate votes and they represent the district. They vote as our district wants not as they personally feel. What if one board member hates electric, he could not want to pass a weight rule because of a personal bias.... I would hope that this could lead to a well rounded and fair process, this could even be used for sequences.... Chuck [/quote] Yes Chuck, you’re correct in that the members need to be more active in the process. That can start with soliciting your current representative. I have two rule cycles under my belt and have received a total of maybe 5 emails expressing opinions on proposed rules. Only one of them was from a pilot in my district. Just as with judging, CB members are provided with criteria by which to evaluate proposals: When evaluating proposals, the following must be carefully scrutinized. • Safety - Will changes introduce unnecessary risks or reduce the overall level of safety? If the overall safety of the proposal could be compromised, the issue will be forwarded to the Safety Committee through the technical director. • Manufacturing - Will current equipment tend to be made obsolete? • Protests - Will the change tend to eliminate a source of protests at meets or are protests more likely? • Model Processing Time - Will the change tend to increase or decrease the time required to process models for competition? • Designs - Will the competitor be given more or less freedom of choice in design? • Contests - Will the effort required to conduct a contest be increased or decreased? • Present Models - Will a modeler be able to effectively compete using current models or not? • Effect on Competition - Will the net effect of the proposed change, if passed, be to promote fairness and to encourage contest participation? And finally, one member cannot affect a change; you’d need 5 electric haters to fail the proposal.
Posted on: 2/1/2012 2:34 AM by Author "Scott Smith" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10938038

RE: Epoxy CA hinges in place?
And don't forget the applicator...this makes things much cleaner and easier. Drill a 1/16ish hole at the center of the hinge slot and place the applicator at that spot. One or two drops top and bottom with fresh CA is all that's needed.
Posted on: 1/29/2012 11:04 AM by Author "Scott Smith" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10933780

RE: Pattern Rules Proposals
[quote]ORIGINAL: klhoard . So why do we still have a weight limit? . [/quote] We got a weight increase for all development classes. Give 'em an inch and they take a mile! I agree it may be too late for a traditional survey, so why not get something up on SurveyMonkey?
Posted on: 1/27/2012 2:24 PM by Author "Scott Smith" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10931094

RE: Pattern Rules Proposals
[quote]ORIGINAL: klhoard I think guys have given up . . . . Succumbed to ''The Man'' . . . . Laid down under the Bus. . . . Clutched their chest, leaned back and screamed ''Elizabeth, I'm coming to see ya!!'' . . . . Volunteered to be turned into Soylent Green. . . [/quote] I know that was just “Keith being Keith� but . . 15 proposals were in the final vote last cycle and . . 15 passed. So who succumbed to whom? [8|]
Posted on: 1/26/2012 2:02 PM by Author "Scott Smith" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10929245

RE: How weight affects YOUR participation at NATS
Actually there are at least six compliance items: 1. weight 2. size 3. sound 4. identification (4.7) 5. spinner (6.5) 6. knife-edge wings (6.6) ...and anything deemed unsafe (6.1)
Posted on: 12/31/2011 7:48 AM by Author "Scott Smith" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10884386

RE: Knife edge wing
[quote]ORIGINAL: TonyF Draw out a 2mm radius leading edge. There probably wasn't a model out there that would have passed the rule if enforced. The Contest Board is a very funny committee to deal with. [/quote] I took a hole punch to a business card...7.5mm diameter and it matched my Prestige stab. The wing looked like about 10mm diameter (5mm radius) at the tip. So the Prestige would have passed (and probably the Bravo as well.) Happy to hear we are able amuse you! [;)]
Posted on: 12/30/2011 6:21 PM by Author "Scott Smith" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10883713

RE: Knife edge wing
That rule was changed by a proposal from Tony F in the last rule cycle (I voted against it as I thought it was too vague) [i]6.6: Knife-edge wings are not allowed. Leading edges must have two (2) millimeters minimum radius. Change to: 6.6: Knife-edge wings are not allowed. Intent: In 34 years of competing in pattern I have never seen the minimum leading edge rule enforced. It is unnecessary for this to be in the rulebook. The intent of this proposal is to simplify the rulebook and eliminate unnecessary wording. [/i] Proposal passed 9-2
Posted on: 12/30/2011 2:35 PM by Author "Scott Smith" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10883367

RE: Snap Roll (no arguments, please)
[quote]ORIGINAL: Nathan King How do you perform a snap? [/quote] My snap learnings: Full up (or dn), full aileron, full rudder. As soon as the limit is reached on one input, the next is started. So its 1, 2, 3 (really fast!) Here's the cheat...full rudder activates a new flight mode that takes about half the elevator throw out. Always snap away from the judges on single snaps, or towards the judges if 1 1/2. (Heading changes coming in are easier to discern than going out...IMO) 1 1/2 snaps...hang on the rudder for a moment after the rotation stops.
Posted on: 8/30/2011 4:31 PM by Author "Scott Smith" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10693987

RE: Pattern weight rule - why?
[quote]ORIGINAL: TonyF Intent really doesn't matter. How the rule reads is what matters. A competitor cannot know the intent of the rulemaker. [/quote] Page 3 of General Information: Interpretation: There are many precedents to follow in not upholding the letter of the law in rule enforcement! This is frequently necessary if the rule language is inadequate or unclear. However, the intent is usually understood and this should be the determining factor in decisions.
Posted on: 8/29/2011 2:52 PM by Author "Scott Smith" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10692341

RE: Pattern weight rule - why?
Agreed it may not have been perfectly worded but the intent was pilot disqualification. From the proposal: Rationale: Creating an allowance for the lower classes provides a degree of flexibility which will encourage participation with a larger variety of aircraft. Retaining the existing 42.56 voltage limitation while raising weight allows the lower class electric competitor to choose from a wider array of less expensive “fuel� alternatives without providing any real advantage over glow powered models. There is currently no prescribed penalty for failing the size and/or weight requirements. The presumption by most is that a competitor whose model fails these tests will be disqualified. In a recent Nationals, one competitor failed the weight test following an official flight during the Finals. The pilot was not disqualified and the round that had just been flown was not zeroed, essentially removing any reason for the rule to exist.
Posted on: 8/29/2011 2:31 PM by Author "Scott Smith" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10692302

RE: Pattern weight rule - why?
[quote]ORIGINAL: Mastertech I applaud the NSRCA board that approved the weight limit increase this past winter. The 115 gram rule was a positive step but not without those who voted against it. [/quote] A couple corrections Tim: NSRCA board does not approve AMA rules, the AMA contest board does. Proposal RCA11-10CP-1 passed 11-0…no one voted against it.
Posted on: 8/28/2011 3:39 PM by Author "Scott Smith" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10690916

RE: Pattern weight rule - why?
Hi Jack, It is a common misconception that the 2x2 rule limits size. Place a Summit from the 90’s next to an Axiome of today and you get the point. Your 20lb 2x2 biplane may do just fine! The weight rules are debated every rule cycle (every 2 years); I promise you no one is dragging their feet. The governing body is you (as an AMA member.) Sorry, no secretive group Ryan (I know you were joking!) The last cycle (for 2011/2012), an update was passed to allow for an increase in all AMA classes except Masters. To the community…does anyone know if any Intermediate or Advance fliers at the Nat’s took advantage of (or needed) the increase? Can anyone comment as to this rule change directly affecting them?
Posted on: 8/26/2011 3:05 AM by Author "Scott Smith" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10687806

RE: Contest results extracts needed from PACSS
Great job Stuart, many thanks for seeing this through and getting the job done!
Posted on: 11/30/2010 3:00 PM by Author "Scott Smith" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10167784

RE: 2011/2012 Master Short Aresti Wrong?
[quote]ORIGINAL: 1bwana1 You are correct, you do fly into the cup of a roll symbol.  However the whole point of the horizontal line in the Hammerhead figure is to define what happens up, and what happens down ,so in this case it is impossible to properly reconcile the two.  It is a grammaticaly incorrect drawing. [/quote] I can see that on a turnaround. But for the M (entry, loop bottom and exit all at the same altitude) grammatically speaking, that horizontal line in the middle is wrong. This to me looks the most corect...but I'm no expert!
Posted on: 11/17/2010 5:49 AM by Author "Scott Smith" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10140661

RE: 2011/2012 Master Short Aresti Wrong?
I can see how having the rolls above or below the horizontal line easies readability, but I though the curve was all that mattered? ...fly into the cup (in which case it is correct.)
Posted on: 11/16/2010 5:05 PM by Author "Scott Smith" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10139475

RE: National Ranking? Advancement system
, and host a multitude of sites.  It would be easy to create another. Scott [/quote] I've already
Posted on: 10/6/2010 5:47 PM by Author "Scott Smith" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=10052245