There is no static judging in the ARF class but you need to supply a photograph of a typical full size version of the model you are entering. It does not have to be the actual aircraft of the model, just be indicative of the type. The reason is to ensure that the entries are reasonably scale. The easiest way to get a photograph is to type the aircraft name into Google and click on images. Who knows you may even get a pic of an identical aircraft to your model.
The flight schedule for scale competition is composed of five compulsary and five optional manoeuvers, the five compulsary are take off, straight flight, horizonatal eight, descending 360 degree circle, and landing. The five options are flown after the descending circle.
The five compulsaries are easy to do without making a goose of yourself, but harder to do really well.
And the five options can be chosen from the extensive manoeuvre list so you can choose those you are comfortable with.
And not all options are flight ones, you can choose mechanical options such as extend and retract landing gear, flaps, drop bombs and parachutes.
The choice of options does become more complicated because which ones you choose can affect the score awarded under realism in flight.
For example flying a scale aerobatic model and choosing non aerobatic options will result in a lower score.
All of the options are described with diagrams on the web site. Just click on the Manoeuvre list button
Remember you have to call Start and Finish for each manoeuvre.
So take your time and line up well before, to establish a straight and level line before calling Start.
Ensure the model is flying straight and level before calling Finish.
The Straight Flight and Figure Eight are best entered in a downwind direction, for the straight flight the higher ground speed helps to smooth out any bumps, while for the Eight, it is easier to adjust the upwind circle to match the size of downwind one.
Stall turns, wing overs, rolls and Immelmans are best entered in a downwind direction.
Stall turns are best performed with the stall direction away from the judges. However in a crosswind always stall turn into the wind, never downwind.
The same applies to spins.
To maximise your score you must fly the entire flight in a smooth and non jerky manner. So give yourself plenty of time between manoeuvers to get lined up before the next one.
Write the entire flight manoeuvers down an a piece of cardboard and include any other directions such as rate changes and give this to your caller to use during the flight.
Don't try and rely on memory, it can desert you in the stress of competing.
You will be called to the ready box prior to starting your flight.
Ensure your glow plug is OK, the model is fueled and the engine turns over and is not flooded.
If you have an fuel system installation that does tend to flood the engine, use a hameostat to clip on the fuel feed line to the engine.
You have three minutes in which to start your engine and commence the take off. Failing to announce the take off after the three minutes results in a no score for that flight.
It pays to get a few competitions under your belt prior to this one so check out any local scale competitions.
In Victoria the VFSAA web sits lists their calendar of events. www.users.bigpond.net.au/vfsaa
In NSW both the FSA and SAS also list theirs on their web sites. www.fsaa.cjb.net and www.nswsas.com.au
Not sure about other states as we don't get to hear much about their scale activities.
Each state association has their web site links at www.maaa.asn.au/states.html