Aerobatics - F3A

The F3A Aerobatic group fly models specifically designed for precision flying. They are also frequently referred to as 'pattern' models.  These models are almost 2 metres long and 2 metres wide, are powered by 23cc (1.4 cubic inch) engines and weigh in at just under 5 kg (anything over 5kg is not allowed). 

There are regular competitions throughout Victoria, with competitors grouped into four categories: F3A (the best), Expert, Advanced and Sportsman (for those just finding their way!).  Each category flies a specific set of manoeuvres in front of a panel of judges (up to six times on a full competition weekend -- judging is quite a commitment as you can see from the picture).

Recent competition results and DAC team members can be found under the Competition Results section.

If you are passionately interested and would like to get started, then go to the APA site (here), into the National Level, and have a look under the section "A beginners guide to flying aerobatics in Australia" -- this has some excellent material to get you going.

To get a flavour of the competitive nature of pattern flying, a few words from Paul Marlan, one of our 'Master' (and still improving very fast!) members:

"To me, there is something special About pattern planes and pattern flying.  Ever since I first visited the DAC field as a non-flyer, I was drawn to the grace and elegance of these beautiful models, and the way they were being flown.

F3A planes at Nepean (flown by, from the front: Fernando Monge, David Gibbs, Cliff McIver, Rob Lauder (Geelong))

 

 

 

As I started to learn to fly, I wanted to fly pattern and compete with these guys.  But what is pattern flying really About?

 

Pattern is sometimes referred to as “precision aerobatics”.  This description captures the essence of pattern flying.  It is not About simply having the best model (but that is nice), and its not About beating your mates at competitions (but that’s even nicer).  Pattern is About flying your radio controlled model airplane through a defined series of manoeuvres with precision, at the best of your ability.

 

You don’t fly directly against your competitors at a pattern competition.  You perform your schedule in front of the judges, are scored and the results are posted at the end of the day.  It is the pressure you put on yourself that gets in the way of that perfect flight.

 

One of the best things About pattern competitions is the people.  Pattern flyers come from all walks of life, in all shapes and sizes.  If you are having problems with your model, a swarm of people (generally your competitors) will be around you, trying to help you get things sorted.  As a novice, you can become overwhelmed with good advice.  But you soon learn the ropes, and leave the competition looking forward to next Sunday, when you can practice those 3-turn spins that scored zero on the last flight and cost you a trophy."

Fernando Monge cleaning his model at the end of a hard day flying

"Doncaster Aeromodellers Club boasts a wealth of pattern fliers.  On any one Sunday we may see as many as 10 pattern aircraft in the pits. Spanning over all the current APA categories, it is always a treat to see the Doncaster pilots gracefully cutting through the sky indulging in their aircraft's capabilities (trying to, at least!).  Every manoeuvre, from a "Horizontal Roll" to a "Rolling Loop with One Roll (inverted entry)," is designed to increasingly test the pilot's capabilities to properly control his aircraft.  In order to achieve this (and many of us still struggle immensely) the secret is to practice, practice again, continue practicing and then practice some more.

With the limited air space at Bulleen Park, an implicit "gentleman's agreement" exists amongst the pattern fliers:

 

1) We all assist each other during start up.

2) We fly only one at a time.

3) We acknowledge an implicit flying order that we follow throughout the day.

 

This provides for an ideal and delightful environment where we can focus on the ins, outs, ups and downs (and a few involuntary acrosses) involved in the proper practice of the F3A schedules.

 

Ultimately, we all want to go to the competitions! Historically, the Club has always been well represented at state and national competitions. This trend has continued through 2002 with the highlight being the November competition at Nepean where 7 pilots competed, five came away with medals, and we won Sportsman, Advanced and Expert categories!"

Friday afternoon - We must take advantage of daylight savings. Anyway, leaving slightly early from the office will not hurt anybody. Rush out to the field and get in three or four more practice flights. A little more practice cannot hurt and those bloody rolls are still not straight. Perfect conditions! Just a light breeze and the sun is already out of the way. After three practice flights the rolls are starting to look straight and under control. That should be enough to feel comfortable at the comp. Clean up, take the model apart and head back home. Pull everything out of the car, top up the fuel can and charge the glow driver, the 12-volt battery, the receiver battery and the transmitter.

 

Saturday morning - The alarm clock goes off! Why? It's Saturday! Why am I getting up so early? The bloody Comp! Get up, get ready, have a quick breakfast. Pack up all the things and head off. Sh….! Forgot the hat! Almost there, the golden arches appear over the horizon. A coffee and a muffin are in order. All the other club members that are participating are already here. "Good morning! Looks like it's going to be a bit cold and breezy, huh?" Welcome autumn; right on time! After a tour of the Geelong beachfront (we should have done the Great Ocean Road, also) we're on our final stretch to the field. Beautiful. New field. Barely made it on time. The cold and breezy weather seems to be the norm for the day. The weather guys got it right! Thanks to some friends I get to use a sample of the club "Gilligan hat". The model is ready to go. The engine took a little longer to start up but is working fine. Now wait for the Masters and Advanced to get through their rounds for us to go up. No such luck! Too much wind and water means that we get to take the model apart and put it back in the car for tomorrow. Not even on display as it was nicely tucked under the tarp.

 

Sunday - Forecast is for improved weather. Let's hope they get it right this time, also. No tour today. Straight to the field. Expert and Sportsman are up first. Yes! We get to fly. In the wind! Now we wonder what benefit we got from practicing in the mild breeze? We know that comps are always windy! What's happening in F3A Aerobatics (Continued)? The "two rolls in opposite inverted to inverted" looks like a manoeuvre that could have scored a "7" in the P?03 schedule. Not too good for Expert, though! More practice? Yes! Four flights in one day. That's fun. Forget the wind. Forget the rain. That's what it's all About. Going out and having fun while you are flying. Meeting up with friends from other clubs. Sharing a day or two with friends. That's why we go to comps!

 

Fernando Monge

Link to the the F3A aerobatics governing body in Australia: Australian Pattern Association

*** 10 January, 2010 10:27 PM +1000 ***

Last updated 10 January, 2010

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