[NSRCA-discussion] Weight History

[Dave Burton]

My memory is a little fuzzy on this  but I seem to remember a square inch
rule back in the 70's or early 80's. It may have applied only to FAI class
but that's fuzzy too. "Back in the day" FAI was never flown in local contest
or NATS, only at team selection time. Local contest started including FAI as
turn around sequences came about because pilots (some) wanted to try
turnaround and the guys flying for a spot on the team wanted more FAI
flights in contest.

 

From: NSRCA-discussion [mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org] On
Behalf Of John Fuqua via NSRCA-discussion
Sent: Friday, January 27, 2017 1:47 PM
To: 'General pattern discussion'
Subject: [NSRCA-discussion] Weight History

 

It is interesting to look back at the history of weight and displacement
limits.   

 

Up until 1966 there were no engine displacement limits and allowable weight
was 15 pounds.    

 

In 1966 a .61 cubic inch displacement limit was imposed with an allowable
weight of 15 pounds.   Of course nobody could weigh that much and have any
performance given the displacement limit.   

 

In 1980 a weight limit of 5 kg was implemented but again nobody wanted to be
that heavy because of power limitation.   

 

In 1984 the limit for 4 strokes was raised to 1.20 cu inches and airplanes
started to change.  

 

In 1992 a noise limit was imposed.

 

In 1994 engine displacement limits were eliminated and 4 strokes ruled until
the electric era.

 

In 1996 the 2 meter rule was introduced.

 

Each change brought about airplane changes.   Bigger, more power but still
at 5 kg.

 

So for 37 years (1980 until now)  the weight limit has been the same.
Seems to me like we adapted pretty well over the years.

 

 

 

John Fuqua

cell 850-974-6655

 

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