[NSRCA-discussion] Judging the Snap

[Larry Diamond]

Since getting back into Pattern and based on last year's observations at a
couple of contests, it seems to me that through evolution it has changed a
little over the last 10 years with the Snap Roll downgrades (as it is flown
and judged not by the rule book).

 

Yes, I took the AMA judging test. However, being a lowly Intermediate since
2004. I do not want be in a position where I scored a maneuver low/zero
because I didn't understand what it's supposed to look like in the air
today.

 

Also after a couple of discussion with people in different districts there
are differing opinions about what a Snap is and isn't; and, when an
Intermediate/Advanced pilot should or shouldn't score a zero to higher skill
level pilots.

 

Set aside the rule book, as I think it is very clear. I'm asking what is
being applied in the actual Judging of contests today. I keep hearing about
a little relief because a Pattern Planes can't actually Snap (stall)
properly.

 

The Snap is a fast rotation, which is very difficult to see every downgrade.
What visual cue should we look for when a very shallow break may/may not be
present, but to the eye it looks like a rapid barrel roll.

 

At what point does the Snap maneuver earn a zero?

 

Let's be honest with ourselves as to what is actually being practiced
(judged). With the underlined verbiage, are we zeroing the maneuver; or,
simply downgrading to prevent conflict because a zero was scored.

 

The Rule from 2016-2017

Snaps: A snap roll is a rapid rotation where the fuselage nose makes a
detectable break in heading from its track in pitch and yaw for the duration
of the roll but the track follows the line of the maneuver (straight or
arced):

1. Large deviations from the flight path, indicative of a delayed stall, are
to be downgraded using the 1 point per 15-degree rule for each axis of the
excursion. For example, it the model pitches its track 15 degrees nose up
and the wings rotate 15 degrees before the yaw is applied, the maneuver
should be downgraded 1 point for pitch and 1 point for roll.

2. The track visualized as the path of the center of gravity (CG) should
closely follow the geometric flight path of the maneuver while the nose and
tail rotate through opposite helical arcs around the flight path. Lack of
these helical arcs (or coning) is indicative of an axial roll and is scored
zero.

3. If the track corkscrews or barrel rolls, it is severely downgraded (more
than 5 points).

4. Snap rolls have the same judging criteria as axial rolls as far as start
and stop of rotation, constant flight path through the maneuver and
centering on lines.

5. If the heading does not remain deviated for the entire roll it is
downgraded 1 point per 15 degrees.

6. Airspeed is not a criterion which should be used to judge this maneuver.
The wing of the model is stalled during this maneuver; therefore a
significant decrease in speed may occur and is not a cause for downgrade.

 

Larry Diamond

 

P.S. I am hoping this will be an above board and honest discussion. I just
want to make sure I am doing the right thing here.

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