[NSRCA-discussion] New FAI Rule Changes

Thu Apr 6 06:26:08 AKDT 2023

Good morning to all,

This could be a good morning discussion and judging review.  It is good to
mention that constant speed maximum downgrade is 1 point.  This means the
judge can downgrade one point if the pilot does a terrible job in
maintaining constant speed.  I will say that constant speed is
equivalent to power management.  The fact is one point downgrade maximum
means that is not the most important  part of the overall flying
presentation because it is well known that it is practically impossible to
do exact speed in all positions but it is possible to do power management.
Clearly the easiest portions that human judges can see very well are: wing
level, constant radius, wind correction (probably the most frequent
downgrade and easier for judges to see), constant roll speed, rolls square
stopping, relative angles that relate to geometry and equal radius, and
positioning.  I am going to take this opportunity to mention the geometry
of the pyramid or triangle.  Many pilots and judges think that the
pyramid or triangle has equal sides geometry and it does not.  The base
side should be about 23-24% longer than the 45 sides.  When pilots try to
do equal sides the angles are forced to do 60 degrees.  Assuming that
everything else is perfect is a 2 points downgrade for missing the 45 lines
plus whatever the judge downgrades for not doing the required geometry.
Probably an additional 2 points more downgrade.  It is interesting to hear
the comments when a pilot gets a 6 when he thinks he flew a perfect
pyramid.  Yes there are spins, snaps, fighter turns and stall turns.  We
know these very well but we could discuss them if need be.  Please try to
avoid snaps but why not.  With our judging experience we can dissect the
snaps very well too.  This is a good review to get ready for the 2023
season and the 50th pattern Nats.  Feel free to share your judging
experience.

Best,

Vicente "Vince" Bortone
*NSRCA 1140.  Be Proud to show your NSRCA #*

On Wed, Apr 5, 2023 at 8:35 PM GLEN WATSON via NSRCA-discussion <
nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org> wrote:

> I believe the FAI weight increase will influence future rules around the
> size of the aerobatic box. I've been privileged with others to witnessed in
> real-time autonomous/computer flights configured with basic-pattern
> maneuvers flown by an Epowered 2m plane. This consisted of center,
> turn-around maneuvers including a rolling circle flown at proper distance
> within box limits. The recorded playbacks were viewed on Flightcoach's
> Plotter immediately following the flights. The very credible developer of
> this autonomous effort will by me and should by others remain unknown.  AMA
> flyers should keep in mind what FAI adopts will flow downhill to AMA rules
> eventually. The following are my opinions from the autonomous flights I
> witnessed combined with my impression from my own Flightcoach Masters 2023
> flights recently reordered...
>
> 1) The increased weight rule for 2024 could influence larger/heavier
> aircraft designs which could/should possibly influence the size of the
> current aerobatic box? Flight coach (my opinion) is demonstrating it is
> extremely difficult to execute and demonstrate a straight line before/after
> and in-between every in-box maneuver.
>
> 2) Regardless of equipment constant speed is not realistic. "Constant"
> implies the same or continuous. Those viewing their fight data via
> Flightcoach understand "constant” is not possible. The wording of this
> criteria in FAI's rules should evolve to say something like "similar
> speed".
>
> 3) It is not feasible given today's technology to replace subjective
> judging. Flight qualities such as smooth/gracefulness, geometry especially
> radii, entry and exit altitudes, and box position portrayed by Flightcoach
> is way different when witnessed real-time.  At this juncture of technology
> there is no substitute for what the Pilot does to manage these flight
> aspects to make things appear correct to human judges to be compliant with
> the rules.
>
> ~Glen
>
>
>
>
>
>
> > On 04/05/2023 3:00 PM Andrew Jesky via NSRCA-discussion <
> nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org> wrote:
> >
> >
> > I fear it causes manufactures to relaxes their standard to make light
> airplanes, then the power requirements will need to be adjusted accordingly…
> >
> > Andrew
> >
> > Sent from my iPhone
> >
> > > On Apr 5, 2023, at 2:51 PM, Mark Atwood via NSRCA-discussion <
> nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org> wrote:
> > >
> > > Tony,
> > >
> > > I would argue you were ON time.  At this point I think weight change
> is 10 years too late and will only serve to escalate costs in the sport (My
> opinion).  At this point the Glow/Electric debate is basically over and
> electric power has proven itself viable in the current weight scheme.  More
> allowance will only lead to higher volume aircraft with lighter wing
> loadings.  Thus… retooling.  Which will cost both manufacturers and
> participants more money.
> > >
> > > -M
> > >
> > > On Apr 5, 2023, at 12:39 PM, Anthony Frackowiak <
> frackowiak at sbcglobal.net> wrote:
> > >
> > > Well, the weight rule is exactly what I proposed for AMA several years
> ago. I guess I was just ahead of my times.
> > >
> > > Tony Frackowiak
> > >
> > >> On Apr 5, 2023, at 8:57 AM, Mark Atwood via NSRCA-discussion <
> nsrca-discussion at lists.nsrca.org> wrote:
> > >>
> > >> Hey All,
> > >>
> > >> Attached are the results from the CIAM plenary meeting and vote that
> took place on April 1st.  These rule changes will go into effect in 2024.
> Most of the rules that address F3A are minor and merely clarify clerical
> issues in the rulebook or help outline procedures.  There are also changes
> to the wording around telemetry, but again, only for better clarity. But
> there are TWO notable rule changes.  Neither of which we supported.
> > >>
> > >> 1) Increase the weight limit to 5.5Kg TAKE OFF WEIGHT.   This is a
> straight up increase for electric, and a change to weighing procedure for
> glow planes to include FULL tank of fuel.   The issues here are obvious and
> I know we have many on both sides of this discussion, but it’s the new rule
> in FAI.
> > >>
> > >> 2) This one confounds me.   They have changed the judging guidelines,
> such that they no longer want accurate geometry relative to the aircrafts
> plane of flight, but instead want geometric accuracy FROM THE JUDGES
> PERSPECITVE.    In other words, a half loop at the end of the box needs to
> LOOK round, rather than BE round relative to the plane of flight.   It
> completely changes our way of flying and makes tools like flight coach
> useless.
> > >>
> > >> Personally, I can’t imagine this will last, and more over I can’t
> imagine this will actually be used.  A few of us (US/ UK / AUS) fought hard
> against it, but in the end it won out.  They had no explanation as to how
> cross box maneuvers will accomplish this (such as a rolling circle) but
> insisted this is what was wanted.  I’m sure there will be much discussion
> at events prior to this going into effect.
> > >>
> > >> There were also some minor changes for how ties are handled and
> better language and procedure for handling smaller championship events (<40
> pilots). But most of that is benign.
> > >>
> > >>
> > >> F3A Starts on page 25
> > >>
> > >> <CIAM 2023 ePlenary Meeting -
> Proposals_Final_v1.pdf>_______________________________________________
> > >> NSRCA-discussion mailing list
> > >> NSRCA-discussion at lists.nsrca.org
> > >> http://lists.nsrca.org/mailman/listinfo/nsrca-discussion
> > >
> > >
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