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Judging Committee Rule Interpretation

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Maneuver P-09.01 of the 2009-2010 F3A Maneuver Schedules - June 2008

Background:  A question has been posed to the NSRCA Judging Committee concerning maneuver P-09.01 of the current F3A pattern.  The question is whether a straight-line following the 2 or 4 point roll is required.  This question arises from the fact that the center of a 4-point roll is the middle of the inverted line segment.

The maneuver is described in the FAI catalog as follows: 

P-09.01 Reverse Split S and Split S Combo, 2/4-pt roll first, full roll second, inverted exit: From upright, perform 2 points of a 4-pt roll, and push immediately to a half outside loop. Perform a full roll, followed immediately by a half outside loop, to exit inverted.
Judging notes:

  • The outside half loops must follow immediately after the 2/4-pt roll and roll
  • The length of the upper horizontal line (including roll) is equal to the diameter of the half loops. The geometric shape is that of a Double Immelmann. 

Interpretation:   The NSRCA Judging Committee believes Section 5B.7.7 (Loop/Roll Combinations) of Annex 5B, F3A Radio Controlled Aerobatic Model Aircraft Judges’ Guide, Volume F3A, Radio Control Aerobatics, 2008 Edition, provides clear guidance concerning the issue:

“There are, however, some judging criteria which should be explained further. In the Immelmann turn and split S manoeuvres and variations, the half roll, snap-roll, point-roll, or full roll should be performed immediately after or before the half loop as required by the particular manoeuvre. A visible line in between the two components must downgrade the manoeuvre by 2 points. Similarly, if the half roll, snap-roll, point-roll, or full roll is performed too early, the manoeuvre should be downgraded, using the 1 point/15 degree rule.”

The Committee interprets the intent of the above language as meaning there must be no straight-line following the roll to an inverted position associated with the second point of the 2 of 4 point roll prior to the push to the half outside loop.  The committee recommends the maneuver be judged in accordance with the language of Section 5B.7.7, Annex 5B, F3A Radio Controlled Aerobatic Model Aircraft Judges’ Guide.


Takeoff - Dec 2001

The committee has considered the question of the whether the lengths of the lines for the takeoff roll and climb to 2 meters must be equal. Reasonable arguments can be made for both views but, considering the close proximity of the take off line, it's not likely the judges can assess whether or not the 2 meter point and start of roll are equidistant from the center. In addition, the climb is to approximately 2 meters in the rulebook. Judging the lift off as center and the line before and after on quality (gradual acceleration, straight, gentle liftoff and gradual wings level climb out) is sufficient. We have determined it is not necessary for the line of the takeoff run and the line climbing to 2 meters to be equal.

Line Before Exit Roll on Advanced Sequence Spin - Dec 2001

The committee has considered the question of how the roll from inverted to upright on the Advanced Spin exit should be done. The line between the 1/4 loop and roll during an inverted spin exit is addressed in the newly approved rules (RCA02-8) quote: "the 1/2 roll is performed after a slight hesitation". The hesitation is just long enough to define a wings level line for the judges but not so long as to appear as a preparation for the roll. The line must exist (as compared to none in an Immelman) and it is to be short. The committee defines short as no more than the length of the radius of the ¼ loop just before the roll.

CALLING ENTRY/EXIT OF THE BOX - July 2001

The NSRCA Judging committee has reviewed a question related to calling the box and the effect on judging of maneuvers adjacent to box entry / exit. We have concluded that the current rules should be interpreted as follows:

Entry to and exit of the maneuvering area should be called approximately at the box line. Failure to do so requires a major penalty (2) points be assessed to the following maneuver. (FAI rules are silent on this issue, however for consistency and according to paragraph 19 of the AMA rules, this practice should be followed by F3A when AMA and FAI events and judges are combined.) Calling the box is notification of the judges that the aircraft is entering or leaving the maneuvering area. It is improper to judge the line between the box entry / exit and any maneuver entry / exit

Center of Six of Four point roll Exit inverted - July 2001

The Judging Committee has reviewed a question regarding the center of the 6 of 4-point roll. Reasonable arguments have been presented for differing views. However, the maneuver descriptions and diagrams in the rules are clear that horizontal rolling maneuvers begin and end with a rolling element (exclusive of required straight and level entry and exit). Basis this definition, the center of the 6 of 4 point roll is the center of the 2nd knife edge element.
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