Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Pattern?
Bob Pastorello

*Pattern is an R/C activity using aircraft primarily designed for precision aerobatic maneuvering.

*What types of maneuvers are involved in Pattern?
Generally, maneuvers follow prescribed "schedules" of "classes" which are voted on and incorporated in the AMA and FAI handbooks with their rules cycles. Many of the maneuvers emulate full-scale aerobatic competition, and some are specific to the event.

*What are the "classes" in Pattern?
At the present time, there are 5 classes, designed with increasing complexity and difficulty of maneuvers. Sportsman, Intermediate, Advanced, Masters and FAI. FAI is the class used in international World Aerobatic Championships.

*How are Pattern airplanes different?
Generally, pattern designs are extremely "stable", meaning that they are built with inherent ability to "stay where put", meaning that these airplanes are INHERENTLY designed to have little or no self-induced corrections of attitude.

*How are Pattern Competition events run?
Usually, all five classes will be flown, many times on two flight lines in front of two sets of judges. Scores are given by each judge for each maneuver, based on a 0- 10 scale, with difficulty weights built into the scoring system. All maneuvers are performed within an aerobatic box, defined as 60 degrees left and right of the pilot's position, and 60 degrees elevation. Flight line average distance is recommended to be 150 - 175 meters.

*How is the winner of an event determined?
Each class usually awards plaques, or prizes for each of the first three places, depending on turnout, funds, etc. The winner of each place is determined by scores within each round, with the "best" or highest scoring pilot within a class being the "winner" of that round. All other pilots within the same class have their scores comparatively ranked against this "best" pilot of the round using a system called "normalizing".

*Are there specialized equipment needs for Pattern?
Each increasing degree of difficulty class places greater competitive demands on pilot skills, equipment reliability, and capability of designs. Generally, practically ANY kind of reasonably-capable aerobatic design will work well in Sportsman, while in the FAI and Masters classes, designs must be pretty specialized and refined to be capable of the complex figures.

*What organization "governs" Pattern ?
In the United States, the AMA defines competitive requirements, judging criteria, and contest administration for events. Other countries have similar governing bodies, but the international class, FAI, is governed by the participating countries who are members of the CIAM or Federation Aeronautique Internationale.

*Is there a "SIG" for pattern?
The AMA has designated the National Society for Radio Control Aerobatics to be the "special interest group", responsible for coordination of national events, rules changes, and contest organizing/planning.

*How do I get started in Pattern?

• See this page for detailed suggestions for an airplane, beginners pattern, practicing, and flying your first contest.
• If your local field has no one involved, get the AMA rulebook, read it, and then GO FLY!!! Practice the maneuvers and pay attention to all the judging criteria to try and fly the perfect "10" on every maneuver in your sequence. Then practice. And practice. And go to a contest which is listed in the "Focus on Competition" in Model Aviation, published monthly by the AMA in the United States. And start making connections with great bunch of highly-skilled radio control pilots....and enjoy the competitive camaraderie that results....

*What district am I in?

• District 1: CT, DE, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, VT
• District 2: DC, NC, SC, VA
• District 3: AL, FL, GA, MS, TN
• District 4: IN, KY, MI, OH, WV
• District 5: IA, IL, KS, MN, MO, ND, NE, SD, WI
• District 6: AR, CO, LA, NM, OK, TX
• District 7: CA, AZ, HI, NV, UT
• District 8: AK, ID, MT, OR, WA, WY
• Western Canada: AB, BC, MB, NT, SK, YT
• Officers and Districts page
  

My Thanks to Bob for his valued input to our web site!
Bob Pastorello,
Masters - NSRCA 199,
AMA 46373CD,
Visit his web site Click Here
Ed Hartley