The FAI has allowed the competitive flying of Electric Helicopters to become standardised across much of the world, with the flying clubs of individual countries following FIA guidelines wherever possible.
This means that, although each country will have local laws governing the flying of RC Helicopters, the overall schedules will be the same. This makes competing in tournaments abroad a relatively easy affair. The UK’s BMFA scheduling is very similar to that of America’s AMA, for example.
Because of this, there are many benefits to holding BMFA/FAI membership and insurance if you take your electric helicopters on holiday with you. Most foreign heli clubs will recognise BMFA standards, and be happy for you to join in, either as a recreational flier or at competitive level.
This is never clearer than “across the pond.” The AMA and BMFA seem to be joined at the hip, where RC electric helicopters are concerned. Just like the UK, the AMA has 4 competition classes, ranging from Schedule 1 (equivalent to Sportsman A class) to F3C – the FAI classification for aerobatic RC Helicopters, which is the same the world over.
Like the BMFA classes, the American schedules get progressively harder as you go up the ranks. Schedule 1 covers basic tail-in and sideways hovering manoeuvres, pirouettes, stall turns and rolls, all performed as single components within a very simple pattern framework. This is a broad schedule that includes all the BMFA Sportsman classes from A to Z.
Schedule 2 covers more complex aerobatics, including multiple rolls, loops, 540 degree stall turns and vertical lines. For Radio Control Helicopters to be in this class, pilots must be able to accurately hover within 0.5 M of a set point.
Bearing in mind a lot of the US competitions take place in tornado country, this isn’t nearly as easy as it sounds.
Finally, there is Schedule 3, equivalent to UK Masters tournaments, after which it’s FAI all the way.
Americans love electric helicopters. As well as hosting this year’s F3C World Championships, there are heli clubs in every state and county. Events range from serious Schedule 3 tournaments to Fun Fly Hog Roasts.
So remember: if you’re fly driving to Florida this year, pack a T-Rex along with your trunks!