This event has just been released. Full details, including entry forms, can be found via the link on Paul’s Helicopter Pages (http://www.rchelicopter.co.uk/events.htm) where you will find plenty of other stuff about RC helicopters as well.
Even if you don’t intend to go, here is a run-down of the schedule for the weekend. It’s a good template for you to build your own event around – maybe get you and your mates together for a “burn off” with your electric helicopters.
As is the norm with RC helicopters, all entrants must have a BMFA B certificate, or its equivalent (for people bringing their RC helicopters over from the US, it’s an AMA certificate) Entry is via online application ONLY (no just turning up on the day, unless you’re a spectator) and costs £20.
Everyone who takes part will get a nice medallion to take home, wherever their electric helicopters are placed. The final winner gets a cup.
There are two events, the freestyle and set manoeuvres. RC helicopters fly both, with the combined score deciding the final fly-off. RC helicopters are divided into three classes for both events. Electric helicopters (of all sizes); nitro 50 and nitro 90. There is also a junior and veteran class.
The freestyle event
Entrants have 31/2 minutes to put their electric helicopters through their paces, showing off the most complicated 3D manoeuvres they can think up in a choreographed display. Marks are given for content, smoothness of execution, structure of display and flying style.
Set manoeuvres event
A 3 minute schedule of set manoeuvres, judged on technical merit, execution and overall appearance.
Although the competition was planned to give pilots in the forthcoming UK Championships some experience, it differs from the formal BMFA competition in several respects, one of which is the set manoeuvres section.
Unlike the championship, where there is a predetermined schedule that all pilots must conform to, at Park Hall the pilots can decide their own manoeuvres. This allows for more flexibility in marking and also lets pilots iron out their weak spots (or show off their strong ones) before they take their RC helicopters off to the big event in September.
This also makes it an excellent starting point for anyone thinking of entering their RC electric helicopters for competitions.
The show is for everyone, of all standards – there are no classes based on skill criteria. The winner may not necessarily be the best flier, but the best improved. That might just be you.