IMAC practice tips for new pilots.

I think you can use the auto zoom function to help. It has been a while since I have been on Phoenix, however. But, to answer your other question, yes I do use the sim to practice.

Before you start practicing your sequence work on turn around maneuvers for a whole three flights. Focus more on keeping your box tight and keeping the same line each pass. It is VERY boring, but trust me it will help you out a lot. It will allow you to focus on the simple things.

Key Things to focus on!
Keep track on same line back and forth
Focus on wind correction angles via all parts of the flight.
Focus on smooth throttle transition.
Focus on keeping the box just big enough to complete your sequence
After a few straight passes add a loop in the middle.
Focus on keeping the plane from drifting in and out.

Hope this helps! Even the Unlimited and Invitational guys do this.

Hi Kevin, on a competition, is this something you do? Sounds like a great idea. I usually just take off, and as soon as I am in line, I call in the box, but what you just stated , i know is legal, but right before starting, sounds like a great way to get adjusted. The rule book states:

13. Time Limits:

13.1: The contestant has two (2) minutes to start his/her engine and become airborne. If after two (2) minutes the contestant is unable to start the engine, they will move to the end of the round rotation. If the contestant fails to start a second time, they shall receive zero for the round.

13.2: The contestant has one (1) minute from the time the wheels leave the ground during takeoff to enter the aerobatic airspace.

13.3: There shall be no time limit while in the aerobatic airspace.
13.4: The contestant has two (2) minutes between leaving the aerobatic airspace and touchdown for

landing, unless required to hold upon command from the appropriate official.

13.5: Prior to entering the aerobatic airspace, between sequences, and prior to landing, pilots shall only be allowed to perform the following trim and positioning maneuvers:

•  Turns;
  
  
•  Half Cubans with only a single 1⁄2 roll on the 45 down line;
  
  
•  Reverse Half Cubans with only a single 1⁄2 roll on the 45 up line;
  
  
•  The 1⁄2 roll is optional based on aircraft positioning required to enter the aerobatic airspace;
  
  
•  Half loops up or down (Immelmann or Split S) with only one half roll on entry or exit;

SCA-8

•  Single half roll to inverted immediately prior to entering the aerobatic airspace for the case in which an inverted entry to the first maneuver is required;
  
  
•  Single half roll to upright immediately after exiting the aerobatic airspace for the case in which an inverted exit from the last maneuver is required;
  
  
•  A vertical up or down line with a simple push/pull for entry and exit. A single 1/2 roll is allowed on this vertical line only if required to orient the aircraft properly for entry to the first maneuver.
  
  Exceptions to this limitation may only be directed by the CD or line boss in the normal course of safely managing the airspace. Pilots will follow such directions and no penalty will apply.
  
  Turnaround maneuvers may not be performed at low altitude or directly in front of the judges. No other aerobatic maneuvers are allowed immediately following the airplane breaking ground except for the Four Minute Freestyle. Any infraction shall result in a penalty of zeroing the round.
  
  The intent here is to prevent anything that may be viewed as “practice” and hence give one competitor an advantage over another. Therefore, snaps, spins, point rolls, Humpty’s, Tailslides, etc, etc.... may never be executed after breaking ground and before entering the sequence, between sequences or after completing the sequence(s) and prior to landing.
  

Sims can definitely help to an extent. Not as good as flying of course. Good for learning and memorizing the sequence. I prefer Realflight (better physics IMHO). On RF it helps to fly the sequence low since you can barely see the plane when doing a spin at the top of the box (~600 ft).

I think Kevin was just talking about a practice technique when using the simulator. Good idea.

All the rules are correct and straight out of the IMAC rulebook

Have to admit, were pretty loose about time rules in Cali as far as start up, minute to box , two to land etc. As long as the flight line moves theres no one with a stop watch...usually... to time all that, but rules are rules and you could be dq'd for taking too long.
Sims are great for muscle memory and memorizing the sequence, but dont forget to turn at least some wind on. Wont learn a thing about the rudder without 5-10 mph.
For me best tool for learning is the stick plane and arresti sheet, flying the sequence in my living room, at work etc and visualizing the inputs .

@orthobird Rules say you are only allowed a single half-roll and no full-loops prior to starting the sequence. So you can't just fly up and down practicing line and turnarounds until the clock says you must start!

Suggest it is a good idea to do exactly (obviously allowing for wind direction) the same take-off to start of sequence pattern each time you start a competition flight - this will help to get your brain in exactly the right place. Doing something different at start of each flight is unlikely to.

I agree nothing is better than real flying. We're grounded here for the next 10 days except for snow flying. I thought I'd give the sim a try. Perhaps on a bigger screen? Thanks for all the feedback!

scruffmeister said:

@orthobird Rules say you are only allowed a single half-roll and no full-loops prior to starting the sequence. So you can't just fly up and down practicing line and turnarounds until the clock says you must start!

Suggest it is a good idea to do exactly (obviously allowing for wind direction) the same take-off to start of sequence pattern each time you start a competition flight - this will help to get your brain in exactly the right place. Doing something different at start of each flight is unlikely to.

Click to expand...

Orthobird (Cam) quoted the rules directly, and any of these maneuvers are allowed prior to actually starting the sequence. Yes, you don't wish to take up a huge amount of time prior to starting the first figure, but no one should feel rushed to jump right it after takeoff and one pass thru the box.

Personally, I like to take off and make smooth 90 deg turns with short straight lines out and back into the box, judging the effect of any wind on my flight path. Adjust any trim as needed on straight and level and then do a reverse 1/2 cuban turn-around....looking closely at what the wind is doing to the figure. If i am not heading in the correct direction for entry, then I'll do another reverse 1/2 cuban to turn around....again, watching to see if I have enough wind correction.

These couple of passes not only helps me judge the wind prior to starting, but helps me to relax a bit and get my head into the game before committing to the sequence.

Even at the Worlds in 2014, very seldom was a clock put on any pilot. Typically if an issue arose on the ground, they were moved to the back of the que. In the air they were instructed to land if there was an issue.

Everyone has there own thing... I had a small fuel tank in my 40%er last year so especially in advanced I would take off and perform a procedure turn putting you right back over the runway down wind, I would at the other end pull a half reverse Cuban and then be lined up to come on in the box. After sequence 2 my timer would go off about as I was exiting the box so I had enough fuel for a couple landing attempts. Also everyone needs to remember it's all about fun! Anyone that has judged intermediate or advanced in the north east of Earle and I were calling for each other has laughed pretty hard even in the judges chair...
Sometimes if the sequence would end inverted I would fly my entire landing approach inverted and roll upright on final... It's perfectly legal...

Yep....and sometimes we laugh so hard DURING the sequence we loose track of what comes next!
I can remember a few times saying (loud enough for the judges to hear)...."If they didn't zero THAT, they shouldn't be sitting in the chair!!!"