The snap roll is an advanced maneuver that you’ll first encounter in the IMAC Sportsman sequence. It evolves into more difficult variations in the upper classes of competition. It is one of the most difficult maneuvers in which to consistently achieve a high score because it requires a keen sense of timing, throttle management and exit correction. In addition, every plane seems to snap differently owing to its CG location and wing placement, i.e., low wing, mid wing, or high wing. If you want to achieve a good snap roll, practice is mandatory. The snap roll is an auto-rotation maneuver in a st ..read more

Let’s discuss a  maneuver called the “avalanche.” You can learn from the fundamentals in this exciting move. For example, I’m sure a lot of you have performed a basic loop. In fact, the loop is the first aerobatic maneuver that many people perform. The avalanche is a basic loop, but has one addition to it. At the top of the loop, the pilot performs a snap roll. FIRST THINGS FIRSTWhen performing a graceful maneuver like the loop, focus your attention on geometry and smoothness. When executing the “loop” portion of this aerobatic maneuver, you want a low-rate setting that has about 12 ..read more

This precision aerobatic maneuver looks like a figure-S lying on its side. It consists of a 3/4 loop with a 1/2, roll as the plane flies inverted downward at a 45·degree angle, followed by another ¾ loop and another 1/2 roll during the second descending angle. It is especially impressive when performed close to the ground. STEPS TO SUCCESSStep 1. Start the maneuver by flying at full power, straight and level, with the wind or downwind. Apply up-elevator as if you’re going to do a loop. Step 2. Continue the loop until the plane is inverted and heading downward at a 45·degree angle. As the plane ..read more

As aerobatic RC pilots develop their skills, it’s natural to try different control inputs while flying. And quite often new aerobatic maneuvers are discovered by pushing the envelope. The classic Lomcevak is a tumbling maneuver where the aircraft’s tail rotates in front of the engine throughout the maneuver. The maneuver has Eastern European roots and the word “lomcevak” translates to headache. To properly execute this maneuver, you need to apply proper control inputs at precisely the correct time. To consistently execute the maneuver, your aircraft will need to be properly tuned and set up. I ..read more

Actually, pilots should begin their flying careers by using rudder from the very beginning. One of the ways we used to help beginner pilots is by programming in an aileron/rudder mix from the very start. This improves the plane’s performance by eliminating adverse yaw, which is the opposite yaw or skid inherent with aileron deflections on flat-bottom-wing planes, the very ones many new pilots start with. What is important is that adverse yaw grows worse at slower speeds and/or with larger inputs. This is why some pilots, who seem to fly around OK, struggle with controlling their planes during ..read more

A great way to add fun and excitement to your RC flights is to add a smoke system. Do a loop or a roll and then add a dense, white smoke trail and you have an airshow! And it’s easy to save some bucks by modifying your stock muffler instead of buying a commercial smoke muffler. You can then take that money and apply it to the cost of the smoke pump and required hardware. Here’s how I did it with my Zenoah G-20 powered 1/4-scale J-3 Piper Cub from Hangar 9.   Step 1: Here’s the stock muffler on the Piper Cub’s engine. Remove it and clean it up with some solvent to really degrease it. I u ..read more

One of the most challenging and admired maneuvers in all of aerobatics is the rolling circle. As a rule, you can achieve early success learning most maneuvers as long as you first understand the proper control inputs, and hand-eye coordination adds the final touches to perform the maneuver nearly perfectly. The rolling circle, however, is even more challenging in that it depends almost entirely on hand-eye coordination from the start. This article covers the steps to flying a rolling circle, but you’ll execute the actual maneuver by reacting to your plane. Let’s begin by noting that using ..read more

There is no doubt that many aerobatic enthusiasts are interested in performing extreme moves. It is important, however, to build your aerobatic sequences on a solid foundation. Years ago, when I first became interested in aerobatics, 3D flying did not exist. Instead, we concentrated on precision aerobatics and honed our skills while competing at various Pattern (nsrca.org) and International Miniature Aerobatic Club or IMAC (mini-iac.com) competitions. By studying how the other guys flew and flying different routines, we improved our skills, and learn how to properly position our aircraft at al ..read more

As aerobatic RC pilots develop their skills, it’s natural to try different control inputs while flying.  And, quite often new aerobatic maneuvers are discovered by pushing the envelope. The classic Lomcevak is a tumbling maneuver where the aircraft’s tail rotates in front of the engine throughout the maneuver. The maneuver has Eastern European roots and the word “lomcevak” translates to headache. To properly execute this maneuver, you need to apply proper control inputs at precisely the correct time. To consistently execute the maneuver, your aircraft will need to be properly tuned and s ..read more

The first 3D maneuver many pilots learn is the “elevator.” During an elevator, the airplane remains fully stalled and drops almost vertically in a flat attitude. Start by pointing the airplane directly into the wind. Cut the throttle and increase upelevator to enter a stall. At the moment the plane stalls, hold in full up-elevator and add a few clicks of throttle to provide enough propwash over the tail to maintain control authority and to keep the fuselage level. Then adjust power to raise or lower the nose. Throughout the descent, rudder is the primary control used to correct left and right ..read more