Competing in IMAC next season. Please help me, what do I need to know, have do?

[mmcconville]

Welcome to the IMAC world. Looks like you got some really good advice here. I dont have a lot to add but here are a few of the things that I believe are most important.

1. Get a good airplane, but it doesnt have to be a full blown IMAC ship that can win in Unlimited class either. That will come in time. Read good articles on flight trimming and set up. A truly exellent flying airplane is 50% design and 50% set-up and trimming.
DONT SET IT UP TAILHEAVY. A properly balanced model will not fly hands off when inverted. If it does, its tailheavy and will never be a competitive airplane.

2. If at all possible, find a current IMAC pilot to practice with. You can learn a lot.

3. DONT expect to win at first. Never skip a contest because you dont feel ready. Unless your airplane has a mechanical problem that will keep it from flying safely, go and compete.
As a rule, one contest flight is worth 25 practice flights. You cant replace contest experience and you cant learn and grow much without it.

4. Attend one of the IMAC Judging seminars. You will learn a TON and make lots of new friends.

5. Never be afraid to ask questions. Dont ever go to a contest and feel like you can approach the best pilots on the field, even if they are "pro" pilots. Just about all are more than willing to help you out.

6. Always, always, always keep it fun. Competition is great but never let it become work.

[dmichael]

I actually live south of Columbia, MD right off rt 29, Nick.

You probably remember that we tried to get together to maiden your 260 but it didn't work out (I think you ended up getting Don Szczur to help maiden your plane so you were in good hands) - I am happy to offer any help I can with the IMAC prep.

Here's what I say. Get your plane ready. Get it flying. Learn the sequences. Let's get together and do some practicing. Go to the contest. Have fun.

It's as easy as that.

Shoot me an e-mail when you are ready: davidmichael1@comcast.net

[dmichael]

Oh, one more thing- I know you're over at DCRC so if you're at the field when Andy Kane is there, he's an excellent resource as well. Ask him to watch you fly the sequence and give you some pointers.

The McDaniels should be able to help you out too- Joseph has flown in a few contests and has some experience.

[Dangerous Dan]

If there is a local contest go even if you don't have your plane ready yet, then volunteer to scribe. If you show an intrest judges will typically tell you what they are deducting for. It really helps to see others fly the sequence in a contest environment.

[niccolo98]

Thank you very much for all the nice replies. david, I will take you up on that ofer once my plane is done.
Thanks again for all the help!!
nick

[rcplanefan]

	Quote: Originally Posted by mmcconville
	... 1. Get a good airplane, but it doesnt have to be a full blown IMAC ship that can win in Unlimited class either. That will come in time. Read good articles on flight trimming and set up. A truly exellent flying airplane is 50% design and 50% set-up and trimming. ...

Mike - you are so right about this. It took me 3 years of flying competition before I finally spent the amount of time I should have trimming the plane. It made a HUGE difference as it drastically reduced the workload. Wish I had listened to you guys much earlier

Ken

[3Disaster]

I'm just starting this year too. I love this site theres sooo much info and great people to help. I'm not ready yet, but I'm close. Well, I still need the plane but the mindset is already there lol.
Mike

[OnTheEdge]

Hey Mike, I see you're from Milford. Have you been out to see the Imac contest at that field?

.......Mark

[3Disaster]

Yep, I've watched a few. When I first started (flying r/c in general) Brandon Snyder, you might know him, he stopped flying now, brought me to one of them. Thats what really hooked me . Plus I fly at that field alot too.
Mike

[sprice50]

This thread is a great resource for starting IMAC. Thanks.

[Doppelganger]

A year ago I became interested in IMAC. I met a few of the IMAC guys in the Albuquerque area. Four guys in particular were Ralph Lang, Len Alese, John Pompas, and Dave. Dave If you read this I'm sorry I can't remember your last name. I informed them that I was interested in IMAC and was going to buy a plane for competition.They told me they would take a look at my plane and give me pointers on the build, and all said they would watch me fly and help me if I wanted it.

Well, when I finally finished building my plane I was a little shy about bringing it to the field. It was so small compared to theirs (EF 74" Yak 54) that I thought they may not take me serioulsy. Well they did. They fussed over my plane for the better part of two hrs. In that time I went from a ready to fly plane, to a ready to crash plane. If was my first gasser. I had so much stuff wrong! I had a list of at least ten changes. Ralph told me that I could fly it as is, but it wouldn't be wise. That day I was wise. I took the plane home and made all the changes.

The plane flew great! And I made new friends. I havent competed yet, but I will hopefully this year. I picked up a 33% yak for the occasion. Guess what I'm trying to say is that everyone here is spot on when talking about the the commeraderie and friendliness of those who fly IMAC. Not once did they laugh at me, or make me feel small. I also learned about "steps" and "throttle curves". I had no idea exactly how much I didn't know.

I'll still be a bowl of jello when I fly my first contest round. But I'll fly knowing I'm as prepared as I could possibly be. Thanks to four new friends.

Steve