New to IMAC? FAQ's

[TheTank]

For anyone that is interested in trying IMAC for the first time in their respective region, here are some frequently asked questions that we tend to hear from first timers:

Do I have to join IMAC to fly in a contest?
No, you do not have to join IMAC to compete in an IMAC event. Just show up and register in the contest with your current AMA card. If you like IMAC, and want to continue competing, join IMAC to help support the organization. So that any points you accumulate during the contest year go towards your overall class standing at the end of a contest year. Some regions do not count points in the basic class. Ask your Regional Director to be sure.

What airplanes are legal for IMAC?
In the Basic class (entry level), you can fly anything with wings (aerobatic airframes recommended!). There are no restrictions on the type class of airframe in the basic class. Beginning in the sportsman class and up, rules state that the airplane must be a replica of a full scale airplane that was flown in full scale Aerobatics or intended to.
Baron Johnson's Loudenslager Shark is a perfect example of a plane that was intended for full scale competition but never flew.

Do I have to start in Basic?
Although it is recommended that you begin IMAC competition in the Basic class, you can begin in any class you would like.

Can I move between classes in different events?
You can always move up (until your in Unlimited), but once you have moved up, you cannot move down a class. Some regions have a rule in place that will allow an Unlimited pilot to move back to Advanced if he desires at any point. All is needed is the RD's permission.

Do I have to have a caller/spotter?
While flying, you are required to have a spotter caller to help you with the sequence and to help avoid mid-airs. If you don’t have a regular caller, don’t worry. Ask someone from your class or another class to call for you, just bring a calling sheet with you so that can call the correct maneuvers for you.

When it’s my turn to fly… what do I do???
You always want to be prepared prior to your flight time. When your class is called, make sure your airplane is fueled and ready to go, and if possible, move your aircraft down to the area that the judges are.
Depending on the event, you may be asked to start your engine as soon as the pilot before you finishes his/her sequence to help minimize time between flights (this is the CDs discretion and is covered in the pilots meeting). There are no trim passes in IMAC. Its generally known that you have one minute to enter the box but this is rarely enforced at a local level. National events it is strictly enforced.
Do NOT perform any aerobatic maneuvers at this time. Once you are in trim, get into position to enter the box, when ready, have your spotter call “in box” and begin flying your sequence. When you have completed the sequence, have you spotter call “out of Box.” Then go around, get into position, and enter the box and fly through the sequence for a second time. After finishing and calling out of box for the second time, land your aircraft. Ask the judges for feedback on your flight if they have time or wait till the round is done. They are there to help you! They will let you know what you did well, and what you need to work on for the next flight! After completing your flight, go refuel you airplane and get it ready for the next round.

Will I be asked to Judge?
You may be asked to judge at an event. If you feel that you are not qualified to judge, do not be afraid to decline, and let them know that you are new to the IMAC circuit, and don’t feel qualified at this point. Try to attend a local judging seminar in your area so that you are familiar with judging. This will not only help you to volunteer as a judge, but will also help you become a better pilot as you will better understand what to look for.

I’m having a hard time understanding the Aresti Symbols…
Print out a copy of the “Aresti Dictionary” here on the FlyingGiants or at the IMAC website. Also read the “aresti made simple” article from the IMAC website to help learn what the symbols mean. When in doubt, ask questions!!!

How are figures scored?
Each figure in your sequence has a top scored value of 10. Each maneuver is started at a score of 10, and has points deducted for errors. A complete discussion of deductions and scoring of figures can be found in the IMAC handbook on the IMAC website.

What are unknowns and how to they work?
Unknown sequences are sequences that are handed out either on Saturday evening after all flying has ceased. Some regions/contests used to hand out the unknowns Sunday morning prior to the event beginning. According to the IMAC Official Contest Standards Guide for 2007. Unknowns will be required to be handed out the night before, not the morning of the flight.
The unknown is comprised of class-legal maneuvers put together in a 10 maneuver sequence like that of your known sequence. At some contests, even the Basic class will have an unknown, or fly one sequence of scored knowns to count for the unknown. In the unknown round, you fly the sequence ONLY once, then land.

Do you have to be in a specific class to fly freestyle?
All contestants are welcome to the fly the freestyle if the event is holding this portion of a contest. You do have to fly in the contest to fly in the freestyle however.

When should I move up to the next class?
Most regions have a Move Up Policy. The move up rules are defined in the IMAC Rule Book on page GR-6, Section 10 of the General Rules these are national rules. In 2007-08 the RD can make the decision, but the same rules apply to all the regions. In short, if a pilot has 3 wins with 4 or more pilots flying at each contest, the pilot must move up. This will be in effect for the 2007 season based on 2006 contest results. You can also move up if you feel comfortable doing so, there is nothing that says you can't continue to challenge yourself.

Is there are landing fee to attend an IMAC event?
In most cases, yes, there are landing fees that can vary from $10 to $50. These fees are there to pay for the awards given out at the event, as well as to provide a donation to the hosting club so that there is an incentive for them to host our events. Contact the CD of the event to find out what the landing fee is for that specific event.

[Tailchaser]

Great information Tank, Thanks! Kind of takes some of the gitters away when guys know a little of what too expect.

Chuck

[Wayne]

Thanks Ryan.

Fixed.

[TheTank]

	Quote: Originally Posted by ryansmith
	Might want to rephrase that Tank.

Whoops! Thanks for the catch Ryan! Thats slipped past a bunch of us! Just goes to show you our minds only see what they want to see! Thanks Wayne for fixing it.

[wmat7039]

The unknown is comprised of class-legal maneuvers put together in a 10 maneuver sequence like that of your known sequence. At some contests, even the Basic class will have an unknown, or fly one sequence of scored knowns to count for the unknown. In the unknown round, you fly the sequence ONLY once, then land.

Hi there John... There is a little mistake in the above info you put out... Basic does NOT & will NOT have any Unknowns at any IMAC contests.
Wayne
SE Judging Instructor

[Fearless Flyer]

Tank,
Thanks for all the answered questions. I wasn't sure about some stuff and everything you stated cleared it all up for me. I am very egger to get into IMAC ever since I participated in the Youth Masters last year. I just invested in a 40% to compete and I am just excited as can be to compete this season.
Thanks again.

[TheTank]

	Quote: Originally Posted by wmat7039
	The unknown is comprised of class-legal maneuvers put together in a 10 maneuver sequence like that of your known sequence. At some contests, even the Basic class will have an unknown, or fly one sequence of scored knowns to count for the unknown. In the unknown round, you fly the sequence ONLY once, then land. Hi there John... There is a little mistake in the above info you put out... Basic does NOT & will NOT have any Unknowns at any IMAC contests. Wayne SE Judging Instructor

Perhaps in the SE region that is true, but not in all regions. In the NE, the basic class flies one sequence of their known as an unknown. And typically, at the end of the year, we'll throw a little surprise at them in form of an unknown, usually just mixing up the sequence of the manuevers they already fly in their known, thats why I said "at some contests" because even though there is now a "guidebook" on how to run an IMAC contest along with the rules and regulations, often times CDs change it up a bit.

[Judge]

	Quote: Originally Posted by TheTank
	Perhaps in the SE region that is true, but not in all regions.

It is effective with this season. The new contest guide stipulates that Basic will not fly an Unknown.

[Wayne]

There are instances where a CD will change his event and do what he wishes.
I think John is referring to one of those times.

Certainly not the norm to have basic fly an Unknown but I know it has happened.

[TheTank]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Judge
	It is effective with this season. The new contest guide stipulates that Basic will not fly an Unknown.

This is true, in 07', the guide stipulates so. As I would love to think that all regions and contests are run with strict adherence to the guide, this is often not the case. Im just trying to get these guys prepared for thier first IMAC contest, and what they might expect to see, that is all.

[TheTank]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Wayne
	There are instances where a CD will change his event and do what he wishes. I think John is referring to one of those times. Certainly not the norm to have basic fly an Unknown but I know it has happened.

Exactly Wayne.

[Judge]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Wayne
	There are instances where a CD will change his event and do what he wishes. I think John is referring to one of those times. Certainly not the norm to have basic fly an Unknown but I know it has happened.

The deal from here on out is that if a CD wants his contest to count towards regional pints races and be recognized as an official IMAC contest they will agree to follow the IMAC contest template. The idea is that a contestant should know what an IMAC contest is regardless of where it is held. Deviation from the template can only be approved by the RD or the BoD.