[Shawn Berkheimer]

Tony, most contests don't offer the freestyle. What I would suggest the next time you go out flying would be to just practice 1/2 cuban eights and 1/2 reverse cuban eights. Work on keeping your airplane at the same line within the box and establishing your 45 degree lines. This is actually more difficult than it sounds. Once you have this mastered the basic sequence will be a snap for you. What I see way too often in basic:

1. The airplane is flown way too colse in and too fast
2. The airplane is not flown paralell to the runway.
3. Airplanes wings are not level at the beginning of a manuver.
4. Rolls on a line are not centered.
5. Lines are not defined and/or not held long enough

A good example would be the 1/2 cuban eight. Here is what a judge would want to see.


Entry line is level, no climbing/diving, wings are level and airplane is paralell to ruway about 200 to 300 feet out 1/3 to 1/2 power.

Airplane begins the 5/8 loop while power is smoothly applied, as airplane reaches 1/4 loop it has not yawed one way or the other, as the airplane comes over the top of the loop the wings are level, still no yaw and the power is being reduced. As the airplane reaches an inverted 45 degree downline the wings are still level, power is at idle and the 45 degree downline is locked and flown for a 2 count. 1/2 roll is performed and stop wings level while airplane is still at 45 degree downline that lasts another 2 count. Pullout is performed as 1/2 power is reapplied. Pullout is level, paralell and has no bobble.

The key is practice, preferably with a coach that knows the criteria and don't be afraid to try new settings with the airplane. Most new guys are running way too much throw and not enough Expo.


Shawn