5 Tips for an IMAC Novice

[NCFR "Lucky"]

The season is coming to an end for many around the country. I know there are a lot of people who were able to try IMAC this year which is awesome! I thought I would start a thread about tips that can help you continue to enjoy IMAC.

1. Learn how to fly a straight line. I know it sounds easy, but try it from endzone to endzone without making corrections, moving in, moving out, going up, going down, etc. Then do it in the wind - a lot of wind - blowing in your face - because that is what a contest feels like.

2. Three R's - Read the Rulebook Regularly. Going to a judging seminar is important and something that will help you immensly, but it does not end on Sunday after the seminar. Read the rulebook before each of your contests and you will be amazed and what you learn each time.

3. Read Pete Goldsmith's article on trimming. http://www.flyinggiants.com/forums/fg191/32733-trim-chart-based-article-peter-goldsmith.htmlIt goes without saying that you should apply what you read.

4. "It ain't the Tomahawk, it's the Indian" Every year we hear about the newest, latest, greatest plane, engine, prop, servo, battery, radio, sunglasses, hat, chicken, beer coozie, glue, power widget, etc. that is going to make you a better pilot. "If you just use _____, then you can fly like _____ because that is what they fly." There is only one thing that you can buy that will make you a better pilot - it's called GAS.

5. Have Fun. self-explanitory


Feel free to add your own 5 Tips.

[3D-Seth]

Nice post Keef!

I think that pretty much sums it up!

HAVING FUN is the biggest thing to me. Not only is the flying fun, but seeing everyone, and getting to hang out with everyone every weekend of the summer is pretty cool!

Seth

[jtec/radiowave]

1. Have fun
2. Don't take yourself to seriously
3. Ask questions - if you have any questions on how to fly a maneuver or placement of it don't be affraid to ask
4. Don't rush your flight - watch your speed and use throttle management
5. Don't fly for scores, fly because you are having fun

[louu]

is trimming mixing? i thought trimming was just making the plane fly straight.

[Old Fart]

Outstanding list - printed and posted in my office. Of course, seeing as I work for an airport and my staff will assume this has something to do with airliners - I might get the odd question or two (I'm used to it)

[smokin]

	Quote: Originally Posted by louu
	is trimming mixing? i thought trimming was just making the plane fly straight.

in my book, mixing is a "part of" trimming. in many cases the plane won't fly straight in all (much less any) attitudes sans mixing. many folks take a plane up on the maiden and correct a little ail/elev trim with the slides and when she is relatively straight "hands off" they call her trimmed.... if, make that WHEN, you read the trimming article above, you'll see that this is definitely not the case.

doing many mixes at any and all attitudes to make the plane do ONLY WHAT IT IS TOLD TO DO is so important. it allows you to fly the plane through manuvers and not have to fight the plane through the manuvers...

anyway, that article is AWESOME! i am by far not an expert, but following the instructions in that article sure makes me look better than i was when i was fighting my airplane around in circles!

[zzw26n]

My first year in IMAC - and below really sums it up nicely.

	Quote: Originally Posted by NCFR!!
	The season is coming to an end for many around the country. I know there are a lot of people who were able to try IMAC this year which is awesome! I thought I would start a thread about tips that can help you continue to enjoy IMAC. 1. Learn how to fly a straight line. I know it sounds easy, but try it from endzone to endzone without making corrections, moving in, moving out, going up, going down, etc. Then do it in the wind - a lot of wind - blowing in your face - because that is what a contest feels like. 2. Three R's - Read the Rulebook Regularly. Going to a judging seminar is important and something that will help you immensly, but it does not end on Sunday after the seminar. Read the rulebook before each of your contests and you will be amazed and what you learn each time. 3. Read Pete Goldsmith's article on trimming. http://www.flyinggiants.com/forums/fg191/32733-trim-chart-based-article-peter-goldsmith.htmlIt goes without saying that you should apply what you read. 4. "It ain't the Tomahawk, it's the Indian" Every year we hear about the newest, latest, greatest plane, engine, prop, servo, battery, radio, sunglasses, hat, chicken, beer coozie, glue, power widget, etc. that is going to make you a better pilot. "If you just use _____, then you can fly like _____ because that is what they fly." There is only one thing that you can buy that will make you a better pilot - it's called GAS. 5. Have Fun. self-explanitory Feel free to add your own 5 Tips.

[Show871]

Wait a minute, I was told my 9303 has a button for autopilot rudder controll?

[louu]

i guess ill go print it out

[Dan Baker]

Trimming is done to make/help the plane fly staight when you are "hands off" the sticks.
Mixing is done to make/help the plane fly straight when your sticks are deflected.
Last time I flew I need both to have a good flight.....
Hope this helps, Dan

[exeter_acres]

Hmmm... 5 tips...

HAVE FUN

Don't be afraid to Introduce yourself.

Let the CD know that it is your first contest.

Read the rule book...

Ask Questions...

Camp at the field.... (the most fun can be after hours...nothing crazy, just really enjoyable!)

Don't be intimidated, we all had our first contest.... and every one of us in every class get nervous sometimes...

Have fun

Ask questions...


Is that 5?

[goneflyin2002]

	Quote:
	Camp at the field.... (the most fun can be after hours...nothing crazy, just really enjoyable!)

Very good one Curtis, my Dad started me in that, and I haven't stopped since. (prolly 30 yrs ago!)

Don

[jwilliams]

Very Good suggestions.
Jeff

[Bryan Mailloux]

Remember to breath and relax.

[3d "kid"]

	Quote: Originally Posted by Bryan Mailloux
	Remember to breath.

LOL.Thats one i will have to remember