Flight Techniques

Tips to become a better pilot


RC Model Tip – Tame your Tail-Dragger

RC Model Tip – Tame your Tail-Dragger

From sport planes and classic civilian aircraft to warbirds and fighters, the tail-dragger configuration, where the little “steering” wheel is in back behind the main landing gear, remains very popular. Though the tailwheel has very little effect on the model’s flight performance, the landing gear configuration does make takeoffs and landings much different from planes […]
Secrets to Hovering — Master this 3D Move

Secrets to Hovering — Master this 3D Move

Of all 3D maneuvers, it’s possible that none represent 3D flying more than hovering. While learning to hover can be extremely challenging, you can make it easier for yourself by knowing the primary forces involved. Control while hovering is maintained solely by the propeller thrust or “prop-wash” over the tail surfaces and the inboard portions […]
Spice Up Your Loops–Fly the Avalanche

Spice Up Your Loops–Fly the Avalanche

The Avalanche will  cause spectators to gasp, especially when performed close to the ground. The surprise is that both maneuvers date back to a time long before 3D was even an aerobatic style. We enlisted the help of our good friend, aerobatic pilot and designer Mike McConville, to guide you through this maneuver and offer some tips […]
Knife-Edge Spin Explained

Knife-Edge Spin Explained

In my opinion, the knife-edge spin is one of the most impressive extreme aerobatic maneuvers. It’s very demanding for the pilot and the airframe. First, I’ll describe the maneuver. In traditional knife-edge, the aircraft is rolled approximately 90 degrees from upright level flight. Then altitude is sustained by using “top” rudder. When the maneuver is […]
Flight Technique: Cobra with 1/2 Rolls

Flight Technique: Cobra with 1/2 Rolls

If you follow full-scale aerobatics, there is another maneuver that goes by a similar name, but it is called the Pugachev Cobra. The Pugachev Cobra shows post-stall maneuvering as it displays an abrupt pitch change and a high angle of attack. The Pugachev Cobra is very similar to the common “3D” maneuver, the “Wall,” where […]
Master the Tail-Slide

Master the Tail-Slide

Here’s a great show-off maneuver you can use to impress your friends. A typical tail-slide begins from upright level flight parallel to the runway. The pilot then applies full throttle and performs a 1/4 loop to enter a vertical up-line. After the vertical line is established, the pilot gradually pulls the throttle back to idle. […]
Functional Flaps — Understanding their use.

Functional Flaps — Understanding their use.

Sooner or later, many RC modelers try their hand at a scale subject, and since most full-size aircraft use flaps, their scale model should include them as well. A scale model with the flaps fully deployed is an impressive sight. This will most likely be the pilot’s first exposure to flaps since most of our sport […]
Nailing the Snap Roll

Nailing the Snap Roll

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 […]
The Lomcevak: The Classic RC Manuver

The Lomcevak: The Classic RC Manuver

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 […]
Mastering the Cuban-8

Mastering the Cuban-8

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 […]
Mastering the Figure M

Mastering the Figure M

If you want to become the best aerobatic pilot possible, you need to master key maneuvers by taking small steps. First, make sure you’re proficient in performing maneuvers like inverted flight, vertical and horizontal rolls, inside and outside loops and the stall turn. You can then perform these moves in sequence to create a show-stopping […]
Master the Precision Roll — Tips for Perfecting this Classic Maneuver

Master the Precision Roll — Tips for Perfecting this Classic Maneuver

Because it’s used in so many other maneuvers, it’s important to perfect this one and add it to your foundation repertoire. High-speed rolls are generally easier to start with because inertia is a tremendous help. Long, graceful rolls are usually done at medium to high speed to allow inertia to help keep the maneuver axial. […]
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