Flight Techniques

Tips to become a better pilot


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. […]
Mastering the Avalanche

Mastering the Avalanche

Let’s discuss a  maneuver called the “avalanche.” You can learn from the fundamentals in this exciting move. For example, I’m sure a lot of you have performed a basic loop. In fact, the loop is the first aerobatic maneuver that many people perform. The avalanche is a basic loop, but has one addition to it. At […]
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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 […]
Learn to Hovering — Master this 3D Move

Learn 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 […]
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. […]
The Master shares his secrets

The Master shares his secrets

What maneuver does the “Father of 3D” Quique Samonzini most enjoy flying? Quique says, “I like them all, but if I had to choose one, it would be a well-done torque roll. It’s a really popular maneuver now. But when it is done show center, low to the ground with constant rotation that never stops […]
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