Indoor
Free Flight
1. Applicability. All pertinent MAAC regulations Selection of Champions, and General)
shall be applicable, except as specified below.
2. General. A
powered model of the indoor type shall be so designed that it can only be properly
flown indoors. Filling or inflating any part of an indoor rubber model with
lighter-than-air gases (example: hydrogen, helium) is strictly prohibited. The
flier or proxy flier of an indoor model must either hold the model or wind the
motor; auxiliary winding devices which facilitate one-man winding are permitted
if operated by the flier.
3. Area of Supporting Surface(s). The projected area of a supporting or stabilizing
surface is the area seen when looking directly down on the surface. Supporting
surface area enclosed in a fuselage or stick shall not be considered as wing
area. Projected area of horizontal stabilizing surface(s) in excess of 50
percent of the projected area of the supporting surface (wing area) shall be
considered as wing area.
4. Classes. Indoor
model classes, which shall be recognized for competition and national records,
are
defined as follows.
Rise-Off-Ground Stick Model—the projected area of the supporting surface(s) shall
not exceed 30 square inches; see also section 13.
Intermediate Hand-Launched Stick Model—the projected area of the supporting surface(s)
shall not exceed 100 square inches; see also section 13, 15.
Hand-Launched Stick Model—no restrictions on model size; see also section 13.
Rise-Off-Ground Cabin Model—the project-ed area shall not exceed 150 square
inches; see also section 14.
FAI Indoor Model (F1D)—(See FAI Sporting Code.)
Autogiro—no
restrictions on model size; see also section 16.
Ornithopter—no
restrictions on model size; see also section 17.
Helicopter—no
restrictions on model size; see also section 18.
Easy B—see
section 19.
Manhattan Cabin—see
section 20.
Pennyplane and Limited Pennyplane—see section 21.
Bostonian—see
section 22.
FAI Indoor EZB Model (F1L) Provisional
FAI event, see FAI Sporting Code Provisional
Rules Supplement.
Kit/Plan Scale—see
section 23.
Mini-Stick—see
section 24 and section 13.
Experimental Autogiro—see section 25.
5. Launching. Launching
shall be appropriate to the class of model. When hand launching is called for,
the model shall be released into flight directly from the hands of the
contestant, without other assistance. The model shall not be launched from a
height greater than the flier’s normal reach above the floor. When
rise-off-ground launching is called for, indoor models shall meet the following
requirements.
5.1.A
rise-off-ground (R.O.G.) Indoor model shall have a takeoff gear that permits it
to take off from the ground or floor under its own power. The takeoff gear must
be strong enough to support the model in a normal attitude while at rest and
permit it to take off without damage, nosing over, or striking a wing tip. When
one wheel is used, skids or similar devices shall be required to keep the model
upright and in a normal attitude and to prevent any part other than the takeoff
gear from touching the ground, floor, or runway. At the moment of release, the
model must be held in such a manner that at least one (1) or more points are
resting on the ground, floor, or runway.
5.2.The
minimum diameter of wheel(s) for rise-off-ground models shall be: stick, 0.50
inches (1.27 centimeters); cabin, 0.75 inches (1.905 centimeters). The wheel(s)
shall rotate freely.
6. Number of Models. There is no limit to the number of models that a
contestant may use in Indoor Rubber classes to complete his flights, except as
noted in individual event rules.
7. Official Flight. Only flights 60 seconds or longer shall be considered official, unless
specified otherwise in individual event rules. A flight may be terminated by
any physical means before the flight becomes official. A flight of less than 60
seconds duration will be considered a delayed flight; one (1) delayed flight
shall be allowed for each of the five (5) official flights. After a delayed
flight, the next launch shall result in an official flight being recorded,
regardless of the actual flight time.
8. Collision Rule. In the event of a collision between two (2) models in flight, each
competitor must choose, within two (2) minutes after termination of the flight,
to either accept the flight time as official or to make another flight. The re
flight must be made before the next official flight. If the choice is to make
another flight, no time is recorded for the rejected flight.
9. Timing of Flights. Method of timing shall be appropriate to the class of
model and required method of launching.
Hand-Launched Classes (except FAI Indoor and FAI EZB). Time of flight starts the instant
the model is launched by hand, and ends when the model comes to rest on the
floor of the building, or when the model jettisons any parts. “Comes to rest”
is interpreted to mean “belly down.”
Rise-Off-Ground Classes. Time of flight starts the instant the model is
released, and includes the takeoff roll. If the model bounces during the
takeoff, timing will continue provided the model becomes successfully airborne
within the delayed flight period (60 seconds, unless specified otherwise in
individual event rules). If the model does not become successfully airborne
within the delayed flight period, then the flight will be declared a delayed
flight. Time of flight ends when any part of the model touches the floor after
the end of the delayed flight period, or when the model jettisons any parts. In
a normal landing, this is when the wheel(s) or landing gear first touches the
floor. The landing roll is not included in the flight time.
All Classes. If
an obstruction is met which stops the flight, the stopwatch shall be permitted
to run for 10 seconds. If, within that time, the model frees itself, timing is
to continue. If the model does not free itself
within the 10 seconds allotted, the watch shall be stopped, 10 seconds
deducted from the time indicated, and the result recorded. Situations involving
collisions with another model or a balloon string or steering rod are defined
in sections 7 and 8 and the steering rules as reprinted from the FAI Sporting
Code, immediately following section 25. If an indoor helicopter ceases
translational movement and if any rotor(s) or vane(s) stop rotating, the flight
shall be considered to have stopped. In that case, the watches shall be
permitted to run for an additional 10 seconds. If translational movement
resumes or if the stopped rotor(s) or vane(s) resume rotation within 10
seconds, timing shall continue. Otherwise, the watches shall be stopped and 10
seconds shall be deducted from the time indicated and the resulting time
recorded.
10. Scoring of Flights. Scoring time shall be the longest of not more than
five (5) official flights. Flight duration shall be reduced to the nearest
whole second. ( Identical (tie) scores shall be resolved by considering the
next lowest scores of each contestant involved. In case the tie is still not
resolved, continue the process to include lower ranking scores until the tie is
resolved.
11. Steering of Model. Steering is intended to alter the direction of flight
and the general location of a model, which is approaching the structure of the
building. The intent of the rule is to avoid influencing either the altitude of
the model or its rate of climb or descent during the period of steering.
Steering rules for MAAC events shall be identical to the current rules for FAI
Indoor Models (F1D). The steering section of the FAI Indoor rules is reprinted
immediately after section 25.
12. Flying for Record. National record performances shall be recognized for
flights made in each of the following types of buildings:
Category I Buildings having ceilings less than eight
meters (26’3").
Category II Buildings having ceilings between eight
and 15 meters (26’3" to 49’2.5").
Category III Buildings having ceilings between 15 and
30 meters (49’2.5" to 98’5").
Category IV Buildings having ceiling over 30 meters
(higher than 98’5").
12.1.The height
of the building is defined as the vertical distance from the floor to the
highest point at which a circle of 15 meters (in diameter) can be inscribed,
below the primary structure of the building.
12.2. In FAI
Indoor (F1D), a record flight shall be the best single flight of a series of
six (6) flights.
12.3.If an
indoor site contains a reasonably permanent structure with an elevated upper
surface larger
than 15 meters in its smallest dimension, flights may
be launched from this surface provided:
a. The added
elevation of the launch surface does not change the official ceiling category
of the flight.
b. The model
must land no lower than the elevation of the launch point. If the model lands
below the launch point, the flight shall be recorded as zero time or score.
13. Stick Model.
For event 201.A model of the stick type has a body composed of stick(s),
tube(s) or open framework, rather than a fuselage. Models using tubes or
framework to enclose rubber motor(s) shall have a total maximum cross-sectional
area of the tube(s) or stick(s) not greater than L2/150, where “L’’ equals the
overall length of the model, excluding the propeller(s).
14. Cabin Model. For event 204.A Cabin model
has a built-up, enclosed fuselage. The total maximum cross-section of the
fuselage(s) must not be less than L2/100 where “L’’ equals the overall length
of the model, excluding the propeller(s). In cases of doubt, the contestant
shall present a full-size drawing of the maximum cross-section. The drawing
shall be ruled into half-inch squares. The fuselage(s) shall have not less than
90 percent of its/their surface area covered. Outriggers and booms may be used.
The rubber used for motive power shall be contained entirely within the
built-up fuselage(s). The maximum cross-section must be taken at some point on
the fuselage, which contains the rubber motor(s). A rolled tube used as
part of an indoor cabin model fuselage shall not be
considered to be a built-up structure. When a rolled tube is used as part of a
cabin model fuselage, the balsa shall not be considered to be covering. When a
covered superstructure is used to fulfill the cross section requirements above,
the superstructure must entirely enclose the rubber motor.
15. Intermediate Stick Model.
In order to be entered in the event for Intermediate
Hand-Launched Stick Models, a model must comply with all the requirements
applied to indoor rubber-powered models, in addition to the following
requirements.
15.1. All
supporting and stabilizing surfaces (wing, stabilizer, and rudder) can be
covered with any commercially available solid material such as plastic film or
paper. Microfilm is not allowed.
15.2. Propellers
may be carved from a solid block, formed from sheet stock, or be built-up and
covered with any commercially available solid material such as plastic film or
paper. Microfilm is not allowed.
16. Autogiro. For event 211.An autogiro
model is supported in flight by the action of vanes which rotate freely on an approximately
vertical axis, supplemented by the thrust of propeller(s) on an approximately
horizontal axis. If fixed wing(s) is/are employed, the projected area of the
vanes shall be not less than that of the fixed wing(s), and the sums of these
projected areas shall be considered the main supporting surface(s). The wing
area of an indoor autogiro must not exceed the rotor area. Stabilizer area in
excess of 50 percent of the total wing and rotor area shall count as wing area.
Takeoff gear is not required. Twenty (20) seconds will define an official
flight.
17. Ornithopter. .An Ornithopter model derives
its propulsion solely from the flapping of its wing(s) or parts thereof. If
part of a wing is fixed, the projected area of the flapping part shall not be
less than that of the fixed part, and the fixed part(s) must not extend ahead
of the leading edge or behind the trailing edge of the flapping parts. If the
model has more than one wing, these restrictions apply independently to each
wing, and the wings shall be substantially identical in size, shape, relative
areas of fixed and flapping parts, and degree of flapping motion. The projected
area of a flapping part is to be determined at a position midway between its
extreme positions. No part of the horizontal stabilizing surface(s) shall be
within a horizontal distance of one-fourth the wingspan from any part of a
wing, and the total projected area of such surfaces shall not exceed 50 percent
of the total wing area. No protuberances or extensions of the fixed or flapping
parts, which would satisfy the letter of these rules while violating their
spirit or intent are permitted. Takeoff gear is not required. Twenty (20)
seconds will define an official flight.
18. Helicopter.
A helicopter model rises without assistance and is
supported in flight solely by the lift of power-driven propeller(s) and/or
vane(s). The projected area of the propeller(s) and vane(s) shall be considered
as supporting surface(s). Takeoff gear is not required. Twenty (20) seconds
will define an official flight.
19. Easy B.
19.1. General. Except
for the specific rules which apply directly to Easy B, the rules for Free
Flight Indoor Rubber, Hand-Launched Stick Model, shall apply.
19.2. Characteristics.
19.2.1. The
Easy B model shall be a monoplane covered with any commercially available
material sold in sheet form. Microfilm is not allowed.
19.2.2. The
maximum projected wingspan is 18 inches (45.72 centimeters).
19.2.3. The
maximum wing chord allowed is three (3) inches (7.62 centimeters).
19.2.4. The
motor stick shall be solid and made from a single piece of wood. The tail boom
shall either be an extension of the motor stick or a separate piece of solid
wood. It is permissible to use splints of wood less than 3/8 inch (0.953
centimeters) long, attached directly to the original wood, to repair structural
damage to the tail boom and motor stick.
19.2.5. There
are no restrictions on model length.
19.2.6. There
shall be no minimum weight restrictions on the model.
19.2.7. Stabilizer
area shall not exceed 50 per-cent of the projected wing area.
19.2.8.There
shall be no bracing on the model except that which consists entirely of solid
wood. The use of any material except wood for bracing on Easy B models shall
not be acceptable. The intent of the Easy B rules is that all structures shall
be constructed entirely from wood, using adhesives solely to assemble the
structure.
19.2.9. Propeller. The propeller blades shall be constructed entirely from wood, with the
following exception: Special novice or beginner events can be set up for local
competition by permitting the use of plastic commercial propellers, provided
advance notice is given in contest announcements. It is not acceptable to use
any material other than wood for the propeller blades and spars, one (1) wire
for the propeller shaft, and adhesive for assembly. No gadgets of any kind
(such as variable pitch or variable diameter mechanisms) are permitted as part
of the propeller. Propeller hubs, which permit blade replacement and manual
pitch adjustment, are acceptable.
19.2.10.The
structural framework of the Easy B model shall be entirely of wood with
adhesive for assembly only. Reinforcement utilizing boron, car-bon fiber,
Kevlar™, or any other non-wood sub-stance is not allowed. Tissue or thread wrap
at the thrust bearing and rear hook is acceptable.
19.2.11.It
is prohibited to use any scheme, device, or mechanism, which affects the rate of
energy release from the rubber motor, except for propeller blade flare or
deformation.
20. Manhattan Cabin.
20.1. General. All
rules applying to Free Flight Indoor Rubber, with the exceptions noted below,
shall apply.
20.2. Characteristics.
20.2.1. Airframe
weight without rubber shall be four (4) grams minimum.
20.2.2. The
overall length of the model, measured without the prop, shall not exceed 20
inches (50.8 centimeters).
20.2.3. The
fuselage must meet the following requirements.
20.2.3.1.It
must support and enclose a single rubber motor. No rigid internal structures
such as motor sticks allowed.
20.2.3.2. The
external structural members of the
fuselage must include a theoretical box measuring 2.5 inches X four (4) inches X two (2) inches (6.35 X, 10.16 X
5.08 centimeters), or larger.
20.2.3.3. The
fuselage must include a windshield of two (2) square inches minimum area and a
window on each side of one (1) square inch mini-mum; windshield and windows to
be cellophane or similar transparent material. If transparent covering is used
on the fuselage, then the windshield and windows must be outlined in a
contrasting colour.
20.2.4. The
propeller shall be all wood except for shaft and hook for rubber attachment,
with fixed pitch and directly driven by the rubber motor.
20.2.5. The
wing shall be a monoplane with 20 inches (50.8 centimeters) maximum projected
span and four (4) inches (10.16 centimeters) maximum chord.
20.2.6. The
horizontal stabilizer shall be a monoplane with 12 inches (30.48 centimeters)
maximum projected span and 3.5 inches (8.89 centimeters) maximum chord.
20.2.7. Wood
bracing of wing and horizontal stabilizer is allowed.
20.2.8. The
landing gear shall be fixed and rigid with at least two (2) freely turning wheels
of one (1) inch (2.54 centimeters) minimum diameter; the landing gear shall be
able to support the airplane at rest on the takeoff area.
20.2.9. All
covering of the model except for the windows shall be paper or commercially
available plastic; no microfilm allowed.
20.2.10. Scoring. All flights shall rise off the ground from at least a two-point
starting position; the best single flight of an unlimited number of official
flights shall count. At the discretion of the Contest Director, the best single
flight of five (5) official flights shall be counted.
21. Indoor Pennyplane, and Limited Pennyplane..
21.1. General. Except
for the specific rules, which apply directly to Pennyplane and Limited
Pennyplane, the rules for FF Indoor Rubber and Hand Launched Stick Model, shall
apply.
21.2. Pennyplane.
21.2.1.The
model shall weigh at least 3.10 grams without the rubber motor.
21.2.2.The
overall length, including the propeller, shall not exceed 20 inches (50.8
centimeters). The length is to be measured by placing the prop blade leading
edges against a vertical plane. The rear most part of the model must not extend
beyond a line parallel to the vertical plane and 20 inches from it.
21.2.3. The
projected wingspan, measured perpendicular to the motor stick, shall not exceed
18 inches (45.72 centimeters.).
21.2.4. The
distance from the front of the thrust bearing to the rear motor hook shall not
exceed 10 inches (25.4 centimeters).
21.2.5. A
single direct drive (ungeared) rubber motor and propeller shall be used to
power the model.
21.2.6.The
rubber motor shall not be enclosed.
21.3. Limited Pennyplane..
21.3.1. All
rules applicable to Pennyplane shall apply to Limited Pennyplane, with the
following exceptions applying specifically to Limited Pennyplane.
21.3.2. The
wing chord shall not exceed five (5) inches (12.70 centimeters).
21.3.3. The
dimensions of the horizontal stabilizer shall not exceed four (4) inches chord
by 12 inches span (10.16 x 30.48 centimeters).
21.3.4. The motor
stick shall be solid and made from a single piece of wood. (The tail boom may
be a separate solid piece.)
21.3.5.The
propeller diameter shall not exceed 12 inches (30.48 centimeters).
21.3.6. No gadgets
of any kind are permitted on the model (i.e., variable pitch props, automatic
incidence changing mechanisms, etc.).
21.3.7. Limited
Pennyplane is limited to monoplane models.
22. Bostonian.
22.1. General. All
rules applying to FF Indoor Rubber, with the exceptions noted below, shall
apply.
22.2. Intent of Rule. This is an event to promote indoor flying of realistic
propeller-driven, rubber-powered models of a size and complexity which are
suitable for small buildings and limited skills. It also allows fanciful
designs, for which no full-size counterpart exists, to be flown.
22.3. Charisma Judging. A “charisma factor” of 1.00 through 1.20 will be
awarded each airplane before flight, based on the purpose stated above. The
assignment of charisma factor will be made with all the models grouped together
so they can be ranked and compared. There is no reason to award either a 1.00
or a 1.20 score to any of the models in a particular competition. These numbers
represent the limits of the range to be used. The judge is encouraged to assign
values with at least two (2) significant numbers to the right of the decimal
point to fully use the factor to differentiate among the models being judged.
This factor will be awarded with whatever weighting the appointed charisma
judge sees fit and is not to be the subject of protest after judging. Argument
about charisma scoring will be considered unsportsmanlike conduct with
penalties provided in this book.
22.4. Flight Scoring. Five (5) official flights will be allowed with the
sum of the best two (2), in seconds, being used as flight score. The final
score will be the flight score multiplied by the charisma factor. Flight begins
when the model is released for an unassisted takeoff and ends when the model
next touches the floor, or is prevented from forward flight by an obstruction
for more than 10 seconds. The ten-second rule will be applied in the same way
as in endurance events. A flight of less than 20 seconds may be considered an
attempt or an official flight (at the flier’s option, to be exercised
immediately) and two (2) attempts will be allowed for each of five (5) official
flights. Any flight in which there is accidental contact with steering
apparatus, people, or other models may be considered no-flight (at the flier’s
option, to be exercised immediately) with neither an official flight nor an
attempt being recorded. A flight in which the model does not take off or is
assisted in takeoff is listed as a zero (0) time attempt. A bounce caused by
roughness of the takeoff surface or a liftoff with a stall and no climb is not
to be considered a takeoff. Hand launching may be used if, in the opinion of
the Contest Director, floor surface conditions are likely to prevent a
significant number of the entries from rising off the ground.
22.5. Timing. All
flights must begin with release for unassisted takeoff from a position in which
the model is resting on the takeoff (landing) gear with no push allowed. If the
flier’s hand moves in the direction of flight on release, this will be
interpreted as a push and a zero (0) time attempt will be charged.
22.6. Specifications.
22.6.1.Maximum
projected wingspan shall not exceed 16 inches (40.64 centimeters).
22.6.2. Maximum
wing chord (measured parallel to the direction of flight) shall not exceed
three (3) inches (7.62 centimeters).
22.6.3. The
diameter of the propeller(s) shall not exceed six (6) inches (15.24
centimeters).
22.6.4. The
length of the model, excluding the propeller(s), but including the thrust bearing(s),
shall not exceed 14 inches (35.56 centimeters). This measurement will be made
in the direction of flight and will include surfaces which extend beyond the
thrust bearing or fuselage end because of a sweep or unusual mounting.
22.6.5. The
fuselage structure must enclose an imaginary box, which has minimum dimensions
of 1.5 inches x 2.5 inches x 3.0 inches (3.81 centimeters x 6.35 centimeters x
7.62 centimeters). The width (the horizontal dimension perpendicular to the
line of flight) of the fuselage shall not exceed three (3) inches. The fuselage
must be covered to prevent free air movement through the box. Normal sag of the
framework between supports caused by the tension of the covering will not be
considered as a violation of this rule.
22.6.6. The
fuselage structure must be built-up so that the longitudinal members (the
lingering) support the forces produced by the rubber motor. A solid or hollow
motor stick with a lightweight structure added on is not acceptable.
22.6.7. The
fuselage must have a transparent windshield and side windows of at least one
(1) square inch (6.45 square centimeters) projected area each as viewed from
the front or side, respectively. Thus, a wrap-around windshield can count as
both a windshield and side windows. An open cockpit design need not have side
windows, but the wind-shield must meet the one (1) square inch rule (6.45
square centimeters) and must stand at least 3/4 inch (1.905 centimeters) above
the top part of the fuselage ahead of the cockpit.
22.6.8. The
model must have at least two (2) wheels of at least 3/4 inch (1.905 centimeters) diameter which rotate
freely and support the model for takeoff and landing. The inside surfaces of
the wheels must be separated by at least 2.5 inches (6.35 centimeters) in the
direction of the axis of the wheels.
22.6.9. All
flying surfaces must be covered on both sides or must be solid material with a
thick-ness of at least 1/16 inch at the maximum point in each chordwise
element. The term ‘flying surfaces' includes all surfaces such as those
typically intended to provide lift, stability or tip-vortex suppression
including, but not limited to, wings, canard surfaces, tail surfaces, winglets
and tip plates
22.6.10. To
qualify as a monoplane, the total projected area of the secondary horizontal
surface(s), excluding that inside the fuselage, shall not exceed 24 square
inches (152.8 square centimeters). This may be a conventional stabilizer and/or
a canard surface. Secondary horizontal surfaces exceeding this total area limit
will be considered to be additional wings.
22.6.11. The
airframe, excluding the rubber motor(s), shall weigh at least seven (7) grams
for a monoplane or 10 grams for others. These weights may be increased at the
discretion of the Contest Director if advanced notice is given to contestants.
No trim tabs or other appendages that result in specified dimensions being
exceeded, will be allowed.
22.7. Only
one (1) entry per contestant is allowed.
23. Kit/Plan Scale.
The intent of this event is to foster flying of Free
Flight scale, rubber powered, and indoor models by providing an event that
requires a minimum of research, documentation and design and offers a maximum
of flying. A secondary objective is the encouragement of kitting and
publication of good designs by requiring that the models flown are built up and
finished according to the designs used, so that the better designs will be
recognized by their success in contests.
23.1. Models
must be built from published plans or kits that represent real, man-carrying
aircraft. Kit materials may be replaced in kind. That is, hardwood parts will
be replaced by hardwood, balsa by balsa, etc.
23.2. Size
of plans may be reduced or enlarged if wood sizes are in proportion to the
original.
23.3. All
surfaces must be covered on both sides with tissue paper. No condenser paper or
films are allowed. Uncovered solid materials may be used.
23.4.Models
must take off unassisted for official flights.
23.5. Any flight
in which the model is airborne for more than ten (10) seconds is official.
23.6. Two
(2) attempts may be used for each of five (5) official flights.
23.7. Timing
starts when the model is released and terminates when the model next touches
the floor or comes to rest after takeoff. The ten-second hang-up rule as
described in Section 9, Timing of Flights, will be used.
23.8. No
flight score (in whole seconds) will exceed the total of Craftsman and Fidelity
points.
23.9. Each
contestant is limited to one entry. Models will be judged before they are
flown. Plans and instructions from which the model was built must be submitted.
Up to 60 points will be awarded for fidelity of the model to the plans and/or
printed instructions from which it was built. Any changes in the structure or
finish will result in a penalty of one (1) or two (2) points, depending on the
nature of the change. If the change is made in several places, the penalty will
be assessed for each place. In cases of disagreement between the plans and
instructions, the builder must select which of the options he will use and
highlight it on the plans or instruction sheet, which he submits to the judges.
In cases where the plans and/or instructions do not show how something is done,
the builder is free to improvise. Also, see 23.11 and 23.14.
23.10. Up to
40 points will be awarded for craftsmanship, based on workmanship and finish.
Visible rough finish, poorly fitted joints, wrinkled and puckered tissue,
poorly located or attached decorations should all result in one (1) or two (2)
penalty points for each infraction. Surfaces, which are warped, or tissue,
which is puckered because of inadequate or poorly designed structure, should be
penalized lightly. Also, see items 23.12 and 23.13 below.
23.11. Nose
block and rear rubber attachment method may be altered to allow stretch
winding, insertion of a winding tube and easy hook up without penalty.
23.12. Tissue
type and color are optional, but control outlines and registration numbers
(even if made up) must be used.
23.13.Decorations
or paper panels, which are supposed to be cut from the plan and glued to the
model, must be so done, but they may be reproduced on similar weight paper and
cut out to preserve the plan.
23.14. Propeller
and thrust bearing may be altered from the plan without penalty.
23.15. Final
score is the sum of the best two (2) flight scores plus Craftsmanship plus
Fidelity.
24. Mini-Stick.
24.1. The
intent of this proposal is to make Mini-Stick an official event to allow
including the event in AMA contests, to increase participation, and to allow
records to be more easily kept.
24.2. The
Mini-Stick model shall be a monoplane covered with any commercially available
material sold in sheet form. Microfilm is not allowed.
24.3.The maximum
projected wingspan shall be seven (7") inches.
24.4. The
maximum wing chord shall be two and one-half (2-1/2") inches.
24.5. The
maximum length (from front of nose bearing to front of rear motor hook) shall
be five (5") inches.
24.6. The
maximum length from front of nose bearing to rear most part of model shall be
ten (10") inches.
24.7. The
projected area of the stabilizer shall not exceed 50 percent of the projected
area of the wing.
24.8. The
maximum diameter of the propeller shall be seven (7") inches. The
propeller shall be constructed of wood. Wire shafts are permitted. Hubs that
allow blade replacement and/or manual pitch adjustment are allowed. Mechanisms
that cause variable pitch and/or variable diameter of propellers while in flight
shall not be allowed. (Natural flexing and flaring of wooden blades is
allowed.)
24.9.The
minimum overall weight of the model (without motor) shall be 0.015 ounce.
24.10.Construction
is to be primarily wood, with adhesives used only for joining. Tissue and/or
thread are permitted for wrapping bearings, hooks, and for making sockets, if
desired. Boron, carbon fiber, Kevlar, and fine wire bracing are not permitted.
24.11.Mechanisms
that restrict the torque available to the propeller are not allowed.
25. Experimental Autogiro (Provisional)..
25.1. General. All
rules applying to FF Indoor Rubber, with the exceptions noted below, shall
apply.
25.2.An
Experimental Autogiro model is supported in flight solely by the action of
vanes or rotor(s), which rotate freely on an approximately vertical axis. No
fixed wing(s) may be used.
25.3. The
area of the lifting surface is defined as the swept disc area of the vanes or
rotor(s). This area is computed by multiplying 3.14 times the square of the
radius of the rotor or rotors. If more than one (1) rotor is used, the lifting
surface is the sum of the individual swept disc areas.
25.4. Each
individual vane or rotor blade must have an aspect ratio no less than 4:1. The
aspect ratio is computed by dividing the rotor diameter by twice the average
vane width.
25.5. The
total area of all horizontal stabilizing surfaces shall not exceed 10 percent
of the total lifting surface. No limit is
placed on the area of vertical stabilizing surface(s). If a “V-tail”
configuration is used, the horizontal lifting surface is defined as the
projected area of the V-tail surface.
25.6. Scoring
for Experimental Autogiros shall conform to the provisions of sections 9 and 10
of the MAAC Indoor Rubber rules.
25.7. The
intent of this rule is to encourage experimental development of wingless
autogiros.
HAND LAUNCHED GLIDER AND CATAPULT GLIDER
1. Applicability. All pertinent MAAC regulations shall be applicable, except as specified
below.
2. General. An
Indoor glider is a non-powered model aircraft designed to fly indoors.
3. Classes. The
following classes shall be recognized for competition and National Records.
a. Hand-Launched Glider.
b. Standard Class Catapult Glider.
c. Unlimited Class Catapult Glider.
4. Size of Supporting Surfaces. The projected area of a supporting or stabilizing
surface is the area seen when looking directly down on the surface. Supporting
surface area enclosed in a fuselage or stick shall not be considered as wing
area. Projected area of horizontal stabilizing surface(s) in excess of 50
percent of the projected area of the supporting surface (wing area) shall be
considered as wing area.
a. Hand-Launched Glider. The projected area of the supporting surface(s) must
not be more than 100 square inches.
b. Standard Class Catapult Glider. The projected wingspan must not exceed 12 inches. The
projected
wing chord shall not exceed three (3) inches. The area
of the horizontal stabilizing surface(s) shall not exceed 50 percent of the
projected wing area. Standard class is limited to monoplanes.
c. Unlimited Class Catapult Glider. The projected area of the supporting surface(s) must
not be more than 100 square inches.
5. Construction. All surfaces shall remain fixed except for changes of camber or
incidence due to natural
flexing of the surfaces. Folding wings and
mechanically actuated incidence changes are strictly prohibited.
6. Launching. Launching
shall be appropriate to the class of model. In all cases, the launch shall be
made
with force sufficient to cause the glider to
immediately gain altitude equal to three (3) times the flier’s height or half
the available ceiling height, whichever is less. The model shall not be
launched from a
height greater than the flier’s normal reach above the
floor.
a. Hand-Launching. The model shall be released into flight directly from the hands of the
contestant, without other assistance.
b. Catapult Launching. The model is launched by stretching elastic band(s)
between the hands of the contestant, with one end(s) firmly attached to a
launching handle. The handle shall consist of a rigid dowel or similar device,
with the elastic band(s) firmly attached. The launching handle (including the
attachments
for the elastic) shall not exceed six (6) inches in
length, measured along the longest dimension. The handle may use padding or
contoured grips for flier comfort. There is no limit to the length or sizes of
the elastic bands. All launching apparatus must remain firmly attached to
either the handle or the model during launch. There is no limit to the number
of launching handles a contestant may use to complete his/her flights.
7. Number of Gliders. Each contestant shall be permitted a maximum of three
(3) gliders per contest.
The three (3) gliders used may be of different design.
8. Official Flight. All flights are official flights, regardless of duration. Unofficial
flights are not recognized. A flight during which any part is dropped shall be
declared an official flight with zero (0) time.
9. Number of Flights. Each contestant shall be allowed a total of nine (9)
official flights.
10. Scoring of Flights. Scoring time shall be the total elapsed time of the
best two (2) of not more than nine (9) official flights. Flight duration shall
be scored in tenths of seconds, with hundredths of a second
dropped. Example: 65.17 seconds shall be recorded as
65.1 seconds.
11. Flying for Record. The same ceiling height categories and specifications
apply as for Indoor Rubber
models.
•FREE FLIGHT ELECTRIC POWER
1. Model Specifications. The models shall be powered by no more than two (2)
Nickle cadmium 50 mA cells and may weigh no more than one (1) ounce. There
shall be no other restrictions on model size or configuration.
2. Scoring. Scoring
shall be based on the duration of the best single flight of three (3) attempts.
3. Timing. Time
shall be recorded in minutes and seconds with fractions of seconds dropped.
Timing
shall begin when the model is hand-launched and ends when
the model touches the floor or contacts
any part of the building and ceases traditional
movement for longer than 10 seconds.
3.4. CLASS F1D - INDOOR MODEL AIRCRAFT
3.4.1. Definition
Model aircraft which can only be flown in an enclosed
space and which are powered by extensible motors and in which lift is generated
by aerodynamic forces acting on surfaces remaining fixed in flight, except for
changes of camber or incidence.
3.4.2. Characteristics of Indoor Model Aircraft F1D
Maximum wingspan of the monoplane model
aircraft............550 mm,
Maximum chord of the lifting surfaces
...................................200 mm
Maximum tail span
..................................................................450 mm,
Minimum weight without rubber motor
...................................1,2 g,
Maximum weight of the lubricated rubber motor
...…..............0,6 g.
3.4.3. Number of Flights
The competitor shall be allowed 6 flights of which the
best 2 flights will be taken for classification.
3.4.4. Definition of an Official Flight
Only flights of 60 seconds or more will be considered
as official. A flight may be terminated by any physical means within the first
60 seconds. A flight of less than 60 seconds duration will be considered an
attempt and there will be one attempt flight allowed for each of the six
official flights; the attempts will not be accumulative.
3.4.5. Number of Model Aircraft
There is no limit to the number of model aircraft that
a competitor may use at an indoor contest.
3.4.6. Collision Rule
In the event of a collision between two model aircraft
in flight, each competitor must choose, in the time span between the collision
and two minutes following the termination of his flight, either to retain the
time of flight as an official time, or to have a reflight. The reflight must be
flown before the next official flight.
3.4.7. Steering
a) A balloon(s) with its line attached, or a rod, may be
used to alter the course of the model aircraft, or to reposition it in another
part of the flying space. There will be no time limit or restriction to the
number of steering attempts, except that all steering shall be done from the
front end of the model and never from behind.
b) Steering must only be used to avert collision with
the structure of the building, its contents or other models.
Movements of the model must be primarily in a
horizontal plane
Note: If, in
a timekeeper's opinion, a model aircraft's altitude change is approaching one
half metre, or one
metre for each 25 m of altitude (whichever is larger)
he will warn the competitor. Continued disregard of the timekeeper's warning
will result in a terminated flight.
c) During steering the propeller may get caught by the
line/balloon(s)/rod and stop revolving. As soon as the propeller stops, a third
watch should be used (preferably a double button watch, that records
accumulative time) to determine the total of propeller stopped time, which is
deducted from the running total time shown on the other two watches. If the
steerer cannot disengage the propeller after steering, all three watches are to
be stopped together, and the total prop-stopped time deducted as is detailed
above.
d) No reflight is allowed other than if fouled by
another model during steering.
e) The decision to steer is the responsibility of the
competitor and must be done by him. A physically handicapped competitor must
arrange for a substitute with the contest officials. In the case of poor sight,
a medical doctor's affidavit certifying that the competitor's corrected vision
is no less than 20/40 for the better eye must be submitted to permit a
substitute steerer.
f) It is the timekeeper's responsibility to observe
the use of the steering equipment, and to warn the competitor if he is likely
to endanger other model aircraft. If other models are fouled by the steerer,
the fouled competitor has the choice of a reflight, which, if taken, is his
score for that round. He must exercise his choice to the timekeepers no later
than two minutes after termination of his flight. If he chooses to restart, he
must do so before his next official flight.
3.4.8. Classification
The total of two best flights of each competitor shall
be taken for final classification. In the case of a tie the third best flight
decides and so on in the case of a further tie.
3.4.9. Timing of Flights
The flights must be timed by two timekeepers with
electronic stopwatches with digital readout recording at least 1/100 of a second.
From Section 4b. para. B.11., only B.11.1., B.11.2., and B.11.6. apply to class
F1D.
The timing of each flight shall commence when the
model aircraft is released. Timing will terminate when:
a) the model touches the floor of the building.
b) jettisoning occurs.
c) the model aircraft comes into contact with any part
of the building or its contents other than the floor and translational movement
ceases.
Note: In
this case, the timekeepers shall continue to time the flight for ten seconds
after translational movement has ceased. Should the model remain in contact
with the building or its contents after 10 seconds, timing will cease and the
10 seconds will be subtracted from the flight time. Should the aircraft release
itself from contact with the building in less than 10 seconds, timing will
continue normally.
3.4.10. Number of Helpers
The competitor is entitled to have one helper.
3.4.11. Launching
a) Launching is by hand, the competitor standing on
the ground.
b) Winding of rubber motors must be done by the
competitor himself.
3.4.12. Ceiling Height Categories
The following ceiling height categories are recognised
for contests and records:
I. - less than 8 metres.
II. - between 8 and 15 metres.
III. - between 15 and 30 metres.
IV. - higher than 30 metres.
The height of the ceiling is defined as the vertical
distance from the floor to the highest point at which a circle of 15 metres
diameter can be inscribed, below the primary structure of the building.
CLASS F1L - INDOOR EZB MODEL AIRCRAFT
3.L.1. Definition: Monoplane model aircraft
powered by one (1) extensible motor, and in which lift is generated by
aerodynamic forces acting on fixed surfaces.
3.L.2. Characteristics
Wingspan, maximum projected 458 mm (18,0 inches)
Wing chord maximum 76 mm (3,0 inches)
Stabiliser area maximum 50% of wing
a) Structure
1) Only balsa wood and adhesive are to be used for the
basic structure. Exempted are the propeller shaft,
rear hook, thrust bearing, surface holding fittings
and reinforcements for their attachments. No external
bracing is allowed except balsa wood wing struts.
2) The motor stick must be a solid single piece of
balsa. The tail boom must also be solid and of one piece
but may be an extension of the motor stick. Balsa
splices up to one centimetre in length may be used to
repair breaks in the motor stick or boom.
3) The propeller must be all balsa except for ground
adjustable pitch fittings, if used.
4) There are to be no devices for changing any part of
the model's geometry or torque during flight. Only the normal flexing of the
structure due to flight loads or motor forces is allowed.
b) Covering
1) Models are to be covered with any commercially
available solid sheet material such as paper or plastic.
2) Microfilm is not allowed.
c) Weight: Weight of the model aircraft without rubber motor
shall not be less than 1,2 g.
3.L.3. Number of Flights: The competitor shall
be allowed 6 flights of which the two best flights will be taken for
classification.
3.L.4 Definition of an Official Flight: See
Section 4c para. 3.4.4.
3.L.5. Number of Models: See Section 4c, para.
3.4.5.
3.L.6. Collision Rule: See Section 4c, para
3.4.6.
3.L.7. Steering : See Section 4c, para 3.4.7.
3.L.8. Timing of Flights: See Section 4c, para
3.4.9.
3.L.9. Number of Helpers: See Section 4c, para
3.4.10.
3.L.10 Launching : See Section 4c, para 3.4.11.
3.L.11 Ceiling Height Categories: See Section
4c, para 3.4.12.
CLASS F1M – INDOOR BEGINNER’S CLASS
3.M.1. Definition. As Section 4c, 3.4.1 plus:
3.M.2. Characteristics of Indoor Model Aircraft
The wing span of the model aircraft shall not exceed
460 mm, monoplanes only permitted. The minimum weight of the airframe is 3g.
The maximum weight of the rubber motor shall not exceed 1.5g. The covering of the
model may consist of any material except microfilm.
3.M.3. Number of flights. As Section 4c, 3.4.3.
3.M.4 Definition of an Official Flight
Only flights of 60 seconds or more will be considered
as official. A flight of less than 60 seconds duration will be considered a
delayed flight and there will be one delayed flight allowed for each of the six
official flights; the delayed flights will not be accumulative.
3.M.5. Number of Model Aircraft. As Section
4.c, 3.4.5.
3.M.6. Collision Rule. As Section 4c, 3.4.6.
3.M.7. Steering. As Section 4c, 3.4.7.
3.M.8. Classification. As Section 4c, 3.4.8.
3.M.9. Timing of Flights. As Section 4c, 3.4.9.
3.M.10. Number of Helpers. As Section 4c,
3.4.10.
3.M.11. Launching. As Section 4c, 3.4.11.
3.M.12. Ceiling Height Categories. As Section
4.c, 3.4.12.
CLASS F1N – INDOOR HAND LAUNCH GLIDERS
3.N.1 Definition
Model aircraft which is flown in an enclosed space and
which is not provided with a propulsion device and in which lift is generated
by aerodynamic forces acting on surfaces remaining fixed in flight.
3.N.2. Characteristics
Models with variable area (e.g. folding wings) are not
permitted. The number of models eligible for entry by each competitor is three.
3.N.3. Number of Flights
The competitor shall be allowed
9 flights.
3.N.4. Definition of an Official Flight
a) The duration achieved on the first attempt unless
this attempt is unsuccessful under the definition of 3.6.5.
b) The duration achieved on the second attempt. If the
second attempt is also unsuccessful under the definition of 3.N.5., then a zero
time is recorded for the flight.
3.N.5. Definition of an Unsuccessful Attempt
An attempt is classed as unsuccessful if the model
aircraft is launched and at least one of the following events occur. If this
happens on the first attempt then the competitor is entitled to a second
attempt.
a) the model aircraft collides with a person or an
object held by a person (the competitor excluded)
b) the model aircraft collides with another model in
flight.
3.N.6. Timing of Flights
The flights must be timed by two timekeepers with
electronic stopwatches with digital readouts. The time
recorded is the mean of the times registered by the
timekeepers, but reduced to the nearest one tenth of a second below the
resulting mean time, unless the difference between the times registered shows
evidence of an error in the timing, in which case the organizer should
determine, with the Jury, which time should be registered as the official time
or what other action should be taken. From Section 4b. para. B.11., only
B.11.1. and B.11.2 apply to class F1N The timing of each flight shall commence
when the model is launched. Timing will terminate when:
a) the model aircraft comes to rest on the floor of
the building.
b) the model aircraft comes into contact with any part
of the building or its contents other than the floor and
translational movement ceases.
3.N.7. Classification
The total of the three best flights of each competitor
shall be taken for the final classification. In the case of a tie the fourth
best flight decides and so on in the case of a further tie.
3.N.8. Launching
Launching is by hand, the competitor standing on the
ground. Jumping is allowed.
3.N.9. Ceiling Height Categories
The following ceiling height categories are recognised
for contests and records:
I- less than 8 metres
II- between 8 and 15 metres
III- between 15 and 30 metres
IV- higher than 30 meters
The height of the ceiling is defined as the vertical distance from the floor to the highest point at which a circle of 15 metres diameter can be inscribed, below the primary structure of the building.
FAI STEERING RULE
a. Steering
must only be used to avert collision with the structure of the building, its
contents, or
other models. Movements of the model must be primarily
in the horizontal plane.
Note: If, in
the timekeeper’s opinion, a model’s altitude change is approaching one-half
meter, or
one (1) meter for each 25 meters of altitude
(whichever is larger), he will warn the competitor. Continued
disregard of the timekeeper’s warning will result in a
terminated flight.
b. A
balloon(s) with its line attached, or a rod may be used to alter the course of
the model, or to
reposition it in another part of the flying space. There
will be no time limit or restriction to the number
of steering attempts, except that all steering shall
be done from the front end of the model and never from
behind.
c. During
the steering, the propeller may get caught by the line/balloon(s)/rod and stop
revolving.
As soon as the propeller stops, a third watch should
be used (preferably a double button watch, that
records cumulative time) to determine the total
propeller stopped time, which is deducted from the running
total shown on the other two (2) watches.
If the steerer cannot disengage the propeller after
steering, all three (3) watches are to be stopped
together, and the total prop-stopped time deducted as
is detailed above.
d. No reflight
is allowed other than if fouled by another model during steering.
e. The
decision to steer is the responsibility of the competitor and must be done by
him. A physically
handicapped competitor must arrange for a substitute
with the contest officials. In the case of poor
sight, a medical doctor’s affidavit certifying that
the competitor’s corrected vision is no less than 20/40
for the better eye must be submitted to permit a
substitute steerer.
f. It is the
timekeeper’s responsibility to observe the use of the steering equipment, and
to warn the
competitor if he is likely to endanger other models.
If other models are fouled by the steerer, the fouled
competitor has the choice of a substitute flight,
which, if taken, is his score for that round. He must exercise
this choice to his timekeepers no later than two (2)
minutes after termination of his flight. If he
chooses to restart, he must
do so before his next official flight.