Corner Radius

[Peter G]

This discussion shall be about corner radii, both in terms of
defintion and judging. The current rule deals with the issue as
follows:

Rule:
- All turns in this manoeuvre should be between 1.5 metres and 2.1
metres radius.

Guide:
- g) Recognition of "maximum 2.1 metres radius" as an abrupt change of
direction with the resulting requirement for the model to fly the
tightest (sharpest) possible corner (see also 4B.8).

b) Turn radii
Similarly, judges should recognise that the intent of the manoeuvre
descriptions regarding the radius of corners in manoeuvres such as
square loop, square eight, triangle, etc, is that models should turn
as sharply (tightly) as possible. Therefore, although it is not
possible for judges to accurately measure whether a model has or has
not made a turn of between 1.5 and 2.1 metres radius, the intent is
clearly that models should turn as tightly as possible when making
such turns. Therefore judges should award the highest marks to models
turning the tightest (sharpest) corners (provided that the required
line elevation angles and/or the required model pitch attitude has
also been achieved), and they should award the lowest marks to models
making the largest(softest) such turns.

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Thank you for commenting where needed, Peter Germann

[Aage W.]

Dear all.

With his 3 D graphics Keith has done a remarkable task of making the
geometrics become clear to anyone including the problem of pilots
flying soft corners despite of the rules calling for real sharp
looking corners. We have now the tools to teach judges what to look
for. This is unique!

The big challenge is to keep focus on the very few "colums" that are
the foundation of F2B. The 45 degree angle, the circular flight, the
straight paths, horizontal and vertical and last and mostly overseen -
the tight turns. All of these are the essence of true stunt, with the
most difficult thing being the tight corners, because they make it so
difficult to keep the shape right and make the straight paths still be
good. Only the very best pilots with huge amount of training, the best
turning models, the best fastest reactions abilities and nerves to
keep flying tight whatever the flying conditions are, come close to
the perfect looking stunt pattern. Those that fulfil all the demands
best must be the winners. No more, no less.

It is not enough to have 4 of the 5 columns right to become champion.
Or second - or third. Some of the pilots show breathtaking corners,
but certainly some of the fly off pilots do not. Judges must learn to
watch for sharp corners as one of the vital parts of judging. This
must be emphasized to all education of judges, new as "old". The top
pilots of competitions must have all of these elements in their
flights. All of us who fly know how hard it is to make good looking
patterns when we include real sharp corners.

In the square figure 8 we have 16 sharp corners to do, the rules also
recognises the difficulty of the manouvre by giving highest possible K
factor. A deviation after a less succesful corner is a fault, yes. 16
loose corners represent 16 faults where the model is away from the
desired track. In addition to this the 16 straight paths of the square
8 become too short with soft corners, so also here there must be bonus
points to the sharp turning models. The scoring must reflect this fact
clearly.

These arguments are also valid in all other manouvres that have sharp
corners, naturally.

Maybe stunt will look more "nervous" when pilots add all elements to
their flights. But as I have tried to spell it out. F2B is no beauty
contest. With real sharp corners there is an increased risk of hitting
the ground. The rules allow us to have 2 models in competition. Only
the "dare devils" deserve the medals! But until now they seem to only
come in a little after "the nice flying guys"! This must be altered!
We have a unique opportunity to make a big leap forward for our sport
right now with Keith's work in order to improve judging.

When you fly real sharp corners, you must keep the model on a straight
course longer to have the corner sharp enough. This means that there
is such a short fraction of a second to give rudder, that sometimes
things inevitably must go wrong. Furthermore it is much more difficult
to leave the turn in right direction horizontally as the turn must
stop abruptly. As there is only 1,2 meter from success to disaster at
speeds exceeding 100 km.h. there is a real risk of hitting the ground
at the turns. This does not happen when we start our sharp turns far
too early, make a softer turn, which makes it much easier to come out
of the turn at right minimum height and on a stable straight
horizontally course. When hitting the ground does happen so relatively
few times, the reason is clearly because most pilots fly far too soft
corners. I included.

The judges are vital to make this come true. When ambitious pilots see
it pays off to do it (close to) right they alter their flying and
models accordingly, and the sport level of F2B will be improved. We
must reach for the stars although we never will be able to grasp them.
In this "philosophy" is the real beauty of F2B and the judges have an
important role here.


The message must be spread out, and judges must learn to be observant
to all the "columns" in the stunt pattern. Only when all the
requirements are met as much as it can be done, F2B becomes real true
sport. "Hobby pilots" must accept to be ranked lower.
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Greetings to all of you

Aage Wiberg

[Peter G]

Thank you for contributing, Aage.
With the corner issue now being discussed here, I will close and
remove the "tight turns" discussion by August 10. Until then, I would
like to ask those having posted under "tight turns" to re-post their
contributions here at "Corner radius". Just hit reply below to do so.
Thank you, Peter Germann

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