Well here we are going into August already. I was very pleased to see so many members of CRCM attending the Thorn Creek IMAC contest last month. The weather was pretty close to perfect for both days. Dereck Anderson and company did a great job and we all got four rounds in. I thought our club did very well as we brought home our share of wood. I’m sure we all learned something from the contest as well. I was also pleased to hear these articles are being read. I may have gone into too much detail in my past articles but know that you have some idea of what is involved with flying aerobatics I’ll cut down on so much detail. Except for the rolling circle whenever we get to it!

This month I will cover two maneuvers that I feel are more challenging, rather interesting and fun as well. For those that like jewelry we’ll cover the Diamond Loop, and if you have an aquarium we’ll cover the Goldfish or “vertical eight”.
First the Diamond Loop. I think of it as a square box standing on its corner. A diamond loop can start from the top or the bottom. To best learn this try to do it directly in front of you. Also with any of these maneuvers a second set of eyes are also a big help. Let’s start from the bottom! As you approach, the wings are level and flight path straight. When your plane is in front of you, pull to a 45-degree upline.

Depending on how big you fly your diamond all lines must be equal in length as well as straight or wind corrected. The radius at each corner must also be equal. Let’s make our first 45 upline 100 feet. At that point pull to another 45-degree upline for another 100 feet. As the plane reaches the top of the diamond hopefully it will be lined up directly in front of you. You again pull to a down 45-degree line for the third 100 feet. Pull to another 45 degree line for the last 100 feet and pull and exit upright where you started the Diamond. You probably just got a 10! Sounds easy but give it a try and see how well you do. Rolls and Snap rolls can also be thrown in if you’re flying the higher classes. They will always be on the first and third line of the diamond loop and performed in the center of each 45-degree line.

With the Goldfish we will also be dealing with 45-degree lines. A Goldfish can also start from the top or bottom. This time lets be a little braver and try starting from the top. We will also throw in a half roll on the second 45-degree line so we end the maneuver upright. Nemo would be proud of you!

We are flying from left to right. Wings level and a straight flight path, as with the start of any maneuver. We start by pushing to a 45-degree down line. When you’re happy with the length of your down line at the bottom you will now pull to a 3/4 inside loop. Note: The entry and end of the 3/4 loop must be equal. When you reach the top of the loop you now continue to a 45-degree down line. When you feel you are half way through the 45 down line do a ½ roll to upright and maintain your 45 down line the final half, pull to level and exit upright.

The 45-degree lines do not have to be equal lengths, but any rolls must be centered as with the diamond loop. Remember that for every 10 degrees off on any 45 it will be a one-point deduction. Example: You push to a 45 down but it comes out to be 30 degrees. But your 3/4 loop and last 45 with half roll are perfect your score is now an 8.5 only because your 45 was 15 degrees off.

Don’t feel silly if you want to bring a stick plane out to the field to practice some maneuvers before flying them, it really helps. We won’t laugh too much - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -Until next month practice, practice, practice.