F2B Interclub Stunt Competition
  Introduction  
    For those wishing to advance their stunt flying skills there seems little doubt that entering a competition and subjecting our flying to the eyes of others is the way to go. However the aura of the F2B competition and the thought of mixing it with some of the best flyers in the state can be a rather intimidating scenario for the beginner.
What follows is an attempt to dispel some of the perceptions and myths surrounding the F2B interclub competition and to encourage all pilots with an interest in stunt flying to participate.
The essential features of the F2B interclub competition which will, I hope, be of interest to the newcomer are:
  • It is a handicap competition (see Appendix 1 for details),
  • You do not have to attempt all manoeuvres of the full F2B schedule. The handicap system means that you are not penalised for attempting a lesser number of manoeuvres.
  • There is an F2B novice category at the State championships which has its own schedule which includes nine of the sixteen full F2B manoeuvres (see later). This is, as are all State championships, scored as a first ‘of the stick’ competition but would represent a logical goal for beginning competitors.
  • The novice pattern therefore seems a logical set of manoeuvres to aim at mastering as a first step in participating in the F2B interclub competition. However I repeat you can choose as many manoeuvres as you wish and depending on the quality of those manoeuvres you will be competitive via the handicap.
  • Judges and experienced flyers are present at these events and I am sure would be very happy to provide you with advice, help and coaching if asked. Remember all of the expert flyers have worked their way up from being beginners and so can empathise with your efforts.
  • There is a trophy awarded to the flyer that gains the most points over the year for places in the handicap competition. Similarly there is a trophy for the best ‘off the stick’ flyer of the year.   
Aeromodellers are on the whole a very friendly bunch and stunt flyers are no exception. The competitions represent not only an opportunity to polish their flying skills but also to socialise and swap yarns, technical information and general gossip! All are dedicated to promote their beloved sport/hobby and you will find they welcome new faces with open arms. Grant Wyllie - President KMFC		    
       
    Appendix 1    
   
How the handicap system works.
The maximum points that can be obtained for a single F2B flight of sixteen manoeuvres is 1310.
Lets follow the scorecard of newcomer X making their first foray into the F2B interclub competition.
Most competitions have two rounds with the highest score used to calculate the final score.

 

Round 1

Handicap
(1310-R1)

Round 2

Handicap
(1310-R2)

Final score

Handicap to next competition

Competition 1

420
(8)

890

425*
(8)

 

425+890=1315

890

Competition 2

510*
(10)

800

490
(10)

 

510+890=1400

890+800/2=845

Competition 3

550
(12)

 

560*
(13)

750

560+845=1405

750+890+845/3
=828

Competition 4

565
(14)

 

580*
(15)

730

580+828=1408

730+828+845/3
=801

Competition 5

460*
(15)

850

452
(14)

 

460+801=1261

850+801+828/3
=826
* = highest score
Numbers in brackets are the number of manoeuvres attempted and scored.		    
         
    Score sheet    
    Click for a printable version of the score sheet