Control line scale is an event that can be simple or complex as you want it to be. There are several AMA events and also include 1/2a scale that is flown as a club event. In general there are very few kits advertised as CL scale models, so CL scale pilots take radio control kits, plans and models and convert them over to CL scale. Brodak is the only source that I know of that advertises a CL scale kit. The events can be very simple to the extremely complex that require extensive research and building experience. Throttle control is expected in all events except for 1/2a scale. The AMA rules were changed in 2013 to allow 2.4 Ghz to be used in CL scale competition. You can still use 3-line and other forms of “Down the wire” electronic controls so there are lots of options when it comes to throttle control and other features. The best way to stated is to get a scale ARF that you can document, 2.4 Ghz controls and try a fun scale contest. Get some input from an experienced CL scale pilot on some pointers on the documentation and the flight portion and you will do well. Once you have added the leadout guide and the bellcrank to control the elevator you have converted the RC scale model to a CL scale model.
1/2a Scale
This event uses .061 or smaller engines such as the cox or other .049 and .061 motors that are on the market. These models do not have throttle control and tend to be small. This event is currently flown in Milwaukee, Tucson, St Louis, Muncie (Nats & FCM contest) and at the Brodak contest. Check with the contest CD for a set of rules before you build a model for this event. In general you start your motor(s) and takeoff and then land. This is a simple and fun event. Rules can be found on the Brodak web site and on the Tucson club web site (www.ccmaconline.org)
Fun Scale
This event does not have Builder of the Model rule. This event also has very few points for static and the bulk of the points are with the flying portion of the event. The documentation for fun scale does not have to be as extensive as compared to profile or sport scale. The flight portion is the same as profile and sport scale where you have to takeoff, 10 level laps, 6 options, realism and landing. This is the only event you fly an ARF in. You will find beginners and experts flying this event because it is a fun event. To do well you would need to have throttle on the model. Look on the AMA web site for the rules for fun scale.
Profile Scale
This is where the fuselage and any nacelles are no more than 1” thick. You will find this to be an event that is very popular and competitive. Static judging in this event is100 points (max), then your flight points are another 100 points (max), so you need to do well in both to place in this event. The flight portion is the same as fun scale that require takeoff, 10 level laps, 6 options, realism and landing. The documentation will need to be done to the same level as sport scale. Outline is judged with a critical eye, also markings and color are also judged just like in sport scale at 15 feet.
Sport Scale
This event is where you build a full body fuselage and nacelles. Throttle is expected to do well and if the full size had retracts you will be expected to have retracts on the model if flown at some contests. The flight portion is the same as profile scale and the static judging is done from 15 feet. The cockpit is not judged and the judges will be critical of any changes in the outline, color and markings.
FAI (F4B) Scale
F4B is the international scale event that has very high standards and some consider this event to be “Museum” scale where every detail is expected in the cockpit and surfaces. This event is no longer flown at the world championships so the USA no longer sends a team for this event. However the NATS still hosts a F4B competition for those who want to enter the event. You will need to get hold of the FAI rules before building a model for this event. They have lower model weight limitations and other differences as compared to the AMA rules that you would need to understand.
Jun 8, 2016
Individuals seeking certification as a scale contest judge should be aware of the two (2) protocols which exist for pilots participating in AMA and U. S. Scale Masters scale contests. This training course seeks to establish a clear understanding of the differences by referencing one protocol to the other, as each is portrayed. In this manner, a difference that exists is more clearly defined. The two protocols are not intermingled at any point.
Protocols are clearly defined in competition handbooks published by each organization. Judge candidates should become familiar with both documents “before” participating in the certification programs of these organizations.
Though they appear identical, each organization require pilots to witness mechanical options and flight maneuvers with options in a different manner. There are additional differences as well. It is necessary to require all candidates to possess a “current” AMA and U. S. Scale Masters, Assn. Competition Hand Book. A copy of the rules for both AMA and Scale Masters can be downloaded from within this web site. Downloads are for reference only. Formal “printed” copies of the rules is the only document you are to consider absolutely correct and accepted as reference material at a contest.
The AMA rules are located here: http://www.modelaircraft.org/events/compreg.aspx
The Scale Masters rules are located here: http://usscalemasters.org/forumsmf2/index.php?action=dldir;sa=list;id=1
Jun 8, 2016
Compiled from AMA and Scale Masters Contest Rules
By: Ed Clayman
The intent of the flying portion of a contest is to determine the pilot’s ability to fly the model aircraft in the most realistic manner possible. The AMA and U.S. Scale Masters contest processes differ in just a few ways. The significant difference is Scale Masters emphasizes maneuver combinations where mechanical operations (flaps, bomb drop, & retracts) must be combined with a flying maneuver to enhance Realism. Both AMA and Scale Masters recommend that a theme or mission be established in choosing flight maneuvers so the flight routine’s order is easier to track by judges and is more pleasing to watch.
The emphasis will be placed on scale realism so contestant beware, the chosen aircraft type will determine the maneuvers parameters such as speed, geometry, and positioning with respect to the judges center-line. Contestants should indicate aircraft type and be designated either Aerobatic capable or Non-Aerobatic by checking the appropriate box on the flight score sheet. To document maneuvers not contained in this guide, a Maneuver Declaration Sheet will need to be filled out by the contestant, signed by the Contest Director and presented to the judges before each flight.
The Flight Judge will not downgrade items that are beyond the pilots control such as when a tail-skid aircraft is slowing down from a landing and at the point where the model “takes control” and turns into the prevailing winds. The judge will stop judging at the point the model takes over and determine the score. This is also true during bumpy wind conditions or when flying over thermals and the aircraft appears to be bumped around. The judge will be familiar with certain areas of the flying field that exhibit these unstable air conditions and take this into consideration in scoring. Tail-skid aircraft will be allowed to attach a non-scale functional tail-wheel for flying off of paved surfaces only. With the exception of electric motors and turbine aircraft, the engine must be equipped with an effective muffler or silencer to limit noise output to fly. Tuned pipes are considered silencers.
Each maneuver will start with a score of 10 points and the Flight Judge will deduct for errors noted during the execution of the maneuver. Errors will include mismatches noticed in Precision, Placement, and Realism for each maneuver. Judges need not arrive at the exact same score with each score however they can observe each others scores to see if they are consistent.
Flight judges will confer on the Overall Flight Realism qualities. Identical scoring is not required between flight judges.
Replacement parts to damaged aircraft are limited to props, spinners, wheels, tires, landing gear units, cowls, canopy, tail wheel units, antenna, flying wires, struts, and wingtips as long as the replacements are of the same size, shape and color. Anything else will need to be repaired and retained as original equipment by the modeler.
Maneuver scoring content: Maneuvers and “maneuver combinations” with scale operations will be scored for three basic content considerations as listed below. These are similar to those found in the AMA Competition Regulations Rules Governing Model Aviation Competition in the United States, except provision is made in Scale Masters for “maneuver combinations” and each content is quantified.
The three contents are:
| Scale Masters Points Distribution |
| Precision: Maximum of 5.0 points |
| Placement: Maximum of 2.5 points |
| Realism: Maximum of 2.5 points per maneuver. |
The content elements are scored to the nearest 1/2 point in Scale Masters only.
As a general guide, a maneuver is scored as in the past. A “maneuver combination” is primarily scored with equal emphasis between the maneuver and a timely added scale operation feature. This is further detailed as follows:
1. Precision Content (5 pts.): The pilot’s ability to perform the defined maneuver geometry, and when applicable, the mechanical Precision of scale operation features within a “maneuver combination”.
1.1. If the maneuver does not contain a “maneuver combination”, the Precision content of the maneuver will be entirely that of pilot skill, i.e. 5 point’s maximum.
1.2. When brief scale operations are actively deployed within an optional “maneuver combination”, the scale operation(s) Precision content will be equally divided with pilot Precision skill (or a maximum of 2.5 points each). This equal sharing of the 5 points described for total Precision which effectively shares some of the pilot Precision in maneuver geometry for a “maneuver combination” score.
1.3. Should scale operational feature(s) fail to operate or deploy in a realistic and timely manner due to either mechanical malfunction or pilot error within a “maneuver-combination”, the result will be a downgrade in the score for “Precision”. With this scoring method, a significant error occurring in only one portion of an optional “maneuver combination” may still leave the final score a combination of Placement and Realism instead of 0 as before.
1.4. Precision of Flaps, Slats, and Retracts is demonstrated by the prototypical operation and must be judged on the pilot’s Precision in the “Overall Flight Realism” score. Precision and reliability may also be further emphasized and demonstrated within a “maneuver combination” by selecting the optional “Slow Speed Dirty Inspection Pass”. Flaps, Slats, and Retracts shall not be listed with any other maneuvers for scoring as “maneuver combinations” to dilute scoring content.
2. Placement Content (2.5 pts.): Most in-flight maneuvers (including those with droppables) will optimally be placed directly in front of the judges (judges center-line) beginning on the far side of the active runway (maneuvering line). This will typically be at 0 to 50 feet beyond the far side of the defined runway area for fly-by type maneuvers, but may extend further depending on the horizontal size of the maneuver performed. (NOTE: For fly-by traffic separation and safety, Jet prototypes are encouraged to position their maneuvers to the outer regions described [50 to 100 feet beyond runway] and slower propeller driven aircraft to the inner regions [0 to 50 feet beyond runway]). There are times when the sun may be directly in front of the judges so the contestant will be allowed to offset the maneuver to either side as long as the contestant informs the judges before the flight, otherwise the judges will have to default to the judges center-line for placement.
2.1. Maneuvers with horizontal symmetry (Cuban Eight, Loop, Roll, Figure 8, etc.) should have their midpoint on the judges center-line with equal distance on each side for optimal score.
Placement content will also be divided in emphasis between the maneuver and optimum scale operation deployment position.
2.2. Some maneuvers due to their asymmetry are offset from judging center for best viewing, such as a Stall Turn or Wingover. Also the Procedure Turn is positioned in the Scale Masters Program where the initial 90 degree turn away from the runway begins before reaching judging center, and the remaining 270 degree turn starts at judging center to the left or right. (NOTE: This is identical in desired position as the start of the mandatory figure eight for optimum judging view.)
2.3. Although the Placement of a maneuver normally represents only 2.5 points content, a greater penalty deduction will be imposed in the interest of safety when maneuvers are performed unnecessarily close to the flight line (over the runway) as described in “Runway Safety and Dead line Infractions” of this Guide. Runway “Placement-critical” maneuvers will effectively have Precision and Placement content combined for needed emphasis in scoring. For all maneuvers some severe forms of Placement problems may impair the judges ability to accurately score Precision or Realism content, in which case all score contents may suffer accordingly.
2.4. Optimum Placement of bomb drops will be defined as the point of impact in front of the judges at the far side of the defined runway. When discussed with judges prior to flight, the maneuver may be performed slightly to the left or right of the judges center line for best viewing. Relative targeting accuracy for determining Optimum Placement score will be dependent on release elevation (high level versus low level bombardment), and the typical accuracy level corresponding to that prototypical mission. Parachute or empty tank drops will be scored for Optimum Placement as point of release rather than impact, since wind conditions may unpredictably affect point of landing.
2.5. The optimum Placement of flaps, slats, and retract deployment is only included in Overall Flight Realism “Continuity” unless the optional “maneuver combination” of Slow Speed Dirty Inspection Pass is also selected.
3. Realism Content (2.5 pts.): The Realism content of scoring is also described by the AMA Guide in rule 2.3, pp. 141-142. The following is added for further emphasis or definition. Realism content will also be approximately divided in emphasis between maneuver and scale operation when applicable to a “maneuver combination”. The Realism content of the score is based upon the pilots skill to perform only those maneuvers capable of the full size aircraft in a manner as if watching the prototype in actual flight. The size, shape, and speed of aerobatic maneuvers performed by a contestant should reflect the capabilities of the full size prototype. For example, it would be expected that a loop performed by a J-3 Cub would be smaller in diameter and egg-shaped compared to a P-51 Mustang if both models were of the same scale. The speed at which such maneuvers are performed should also reflect the capabilities of the prototype. Consideration should also be given to throttle position during aerobatics. In many full-scale prop driven aircraft, power must be reduced at the point of maximum altitude in a vertical maneuver before entry into the descent portion. Execution of such maneuvers by a model at a constant full throttle setting should be downgraded in Realism portion.
Consider the stability or “smoothness” aspects of each maneuver as well as the power management (throttle) expected for that specific maneuver of the model compared to its full size counterpart. Both of these considerations will be influenced by aircraft design and wind conditions. Since slow, light-weight aircraft will be much more visibly influenced by wind than fast heavier aircraft, wind conditions should be taken into account during judging.
Maneuvers should appear realistic in scale size of performance (site and conditions permitting). Attitude, bank angle and g-loading appearance through turns should be consistent with those generally observed in the full-size. With scale-size maneuvers, these prototypical attitude features are achieved through use of an optimum speed relationship to the full size aircraft.
Realism content of a “maneuver combination” will also have approximately the same emphasis between the maneuver and the accompanying scale operation feature regarding realistic motion or other intended activity displayed for Realism. For dropables, this will include the manner in which it was secured and carried in flight to point of release or the trajectory likeness to that of the full size. A particular maneuver may be downgraded for Realism content if it is apparent it exceeded the performance capabilities of its full size counterpart. Maneuvers that have been classified only for non-aerobatic aircraft will still be judged for all maneuver contents without downgrade for all aircraft. However, the “Overall Flight Realism” score may be penalized if such maneuvers were chosen as options by high performance aircraft.
Jun 8, 2016
Compiled from AMA and Scale Masters Contest Rules
By: Ed Clayman
Welcome to Static… The Static portion of the contest is very important since it makes up one-half of your overall score. Good documentation gives you the edge over a similar model with poor documentation. We would like to point out some common frustrations shared by contestants and static judges alike. We all have a favorite airplane that we want to build and fly however, pick a color scheme that is easily documented. Remember it is your choice on what you bring to the contest and Proof of Scale is the Contestants responsibility.
What is documentation…much less good documentation? For an excellent description of what appropriate documentation is,click here. For an example of internet documentation resource management click here.
For example, if the available documentation for a particular aircraft is not easily readable, then you might consider another aircraft’s paint scheme. Please don’t blame the judges for down grading your model if the documentation is poor. Plan ahead and pick one that clearly shows outline, color, and markings. The ideal situation is where you decide to try for the Masters, find documentation of the very aircraft you would like to build, and build it to perfectly match the documentation.
If you already have an airplane built and then you decide to enter the Masters all you can do then is to try and alter your model to match the documentation and the judges will in turn do the best they can with the information you provide them. Remember…it is your choice of documentation not the judges. The process starts by having the model set up on the table pointing straight at the outline judge. The judges study the documentation item starting at the tip of the rudder then look up at the model. Does it match? If yes, proceed to the next element in a clockwise rotation. If not, look at the photos provided to see if the item shows up in the pictures as photos take precedence over 3-view drawings. If it matches, go to the next item. If the judge cannot find a photo that clearly shows the mismatch the judge must downgrade for that particular item and go to the next item.
- Straight (head on) view
- Side View
- Top View
- Bottom View
Static judging shall take place prior to flight judging. It is recommended that the Documentation package be contained in a 3-ring binder of such that each section can be removed and presented to the perspective judge to allow simultaneous judging. If the contestant would like feedback comments from the judges, extra copies of the outline drawings should be provided for each judge to mark up with a highlighter and write comments on.
The model will be judged from a distance of 15 feet with the exception of Craftsmanship in Scale Masters competition, which is judged at no less than 4 feet. The static judges shall not examine the model closely before static judging begins. Static scores will be from 0 to 10 for each sub category on the score sheet, to the nearest 1/2 pt.
The maximum static score for each category is:
| Accuracy of Outline – 40 points |
| Color-Finish-Markings – 30 points |
| Craftsmanship – 30 points |
Transmitter use to operate mechanical scale operation during static judging is not permitted.
Cockpit and cabin interiors or the interior of landing gear wheel wells even if partially visible from the judging distance are not to be considered in scoring the model. All other visible features will be judged. The following is a suggested way to expedite static judging.
Simultaneous Judging is a process where all three static judges judge the aircraft at the same time. The Outline and Color&Markings judges sit together at a table. The contestant prepares the documentation package by removing the sections from his 3-ring binder and places each section by the appropriate judge. The contestant places the aircraft on the judging table that is 15 feet away and points the nose of the aircraft directly toward the Outline judge. The Outline judge sets the pace and calls the position he wants the aircraft in starting with the front, head on view. The Craftsmanship judge walks around the aircraft no closer than 4 feet but does not talk to the contestant. If he has a question that needs clarification, he will refer to the photo documentation that the Color& Markings judge will have. If more than 20 contestants are expected, the Dual Simultaneous Judging method is suggested where two additional tables are set up (See Fig. 1). While one plane is being judged, the other is being set up and the documentation is prepared on the table behind the judges. When the judges are finished with one plane, they spin around, pick up the documentation and immediately begin judging the next aircraft. This system is capable of 8 aircraft per hour which still gives the equivalent of 22.5 judging minutes per plane (7.5 minutes x 3 judges). (Scale Masters Example)
