The model aircraft should stand still on the ground with the motor running without being held by the pilot or mechanic and then take-off into wind, or as required by the competitor to make best use of the take-off distance available (jet subjects). If the model aircraft is touched after the competitor calls “Now” the take-off will score zero. The take-off should be straight and the model aircraft should smoothly accelerate to a realistic speed, and then lift gently from the ground and climb at an angle consistent with that of the prototype. If the prototype used flaps for take-off, then the model aircraft should also, but this may be subject to the competitor’s judgment taking into account the wind strength. Any flap-less take-off due to wind must be nominated to the judges before take-off. Flaps should be raised during the climb -out after take-off. If applicable, the landing gear should be retracted during the climb-out.
Faults
- Model aircraft touched after calling “Now” (zero marks).
- Swings on Take-off (a slight swing with other than a tricycle undercarriage is acceptable as the aircraft tail is raised).
- Take-off run too long or too short.
- Unrealistic speed / too rapid acceleration.
- Inappropriate attitude at lift-off for undercarriage configuration.
- Not a smooth lift-off.
- Climb rate wrong (too steep or too shallow).
- Nose attitude wrong during climb (nose too high or too low).
- Flaps not used if applicable.
- Wheels not raised if applicable.
- Significant wing drop.
- Climb -out track not same as take-off run.
- Unrealistic rate of turn onto crosswind leg.
- Crosswind track not 90° to climb out track.