A summary of F4B and Sport Scale rules.

A scale model is a replica (copy) of a heavier-than-air man carrying aircraft.

The model must have been constructed by the entrant, propiertary items available through normal trade channels may be used during construction of scale models, though a reduction of static points in the ‘craftsmanship’ section can be expected.

An F4B competition is divided into two parts, Static and Flying.

The final score is the total of both parts.

Static Judging

The model is placed before a panel of at least two judges and marks are awarded for fidelity to scale and craftsmanship in the following areas....

• Scale accuracy

• Markings

• Texture and realism

• Craftsmanship

• Scale detail.

Documentation must be provided by the entrant.

• Three view drawings.

• Photographs.

• Proof of colour.

Declaration

A written declaration that the entrant is the builder of the model must be provided.

Note: During the static judging the flying propeller may be replaced with a scale propeller but the size and shape of the spinner may not be changed.

Flying

* = 2002 Rule change

Weight

The total weight of the model (without fuel) may not exceed 6 kgs, except in the case of multi engined models where the total weight (without fuel) may not exceed 7 kgs.

Engine size

No Limit on engine size.*

Noise

• Maximum permitted noise level is 94 db.

Pull test

Before flying, the complete control mechanism, including the lines and handle shall be subjected to a pull test equal to 10 (ten) times the weight of the model. (This rule is likely to changed to a much reduced pull weight)

Line length

• Minimum line length allowed.... 15 metres.

• Maximum line length allowed... 21.5 metres.

Time.

• The flier has 9 minutes to complete the flight, extra time is allowed for multi engined models.

• An 'attempt' may be called and the re-flight allowed, at the discretion of the contest director.

During the permitted time the flier must....

• Take off.

• Fly 5 laps straight and level.

• Perform four optional manoeuvres (chosen from the following list). *

• Land.

Options list

• Multi-engine (all engines must run for the whole flight).

• Retract and extend landing gear.

• Retract and extend flaps.

• Drop bombs or fuel tanks.

• High fly over 30 degrees line angle.

• One inside loop.

• Three inverted laps.

• Wingover.

• Figure eight.

• Touch and Go.

• Lazy Eight. *

• Parachute Drop

• 1st Flight function performed by subject aircraft .

• 2nd Flight function performed by subject aircraft .

• Taxi demonstration *

• Overshoot.

No more than two drop options may be nominated.

Each manoeuvre will be awarded marks between 0 and 10 by each flight judge.

Additional points are awarded for....Realism in flight.

• Engine sound. Tone and Tuning.

• Speed of the model.

• Smoothness of flight.

Flight score will be reduced by 10% if there is no pilot in the model !*

A model which flies with wheels down, whereas the subject aircraft actually featured retractable landing gear, shall have the total flight score reduced by 25%.*

Each competitor is allowed at least two flights.

Sport Scale or Stand-Off Scale.

This class is usually run to a much simplified form of the above F4B rules.

With Sport scale the emphasis is on the flying.

Profile models are often entered as they are not harshly penalised as fidelity to scale is not as important.

Documentation is not so important in Sport, a photo of the fullsize aircraft or printed colour scheme is sufficient.

Hand launches may be allowed .

All the above make for a more casual scale competitions, sport scale rules encourage modellers with semi-scale models to take part in scale competitions.