WHAT IS PATTERN, F3A? The terms F3A and Pattern, refer to the sport of flying precision model aerobatics. For those of you who are not familiar with radio controlled model aircraft, this type of flying and could be considered to be a more serious form of the hobby. This does not however mean that it is not  fun to do. Anyone can give it a go. In fact this form of flying gives purpose to the hobby/sport other than just flying around and around. It gives one an opportunity to perform in front of judges and spectators which gives an added dimension to the challenge. Nerves, nerves , nerves. Pattern flying also quickly improves one's skill level and I always encourage every RC flyer to give at least the beginner or sportsman class a go. Just learn to fly the sequence even  if you don't want to compete. Because this form of flying encourages pilots to practise a precise routine, one becomes more confident and less likely to crash than if they were to just HOT-DOG around. And wow pattern flying also looks very impressive.   What is actually involved? Well the simplest explanation is that the model is flown through a sequence of maneuvers as precisely as the pilot can perform. His or her performance is assessed by a panel of judges. The pilot must maneuver his aircraft within a certain space called the BOX (which I will endeavour to explain later). Scores are given out of 10 for each of the maneuver performed by the pilot. The method of scoring is to deduct points from each maneuver for every imperfection the pilot makes. Points are deducted for such things as where the pilot flies out side of the box, if the geometry of his maneuvers is askew, if the pilot does not complete the maneuver satisfactorily, if his aircraft wanders off line , if there is poor execution of the maneuver, incorrect size etc. Each maneuver is also graded in terms of difficulty and is assigned a K factor. More detailed information on scoring can be obtained from the governing bodies such as FAI, MAAA and AMA. Rule books are available. So one can see that this sport is similar to that of ice figure skating. It is often as graceful and beautiful to watch . Most competitors have well built aircraft that are often finished to perfection. Although no  points are given for appearance most modellers who compete have beautiful looking aircraft. <PICS> There are points given for engine quietness and points are deducted for excessive noise. This is intended to promote technological advances in engine, exhaust, propellor design and promote environmental awareness about noise pollution.   The Classes. There are four main classes in Australian competition. Sportsman, Advanced, Expert and Masters. Each class has different maneuvers (Schedules) to fly. They are graded in difficulty according to the capability of the pilots. Points scored at each competition are tallied and promotions are made to the next class after certain criteria are met. These schedules change from year to year to add variety and  they also dictate the design of aircraft and improvements in engine technology .< CLICK > to see current schedules.   The aerobatic box. The box is the term given to the confines in which the pilot must perform his or her maneuvers. It is accurately drawn on the airfield. From the pilots position standing, on the side of the runway, which is termed the flight line, two lines are drawn at 60 degrees radiating from the competitor. The distance of 150 metres in front of the pilot is the furthest limit of the box. If the pilot flies further out than this border he or she will be downgraded.  At the point at which the two 60 degree lines meet the furthest limit of the box , two poles are erected to show the left and right limits of the box. The height of the box is determined by a line drawn at 60 degrees upward from the pilot. All maneuvers must be flown within the box. The term turn around pattern was coined to describe the current sequence of maneuvers which incorporate specific maneuvers that allow the aircraft to turn around at the ends of the box. Beginner and advanced classes do not have such turnaround maneuvers but all other classes require the competitor to fly completely in the box. This of course adds to the level of difficulty. Combining these factors to the other factors such as wind, judges and spectators, makes this sport a very challenging one. Landing.Caller ready to retrieve plane while next pilot prepares to take off. Note the centre line and two 60 deg radians at the pilots feet marking the BOX. The pole is  just obscured by the callers left arm. ( Yours truly and caller Kevin Bennett at Metford NSWAustralia) The Team. Each pilot is allowed to have the help of a caller. This persons job is to guide the pilot during the performance and help assist in starting and preparation of the plane at take off and landing. The caller has a list of the maneuvers of the schedule which the pilot has to fly and reads them to the pilot. The caller is also able to guide the pilot by telling them about spacing, centering of maneuvers. They are also allowed to give any information about wind conditions, aircraft alignment and any extra information that may improve the pilots performance. The two must practise together to work as a team. Often the best combinations occur when fathers and sons or husbands and wife's combine, making F3A a family sport. Often people will also form teams where each specializes in a particular area of expertise. Of course the pilot is very important but helpers are need to design , build and paint the aircraft. Often serious competitors will also have psychologist and trainers to help improve their performance. Judges to the left, caller behind pilot during competiton. (Yours truly and caller William Swan at Bathurst NSW Australia.)   The Plane. Any aircraft can be flown in competition providing it meets size and weight restrictions. The aircraft must be no longer, taller or wider (wingspan) than two metres. And it must also weigh no more than five kilograms. The engine size is not limited though there are points deducted for noise. Any plane that is reasonably true and capable of performing inside and outside maneuvers would be suitable for a start. Of course from the advanced level upwards a more specialized plane may be required in order to be competitive. But this depends on the skill of the pilot.   Other aspects. Another aspect of this sport is that of construction and design of these aircraft. They can be simple or very complex at the higher level of competition. It is common place these days to find complex supercharged four stroke motors being used with hi tech engine vibration damping system and exhaust systems. New two stroke engines with electronic fuel injection are on the way. The aircraft designs are a constant balance, trade of between stability and ability to perform unstable snapping and spinning maneuvers. They have to be designed strong enough to with stand the high G loads that are placed on them during competition, yet have to be light weight in order to perform well. The use of new technology materials such as carbon fibre, fibre glass , Nomex and other composite materials is also fascinating and an added new challenge when building. The beauty of this sport is that you don't have to embrace this new technology and spend large amounts of money as even the most simple balsa constructions can be as good as the latest. On a lighter note. One thing is common to all in this sport. Practice makes perfect. Practice, practice, practice. One often sees keen aerobatic pilots practising away at the local field. They may appear selfish, aloof and wait till no one is flying before venturing out. But this is not the case. Most are the friendliest guys out there. The reason for such behaviour is that it is very difficult to concentrate on flying precisely as well as worry about things such as other flying objects. Our planes cover a large volume of space in the sky while we fly the schedules. It is sometimes very easy to have a midair collision between aircraft so we wait and sneak out when no one is flying. We are not snobbish, so say" hello what are you doing", BUT AFTER THE FLIGHT PLEASE as we have a lot on our minds( e.g.. what maneuver is next???? Is entry inverted or upright????). One thing we all have in common is the love of flying. So this is my brief opinion of what pattern is about. So why not give it a try. Fly Pattern!!! HOME