CL Scale July 14-15

These models are replicas of full-scale aircraft. They are judged for workmanship, accuracy of detail, and other factors. They must fly and are scored on their ability to take off, land, and perform other tasks. Precision Scale aircraft are the most detailed models and must be accompanied with airplane documentation showing the model’s fidelity to the full-scale aircraft. Sport Scale requires less-precise detailing, and the aircraft are judged from a distance. Profile Scale is similar to Sport Scale, with the added provision that the models have profile (slab) fuselages. In Sport and Profile Scale, flying increases in importance. REGISTER NOW

CL Racing JULY 17-20

There are several classes of CL Racing, but the idea is the same for all: finish the designated number of laps before the competition. Those who turn in the fastest preliminary heats advance to longer feature races. Two or more entries fly at the same time. This is a team event, with each team consisting of a pilot and one or two people serving as a pit crew. Upon the “go” signal, the pit crew starts the engine and releases the aircraft. One or more pit stops for fuel are required in each race. Many of the aircraft are equipped with shutoffs, so the pilots can land whenever the team decides. Other elaborate equipment is designed to speed up the mandatory pit stops. Watch for quick landings and fast restarts. There are many classes of CL Racing, including Mouse Race, Goodyear (Scale), Rat Race, Slow Rat Race, and FAI Team Race, in which participants compete at a world-class level. REGISTER NOW

CL Combat JULY 17-22

Wild and exciting action in Combat makes it one of the spectators’ favorite events. Two highly maneuverable aircraft, each towing a streamer, attempt to cut each other’s streamers or string leaders. Scoring is by cuts and airtime within the five-minute match period. Scoring a cut on the streamer is worth 100 points. Each aircraft also scores one point for each second it is airborne during the match. In some events, cutting the string leader constitutes a “kill,” ending the match. 1/2A Combat uses tiny .049 engines and 35-foot lines. There are no restrictions on aircraft design, and kills end the match. Slow Combat uses large aircraft and .36 engines, restricted to suction fuel feed. Don’t let the name fool you; matches can be exciting, with speeds of up to 100 mph. There is no kill. AMA Combat, also known as “Fast Combat,” is the top-gun Combat event, and the flying is among the most exciting and demanding in all of model aviation. Engines of up to .36 size turn more than 20,000 rpm and haul the highly maneuverable aircraft at up to 125 mph. Kills end the match. FAI Combat is the international class. Competitors are allowed two .15-powered aircraft per match. There is no kill. REGISTER NOW

CL Navy Carrier JULY 17-20

There are three official Carrier events flown across the United States: Class I, Class II, and Profile. There are also several unofficial events including Sportsman Profile, .15, Sig Skyray .35, and Nostalgia. Most all of the events are scored and flown the same way. There is a wide diversity of scores earned. High speeds can range from approximately 70 mph all the way up to 120 mph. Low speeds can average as slow as 4-8 mph. Many times it is difficult to judge whether or not the model is stopped. Carrier designs tend to be slightly more complex than a typical CL model. A typical airplane will have up- and down-elevator, throttle, and a tailhook. Other controls can be added, such as flaps, ailerons, and rudder. With the exception of the elevator and throttle, the other controls are usually deployed only once, after the high speed. They remain locked into position. REGISTER NOW

CL Precision Aerobatics JULY 16-22

Beautiful, large aircraft perform a prescribed stunt pattern before a panel of judges. Flights are scored by smoothness and accuracy of maneuvers, with a bonus for aircraft appearance. There are no design restrictions, but most models typically use .35-.60 engines, with wingspans reaching more than 5 feet. Precision Aerobatics is divided into skill classes for the beginner, intermediate, advanced, and expert fliers. Two related events are Old-Time Stunt, using pre-1953 Stunt pattern and aircraft designs, and Classic Stunt, using aerobatics and aircraft designs that are more than 25 years old. REGISTER NOW

CL Speed JULY 17-21

The object of this event is simply to fly a prescribed distance at the fastest possible speed. This is a horsepower and technology event. The aircraft are small and aerodynamically sophisticated, with specially prepared engines turning very high rpm. Some have no landing gear, rising out of wheeled “dollies.” Some are flown on single wires controlled by a torque system, meaning the aircraft’s control surfaces are operated by twisting a wire. There are several classes which correspond to engine sizes. Unless noted, there are no restrictions on design; fuel is restricted for most classes. These high-performance models take a minimalist approach to aerodynamics and are finely tuned pieces of equipment. Most of the classes involve the use of internal-combustion engines ranging in size from .049 cubic inch to .60. Pulse jet engines are used in the advanced classes and have the ability to reach speeds nearing 200 mph. REGISTER NOW