Precision Aerobatics is a sport where precision and skill are used to perform aerial maneuvers with a radio controlled model aircraft. These aerial maneuvers are flown in an aerobatic box.

 

The aerobatic box is a vertical plane which is set at a distance of 150 meters. The length of the box is set by lines extending 60 degrees on either side of a centre line. The resultant aerobatic box is 520 meters by 259 meters. The height of the box is not to exceed an angle of 60 degrees.  The pilot operates his model aircraft from the centre line.  

 

 

The aerial maneuvers include components such as loops, spins, snap rolls, rolls, lines and stall turns, which are flown in predetermined sequences (schedules).  These maneuvers are either performed in the centre of the aerobatic box (centre maneuver) or at the either end of the box (turnaround maneuver).  The end maneuvers are called turnaround maneuvers because the direction of flight is reversed during the end maneuvers.

 

The aerial maneuvers are flown in predetermined sequences (schedules). The schedules are flown as five different classes, Sportsman, Intermediate, Advanced, Masters and F3A. The 4 lower level schedules are governed by the Precision Aerobatics Committee. The hardest schedule is set by Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) and is also used in international and world competitions. 

 

The schedules are designed with building blocks in mind so that the pilots learn basic skills before moving on to a longer and harder schedule. The schedules allow for pilots with similar abilities to be competitive with each other. In Precision Aerobatics the aerial maneuvers performed are subjectively scored by a panel of judges.

 

The “thing” plane on the left does not come to mind when many think of Precision Aerobatics. However this plane has been flown successfully in competition. The plane and pilot were in the entry level class Sportsman.

 

 

Below you can see a group of modified Crickets trainers that were flown in the Intermediate class. Intermediate is the next higher class from Sportsman. The two main requirements at these levels are a properly trimmed plane with adequate power.

 

 

There are restrictions on the models for precision aerobatic competitions.  The models are limited to 2 meters in wing span and length. They are also restricted to a dry weight of 5 kg.  Engine size is unlimited.