FIGURE-6 WITH A HALF-ROLL DOWN

All complex maneuvers are developed from rather simple segment variations. And most successful maneuvers take elements from both the roll and an outside loop. A figure-6 with a half-roll down was maneuver 15 from the 2013–14 precision aerobatics Masters sequence. It works nicely when you want to get turned around while lowering your altitude in an exciting way.

OVERVIEW

During this maneuver, you should orient the aircraft parallel to the runway, flying upright at an altitude of about 400 feet. The altitude will differ depending on the size of the model being flown, but an altitude of 400 feet will suffice for an aircraft that has a 60-inch span. After the heading has been established, the model should perform a 90-degree push (1/4 outside loop) to establish a vertical downline, where a brief line segment will be flown. A half-roll is performed during another line segment, equal in length to the first. The aircraft will then execute a 3/4 outside loop and exit the maneuver in upright level flight in the opposite direction in which it started.

BY THE NUMBERS

Step 1: While the aircraft is traveling at a fairly high altitude into the wind and parallel to the runway, decrease the throttle and gently push to a vertical downline and fly a brief line. To ensure that your lines are equal, it often helps to count “1, 2” during each segment.

Step 2: Next, perform a half-roll at a moderate roll rate and fly another line, equal in length to the first. Again, count “1, 2.” Note that your count will only work if the speed of the aircraft is constant! Make any necessary rudder corrections to keep the flight path of the airplane parallel to the runway.

Step 3: At this point, increase throttle as you begin the push for the 3/4 outside-loop segment. Throttle input will vary depending on the power-to-weight ratio of the aircraft, but it is safe to say that about 75% throttle should be used as soon as the airplane is inverted and passing the 90-degree segment of the 3/4 loop, which is a total of 270 degrees.

Step 4: Once complete, the aircraft must be traveling in upright level flight but in the opposite direction compared to the entry. Throughout the maneuver, various aileron, elevator, and rudder corrections will be required; apply thes e inputs as needed to keep the airplane properly positioned.

Pilots may have difficulty with the line segments not being of the same length, loop segments that are not round, or a half-roll that isn’t centered on the downward segment. Also, the wind can become a factor. No matter what the wind direction is, the flight path of the model should always be parallel to the runway during the entry and throughout the 3/4 loop, and perpendicular to the runway during the downline segment and half-roll.

THE TAKEAWAY

Don’t become frustrated when trying a new maneuver; consistency comes with time and practice. Before taking to the skies, think about the new maneuver in detail and know what control inputs will be required. When you’re trying out a new move, it may not look pretty at first, but continue to practice until it looks perfect. And always remember to have fun!

THIS MOVE IS KNOWN AS A TURNAROUND MANEUVER. ONCE EXECUTED, IT WILL CHANGE THE DIRECTION IN WHICH THE AIRPLANE IS TRAVELING.

ENTER in straight and level flight.

Decrease throttle and push to a vertical downline. Perform a half-roll. EXIT in straight and level flight. Begin to push on the elevator and increase throttle. Ensure that the loop has a constant radius and correct heading with rudder input, if needed.