RC Racing Proposals
RC Racing Proposals
RCR-09-1
Amend paragraph 10.1 of the rules for Radio Control Pylon Racing as follows:
10. Aircraft Marking
10.1. Registration Numbers
Registration numbers shall consist of the last two or three digits of the pilot’s AMA number, preceded by a capital “N” and followed by the first letter of the plot’s last name. Alternatively, registration numbers may consist simply of the pilot’s full AMA number. Letters and numbers shall be clearly legible and located either on the top of a wing or on a visible portion of the fuselage.
Logic:
The size and placement of registration numbers should not matter on R/C Pylon models. Even in events that contain a “replica rule,” the models are not required to have scale paint schemes. This proposed change makes the AMA numbering requirement similar to the FAI numbering requirement, in which no particular size or placement is required but the model can be traced to its owner through the organization’s membership records in case of a theft or flyaway.
Submitted by: Duane Gall, AMA #88422
RCR-09-2
For Event 421, Formula 1 Sport, amend paragraph 1.A as follows:
Event 421: Formula 1 Sport
1. Airframe
A. Weight
Minimum 8-3/4 pounds (140 ounces), maximum 10 pounds (160 ounces).
Logic:
The original formula was conceived in 2002, based on then-available ARF (almost ready to fly) offerings such as the Great Planes Shoestring 60, which had a very light balsa/plyframe with iron-on covering. Since then, Great Planes has introduced a Cosmic Wind Little Toni and a Cosmic Wind Minnow, both of which are considerably heavier than the Shoestring.
Also, homebrewed fiberglass fuselage/foam wing models built to this formula using standard techniques are coming out close to 9 lbs. with standard radio equipment. Rather than drive the technology toward exotic and expensive hollow-molded airframes and ultralight radio gear, the proponents believe that the weight limit should be adjusted upward so that standard materials and techniques will remain competitive.
This will not affect safety; the maximum weight is unchanged. Weight measurements in ounces are added for clarity.
Submitted by: Duane Gall, AMA #88422
RCR-09-3 – More closely define the engine configuration for AMA 428. The purpose is to reduce cost, complexity and speed.
Event 428, Quickie 500: eliminate the existing rule 16.2.2 (Power plant) in its entirety and replace it with the following:
16.2.2 Powerplant
a. Engine
1) Maximum displacement: 0.403 cubic inch.
2) Configuration: Stock, commercially available, ABC, front-intake, side-exhaust. The cylinder liner shall be of standard three port Schneurle port design, incorporating no more than one exhaust port, one boost port and two side transfer ports. The head shall be machined to accept one standard long glow plug with a ¼-28 threaded body. The piston and liner must be removable. Integral cylinder/crankcase or cooling fins are prohibited. Domed pistons are prohibited. Crankcase must be one piece and must be a casting. Solid Billet or Barstock crankcases are prohibited. Bypasses cast into the side of the crankcase must be of essentially constant cross section and can only taper in area no more than is required for good casting practice. The top 1/8” of the bypass transfer ports may be tapered or shaped to match the cylinder ports. The boost port bypass may be tapered ¼” at the top. The removable liner must bound one side of all bypass channels. Notwithstanding the definition of “engine” in section 2 of these rules, substitution of the original crankshaft bearings with ceramic bearings or other types of aftermarket bearings from any source other than the engine manufacturer is prohibited. Bearings must be removable from the crankshaft. I.E., no integral bearing/crankshafts are allowed.
3) Intake: A single carburetor or intake with a maximum inner diameter of 9 mm (0.3543 inch).
4) Exhaust System:
a. General description: The engine shall be equipped with an expansion chamber muffler, zero-boost muffler, or tuned muffler as provided by the manufacturer for the engine being used, and having a single exhaust outlet with a maximum outlet area of .055 square inches (equivalent to the area of a round hole measuring .265 inch in diameter).
b. Exhaust stack and header configuration: The exhaust outlet of the engine and the stack opening of the muffler header shall each be rectangular, except for a maximum 1/16 inch radius at the corners and shall measure .750 inch by .375 inches, plus or minus 1/16 inch. The inner contours of the exhaust stack and header shall not include any tapered, convex or concave sections. Each part of the assembly from the engine exhaust outlet to the main body of the muffler shall be of an essentially constant internal cross-sectional shape and area. For castings, standard draft angles are allowed in the passage from the piston to the central body of the muffler. These shall result in the outlet to the central body (mini-pipe section) to be smaller or equal to the external opening.
c. Inner configuration of tuned mufflers: A tuned muffler used in this event shall have only one internal part, a straight tube or extractor of the type commonly known as a “mini-pipe”. The mini-pipe shall have a constant, circular cross-section and constant inside and outside diameter, with the following exception: the OD or ID may be machined, without taper, over a portion of its total length to allow for lightening of the part. A taper, not to exceed 1 inch, is allowed to reduce stress concentrations at the end point of the turn. No side holes, slots or other openings are allowed in the mini-pipe. The distance, measure from the piston face to the end of the mini-pipe (along the center of the exhaust path) shall be no less than 6.5”, nor greater than 7.0”.
d. Outside dimensions: The distance from the center of the piston to the centerline of the muffler shall not exceed 2.375, nor less than 2.25 inches. The overall length of the muffler shall not exceed 8.0 inches, measured from the front of the header to the back of the exhaust outlet. The outside diameter shall not exceed 1.530 inches, and both the inside and outside diameter of the outside shell of the muffler shall remain constant for at least 3.0 inches.
e. Modifications: No modifications to the muffler are permitted except that the muffler may be tapped for a pressure fitting to supply pressure to the fuel system.
5) Fuel feed: A fixed venturi or a moveable throttle control may provide air/fuel intake to the crankcase. Independent engine shut off by radio control must be demonstrated. Other than muffler pressure, no fuel system pressurization is permitted. Remotely located needle valve assemble are permitted.
6) Mounting: Backplate mounts used in this event shall be circular when viewed from the front or rear. Rectangular backplate mounts prohibited.
7) Additional technical specifications:
a. Engine timing: exhaust port timing shall fall between 160 and 170 degrees of duration. Intake port timing shall fall between 125 and 135 degrees of duration. Shimming cylinders by the user is permitted, but only within these limits.
b. Crankshaft timing: opening timing shall fall between 30 and 50 degrees after BDC. Closing timing shall fall between 50 and 70 degrees after TDC.
c. Port angles of the exhaust and transfers shall fall between zero and -20 degrees from the piston top.
d. Port angles of the boost port shall fall between -45 and -60 degrees from the piston top.
e. The engine piston diameter shall fall between .845 and .850 inches.
f. The maximum diameter of the crankshaft bore shall be .440 inches. The maximum diameter of the rear bearing portion of the crankshaft shall be 17mm/
g. The maximum rod length shall be 34.1 mm (1.342). Minimum allowed is 33.9 mm.
h. The maximum angle of the venture/carburetor intake shall be 30 degrees from vertical.
8) Prior approval of engines: All engines, past and future inclusive, shall not be entered into competition until a five-member subcommittee of the RC Racing Contest Board has approved the engine by an affirmative vote of at least three members thereof. Such approval may be given orally, but shall be recorded for future reference. An engine shall be considered eligible for competition if it meets all requirements of this section 16.2.2 and, in addition, is commercially available at a price that does not exceed US $250 in 2007 dollars, adjusted annually for inflation in accordance with the National Consumer Price Index. The committee is appointed by the RC Racing Contest Board Chairman and will not include any member with a vested interest in the sale or manufacturing of an engine for this event. In addition, any engine can be removed from the list by an affirmative vote of at least three members thereof.
Logic:
Q-500 Speed’s cost has become excessive. It is no longer a stepping stone to faster events. Engine rules have been too loose and have permitted uncontrolled, costly and disruptive changes to the event.
Submitted by: Dennis Cranfill, AMA #124348
RCR-09-4 – Create a new provisional event, Q40 Sport.
Event 425: Q40 Sport (provisional)
I. AIRFRAME
The airframe specifications for this event are identical to those for Quarter 40 (Event No. 422), except that:
A. Paragraph 16.1.1.f., "Prior approval of designs", shall not apply;
B. The main wheels (or wheel pants, if used) shall be at least 1/2 inch thick at all points within 3/4 inch radially from the axle.
C. On biplane designs, the following substitute wing thickness measurement shall be used: The thickness of each wing shall be at least 10 percent of wing chord, measured at the root or immediately outboard of any fillet or protuberance that precludes measurement exactly at the root.
II. POWERPLANT
A. ENGINE
The engine specifications for this event are identical to those for Sport Quickie (Event No. 424).
B. PROPELLER
1. Material: APC composite or a similar, commercially available composite.
2. Dimensions: Minimum diameter 8-3/4 inches.
3. Availability, modification: Propellers shall be commercially available and stock, except as otherwise provided in paragraph 7.5.2.
C. FUEL
The fuel shall be commercially available, containing not over 15 percent nitromethane, and shall be supplied and dispensed by the hosting organization. The dispensing operation shall include draining the tank of any existing fuel and then filling from a supply container when the pilot brings the aircraft to the ready box.
III. SPECIAL PROVISIONS
1. "Grandfather" clause: Unmodified, factory built airframes of the Kangke F3D-30 shall be eligible for use in this event.
2. Local engine and propeller rules: The use of an "approved engine" list, "approved propeller" list, or other local rules to keep costs down and avoid wide differences in speed among contestants is encouraged. Any such rule should be noted on the sanction application form and in all pre contest publicity.
Logic:
“Sunday flyers” love the look of Q40 planes, but are scared away by the speed and expense involved in Event 422. This class makes it possible to enjoy low-key racing with aircraft that are sleeker and more exciting than Sky Raiders and sport Q500’s, but still use the same economical, throttleable engines as in those classes.
Some of the existing Q40 designs may not perform well unless powered by premium Q40 racing engines. Some will also need longer landing gear struts to accommodate 8-3/4” propellers. However, the success of the Kangke F3D-30 proves that models in this range of size and horsepower can be excellent performers. In addition, many older Q40 designs could find new life in this event. Used airframes and unassembled kits are readily available.
Submitted by: Duane Gall, AMA #88422
RCR-09-5 – To decrease the Intake from 9mm to 7mm for event #422.
Current Rule:
16.1.2 Powerplant
a. Engine
3) Intake: A single carburetor or venturi with a maximum inner diameter of 9mm (0.3543 inch). Carburetors or venturis may be modified and are not subject to availability rules.
Proposed Change:
16.1.2 Powerplant
a. Engine
3) Intake: A single carburetor or venturi with a maximum inner diameter of 7mm (0.2756 inch). Carburetors or venturis may be modified and are not subject to availability rules.
Logic:
The intent of this change is to reduce the venturi size from 9mm to 7mm. The purpose is to control the speed of the event by reducing the intake size.
Submitted by: Dan Kane, AMA #26835
RCR-09-6 – To decrease the Intake size from 9mm to 7mm. For event #428.
Current Rule:
16.2.2 Powerplant
a. Engine
3) Intake: A single carburetor with a maximum inner diameter of 9mm (0.3543 inch). The carburetor may be locked or pinned in the open position and needs not be functional; except that, if the carburetor is not functional, a separate engine shutoff mechanism shall be used. Other than such locking or pinning, the carburetor shall be stock. Venturis are prohibited.
Proposed change:
16.1.2 Powerplant
a. Engine
3) Intake: A single carburetor with a maximum inner diameter of 7mm (0.2756 inch). The carburetor may be locked or pinned in the open position and needs not be functional; except that, if the carburetor is not functional, a separate engine shutoff mechanism shall be used. Other than such locking or pinning, the carburetor shall be stock
Logic:
The intent of this change is to reduce the intake size from 9mm to 7mm. The purpose is to control the speed of the event by reducing the intake size.
Submitted by: Dan Kane, AMA #26835
RCR-09-7 – To remove the inner pipes from the tuned mufflers for event #428.
Current rule:
16.2.2. Powerplant
a. Engine
4) Exhaust system
a) General description: The engine shall be equipped with an expansion chamber muffler, zero-boost muffler or tuned muffler as provided by the manufacturer for the engine being used and having a single exhaust outlet with a maximum outlet area of 0.0621 square inches (equivalent to the area of a round hole measuring 9/32 inch in diameter).
b) Inner configuration of tuned mufflers: A tuned muffler used in this event shall have only one internal part, a straight tube or extractor of the type commonly known as a “mini-pipe”. The mini-pipe shall have constant, circular cross section and constant inside and outside diameter with the following exception: the sidewall of the tube may be thickened not to exceed 0.078 inch wall thickness, within ½ inch of the front end of the mini-pipe where it attaches to the header.
Proposed change:
16.2.2. Powerplant
a. Engine
4) Exhaust System
a) General description: The engine shall be equipped with an expansion chamber muffler, zero-boost muffler as provided by the manufacturer for the engine being used and having a single exhaust outlet with a maximum outlet area of 0.0621 square inches (equivalent to the area of a round hole measuring 9/32 inch in diameter).
b. Inner configuration of tuned mufflers: A tuned muffler can not be used in this event. there shall not be any internal parts. A straight tube or extractor of the type commonly known as a “mini-pipe” is not permitted.
Logic:
The intent of this change is to remove the inner pipe from the muffler. The purpose is to control the speed of the event by reducing the muffler boost.
Submitted by: Dan Kane, AMA #26835
RCR-09-8 – To remove the inner pipes from the tuned mufflers for even #422.
Current rule:
16.1.2. Powerplant
a. Engine
4) Exhaust system
a) General description: The engine shall be equipped with an expansion chamber muffler, zero-boost muffler or tuned muffler as provided by the manufacturer for the engine being used and having a single exhaust outlet with a maximum outlet area of 0.0621 square inches (equivalent to the area of a round hole measuring 9/32 inch in diameter).
b) Inner configuration of tuned mufflers: A tuned muffler used in this event shall have only one internal part, a straight tube or extractor of the type commonly known as a “mini-pipe”. The mini-pipe shall have constant, circular cross section and constant inside and outside diameter with the following exception: the sidewall of the tube may be thickened not to exceed 0.078 inch wall thickness, within ½ inch of the front end of the mini-pipe where it attaches to the header.
Proposed Change:
16.1.2. Powerplant
a. Engine
4) Exhaust system
a) General description: The engine shall be equipped with an expansion chamber muffler, zero-boost muffler as provided by the manufacturer for the engine being used and having a single exhaust outlet with a maximum outlet area of 0.0621 square inches (equivalent to the area of a round hole measuring 9/32 inch in diameter).
b) Inner configuration of tuned mufflers: A tuned muffler can not be used in this event. there shall not be any internal parts. A straight tube or extractor of the type commonly known as a “mini-pipe” is not permitted.
Logic:
The intent of this change is to remove the inner pipe from the muffler. The purpose is to control the speed of the event by reducing the muffler boost.
Submitted by: Dan Kane, AMA #26835
RCR-09-9 – To add compression molded continuous strand props for event #422.
Current rule:
16.1.2 Powerplant
b. Propeller
1) Material: Either wood or a chopped carbon fiber filled injection-molded compound with material and physical properties equivalent or exceeding that of Ticona Celstran PA6-CF35-15. These material properties, which shall include tensile strength and other industry standard properties, must be equivalent to the above product for temperatures ranging from 30 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Substitutions are not allowed.
2) Dimensions: No limit for wood. Injection molded propellers shall have a diameter, pitch, blade width and blade airfoil identical to that of the approved part numbers at every measurable station.
3) Availability, modification: Wood propellers may be modified. Injection molded propellers shall be commercially available and stock except for balancing, etc. as permitted by paragraph 7.5.2 under “General Model Aircraft Requirements:.
Proposed Change:
16.1.2 Powerplant
b. Propeller
1) Material: Either wood or composite resin continuous fiber or a chopped carbon fiber filled injection-molded compound with material and physical properties equivalent or exceeding that of Ticona Celstran PA6-CF35-15. These material properties, which shall include tensile strength and other industry standard properties, much be equivalent to the above product for temperatures ranging from 30 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Substitutions are not allowed.
2) Dimensions: No limit for wood. No limit for composite resin continuous fiber construction Injection molded propellers shall have a diameter, pitch, blade width and blade airfoil identical to that of the approved part numbers at every measurable station.
3) Availability, modification: Wood propellers may be modified. Composite resin continuous fiber construction may be modified. Injection molded propellers shall be commercially available and stock except for balancing, etc. as permitted by paragraph 7.5.2 under “General Model Aircraft Requirements”.
Logic:
The intent of this change is to add the use of continuous fiber molded propellers just as they are used in the FAI F3D event.
Submitted by: Dan Kane, AMA #26835
RCR-09-10 – To clarify the allowable diameters for APC props for event #422.
Current rule:
16.1.2 Powerplant
b. Propeller
1) Material: Either wood or a chopped carbon fiber filled injection-molded compound with material and physical properties equivalent or exceeding that of Ticona Celstran PA6-CF35-15. These material properties, which shall include tensile strength and other industry standard properties, must be equivalent to the above product for temperatures ranging from 30 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Substitutions are not allowed.
2) Dimensions: No limit for wood. Injection molded propellers shall have a diameter, pitch, blade width and blade airfoil identical to that of the approved part numbers at every measurable station.
3) Availability, modification: Wood propellers may be modified. Injection molded propellers shall be commercially available and stock except for balancing, etc. as permitted by paragraph 7.5.2 under “General Model Aircraft Requirements”.
Proposed Change:
16.1.2. Powerplant
b. Propeller
1) Material Either wood or a chopped carbon fiber filled injection-molded compound with material and physical properties equivalent or exceeding that of Ticona Celstran PA6-CF35-15. These material properties, which shall include tensile strength and other industry standard properties, must be equivalent to the above product for temperatures ranging from 30 to 150 degrees Fahrenheit. Substitutions are not allowed.
2) Dimensions: No limit for wood. Injection molded propellers shall have a diameter, pitch, blade width and blade airfoil identical to that of the approved part numbers at every measurable station. Approved part numbers shall have a minimum diameter of 7.1875 inches measured from tip to tip
3) Availability, modification: Wood propellers may be modified. Injection molded propellers shall be commercially available and stock except for balancing, etc. as permitted by paragraph 7.5.2 under “General Model Aircraft Requirements”.
Logic:
The intent of this change is to clarify the rule concerning the allowable length of APC propellers. Currently only 7.4” diameter propellers are approved and to eliminate the potential for tip failures due to sonic disturbances a shorter diameter is needed.
Submitted by: Dan Kane, AMA #26835
RCR-09-11 – To add the FAI F3D course layout as an option for AMA racing events.
Current rule:
1. General – (NO CURRENT RULE EXISTS) However modification to the existing table and diagram will be needed on page RCR-8, The old diagram is shown below.
Course Dimensions | |||||||
Event | A | B | C | D | E | 10 LAP distance | |
1/2A | 198 ft | 60 ft | - | - | - | 1.25mi | |
Q-40 | 508 ft | 100ft | 100ft | - | - | 2.5mi | |
F3D | - | 40m | 30m | 20m | 180m | 4km | |
Q500 | 508 ft | 100ft | 100ft | - | - | 2.5mi | |
Q500 Sport | 375.5ft | 100ft | 100ft | - | - | 2.0mi |
Logic:
The intent of this change is to allow the FAI course to be used for AMA racing events.
Submitted by: Dan Kane, AMA # 26835
RCR-09-12 – To recognize record attempts for Events: #424, #428, #422 and #421.
Current rule:
15.4 (NO CURRENT RULE EXISTS)
Proposed change:
15.4 Records: Events #424, #428, #422 and #421 shall have recognized records, provided the records, provided the record is established using the criteria set forth in the Competition Regulation’s general section titled records. All records will be established for JR, SR and Open competitors.
Logic:
The intent of this change is to allow records to be established for the events identified in the rulebook for pylon racing. In the event that the F3D course is used for either events #428 and #422, the record will not need to be noted any differently due to the course change. The total distance for both course layouts is 2.5 miles.
Submitted by: Dan Kane, AMA #26835
RCR-09-13 – To establish back-up criteria in the event of a record flight.
Current rule:
15.5 (NO CURRENT RULE EXISTS)
Proposed change:
15.5 Record back-up: If a pilot achieves a time better than the current national record, that pilot must complete a second attempt within 2% of the new best time and this second time must be produced on the same day as the new best time.
Logic:
The intent of this change is to require a back up time within 2% of the new record for purposes of qualifying new national records. This eliminates the possibility of a new record being established due to a course error such as 9 lap time instead of 10 laps.
Submitted by: Dan Kane, AMA #26835