RC Model Airplane Aerobatics Part II – Intermediate Level Aerobatics

Introduction

After learning about the basic aerobatic maneuvers, you are probably looking forward to trying something more advanced. Before we explain these new and exciting maneuvers though you will need an aerobatics capable aircraft.

Most of the aerobatic maneuvers described in the first part of this series are relatively gentle, and almost any 4 channel RC plane is sufficient to perform them. The intermediate aerobatics described in this article need a moderately capable RC model airplane, preferably with a large engine or motor and relatively little dihedral (upward bend) in the wings.

The process of choosing a second RC model airplane is daunting, and beyond the scope of this article, but here are some general points to consider when choosing a second RC model airplane:

Try to choose a model that uses the same radio hardware and engine as your trainer. That way, you can use the radio and engine from your old trainer in your new airplane – instead of buying them new.
Look for a RC model airplane with a mid to low wing. Most trainers have high
wings mounted on top of the fuselage while the more aerobatic aircraft have low wings, mounted at the bottom of the fuselage.
The RC model airplanes advertised as good second models generally are. Consider this when buying.

If you used a nitro fuel powered trainer with a .40 or .46 sized engine, a Sig 4 Star 40 is a great second RC model airplane. It features a low wing design, very forgiving flying characteristics, and will work with almost any .40 sized engine and 4 channel radio system.

Now that you have a suitable RC model airplane, we will show you how to do some very fun and crowd pleasing maneuvers.

Stall Turn / Hammer Head

A Hammer Head, or more accurately, a stall turn, involves stalling the RC model airplane, and then using the rudder to pivot and descend. Begin by turning the RC model airplane so that it faces into the wind. Increase throttle to full and use the elevator to climb in a vertical path. Continue this vertical climb, until the RC model airplane stalls. The instant the stall occurs, apply full right or left rudder. This will cause the RC model airplane to tip over on one wingtip. Allow the RC model airplanes nose to point downwards, and recover from the stall as normal. This sketch shows what a stall turn looks like.

Spin

The spin is an aerobatic maneuver which induces an asymmetric stall. This means that one of the RC model airplanes wings is stalled more than the other. The result is a graceful downwards spiral, rotating either clockwise or counterclockwise depending on the direction of rudder input.

You can perform a spin by entering a stall as normal, and then using full up elevator and left or right rudder. The spin will continue as long as you hold the elevator and rudder in their maximum positions.
Exit the spin by applying full rudder in the opposite direction of the spin, and dropping the nose to exit the stall. Be sure to stop the spin at a safe altitude – high enough that you have room for at least one mistake. Take a look at this sketch showing the different parts of a spin.

Snap Roll

The snap roll is a type of “aerial somersault”: a quick, rapid flip around the horizontal axis. When done correctly, it is a very crisp and accurate maneuver. Get ready by flying straight into the wind, with the wings straight and level. After that, apply the following control inputs simultaneously.

• Full up elevator
• Full left or right aileron
• Full left or right rudder

These control inputs should result in a sudden, and rapid roll and upward “snap”, which ends as soon as you neutralize the controls. Be careful though, because snap rolls can sometimes induce spins.

Outside Loop

The outside loop is exactly like the inside loop, but it is performed “inside out”, with the bottom of the RC model airplanes fuselage facing inwards. Perform an outside loop the same way as you would perform an inside loop, but enter the loop inverted. Because the RC model airplane is inverted, you will have to use down elevator to climb. After you exit the inverted loop, the RC model airplane will still be upside down, so perform a half roll on to the side to right it. This sketch depicts an outside loop.

The next article in this series will cover advanced maneuvers, including Cuban eights, Immelmans, and Avalanches.

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