
For detailed information see the IAC Calendar.
RC helicopters use a powerplant to turn a gear train, driving the main rotor system and tail rotors. They are capable of maneuvers that full-scale helicopter pilots only dream about. Each class has an established set of maneuvers that pilots must accomplish, and judges grade each maneuver. Class I includes primarily hovering-type maneuvers; Class II adds some forward flight, including a loop and stall turn; Class III adds even more aerobatic maneuvers and includes a power-off autorotation landing; and F3C adds a number of aerobatic maneuvers to test pilots and machines. The flight ends in a power-off autorotation landing that must be on a small spot for maximum points. (Not many miss it.) Helicopters also have a Scale competition.
Nats News
August 5, 2021: RC Helicopter
Closing report by Mike Unger
Well, the final rounds of the 2021 Heli Nats went off without a hitch on Wednesday morning. Sportsman started off the day with the first flight at 8:04 a.m., followed by Advanced, Masters, and F3C. The weather was perfect, with temps cold enough in the morning for me to break out my hoodie for a couple of hours. Final flights were completed about 11:30 and we started the awards ceremony at noon.