F3S JET AEROBATICS
  • Home
  • 2026 NATIONALS
  • 2026 Events
  • 2026 SEQUENCES
  • F3S Results
    • 2025 NATIONALS
    • GA JETS F3S 2025
    • 2024 NATIONALS
    • Super Tiger F3S 2024
    • CYPRUS F3S 2023
    • SAUDI ARABIA F3S
    • 2023 NATIONALS
    • 2022 NATIONALS
    • GEORGIA 2022 F3S
    • TUCSON AZ 2022 F3S
    • 2021 NATIONALS
    • MIAMI 2021 F3S
    • 2020 F3S Georgia
    • 2019 NATIONALS
    • 2018 NATIONALS
    • GERMAN F3S Championships
  • Contact
  • Pilots
  • F3S VIDEOS
  • F3S BLOG

F3S Flying and Judging Corner   Edited by Wayne Matthews

 PictureFIGURE # 1
UP FOR DISCUSSION: Fine points of both flying and judging the 2025 Silver sequence.

All maneuvers are required to be wind corrected. There is a deduction of 1 point per 15° deviation and 0.5 point for half of this (in pitch, roll and yaw).

As shown in the slide of the first figure of the Silver sequence, the Square Loop is performed at the center of the box. "The first radius of a maneuver does not define the radii for the remaining radii of a maneuver but it is a starting point. As the maneuver progresses, the judge will compare each radius that was just flown to the last radius flown and if there is a difference, then a downgrade will be given based on the severity of the difference." (RULE 5B.8.4. LOOPS).

All 4 lines should have the same length. "If there is a small deviation, there is a 0.5 point deduction, for a greater deviation, more points should be deducted." (RULE 5B.8.3. LINES).
IDEALLY, the pilot should aim at having all his radii and line lengths match.

On the first vertical, there is a 2x4 point roll, and this should be centered on the line. Similarly, on the 3rd line, there is a ½ roll, and this should also be centered on the line. "The roll-rate must be constant. Minor variations in roll-rate must be downgraded by 0.5 point, while more severe variations must receive a downgrade of 1 or more points." (RULE 5B.8.5.b). "Whenever a continuous roll, part-roll, snap roll, or a consecutive combination of these is placed on a line, the length of the line before and after the roll or the combination of consecutive rolls must be equal. 0.5 point is subtracted for a minor difference, and 1 or more points for a major difference. If there is a complete absence of a line before or after the roll, 3 points are subtracted." (RULE 5B.8.10).

The exit of the Square Loop is complete when the aircraft reaches the point of the pull of the ENTRY radius. The entry and exit altitude should be the same.
Paying attention to both piloting and judging aspects will make competing in F3S a more enjoyable experience for all.

March 07th, 2025

3/7/2025

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Maneuver # 13    Loop with four point roll integrated over the top 90°.

We have now arrived at the 13th and final maneuver of the 2025 Silver sequence. This maneuver is performed at the center of the box. The entire figure should be centered on the center line of the box. It begins upright and when completed, the aircraft will be upright, continuing in the same direction.  All maneuvers are required to be wind corrected. There is a deduction of 1 point per 15° deviation and 0.5 point for half of this (in roll, yaw and pitch).

The first part of the loop sets the radius that should be flown throughout the entire figure. The radius should be smooth and constant. "Each occurrence of a minor difference in radius must downgrade the maneuver by 0.5 point, while more severe deviations may downgrade it by 1, 1.5, 2 or more points for each occurrence. The first radius of a maneuver does not define the radii for the remaining radii of a maneuver but it is a starting point. As the maneuver progresses, the judge will compare each radius that was just flown to the last radius flown and if there is a difference, then a downgrade will be given based on the severity of the difference." (RULE 5B.8.4. LOOPS).

The pilot will then perform an integrated four point roll over the top 90° of the loop. "The roll-rate must be constant. Minor variations in roll-rate must be downgraded by 0.5 point, while more severe variations must receive a downgrade of 1 or more points. (c) The start and stop of the rotation must be crisp and well-defined. If a start or stop is badly defined, 0.5 or more points are to be subtracted for each." (RULE 5B.8.5.b,c). "Flight paths of continuous rolls or part-rolls that are integrated with loops or horizontal circles should be smooth, continuous, and of constant radius. Where an integrated roll is required, quick-rolling should be downgraded using the 1 point per 15 degree rule." (5B.8.10).
In addition, being a center maneuver, not only should the roll be centered on the top 90° of the loop, but the aircraft should be upright as it passes the center line of the box.

Subsequent to flying the four point roll, the pilot will continue the rest of the loop, ensuring that the radius is maintained. The rules require certain center maneuvers entry AND exit to be at the same altitude, and this center loop falls into this category. “Center maneuvers start and finish on the same heading, while turn-around maneuvers finish on a track 180 degrees from the entry. When appropriate, entry and exit of center maneuvers must be at the same altitude, unless specified otherwise. Positioning adjustments in altitude are allowed in turn-around maneuvers.”  (RULE 5B.2).

The exit of the final maneuver and completion of the sequence occurs when the pilot draws a horizontal line of at least one second. "All aerobatic maneuvers are entered and exited by a horizontal line of recognizable length. When no horizontal line is flown between two maneuvers, the just-completed maneuver must be downgraded by 1 point and the upcoming maneuver must be downgraded by 1 point. The last maneuver of a schedule must have an exit line of at least one (1) second in duration for the maneuver to be deemed complete." (RULE 5B.8.3)
0 Comments

FLYING & JUDGING CORNER

2/28/2025

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Maneuver # 12   Reversing P Loop with ½ roll.

This maneuver is performed at the end of the box as a turn-around figure. It begins upright and when completed, the aircraft will remain upright, flying in the opposite direction. All maneuvers are required to be wind corrected. There is a deduction of 1 point per 15° deviation and 0.5 point for half of this (in roll, yaw and pitch).

On entry into the maneuver, the pilot has to pull a ¼ loop and establish a vertical upline. The radius should be smooth and constant. "Each occurrence of a minor difference in radius must downgrade the maneuver by 0.5 point, while more severe deviations may downgrade it by 1, 1.5, 2 or more points for each occurrence. The first radius of a maneuver does not define the radii for the remaining radii of a maneuver but it is a starting point. As the maneuver progresses, the judge will compare each radius that was just flown to the last radius flown and if there is a difference, then a downgrade will be given based on the severity of the difference." (RULE 5B.8.4. LOOPS)

After performing the ¼ loop, and tracking on the vertical upline, there is a ½ roll flown.  "The roll-rate must be constant. Minor variations in roll-rate must be downgraded by 0.5 point, while more severe variations must receive a downgrade of 1 or more points." (RULE 5B.8.5.b).
This ½ roll must be centered on the line.  "Whenever a continuous roll, part-roll, snap roll, or a consecutive combination of these is placed on a line, the length of the line before and after the roll or the combination of consecutive rolls must be equal. 0.5 point is subtracted for a minor difference, and 1 or more points for a major difference. If there is a complete absence of a line before or after the roll, 3 points are subtracted." (RULE 5B.8.10).

Subsequent to flying the ½ roll and matching the previous line, the pilot will push a ½ loop over the top of the vertical line, making sure the radius equals the initial ¼ loop that was flown and immediately pull a final ¼ loop to horizontal upright flight. (SEE Rules 5B.8.4).
There should be NO line between the ½ loop and the ¼ loop.

This being a turn-around maneuver, the entry & exit altitudes can be different. ”In general, turn-around maneuvers are positioning maneuvers. Therefore, entry and exit altitude need not be the same if the pilot wishes to make an altitude adjustment.” (RULE 5B.10).

The exit of the Reversing P Loop is complete when the pilot draws a short horizontal line. "All aerobatic maneuvers are entered and exited by a horizontal line of recognizable length. When no horizontal line is flown between two maneuvers, the just-completed maneuver must be downgraded by 1 point and the upcoming maneuver must be downgraded by 1 point. The last maneuver of a schedule must have an exit line of at least one (1) second in duration for the maneuver to be deemed complete." (RULE 5B.8.3)
0 Comments

F3S FLYING & JUDGING CORNER:   SILVER #11

2/19/2025

0 Comments

 
Picture
Picture
Maneuver # 11    Cuban 8 with full roll, half roll.

This maneuver is performed at the center of the box and the entire figure should be centered on the center line of the box. It begins inverted and when completed, the aircraft will be upright, continuing in the same direction.  All maneuvers are required to be wind corrected. There is a deduction of 1 point per 15° deviation and 0.5 point for half of this (in roll, yaw and pitch).

The first part of the Cuban 8 requires the pilot, from inverted, to push a 5/8 outside loop. This will orient the aircraft into an upright 45° downline. The radius should be smooth and constant. "Each occurrence of a minor difference in radius must downgrade the maneuver by 0.5 point, while more severe deviations may downgrade it by 1, 1.5, 2 or more points for each occurrence. The first radius of a maneuver does not define the radii for the remaining radii of a maneuver but it is a starting point. As the maneuver progresses, the judge will compare each radius that was just flown to the last radius flown and if there is a difference, then a downgrade will be given based on the severity of the difference." (RULE 5B.8.4. LOOPS).

After performing the 5/8 loop, and establishing the 45° line, the pilot will perform a full roll, ensuring the line prior to the roll is equal to the line after (the roll must be centered and roll rate constant). "Whenever a continuous roll, part-roll, snap roll, or a consecutive combination of these is placed on a line, the length of the line before and after the roll or the combination of consecutive rolls must be equal. 0.5 point is subtracted for a minor difference, and 1 or more points for a major difference. If there is a complete absence of a line before or after the roll, 3 points are subtracted." (RULE 5B.8.10). "(B)The roll-rate must be constant. Minor variations in roll-rate must be downgraded by 0.5 point, while more severe variations must receive a downgrade of 1 or more points. (c) The start and stop of the rotation must be crisp and well-defined. If a start or stop is badly defined, 0.5 or more points are to be subtracted for each." (RULE 5B.8.5.b,c). In addition, being a center maneuver, not only should the roll be centered on the 45° line, but the aircraft should be inverted as it passes the center line of the box.

Subsequent to flying the roll and matching the previous line, the pilot will pull a ¾ loop, making sure the radius equals the initial 5/8 loop that was flown. This will now orient the aircraft on a 45° inverted  downline. After drawing a line, the pilot will perform a ½ roll, then fly a matching line length before pulling a final 1/8 loop to horizontal upright flight. (SEE Rules 5B.8.4 & 5B.8.10). In addition, being a center maneuver, not only should the ½ roll be centered on the 45° line, but the aircraft should be in knife edge as it passes the center line of the box.

The rules require certain center maneuvers entry AND exit to be at the same altitude, and this center Cuban 8 falls into this category. “Center maneuvers start and finish on the same heading, while turn-around maneuvers finish on a track 180 degrees from the entry. When appropriate, entry and exit of center maneuvers must be at the same altitude, unless specified otherwise. Positioning adjustments in altitude are allowed in turn-around maneuvers.”  (RULE 5B.2)

The exit of the Cuban 8 is complete when the pilot draws a short upright horizontal line. "All aerobatic maneuvers are entered and exited by a horizontal line of recognizable length. When no horizontal line is flown between two maneuvers, the just-completed maneuver must be downgraded by 1 point and the upcoming maneuver must be downgraded by 1 point. The last maneuver of a schedule must have an exit line of at least one (1) second in duration for the maneuver to be deemed complete." (RULE 5B.8.3)
0 Comments

February 09th, 2025

2/9/2025

0 Comments

 
Picture
Maneuver # 10   Lay Down Humpty Bump with roll.

This maneuver is performed at the end of the box as a turn-around figure. It begins upright and when completed, the aircraft will be inverted, flying in the opposite direction. All maneuvers are required to be wind corrected. There is a deduction of 1 point per 15° deviation and 0.5 point for half of this (in roll, yaw and pitch).

On entry into the maneuver, the pilot has to pull a 1/8 loop and establish a 45° upline. "Each occurrence of a minor difference in radius must downgrade the maneuver by 0.5 point, while more severe deviations may downgrade it by 1, 1.5, 2 or more points for each occurrence. The first radius of a maneuver does not define the radii for the remaining radii of a maneuver but it is a starting point. As the maneuver progresses, the judge will compare each radius that was just flown to the last radius flown and if there is a difference, then a downgrade will be given based on the severity of the difference." (RULE 5B.8.4. LOOPS).

After completing the 45° line, the pilot will pull a ½ loop to an inverted 45° downline, ensuring that the radius is equal to the first 1/8 loop. (SEE Rule 5B.8.4. Loops, ABOVE.)

After establishing the 45° inverted line, the pilot will perform a full roll (still oriented inverted), ensuring the line prior to the roll is equal to the line after (the roll must be centered and roll rate constant). "Whenever a continuous roll, part-roll, snap roll, or a consecutive combination of these is placed on a line, the length of the line before and after the roll or the combination of consecutive rolls must be equal. 0.5 point is subtracted for a minor difference, and 1 or more points for a major difference. If there is a complete absence of a line before or after the roll, 3 points are subtracted." (RULE 5B.8.10). "(B)The roll-rate must be constant. Minor variations in roll-rate must be downgraded by 0.5 point, while more severe variations must receive a downgrade of 1 or more points. (c) The start and stop of the rotation must be crisp and well-defined. If a start or stop is badly defined, 0.5 or more points are to be subtracted for each." (RULE 5B.8.5.b,c).

The pilot will then push a 1/8 loop to inverted horizontal flight, paying attention to matching the radius. (SEE Rule 5B.8.4. Loops, ABOVE.) This being a turn-around maneuver, the entry & exit altitudes can be different. ”In general, turn-around maneuvers are positioning maneuvers. Therefore, entry and exit altitude need not be the same if the pilot wishes to make an altitude adjustment.” (RULE 5B.10).

The exit of the Lay Down Humpty Bump is complete when the pilot draws a short horizontal line. "All aerobatic maneuvers are entered and exited by a horizontal line of recognizable length. When no horizontal line is flown between two maneuvers, the just-completed maneuver must be downgraded by 1 point and the upcoming maneuver must be downgraded by 1 point. The last maneuver of a schedule must have an exit line of at least one (1) second in duration for the maneuver to be deemed complete." (RULE 5B.8.3)
0 Comments

January 28th, 2025

1/28/2025

0 Comments

 
Picture
Maneuver # 9  Slow Roll.

This maneuver is performed at the center of the box. The entire figure should be centered and it starts with the aircraft upright and finishes upright. All maneuvers are required to be wind corrected. There is a deduction of 1 point per 15° deviation and 0.5 point for half of this (in roll, yaw and pitch).

From upright, the maneuver requires the pilot to perform a slow roll of a minimum of three (3) seconds. Since the entire maneuver should be centered, when the aircraft passes the center line of the box, the aircraft should be inverted, with a continuation of the roll until completion. "The roll-rate must be constant. Minor variations in roll-rate must be downgraded by 0.5 point, while more severe variations must receive a downgrade of 1 or more points." (RULE 5B.8.5.b).

The exit of the Figure #9 is complete when the pilot draws a short upright horizontal line. "All aerobatic maneuvers are entered and exited by a horizontal line of recognizable length. When no horizontal line is flown between two maneuvers, the just-completed maneuver must be downgraded by 1 point and the upcoming maneuver must be downgraded by 1 point. The last maneuver of a schedule must have an exit line of at least one (1) second in duration for the maneuver to be deemed complete." (RULE 5B.8.3).
0 Comments

January 20th, 2025

1/20/2025

0 Comments

 
Picture
Maneuver # 8   Reverse Sharks Tooth with ¼ roll, opposite ¾ roll.

This maneuver is performed at the end of the box as a turn-around figure. It begins upright and when completed, the aircraft will be upright in the opposite direction. All maneuvers are required to be wind corrected. There is a deduction of 1 point per 15° deviation and 0.5 point for half of this (in roll, yaw and pitch).

On entry into the maneuver, the pilot has to pull a 1/8 loop and establish a 45° upline. "Each occurrence of a minor difference in radius must downgrade the maneuver by 0.5 point, while more severe deviations may downgrade it by 1, 1.5, 2 or more points for each occurrence. The first radius of a maneuver does not define the radii for the remaining radii of a maneuver but it is a starting point. As the maneuver progresses, the judge will compare each radius that was just flown to the last radius flown and if there is a difference, then a downgrade will be given based on the severity of the difference." (RULE 5B.8.4. LOOPS).

After establishing the line, the pilot will perform a ¼ roll and immediately an opposite ¾ roll (now oriented inverted), ensuring the line prior to the ¼ roll and opposite ¾ roll is equal to the line after (the rolls must be in the middle). "Whenever a continuous roll, part-roll, snap roll, or a consecutive combination of these is placed on a line, the length of the line before and after the roll or the combination of consecutive rolls must be equal. 0.5 point is subtracted for a minor difference, and 1 or more points for a major difference. If there is a complete absence of a line before or after the roll, 3 points are subtracted." (RULE 5B.8.10). "(B) The roll-rate must be constant. Minor variations in roll-rate must be downgraded by 0.5 point, while more severe variations must receive a downgrade of 1 or more points. (c) The start and stop of the rotation must be crisp and well-defined. If a start or stop is badly defined, 0.5 or more points are to be subtracted for each." (RULE 5B.8.5.b,c). There should be no line between the rolls, or it will lead to a deduction. “Lines between consecutive part-rolls must be short and of equal length. Between consecutive continuous rolls or part-rolls in opposite direction there must be no line.” (RULE 5B.8.5.e)

Subsequent to completing the rolls and the matching line, the pilot will pull a 3/8 loop to a vertical downline, ensuring that the radius is equal to the first ¼ loop. (SEE Rule 5B.8.4. Loops, ABOVE). The vertical downline’s length determines the exit altitude, this being a turn-around maneuver, and the entry & exit altitudes can be different. ”In general, turn-around maneuvers are positioning maneuvers. Therefore, entry and exit altitude need not be the same if the pilot wishes to make an altitude adjustment.” (RULE 5B.10).

The pilot will then pull a ¼ loop to upright horizontal flight, paying attention to matching the radius. The exit of the Reverse Sharks Tooth is complete when the pilot draws a short horizontal line. "All aerobatic maneuvers are entered and exited by a horizontal line of recognizable length. When no horizontal line is flown between two maneuvers, the just-completed maneuver must be downgraded by 1 point and the upcoming maneuver must be downgraded by 1 point. The last maneuver of a schedule must have an exit line of at least one (1) second in duration for the maneuver to be deemed complete." (RULE 5B.8.3).
0 Comments

January 07th, 2025

1/7/2025

0 Comments

 
Picture
Maneuver # 7 Humpty Bump pull, push, pull, with ½ roll up, ½ roll down.

This maneuver is performed at the center of the box. The entire figure should be centered. All maneuvers are required to be wind corrected. There is a deduction of 1 point per 15° deviation and 0.5 point for half of this (in roll, yaw and pitch).

The first part of the Humpty Bump requires the pilot to start the pull into a ¼ loop beginning at center box. This will orient the aircraft into a vertical upline. The radius should be smooth and constant. "Each occurrence of a minor difference in radius must downgrade the maneuver by 0.5 point, while more severe deviations may downgrade it by 1, 1.5, 2 or more points for each occurrence. The first radius of a maneuver does not define the radii for the remaining radii of a maneuver but it is a starting point. As the maneuver progresses, the judge will compare each radius that was just flown to the last radius flown and if there is a difference, then a downgrade will be given based on the severity of the difference." (RULE 5B.8.4. LOOPS).

After performing the ¼ loop, and tracking on the vertical upline, there is a ½ roll flown  "The roll-rate must be constant. Minor variations in roll-rate must be downgraded by 0.5 point, while more severe variations must receive a downgrade of 1 or more points." (RULE 5B.8.5.b). This ½ roll must be centered on the line.  "Whenever a continuous roll, part-roll, snap roll, or a consecutive combination of these is placed on a line, the length of the line before and after the roll or the combination of consecutive rolls must be equal. 0.5 point is subtracted for a minor difference, and 1 or more points for a major difference. If there is a complete absence of a line before or after the roll, 3 points are subtracted." (RULE 5B.8.10).

Subsequent to flying the ½ roll and matching the previous line, the pilot will push a ½ loop over the top of the Humpty, making sure the radius equals the initial ¼ loop that was flown. This will now orient the aircraft on a vertical downline. After drawing a line, the pilot will perform a ½ roll, then fly a matching line length before pulling a final ¼ loop to horizontal upright flight. (SEE ABOVE Rules 5B.8.4 & 5B.8.10).

The rules require certain center maneuvers entry AND exit to be at the same altitude, and this center Humpty Bump falls into that category. “Center maneuvers start and finish on the same heading, while turn-around maneuvers finish on a track 180 degrees from the entry. When appropriate, entry and exit of center maneuvers must be at the same altitude, unless specified otherwise. Positioning adjustments in altitude are allowed in turn-around maneuvers.”  (RULE 5B.2)

The exit of the Humpty Bump is complete when the pilot draws a short horizontal line. "All aerobatic maneuvers are entered and exited by a horizontal line of recognizable length. When no horizontal line is flown between two maneuvers, the just-completed maneuver must be downgraded by 1 point and the upcoming maneuver must be downgraded by 1 point. The last maneuver of a schedule must have an exit line of at least one (1) second in duration for the maneuver to be deemed complete." (RULE 5B.8.3)
0 Comments

FLYING & JUDGING CORNER

12/29/2024

0 Comments

 
Picture
Maneuver # 6   Top Hat with one roll.

This maneuver is performed at the end of the box as a turn-around figure. It begins inverted and  when completed, the aircraft will be upright. All maneuvers are required to be wind corrected. There is a deduction of 1 point per 15° deviation and 0.5 point for half of this (in roll, yaw and pitch).

On entry into the maneuver, the pilot has to push from inverted through a ¼ loop into a vertical up  line. "Each occurrence of a minor difference in radius must downgrade the maneuver by 0.5 point, while more severe deviations may downgrade it by 1, 1.5, 2 or more points for each occurrence. The first radius of a maneuver does not define the radii for the remaining radii of a maneuver but it is a starting point. As the maneuver progresses, the judge will compare each radius that was just flown to the last radius flown and if there is a difference, then a downgrade will be given based on the severity of the difference." (RULE 5B.8.4. LOOPS).

After establishing the line, the pilot will perform a full roll, ensuring the line prior to the roll is equal to the line after (the roll must be in the middle). "Whenever a continuous roll, part-roll, snap roll, or a consecutive combination of these is placed on a line, the length of the line before and after the roll or the combination of consecutive rolls must be equal. 0.5 point is subtracted for a minor difference, and 1 or more points for a major difference. If there is a complete absence of a line before or after the roll, 3 points are subtracted." (RULE 5B.8.10). "(B)The roll-rate must be constant. Minor variations in roll-rate must be downgraded by 0.5 point, while more severe variations must receive a downgrade of 1 or more points. (c) The start and stop of the rotation must be crisp and well-defined. If a start or stop is badly defined, 0.5 or more points are to be subtracted for each." (RULE 5B.8.5.b,c).

After completing the roll and the matching line, the pilot will push a second ¼ loop to a horizontal line, ensuring that the radius of the first ¼ loop is the same. The horizontal line length is the pilot’s choice, before pushing a 3rd ¼ loop into a vertical downline.  (SEE Rule 5B.8.4. Loops, ABOVE.)

The vertical downline does not need to be the same length as the vertical upline, this being a turn-around maneuver and the entry & exit altitudes can be different. ”In general, turn-around maneuvers are positioning maneuvers. Therefore, entry and exit altitude need not be the same if the pilot wishes to make an altitude adjustment.” (RULE 5B.10).

The pilot will then pull the 4th and final ¼ loop to upright horizontal flight, paying attention to matching the radius. The exit of the Top Hat is complete when the pilot draws a short horizontal line. "All aerobatic maneuvers are entered and exited by a horizontal line of recognizable length. When no horizontal line is flown between two maneuvers, the just-completed maneuver must be downgraded by 1 point and the upcoming maneuver must be downgraded by 1 point. The last maneuver of a schedule must have an exit line of at least one (1) second in duration for the maneuver to be deemed complete." (RULE 5B.8.3)

0 Comments

FLYING & JUDGING CORNER

12/21/2024

0 Comments

 
Picture
Maneuver #5  Knife-Edge Flight with ¼ roll, Opposite Full Roll, Opposite ¼ Roll.

This maneuver is performed at the center of the box. The entire figure should be centered and it starts with the aircraft upright but finishes inverted. All maneuvers are required to be wind corrected. There is a deduction of 1 point per 15° deviation and 0.5 point for half of this (in roll, yaw and pitch).

From upright, the first part of the maneuver requires the pilot to perform a ¼ roll into a short knife-edge flight. Right after this, the pilot will perform a full roll in the opposite direction which will orient the aircraft in the same knife-edge position. Because the entire maneuver should be centered, when the aircraft passes the center line of the box (during the full roll), the aircraft should be on knife-edge (opposite to where the pilot started the FULL ROLL). "A center maneuver must be flown so that it is centered on the center line indicated by the center flag. If the maneuver is flown off-center, it must be downgraded according to the misplacement. This may be in the range of 0.5 to 4 points subtracted." (RULE 5B.10). The pilot will again perform another short knife-edge flight. Then, the pilot will perform a second ¼ roll in the opposite direction to the full roll, ending up on an inverted horizontal line. "The roll-rate must be constant. Minor variations in roll-rate must be downgraded by 0.5 point, while more severe variations must receive a downgrade of 1 or more points." (RULE 5B.8.5.b). “In all maneuvers which have more than one continuous roll, the continuous rolls must have the same roll-rate. In all maneuvers which have more than one part-roll, the part-rolls must have the same roll rate. Where there are continuous rolls and part-rolls within one maneuver, the roll-rate for the part-rolls does not necessarily have to be the same as the roll-rate for the continuous rolls. The roll-rate of the first continuous roll or part roll of a maneuver does not define the roll-rate for the remaining continuous rolls or part rolls of a maneuver but it is a starting point. As the maneuver progresses, the judge will compare the roll-rate of each continuous roll or part roll that was just flown to the roll-rate of the last flown continuous roll or part roll and if there is a difference, then a downgrade will be given based on the severity of the difference. In a maneuver with both continuous rolls and part rolls the two types of rolls must be considered separately for roll rate deviations.” (RULE 5B.8.5.d)

The exit of the Figure #5 is complete when the pilot draws a short inverted horizontal line. "All aerobatic maneuvers are entered and exited by a horizontal line of recognizable length. When no horizontal line is flown between two maneuvers, the just-completed maneuver must be downgraded by 1 point and the upcoming maneuver must be downgraded by 1 point. The last maneuver of a schedule must have an exit line of at least one (1) second in duration for the maneuver to be deemed complete." (RULE 5B.8.3)


0 Comments

FLYING & JUDGING CORNER

12/18/2024

0 Comments

 
Picture
Maneuver #4  Split S with a 2 point roll.

This maneuver is performed at the end of the box as a turn-around figure. It begins at a higher altitude and when completed, will bring the aircraft lower. All maneuvers are required to be wind corrected. There is a deduction of 1 point per 15° deviation and 0.5 point for half of this (in roll, yaw and pitch).

On entry into the maneuver, the pilot has to perform a 2 point roll (two consecutive half rolls) which will keep the aircraft inverted when finished. "(B)The roll-rate must be constant. Minor variations in roll-rate must be downgraded by 0.5 point, while more severe variations must receive a downgrade of 1 or more points. (c) The start and stop of the rotation must be crisp and well-defined. If a start or stop is badly defined, 0.5 or more points are to be subtracted for each." (RULE 5B.8.5.b,c).

Immediately after completing the 2 point roll, the aircraft must start the pull into the Half Loop, making sure that NO LINE is drawn between the two. “Immelmann Turn and Split-S maneuvers where rolls are always performed immediately before or after or part-loop, which means, the rolls always begin with the start of the lines and stop with the end of the lines. A visible line in-between the two components or rolls and not completely before or after the part-loop, must downgrade the maneuver.” (RULE 5B.8.10).
 
The radius of the half loop should be smooth and constant. "Each occurrence of a minor difference in radius must downgrade the maneuver by 0.5 point, while more severe deviations may downgrade it by 1, 1.5, 2 or more points for each occurrence. The first radius of a maneuver does not define the radii for the remaining radii of a maneuver but it is a starting point. As the maneuver progresses, the judge will compare each radius that was just flown to the last radius flown and if there is a difference, then a downgrade will be given based on the severity of the difference." (RULE 5B.8.4. LOOPS).

After performing the half loop, the aircraft will be upright. The exit of the Split S is complete when the pilot draws a short horizontal line. "All aerobatic maneuvers are entered and exited by a horizontal line of recognizable length. When no horizontal line is flown between two maneuvers, the just-completed maneuver must be downgraded by 1 point and the upcoming maneuver must be downgraded by 1 point. The last maneuver of a schedule must have an exit line of at least one (1) second in duration for the maneuver to be deemed complete." (RULE 5B.8.3)
0 Comments
<<Previous

Support

Contact
Webmaster: Wayne Matthews © COPYRIGHT 2026 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
  • Home
  • 2026 NATIONALS
  • 2026 Events
  • 2026 SEQUENCES
  • F3S Results
    • 2025 NATIONALS
    • GA JETS F3S 2025
    • 2024 NATIONALS
    • Super Tiger F3S 2024
    • CYPRUS F3S 2023
    • SAUDI ARABIA F3S
    • 2023 NATIONALS
    • 2022 NATIONALS
    • GEORGIA 2022 F3S
    • TUCSON AZ 2022 F3S
    • 2021 NATIONALS
    • MIAMI 2021 F3S
    • 2020 F3S Georgia
    • 2019 NATIONALS
    • 2018 NATIONALS
    • GERMAN F3S Championships
  • Contact
  • Pilots
  • F3S VIDEOS
  • F3S BLOG