TYPES of FREE FLIGHT MODELS

The following listing of model types and their specifications are the official airplane categories (events) that will be used in the National Model Aviation Program. Competitions will be arranged and scheduled for these types of airplanes. Flying reviews and competitions will use these event categories to accru Program Award Merits (PAMs) and NFFS Grant Points. The schedule section on NMAP will contain a listing of upcoming events where points can be acquired. The scoring section has results from past competition and flight reviews for each participant.

Outdoor Events

Hand-Launched Glider: Also known as chuck glider, these simple models are thrown into the air, hopefully in a current of rising air called a thermal. There are no weight or size restrictions. Typical models have a wing span of 16 to 24 in. (400-60mm). Contest format: 6 flights with the best 3 counting; 2 minute maximum.

Catapult Glider:
These simple balsa gliders are launched used a stretched rubber band catapult. The only model restriction is a maximum model weight of 1.5 oz (42.6g). The catapult must be made from an 18 in. (457.2mm) length of 1/4 in. (6.35mm) wide rubber strip made into a single loop attached to a 6 in. ( 152.4mm) long dowel. Typical models have a wing span of 12 to 18 in. ( 300-460mm). Contest format: 6 flights with the best 3 counting; 2 minute maximum.

P-30: This rubber-power event allows a maximum span and length of 30 inches ( 752mm). Minimum model weight without motor is 40g (1.4 oz.); maximum motor weight is 10g (.35 oz.) A commercially-available, unmodified plastic propeller with a diameter of 230 to 250 mm (9.05 to 9.84 in.) must be used. Contest format: three flights with 2 minute maximum.

F1G:
Also called Coupe de Hiver (Winter Cup) or simply Coupe, this rubber-powered event is a smaller version of F1B. Minimum model weight is 70g (2.47 oz.) maximum rubber weight is 10g (.35 oz.). With restrictions only on model and rubber weight, a variety of model sizes and design approaches can be tried. Contest format: 5 rounds with 2 min. maximum.

F1H:
Sometimes called A-1, this is a towline glider event for models smaller than F1A. Maximum projected area 18dm2 (279 sq. in.) minimum weight of 220 g (7.76 oz.). Like the F1A models, manyF1H gliders use circle tow, with zoom and bunt controlled by a timer. Typical wing span is 1.5m (59 in.) Contest format: 5 rounds with 2 min. maximum.

F1P: This is a new, simpler Power event for Juniors (up to age 18 for FAI events). Wing span is limited to a maximum of 1.5m (59 in.) with a minimum wing area of 26dm2 (403 sq. in.); Minimum weight is 250g (8.8 oz.) Only one change in incidence during the flight is allowed (i.e. bunt is not allowed). Engine size is 1.00cm3, the same as for F1J. Motor run is 10 sec. Contest format: 7 rounds with 3 minute maximum.

F1J:
This power event offers a smaller version of F1C. Maximum engine displacement is 1.00cm3 (.061 cu. in.); minimum model weight is 160g (5.64 oz.) Maximum motor run is 7 seconds. Like the larger F1C models, most F1J models use timer-operated auto surfaces to control flight pattern, engine shut-off, and bunt. Contest format: 5 rounds with 2 minute maximum.

F1A:
Also known as Nordic Glider
or A-2, this event is for gliders that are towed aloft much like a kite, and then released to glide. Timing starts when the model is released from the line. Total projected wing and tail area is 32 to 34 dm2 (496-527 sq. in.); minimum weight is 410g (14.46 oz.); tow line length 50m (164 ft.). A typical model will have a wing span of around 2.1 to 2.3m (83 -90 in.) Most models use special hooks that allow the model
to towed in circles to find lift, then accelerated with a fast run to give a near-vertical zoom launch, followed by a bunt (quarter outside loop) to glide position with a height gain of 10 to 25m (30 to 75ft.). Clockwork or electronic timer controls stabilizer movements for zoom and bunt. Contest format: 7 rounds with 3 min maximum.

F1B:
Known as Wakefield,
this event for rubber-powered models is the oldest international category, dating back to the 1920s. Total projected area 17 to 19 dm2 (263.5 - 294.5 sq. in.); model weight (less motor) 200g (7.05 oz.) motor weight 30g (1.06 oz.). A typical model will have a wing span of around 1.7m (68 in.) and a propeller diameter of 600mm (24 in.). Motors are stretch-wound to around 450 turns; the model is then launched in a near-vertical climb for the first few seconds of flight; climb then becomes slower and less steep until the prop folds at around 45 seconds. Typically a clockwork timer controls auto rudder, auto stabilizer, and wing wiggler functions used to maximize height gain, typically around 100m (328 ft.). Contest format: 7 rounds with 3 min. maximum.

F1C:
Sometimes called FAI Power, this event for internal combustion engines is sometimes referred to as vertical drag racing, with the models climbing to over 500 feet in the allowed 5 second engine run. Maximum engine displacement is 2.5cc (.15 cu. in.) Minimum weight is 300g/cm3 of engine displacement; minimum wing loading is 20g/dm2. For a 2.5cc engine, that means a minimum weight of 750g ( 26.25 oz.) with a total projected area (wing and tail) of 37.5 dm2 (581.25 sq. in.). A larger model would have to weigh more than 750g. A typical model has a wing span of 2.3 to 2.8m (90 to 110 in.) A clockwork or electronic timer controls auto stabilizer, auto rudder, and engine cut-off. Climb is vertical, with a bunt after engine shut-off. Fuel is 80/20 alcohol/oil mixture. Contest format: 7 rounds with 3 minute maximum.

The following table describes a recommended arrangement of age categories and model types. NMAP participants can enter the  learn, build, fly process at any level and apply their skills at any suitable category.  The instructor corps is to advise and offer guidance for the production and flight of the selected projects. There is sufficient selection of complexity in these recommended types that a match between the flyer’s skill and a project are easily attained.

	Beginner  6-10	Intermediate 11-14	Senior  15-18+
AMA Cub	X
HLG	X	X	X
Catapult	X	X
Prefab – sheet wood	X	X	X
Skeeter	X
Easy B		X	X
Science Olympiad		X	X
P-30	X	X	X
½ A		X	X
A			X
F1A		X	X
F1B - Wakefield		X	X
F1G - Coupe d’ Hiver		X	X
F1P		X	X

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