What is Radio Control Aerobatics

The RC Aerobatics classes involve complex aerial manoeuvres with a radio controlled model aircraft, where utmost precision and skill in controlling the model aircraft in any attitude and under all conditions is required. The on-board radio control equipment, receiving signals from the competitor's transmitter, actuates the control surfaces to enable aerobatic performance.

Each competitor's performance is assessed by a panel of judges who will award marks, independently from each other, between zero and ten for each manoeuvre, or figure. Manoeuvres are assigned a difficulty factor (K-factor) depending on the complexity of the particular manoeuvre. Points are subtracted for various types of defects observed by the judges, the severity of these defects and the number of times these defects are observed.

 F3A - RC AEROBATIC AIRCRAFT is the most popular FAI/CIAM F3 Aerobatics competition class.

Typically, an F3A model aircraft has a fuselage length of no more than 2 metres, a wing span of less than 2 metres, and the weight must not exceed 5kg. The motive power is usually an electric motor or an internal combustion engine. All engines have to be adequately silenced.

MAASA offers competition flight programmes of different difficulty. There are Sportsman, Intermediate, Advanced, Masters (Preliminary) and F3A (Preliminary - and Final) Schedules.

Flights are performed directly in front a panel of judges in an aerobatic zone or "box", which extends 60 degrees to the left and right of a centre line, and at an elevation of no more than 60 degrees.

What is the appeal of Precision Aerobatics?

Precision Aerobatics is an addiction as well as an international sport that demands discipline. As with all addictions you need to TRY it before you can become hooked.

You need to understand the rules of the sport which are defined by the FAI Sporting code and amended for local use in the Sporting Code.

To become a proficient Aerobatic pilot takes years of practise and dedication but the improvement to your flying skills will be immediately apparent and the self satisfaction as each new skill is learnt and perfected will be on-going and can culminate in representing South Africa at the F3A World Championships

Joining MAASA is as easy as completing the application form and paying the prescribed membership fee.

Download the schedules. Do a bit of Reading and some practise. Check out the calendar of events for your next local event!!!

About MAASA

Aero-modelling in South Africa is regulated by SAMAA at National Level. MAASA is a Special Interest Group (SIG) of SAMAA, promoting Precision Aerobatic RC flying (F3A), also know as Pattern Aerobatics, nationally with the support of Regional Representatives.

The regional representatives host regional events, training clinics and promote MAASA in their provinces. A MAASA committee is elected at the AGM held at the MAASA South African Nationals around Easter every year. The MAASA constitution, sporting code and other regulatory documents can be found on the Documents Pages.

MAASA is an Association that promotes F3A Precision Aerobatics nationally and coordinates and supports the efforts of the regional representatives.

MAASA provides a basis for the uniform implementation of schedules, rules and regulations and judging criteria. MAASA has coordinated and established a formal Framework for the development of aerobatic pilots from Sportsman class to International F3A together with suitable aerobatic schedules that are updated every two years.