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ACES UK |
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ACES UK |
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Interested? Here's some FAQ's and a rough guide to getting involved with the the biggest (and cheapest) thrills in RC aircraft flying. Although some aspects of the combat world look difficult, you'll find that once you get stuck in, things become surprisingly simple. The ACES network exists to help and support all pilots. Remember, the accent is on Safe flying and having fun!
WHAT SORT OF PILOT FLIES COMBAT?
You do not require a BMFA A or B cert to enjoy Aircombat, nor do you need to be an exceptionally skilled pilot. Of course, the more you practice, the better you get! Generally, combat pilots are far from elitist, and concentrate on the fun side of the sport, regardless of age or skill level of fellow fliers. We seem to get as much enjoyment from talking about the aircraft as we do when flying them. The ACES UK requirement is that you have a reasonable degree of experience of aileron fixed wing, and can fly basic manouevres with confidence, eg deadstick landings, L+R circuits, loops. Also, you'll need to practice and be familiar with the BMFA safety code, both in the air and on the ground. Third party insurance is mandatory.
CAN I USE A NON 1/12th AIRCRAFT?
You may already have WW2 fighter type aircraft. In order to comply with the rules when flying in a competition, this will need to be a legal 1:12th scale. However, for practice sessions and informal sorties, a certain degree of flexibilty is allowed for new pilots to be able to experience the thrills of combat flying. For instance, the Cambrian range of 0.25 powered Spit/Mustang/Hurr and 109 is officially slightly too large, but can be flown informally, as an introduction to the sport. Other aircraft will be allowed, depending on specification and the decisions of local organising groups. Pilots keen to pursue the sport will of course, aquire a model with the correct specification.
WHAT TYPE OF AIRCRAFT SHOULD I START WITH?
For ACES Aircombat, there are three different sizes of engines allowed, powering three (roughly) different sizes of airframe. So firstly, you'll need to think about the type of Fighter that you're going to choose to fly. A lot will depend on your flying ability. A bigger aircraft (greater than 39" span) will fly more easily than a smaller type, and would better suit a pilot with limited experience while he/she gets better. This size would use an engine of up to 0.21 or 0.25 capacity. In our experience, we found that the Hurricane (0.21cu) and Spitfire (0.15cu) are good solid fliers, and easy to build. We've even used a Spitfire as a first-time trainer! Smaller models eg 109, Fw190, P39 Airacobra tend to require a little more skill and experience, as they can posess some tricky characteristics. Check out the RULES page so that you understand the rules applied to engines and airframes. Remember, you'll be flying COMBAT - you don't want to fight your own mount, as well as the others!!
HOW DO I GET ONE?
| 1. Buy a kit. Probably the easiest way to start, with 1/12th kits being produced as foam/built up or GRP. There are many suitable kits available from the USA, and the Continent, and there are now a few available in the UK as well, although the choice isn't as varied. Kits that I've seen range from about £45 - £60 covering many different types of materials. Suppliers will do deals when three or more kits are ordered together, so always try and get your fellow pilots to come in on these types of orders, to keep the p&p and kit price down! |
2. Build from an existing plan. There a many plans available which use the two main construction methods, ie built-up balsa and foam. Plans can be downloaded from the ACES Europe website, and ACES UK hope to stock prints for distribution (small Copying and Postage charge). Other sources incluse Nexus or Traplett. Some may not be 1/12th scale, so you'll need to re-scale the drawing. Some plans are very complex to build to, mainly to produce a scale airframe. Avoid these and any others that go into too much detail. All ACES plans are designed to be very basic with ease of build. YOU can detail them as much as you like! |
3. Design your own. Mainly necessary when there's no plan available for the type that you want. You'll need to be familiar with most building techniques, and you can choose to suit your own set-up. Here you're on your own, so you'll need to source or draw up some scale outline drawings, and apply some aerodynamic principles as well. Somewhere, someone has probably designed and built the model you want. Surf the websites, or leave a message on the Boards. |
HOW DO I GET TO FLY COMBAT?
When your pals see you enjoying yourself so much with your fighter, they'll be enthused to start as well. You'll all have great fun building and flying the models. However, I'm sure there will come a time when you want to put streamers on your fighters and have a go at dogfighting. Firstly, make sure that you contact ACES UK and obtain a full set of competition safety rules and guidelines to read and digest. Secondly, arrange with any fellow club members to give you a ten minute slot for combat - there must be no other non-combat aircraft flying at this time!! Also, do not use anything like videotape or plastic for streamers - use tissue paper or obtain the correct stuff from ACES UK
If you can gather some interest among 3 or so flyers, you can arrange a small contest for your "Squadron". All the necessary paperwork, forms etc are available free from ACES UK. Alternatively, you could compete at a combat meeting to see the procedures at first hand.
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If you fly by yourself or it's difficult to arrange combat at your club field, you can contact ACES UK for details of Aircombat sessions where you can fly.
Note that all beginners and newcomers (regardless of flying ability) are not "thrown in at the deep end", but given lots of help and relaxed flying before they start to dogfight seriously.