The art of Aerobatics is the Quest for perfection using ones skill
in the execution of Aerobatic maneuvers.
The Eagles as they appeared in Oshkosh, WI
The following applies to IMAC, Pattern and full scale competition.
1)Attitude is everything. You can fly great, have a bad attitude, and hate what you did. You can fly so, so and feel good because of the accomplishments made, sometimes just surviving the flight. Here are a few tips I've learned in the 29 years that I have been flying. Some are so simple that we tend to forget them.
2) Plan what you want to accomplish before you arrive at the field to fly. Ponder over what you need to work on. Critique your previous flights in your head and pick out the weak points. You can do this as you drive to the field
3)Practice, practice, practice! If you are having problems with a certain figure, set that figure as the goal for that flight. Don't be discouraged if the figure just does not fall into place, at least try. When you feel progress has been made move on to the next problem area.
I remember when I first learned to slow roll, I always wanted to hesitate at the inverted (full scale) I had a hard time trying to get my brain back in the plane and in gear to finish the roll.
Finally after making several flights 90% of which was spent in the inverted position, I got use to hanging around and letting my feet do what they should, when they should, I got through it. But it took time and practice, you have to want to do it. And sometimes it feels pretty weird even when you are on the ground flying a model.
Remember, Aerobatics start when the airplane is at its limits!
Knife Edge in a HiperBipe
4)Some start out flying everyday and lose interest when they don't make the progress they feel they should. I have followed the 3 on 3 principle. Fly three times a week making 3 flight each day. This allows time between flying sessions to reflect on the last practice session. This is only a guideline not a rule written in stone.
5)Enlist the help of another flyer that will help by calling and coaching. This helps where we, the flyer, may not have the same perspective or view as our helper.
6)Know when to Quit. If you are distracted by work or possibly a health problem take time and get to feel better before bending the sticks. Normally you can't remain focused under these pressures and you may not only disappoint yourself in how your flying but may loose a nice ship too!
7)Accept constructive counsel from other flyers and weigh it carefully.
8)Watch other flyers and mentally track and grade them
9)If others ask for your assistance, help them. My instructor always said "You never really know a subject until you have to explain to someone else how to do it
Professor Art Scholl, demonstrates how to pick up a ribbon inverted with your rudder. I recovered the rudder on this plane after one of the pyro candles exploded during practice and took the fabric with it. This airplane is now in the EAA Museum in Oshkosh, WI.