POTTER TOWNSHIP — The sky over Centre Air Park in Potter Township was filled with airplanes performing precision aerobatics in competition on July 20 and 21, but no pilots’ lives were at risk. The planes were radio-controlled models competing in an International Miniature Aerobatic Club-sanctioned contest hosted by the State College Radio Control Club. This was the club’s fourth time hosting an IMAC event.
In a previous interview, Brad Davy, the Northeast regional director for IMAC explained the goal of the IMAC organization.
The word miniature is a bit misleading, as the models flown in these events are not small or toy-like. They have wingspans of 6 to 10 feet, can weigh over 40 pounds and are powered by two-stroke gasoline engines similar to those used in large chain saws and small motorcycles. In all but the basic (beginner) class, the models must be scale models of actual planes used in full-size aerobatic contests. Pilot figures are required to be under the planes’ canopies for added realism. In flight, the planes present the spectator with a scene that is very hard to distinguish from the real thing until the planes taxi up beside their human pilots, and one can see the size difference. The planes use redundant radio systems with multiple batteries, receivers and servos, which move the control surfaces, for safety in the event of an equipment failure. Safety is emphasized in IMAC events. All flying must be done beyond a line 100 feet away from judges and spectators.
IMAC contestants fly their models in a prescribed sequence of aerobatic maneuvers similar to full scale aerobatic competitors, which vary in difficulty in the different classes. Each maneuver is judged on its precision and smooth, realistic performance on a zero to 10 point scoring scale. The pilots know the sequence of maneuvers for their class in advance, and can practice before coming to the competition, but in the “unknown” event, they are given different sequence diagrams at the contest, which they can study, but cannot practice before flying. The contestants also serve as judges for the event, but cannot judge the category in which they compete.
The IMAC contest drew 11 entrants from several states, including New Jersey, Massachusetts, Maryland and Pennsylvania.
IMAC competitor Dwight Warfield, from Frederick, Md., came with his 92-inch wingspan Extra 330SC model powered by a 70cc engine. This is Warfield’s second year as an IMAC competitor. He is a member of the Frederick Model Aircraft Club, which is celebrating its 80th year of existence. The club was formed on December 1, 1939, and originally named the Frederick Gas Model Club. Its members flew gas-powered free flight models before the days of radio control. The club is the oldest known model airplane club in Maryland, and one of the oldest in the United States.
John Paragallo and his wife, Robin and son John Jr. came in from Hackettstown, N.J. to Centre Air Park. This was John’s first IMAC contest, competing in the Basic Class, and his son had competed in IMAC events before, taking first place in his very first contest in the Sportsman Class.
