Control Line
The original direct control models
Control Line models make you dizzy - but here is how to start...
Kits
Control line flying is the only model aircraft activity where the pilot can feel the pull of the model and sense the position of the aircraft in the air.
It takes (rather like learning to ride a bicycle) plenty of practice to be able to fly a control line model steadily. Once learnt, the joys of many disciplines developed for control line models provide an exciting future for the budding builder and flyer.
Construction
Control models are built from plans. Construction employs balsa and plywood and wire. Parts are glued or soldered together. The models are usually powered with internal combustion engines of 1-5cc capacity.
Sport Flying
As the name suggests flying a control line model for the sheer fun of it. The model can be of any type the builder fancies and a simple trainer model with a 1cc diesel engine can be in the air quickly and for modest cost.
What you need
The pilot flies and is judged for the accuracy he /she flies a series of aerobatic manoeuvres; flown in strict sequence. Different classes allow for the amount of manoeuvre difficulty, engine and model size and line length thus allowing beginners to learn basic manoeuvres before progressing to a more demanding schedule.
Suppliers
Three pilots with a model each race over a set number of laps and refuelling pit stops. Each pilot has a pitman who is responsible for starting and tuning the engine, model release, model catch during pit stop and refuelling at each stop.
This is an adrenaline raising activity loved by pilots, pitmen and spectators. Again there are several different classes to enable beginners progress towards the international elite racing enjoyed by teams worldwide.
Contact/Events
As the name implies two pilots with a model each engage in a do or die duel of high speed skill as they attempt to cut a streamer attached to each model. Every cut gains points to enable a winner to be determined from each high speed bout .
Combat models have developed into highly manoeuvrable, fast flying wings and like team racing, a skilled pit crew are part of the fun as they attempt to start and tune the engines. As you can imagine combat is a great spectator sport as two models twisting (and occasionally crashing) as the pilots attempt to cut the opponents streamer is tremendously exciting.