Control Line

 

Among the model aircraft disciplines flown at LARCS is Control Line which is a method of remotely controlling a model aircraft that does not need radio equipment. The model is flown in a circle around the pilot on two very thin but strong steel wires up to 22 metres long. The pilot has a handle which pulls the wires and operates the model's elevator making the model go up or down, literally fly by wires. Traditionally models are powered by small internal combustion engines of the sort that are also used in radio control models. Modern electric motors and batteries make electrically powered models practical and many control line flyers use electric power today.

 

Why fly Control Line?

• Its a unique and fun way to fly a model aircraft, you get a real feel of what the model is doing.

• Models can be operated in a relatively small space

• Most models have a wingspan of less than about 1.5m making them easily transportable in the smaller cars of today.

• Many models are of straightforward construction and have a simple control system.

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Why fly Control Line at LARCS?

In a nutshell we have outstanding facilities and are conveniently located just off the M1(Pacific Motorway) between Brisbane and the Gold Coast. 

• We have 5 flying circles. You are unlikely to have to wait when you want to fly.

• We have training aircraft available so you can learn to fly whilst constructing your first post training model.

• We also have:

Shaded areas

Workshop

Barbecue area

Ample parking

Toilet

 

And, there are endless possibilities

Aerobatics (Stunt) 

Aerobatic models are capable of manoeuvres such as inside and outside loops, figure eights, inverted flying and many other manoeuvres. To fly an aerobatic competition schedule requires a high level of pilot skill. In competitions models are also judged by appearance and they are often beautifully finished. Most 'sport' models are capable of aerobatics as well.

Combat

Two pilots compete with fast flying highly manoeuvrable models towing streamers. The object is for each pilot to cut their opponent's streamer. The pilot that makes the largest number of cuts of their opponents streamer is the winner of the bout.

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Navy Carrier

Models, usually based on a navy aircraft, take off and land on a simulated aircraft carrier. Models are equipped with a throttle (usually a 3rd control line) for low and high speed runs which are carried out below 6m. The object is to take off from the carrier, fly as fast as possible for a set number laps, fly as slowly as possible for a set number of laps and land the model on the simulated carrier using the model's arrestor hook (just like a real carrier aircraft). Should the model touch ground it considered to have landed in the water.

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Scale

An accurate reproduction of a full size aircraft. Many types of aircraft are suitable subjects for a control line scale model, including those with multiple engines. Models often use a 3rd line to operate a throttle or a radio control can also be used to operate a throttle and other features such as retractable undercarriage.

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Speed

Highly streamlined models are used to fly as fast as possible over 10 laps. The world record is well in excess of 300kph.

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Team Race

Two or three teams consisting of a pilot and a pitman race models over set distance (number of laps). Like formula one, the models are not allowed to carry enough fuel to complete the race and so have to make pit stops. When a pit-stop is required the pilot must stop the engine and land the model near enough to the pitman to reach it who will refuel, restart the engine and re-launch the model in as short a time as possible. A top pitman will perform the pit-stop in 5 seconds. The winner is the team that completes the race in the shortest time.

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Links and Videos

This site gives a good guide to getting started in Control Line flying: http://www.mat.uc.pt/~pedro/ncientificos/f2/CLfaq.html

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