Torque rolls and daredevil antics at Scale Aerobatic Nationals, Aug. 1-3

By JUDI KOSKI

The skies will be buzzing in Azilda Aug. 1-3. That's when model airplane enthusiasts will fly their gas-engine aircraft in a 1,000 ft. by 4,000 ft. airspace at speeds up to 120 mph.

This is a sport unlike any other - where pilots put their planes through aerobatic manoeuvres and are judged on each aspect of their routine; explained Lee Prevost, founder of the Northern Ontario IMAC Challenge. Throw in unknown routines, some freestyle aerobatics (complete with hovering), torque rolls and daredevil antics, and one has have the makings of an unbelievable competitive weekend, he added.

IMAC stands for International Model Aerobatic Club and it is the governing body for scale aerobatics in the world. Based in the U.S., IMAC designs the aerobatic routines for each year, sets up the rules and organizes judging seminars.

The pilots fly in five classes: Basic, Sportsman, Intermediate, Advanced and Unlimited.

When people see the remote control planes in the air, it's hard to believe that it's not a full-scale aircraft, said Prevost.
Championship caliber flyers from Eastern and Western Canada, as well as six pilots from the U.S. will be competing in Sudbury.

 Sudbury's Cambrian RC Flyers Club has hosted the Northern Ontario IMAC Challenge since 2004. It's now a well-established contest and part of IMAC's North Central Regional points race. Club members say they are delighted to host the Canadian Scale Aerobatics Nationals.

This is the largest and most important IMAC event in Canada and this is the first time it has been held in Northern Ontario.

Everyone is invited to the Cambrian R/C Flyers airfield located in Azilda, August 1-3, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Turn left off Hwy 144 on Montee Principale, turn right on Agnes Street and follow the signs).

This is a free event and the public is encouraged to bring lawn chairs, as seating is limited. Food and refreshments will be available on-site.

For more information contact Lee Prevost (522-3550); Don Huntington (693-5727); Wayne Cowen (969-4955) or visit www.cambrianrcflyers.ca .