Takeoff is defined as the point at which the main wheels leave the ground.
Upon a signal given by the Air Boss, each team will have three (3) minutes to accomplish a successful takeoff. Multiple takeoff attempts are allowed within the three-minute window as long as the aircraft has NOT become airborne during an aborted attempt.
Takeoff direction will be determined by the Air Boss, and selected to face into the wind. Aircraft must remain on the runway during the takeoff roll. Distance requirement is defined in the Table.
Use of a helper to hold the model while the engine is revved prior to release for takeoff is allowed, but the helper may not push the model upon release. To stay within the takeoff zone, the main wheels of the aircraft are to be placed on the takeoff line.
The aircraft must remain intact during takeoff, from release through liftoff. No parts may depart the aircraft during the takeoff process.
The aircraft must successfully complete one 360° circuit of the field. During departure and approach to landing, the pilot must not fly the aircraft in a pattern that will allow the aircraft to enter any of the no-fly zones (See Para. 20.3.4). More than one circuit of the field is allowed. During a flight, each aircraft must fly past the departure end of the takeoff zone, turn the aircraft through approximately 180° of heading, and fly past the approach end of the takeoff zone prior to landing. No aerobatic maneuvers will be allowed at any time during the flight competition. This includes but not limited to: loops, figure 8’s, immelmans, barrel rolls, etc.
The pilot may begin to make the initial turn of the 360o circuit after the aircraft has passed the Take-Off Distance Requirement (see table). Making the initial turn before passing the Take-Off Distance Requirement will disqualify the flight attempt.
Landing is defined as occurring from initial touchdown to the point at which the aircraft stops moving. Initial touchdown is defined as the point at which any part of the aircraft touches the ground.
Touch-and-goes are not allowed, and a crash-landing invalidates the landing attempt. A good landing is defined as touching down within the designated landing zone for the class, and remaining on the ground through rollout. Rolling-out beyond the landing zone is allowed, provided the aircraft touches down within the landing zone. Bouncing across the boundary at the end of the landing zone is not allowed, and will be judged as a failed landing attempt. A failed landing attempt will result in no score for the round. During a landing, the aircraft must remain on the runaway between their landing limits to be considered a successful landing.