RC Pylon Racing

Tim Lampe's column explores the differences between AMA and FAI RC Pylon Racing, focusing on event classes, aircraft specifications, and performance. He outlines AMA's four classes (EF1, Q-500, Super Sport Q-500, Q-40) and the two FAI classes (F3D for glow engines and F3E for electric), highlighting design criteria and performance. F3E aircraft achieve speeds up to 210 mph, with a watt limiter for efficiency. Further differences in racing formats will be discussed in the next column.

RC Pylon Racing

In Part 2 of Tim Lampe's discussion on FAI and AMA Pylon Racing, he compares course layouts and racing formats. Both AMA and FAI courses are isosceles triangles, but AMA courses have varying distances from pylons, with EF1 being the shortest at 375.5 feet and Q-40 the longest at 608 feet. FAI courses are wider but shorter, with the FAI Q-40 course measuring about 587 feet. The main distinction lies in racing formats: AMA uses heat racing with head-to-head competition, while FAI focuses on timed runs with pilots racing the clock. Additionally, FAI allows for the discarding of a pilot's slowest score every four rounds, whereas AMA does not. The article highlights the differences in aircraft costs and the appeal of each racing style.

RC Pylon Racing

Tim Lampe discusses the ongoing challenges for Q-40 Pylon Racing due to the discontinuation of the Nelson N40 engine. Dub Jett has created compatible parts for Nelson engines, allowing them to perform similarly to Jett engines. While these parts await official approval, contest directors are urged to communicate this deviation. Darwin Larson is collecting engines and parts for the Sport Q-500 class to support young pilots in Pylon Racing. Upcoming races include the Ben and Carolyn Martin Fall Classic and the Midwest Sundowners Pylon race in August 2026.

NMPRA - 2014/11

The forecast was grim and the prospect of driving four hours to cope with 20 mph wind and a 60% chance of rain for my second EF1 race wasn’t appealing—I’m supposed to be doing this for fun! Then again, I’ve also been around long enough to know that when you stick with the plan in the face of a little adversity you just might be rewarded.