Pylon

Pylon Racing can be described simply as “fly fast and turn left”!

RC Pylon racing is the ability to fly radio-controlled aircraft competently and safely flying anti-clockwise around a triangular course for ten laps.  It is self-challenging and a lot of fun competing against fellow pilots to achieve the fastest time.  Pylon is flown in local events in New Zealand, including the Nationals and, in international competitions.

A Calendar of events for the current season is available.

RC Pylon Racing in New Zealand recognizes four (4) classes of 2-stroke glow engines and two (2) classes of electric motor models, for competition.  All are intended for multi-channel RC aircraft.  The builder-of-the-model rule does not apply to pylon aircraft.  All events are run under the regulations in the FAI Sporting Code and the rules of the FAI, the World Air Sports Federation (Fédération Aéronautique Internationale), where specific rule formulas concerning airframes, engines and procedures are applicable to each event; these can be found on the FAI website under  –

“F3 PYLON RACING Section 4C – Model Aircraft – F3 – Pylon Racing” SC4_Vol_F3_Pylon_24.pdf(fai.org)

We encourage and support pilots, experienced and newcomers, to fly in the classes of racing flown in New Zealand.

• NZ Q500 Sport : This is an entry level for I/C racing.  Aircraft are of 500 square inches of wing, are powered by a commercially available 46 size motor and the likes of a 9”x7” APC propellor is a good combination.

Rules for this class are available on the MFNZ Pylon website.

• F3R, F3T, F3D and F3E are the FAI classes.
• F3D class is defined that it brings the highest level of development of aircraft aerodynamic design, aircraft construction, power plant, propellers etc and the highest level of piloting, with maximum safety. This class is flown at World Championships level. Models are built of composite material and in NZ are commonly procured from Australian manufacturers, A1 Composites and Ultimate Composites.
• Sport Electric : is an entry level class for electric powered racing, flown regularly at local events. It is an unofficial class with no current rules.

This is a fantastic team sport, both the Pilot and Caller working together to make it happen!

Come along and give it a go!