Description
The model should prescribe a uniform figure 8 at a slow pace with consistent height and be correctly centred. The circuit may be flown with the model in forward or backward flight.

Preparation
This should begin with checking your inverted flying skills. It is important to be able to keep the model moving smoothly in any desired direction. The first exercise I would suggest is to try flying a single remote circle in front of you. Aim for a diameter of 10 to 20 metres. If you are flying nose first then back elevator is required to remove forward, or in the case of backward flight, forward elevator will get the model moving. In the case of roll (aileron), this is unchanged from upright flight as you view the model. Tail rotor control is probably the most confusing, as it is reversed as you view the model when inverted. The aim with this first remote circle is to produce a smooth, consistent result that retains height and a steady speed throughout. With this completed, the next step is to repeat this remote inverted circle but now flown in the opposite direction. The previous circle will probably have been in your preferred direction so you may now be presented with quite a challenge! All the previous advice does, of course, apply to this ‘reversed’ circle but with practice it should prove achievable.

Before moving on to the full figure 8 manoeuvre, I would recommend positioning one circle off to one side and finally the ‘reversed’ circle practiced to the other side. When you are completely happy flying both remote circles in their correct position, the final step is to complete the crossover as shown in the diagram.

Possible Problems
Maintaining a slow, steady speed throughout the figure 8 often proves difficult, especially with wind present. Height control may also give problems in this case. I would suggest aiming for a height of about 1.5 metres – with the model lower than this; you may have problems as the model moves in and out of ground effect. Careful tail control will be needed to ensure the model’s heading is correct at all positions through the figure 8. Tail control will be important as the speed should be quite slow, implying good rudder control will be necessary to produce an accurate figure 8. I would suggest establishing the model in the manoeuvre to give you a feel for prevailing conditions before your caller indicates the start point. The start/stop point is not specified, but I would suggest the crossover point that should be on the centreline would give a good impression to the judges.