Flex Mamba qualify as an IMAC plane?

[Dave Dupre]

Yeah, I've thought about that too, but my better half will have a problem if I start taking over more space.

[Earle Andrews]

Well...ya just need a bigger trailer then!!!

[Dave Dupre]

Thank you all! Now, I have a decision to make since I can't have both an Extra and a Mamba. Rule is the hanger is limited to what can fit in my trailer.

[Doug Pilcher]

I also agree with Earle and Matt. And Matt took a step further even then my own research for the model. A member from the SE (Dan Baker) and spent some time in SC flying IMAC because of work competed with a 40% Ultimate biplane regularly and quite well. I think they are beautiful planes and according to Dan quite competitive and he flies Unlimited class.

[Matt Komar]

I think in scenarios like this, the spirit of the rule should used as a guideline, not the letter of the rule.

The intent of the rule was to keep scale aerobatic planes from turning into purpose built precision aerobatic planes (such as pattern planes) which would give a pilot an unfair competitive advantage and move away from the spirit of IMAC which mimics the full scale IAC community.

In my opinion, the Mamba represents a version of the full scale variant (Pitts Model 12) that has competed in IAC and this model has not proven to have any characteristics that give it's user a competitive advantage. That should be enough to consider it legal without pulling up manufacturer 3 way plan views.

[Earle Andrews]

My opinion is yes it would qualify. I think it meets the 10% rule.

Someone else prove me wrong.....GO!

[Dave Dupre]

Note, the reason I’m asking is that the Mamba is based on the Pitts Model 12, but the tail feathers are based on a full scale plane that was designed but never built (Inverza?). The difference isn’t much, but I don’t know if it fits in the 10% rule.

I fly Advanced now, and I realize that a biplane may not present as well. Like I said though, I’m not looking at this as a primary aircraft. Winning is not my primary goal when flying IMAC anyway. I just want the competition to push myself to be a better pilot. Placing well is a bonus.

Dave

[Dave Dupre]

I’ve seen the old H9 Beast listed as an IMAC competitor. I’m looking for a fun plane that could be used as a backup IMAC plane, and I have a real love of biplanes. The Flex Mamba is based on the Pitts Model 12, but there are a few modifications. Would it qualify?

Dave