Pylon Racing

Pylon Racing is a popular competitive sport among RC Aircraft Pilots. Because some club members have expressed interest in this sport, I will post some detail about it and how to get started.

Below, please find the basic rules, which aircraft (ARFS) are available in the EF-1 class, required motors, and battery limitations. You will also find an attached PDF of the current NMPRA EF-1 pylon racing rules.

EF-1 pylon racing is the only class that allows electric airplanes to compete. The airplanes are the slowest class among pylon racing. The EF-1 class race speeds are around 100 mph. Models must be primarily constructed of wood and covered with plastic film covering. The airframe must weigh a minimum of 3 1/2 pounds, and measure a maximum wingspan of 52″ and minimum wing area of 375 square inches.

Here is a list of ARF aircraft that are approved by the NMPRA (National Miniature Pylon Racing Association).

Airborne Models Outrageous

OutrageousBig

Airborne Models Scarlet Screamer

ScarletScreamerBig

Great Planes Proud Bird

greatplanes proud bird

Hanger 9 Sundowner 36

HAN4520-250

Hobby King Invictus

38075

Horizon Hobby E-flite Shoestring

EFL4205_a0

Nitroplanes Miss Dara

nitroplanes-miss-dara-4-channel-rc-sport-racer-1280mm-wingspan-12

Approved EF-1 Motor are the following:

Aerowind 2820-07

BH-1834_EF-1_motor

Rimfire EF1 Race 35-45-1250Kv

rimfire

HobbyKing NTM Prop Drive Series EF1

ntm motor

E-flite Power 25 BL Outrunner

eflite 25

OS Brushless Motor OSMG9525

osmg9525-lg

The only approved propeller is the APC 8 x 8 Thin Electric Propeller Part Number LP08080E

LP08060E-2

A commercially available brushless Electronic Speed Controller with a minimum of 60 amp rating shall be utilized and controlled by a separate throttle channel.
The ESC cannot exceed the $150 US price cap as purchased from the designated MFG distribution channels, (not including tax and shipping).
Speed controller may incorporate a Battery Eliminator Circuit (BEC) which would
eliminate the need for a separate battery to power the receiver and servos. Below are a couple examples of ESC’s:
Castle Creations Phoenix Edge Lite 75
CSE010011200_a0
Turnigy Plush 60A
hw_p60a
The motor battery needs to be 4s Lipo battery and have a maximum weight of 335 grams including the connector, wires, and shrink tubing. A couple options of batteries are below:
Thunderpower 4S-2700mah G8 Pro Power 70C
tp2700_4spf70_display
Turnigy 4S-2650mah 30-40C
T2650-4-30
To find more information about NMPRA click on the picture below:
nmpra