The Art of Streamer Cutting

Rob Brabrook • Jul 05, 2021

Get ready to (un)roll!

This article has been submitted by DDAC Club Member Rob Brabrook. If you'd like to contribute an article to Slipstream Online, please email your completed article and accompanying photos to DDAC Admin.


First: The ALACs (Australian Light Aircraft Championships)

DDAC is a member club of the RFACA, and some of us think we have a moral obligation to enter a team in the ALACs. There's other Aero Clubs who are involved each year, and DDAC has entered a team at least 7 or 8 times, but not in recent years. If you'd like to get involved and help us put together a team at the nect ALACs, get in touch with DDAC Admin and let them know you're interested in competing.


Now:   

Streamer Cutting is important as it is one of the three individual competitions needed to win the Federation Trophy at the ALACs.


A few points to consider before attempting to have your name engraved on the Rob Brabrook Trophy.


  • First, prepare the toilet roll (streamer) to ensure that it streams on release from level flight at 4000’ AGL. Gently poke about 8 or 9 inches (20 – 23cm) of the end into the cardboard tube, leaving about 4 inches (10cm) protruding. This will draw out the 8 or 9 inches into the slipstream which will stream the roll. Any more than this and the slipstream may tear it off.
  • It will take only 60 to 70 seconds to fall to the lower limit of 1000’ AGL, give or take the odd thermal!
  • So, to cut it 4 times in the least time, it is essential to have planned the initial control input to enable 4 cuts in that 60 to 70 seconds.
  • After release, it is advisable to wait a few seconds before turning to put yourself on the circumference of the cutting turns. Otherwise, you may find yourself circumnavigating the streamer.
  • It is very tempting to aim straight at the streamer but some paper will be drawn into the engine cooling intake and you will soon smell the scorched paper!
  • So, do all the cutting with the wing of the aircraft aiming to cut the streamer towards the top as that part o f the streamer will be rolled not a ball by the aircraft turbulence. So, if the cut is towards the bottom, there will only be a small ball of rolled up paper to aim at for the next cut.
  • Since the winner of the competition is the pilot who does 4 cuts in the least elapsed time, ensure you stay as close as possible to the streamer as it takes time to come back for another cut.
  • Since one cut has to be from the opposite direction, pre-plan the manoeuvre to enable this.
  • Remember that disqualification occurs if the utility speed for your aircraft is exceeded.
  • Heavy backpressure is needed to do the cutting and I found that after the 2 streamers my arms were aching and I was perspiring! No! The elevator cables will not give way!!
  • Being very close to the stalling angle, there is a chance that the aircraft will flip over into a spin in the opposite direction. By the time you recover (assuming you have been taught how) the streamer is lost. This has happened to me on several occasions.
  • It is difficult to do 4 cuts in less than 60 seconds and won’t be achieved without practice. So, get to it! And less than 4 cuts equals a nil score!


Happy Flying and enjoy competing!


DDAC Member

Rob Brabrook

By Office Admin 18 Aug, 2024
Location-specific factors you need to consider
By Office Admin 14 Jul, 2024
Consider these points when choosing a flight school
By DDAC Admin 17 Jun, 2024
A brief overview of what's required
By DDAC Member 06 May, 2024
How new technology is shaping the future of flight training.
By DDAC Instructor 15 Apr, 2024
Teaching others to fly can be very rewarding!
By DDAC Member 18 Mar, 2024
Think outside the box to fund your flight training
Photo by Ricardo Esquivel: https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-riding-on-vehicle-2220401/
By DDAC Instructor 12 Feb, 2024
It is possible for pilots to fly in conditions below visual flight regulations if they have earned an instrument rating (VFR). Here is an introduction to instrument rating and the skills you'll need to get started: What does Instrument Rating mean? An Instrument Rating (IR), a supplemental certification, allows pilots to fly in conditions where visual reference to the ground is lost, such as fog or clouds. All instruments, such as the altimeter, airspeed indicator, and attitude indicator, are used during flight training for pilots with an IR. Instrument Rating Requirements Before getting an instrument rating, a pilot must have either a private pilot's license (PPL) or a commercial pilot's license (CPL), as well as a certain number of flight hours and cross-country flight experience as a pilot in command. How Exactly Does One Train? Gaining an instrument rating requires both classroom study and in-flight experience. Instrument flying regulations (IFR), instrument approach procedures, and the proper use of navigational aids are just some of the topics covered in ground schooling. With a hood or other obstruction in place, the pilots will learn to fly in what is called "Instrument Meteorological Conditions" (IMC). Instrument Rating Test Once the training is complete, the pilot must take and pass a written and practical exam for an instrument rating. The written test checks how much you know about weather, navigation, and the rules. The required number of hours in the air with an examiner shows how well you can fly safely and competently in a variety of conditions. Benefits of an Instrument Rating Getting an instrument rating is very helpful for pilots because it lets them fly in more situations and makes them feel safer while doing so. Pilots with an instrument rating can apply for jobs with airlines and other businesses in the commercial aviation sector. Keep Your Instrument Rating Intact greatly Pilots must go through training and flight reviews every six months to a year to keep their instrument ratings up to date. This makes sure that pilots have access to the most up-to-date information and can fly safely in any condition. Getting an instrument rating is usually good for pilots because it gives them more options in the aviation industry. With hard work and training, any pilot can improve their skills and earn an instrument rating.
By DDAC Instructor 15 Jan, 2024
Are you ready to embark on a new journey?
By DDAC Member 18 Dec, 2023
A pilot's perspective on the typical experiences during flight training
By DDAC Member 20 Nov, 2023
The future is up!
Show More
Share by: