The main pylon racing events take place around a 400m triangular course, measuring 40m across the base pylons 2 and 3, 180m from 1 to 2 and from 1 to 3 pylon. Aircraft flying this course normally use 0.40cu.in/6.5cc motor, giving speeds in the F3D class exceeding 200mph, you may have seen some jets and special speed models go faster, but out on a pylon course they would not stand a chance the racer will out turn them every time, tight and fully under control. The race takes place over ten laps with up to four aircraft coming to the start line at any one time, the start is staggered with 5 seconds between each of the four aircraft, this is primarily to cut down on the chances of a mid air crash on take off, each aircraft being timed separately, although in Sport 40 and Quickie 500 classes, they run finals at each event as a simultaneous start, demanding a cool head and a steady hand as things can get very exciting.

Course manning, the starter has the job of double checking transmitter frequencies and identifying each airplane, to the correct flagman at the number one pylon, he will then give the racers one-minute to start their engines, this is not long if your engine won't start, but seems like forever if you start straight off. Each flyer has a flagman at number1 pylon that will drop his flag just as your aircraft passes the pylon, the secret to becoming a top racer is to be able to pre-empt the flagman without cutting inside the pylon it can be done. When the flag is dropped your caller, who will be stood at your side will let you know, he will also release the model for you at the start and assist you in making a safe landing, the rest is up to you. Now assuming that you have flown ten laps and not cut inside any pylons, you will have a time for that race. If you are really trying, you will make an odd cut throughout the day and this will give you a time penalty of 10% on that heat. Do it twice in the same heat and no time will be recorded. The real excitement starts when three or four of you are really going for it, planes just inches apart and swapping places at every turn and your just trying to keep calm. That's why we do it.