90 MODEL AVIATION
IN PAST columNS we have shared tips for properly trimming
your model. This month we will show you how to do so for the
inside of your airplane, to increase its longevity. That will minimize
downtime and maximize time between repairs.
The elder part of this team (“Old Dog”) will share an idea about
a national ranking for our facet of the hobby.
Through the years we have been to many contests and have seen a
lot of models. We have noticed that the pilots who have done the
best in RC Aerobatics (Pattern) have rarely had to work on their
airplanes.
These fliers are using the same equipment as everyone else, but
they are efficiently positioning it. That way, it lasts longer and
doesn’t present such problems as chafing, cut fuel lines, and
components coming loose. A neatly set-up airplane is the key to
winning and consistently performing your best.
Let’s start with setting up fuel lines and the fuel tank to prevent
chafing of the fuel lines or, in the case of electric-powered aircraft,
the wires. You want to ensure that your aircraft’s fuel tank or battery
is strapped on so that it will not come loose.
The best way is to apply Velcro to the bottom of the tank or
battery and to the surface on which the tank or battery will be
mounted. Then firmly secure the tank/battery with Velcro straps and
tie the tank/battery to the mount. This is one of the safest ways to
keep it secured inside the model.
When running the fuel lines, make sure that they are cut to the
proper length so that fuel is transported smoothly to the engine. You
don’t want kinks that could cause bubbles in the lines, fuel
starvation, or pressure trouble, which could ultimately lead to an
engine flameout.
Anytime you are dealing with two- and four-stroke engines,
ensure that some sort of fuel filter is in the line to clean up possible
contaminants that might be in your fuel. These filters need to be
positioned properly
so that they don’t
cause engine
problems.
Make sure that
the fuel filter is
mounted so that it
does not contact
other components in
the aircraft. I have
seen filters mounted
so close to the
engine that they
rubbed against the
filters and the
engines. If you are
unable to avoid
contact, add fuel
tubing around the
filter and monitor it
after each flying
session.
As with glow
power, electric
airplanes can suffer
the same fate with
wires that are
scraping against
sharp edges of
composite material.
Although electric
[[email protected]]
Radio Control Aerobatics Albert and A.C. Glenn
Setup tips for inside the aircraft
Also included in this column:
• National ranking for
Aerobatics
Run fuel lines so that there are no sharp turns; those could restrict
fuel to the engine. Protect the battery with foam and a Velcro strap,
and add foam to any cables that could rub on jagged edges. Parson
Products’ Safety Plug Clips hold extensions together.
Gardner Bender sells these nice ratcheted, adjustable Kwik
Clips. They are perfect for holding servo leads in place.
These foam keepers are perfect for holding
fuel tubing in place. The author found them
at a booth at the Toledo Expo. Several
hobby retailers carry these types of keepers,
which can be made from foam or rubber.
07sig3x.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 5/25/10 3:10 PM Page 90
has lower vibration than glow, you must
take the same precautions to protect wires.
Use some type of hold-down to keep wires
in place, such as Gardner Bender Kwik
Clips.
Throughout the years we have seen
numerous control failures that weren’t
mechanical breakdowns, but were caused by
improper setups or using the wrong
equipment for the job. Make sure that you
choose the right servo for the job and mount
it where it can be easily accessed.
Mini digital metal-gear servos are best.
Ensure that the clevises are secured so that
they are stress free and don’t bind or come
loose.
The best way to mount a receiver is by
wrapping it in foam. On the bottom of that
foam, use Velcro to attach the unit to the
fuselage floor. This will offer vibration
protection and some protection from heat.
It’s a bit old school, but you’ll never have to
worry about your receiver.
Securing your receiver battery plays a
big part in setup. If the battery failed, losing
your model would be next. The best way to
mount your battery is to employ strong
Velcro and Velcro straps, and then mount
that to the fuselage floor with slow epoxy.
Also use extra care with the regulator,
switch, and extensions. The best way to
connect extensions is to use a Parsons
Products connector (available from Tower
Hobbies) or dental floss and large-diameter
heat-shrink tubing, so that the two
connectors cannot separate. This will ensure
that the plugs don’t come apart.
Make sure that the wires do not rub
against sharp edges. If they do, put silicone
along the spots so that the wires don’t chafe.
Make sure to set your switch so that off
is forward and on is toward the rear, because
in-flight anything could hit the side of your
fuselage and knock the switch to the off
position. This could result in the loss of your
model.
National Ranking: Most sports (tennis,
NASCAR, golf, etc.) have national rankings
of teams or individuals. It’s time for such a
system in Pattern.
Throughout the years we have used the
Nats to determine the National Champion.
However, it’s only one contest and not all
of the best pilots attend each year.
I don’t propose changing the national
contest, but to add spice to competition by
having a national ranking based on a scoring
algorithm. It would be used at local contests
that have qualified judges for each class.
Having a ranking may cause pilots to
compete more often for bragging rights. For
example, any state would have a ranking
based on a national ranking system.
Now the challenge is to make this
system work. Ways to do this are to:
1. Gain support from the AMA to help
develop the algorithm for ranking pilots.
2. Get the NSRCA (National Society of
Radio Controlled Aerobatics) to become the
national ranking gatekeeper.
• Establish regional contests across the
country, to allow pilots from different
districts to compete. That would provide
data for ranking.
• NSRCA would establish rules for
accepting contest scores.
3. Make the ranking period from one
year’s Nats end date to the next year’s Nats
end date.
4. Start the national ranking from the
highest class of pilots and proceed to the
lower classes.
Following is how the ranking would
look following the 2009 Nats, with the
breakdown between classes.
1. Andrew Jesky (FAI National Champion)
2. Chip Hyde
3. Brett Wickizer
4. Mark E. Leseberg
5. David K. Lockhart
6. Donald J. Szczur
7. Todd A. Blose
8. Michael B. Klein
9. Albert C. Glenn
10. Daniel R. Landis
11. Peter A. Collinson
July 2010 91
ClickOn!
www.modelaircraft.org www.masportaviator.com
The second flight of Jim Beagle’s design, which
is featured in this issue, was handled by Keith Shaw
at the Mid-Am Electric Flies event in Northville
Township, Michigan. See how the behemoth
handled the less-than-ideal weather conditions.
The video is available at Model Aviation Online
at www.modelaircraft.org/mag. ®
Exciting Zeppelin-Staaken
XIV Test Flight
Catch the
Reruns!
For nearly six full
weeks, the nation’s
largest aeromodeling
event will unfold at the
International
Aeromodeling Center
at AMA
Headquarters in
Muncie, Indiana.
National records will be pressed, dreams
will be fulfilled, and stories will turn into legend—and all of it
will be recaptured in daily coverage that can be found only in
NatsNews.
Go to www.modelaircraft.org/events/nats/natsnews.aspx
for all of the Indoor FF and outdoor event reports, scores,
and hundreds of photos. ®
07sig3x.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 5/25/10 3:11 PM Page 91
12. Ivan Kristensen
13. Andre J. Bouchard
14. Kenneth G. Velez
15. James R. Kimbro
16. Michael S. Harrison
17. Mark P. Atwood
18. Bryan P. Hebert
19. Mark C. Hunt
20. Matthew Kimbro
21. Ronald S. Barr
22. Earl J. Haury
23. Joseph A. Szczur
24. Stephen H. Lelito
25. Anthony J. Frackowiak (Masters
National Champion)
26. Arch J. Stafford
27. George Asteris
28. David F. Snow
29. Brandon C. Landry
30. Stephen T. Byrd
31. Jerry Budd
32. Verne L. Koester
33. Krishlan J. Fitzsimmons
34. Michael J. Mueller
35. Brian W. Young
36. Brenner M. Sharp
37. John D. Fuqua
38. Rusty Fried
39. Steve A. Miller
40. Joseph M. Lachowski
41. Donald R. Ramsey
42. Dale S. Arnold
43. Robert G. Satalino
44. Marcio A. Jorge
45. Christopher J. Moon
46. Anthony T. Romano
47. Jonathan L. Carter
48. Gregory I. Grigsby
49. Jon A. Lowe
50. Joe A. Dunnaway
51. Frank Granelli
52. Eugene Villa
53. Lawrence W. Auer
54. Richard T. Wallace
55. Robert E. Kane
56. Ronald E. Van Putte
57. Gary R. Courtney (Advanced National
Champion)
58. Christopher D. Odom
59. Keven O’Connor
60. John O. Tarpinian
61. William B. Clemmons
62. George L. Miller
63. Ken Kaut
64. William F. Pritchett
65. Robert J. Condra
66. Michael Wingo
67. Kenneth M. Alexander
68. Richard W. Lewis
69. Joseph E. Zeigenfus
70. Carlos M. Barrera
71. Riley B. Kissenberth (Intermediate
National Champion)
72. David B. Lampron Jr.
73. Edwin M. Manson
74. Larry L. Kauffman
75. Dean Funk
76. Dean S. Lampron
77. James E. Rogers
78. Michael Greear
79. Victor A. Diaz
80. Brian T. Strachan
81. Mark T. Carey
82. Ronald C. Hansen
83. Bruce M. Ginn
84. Edward J. Valls
85. Houston D. Schweitzer
86. Mike R. Gaishin
87. Neil A. Hunt
88. Douglas F. Harvel
89. Charles Simmons
90. Donald M. Manson
91. Michael D. Yearley
92. Thomas L. Stennis MA
Sources:
Gardner Bender
(800) 624-4320
www.gardnerbender.com
Tower Hobbies
(800) 637-6050
www3.towerhobbies.com
Foam keepers:
Troy Built Models
(941) 342-8685
www.troybuiltmodels.com/items/SHIWKEE
PRED.html
National Society of Radio Controlled
Aerobatics
www.nsrca.org
92 MODEL AVIATION
Viewfinder
Launching a Rainbow
I’ve been a writer for quite sometime
(for RC Soaring Digest magazine) and get
to fly more places in the world, with more
people, more often than perhaps anyone
else on earth, and I can assure you, it’s
fun! I have progressed through the hobby,
starting, like most fliers of age 58ish, with
stick-and-tissue, CL—basically the
gamut.
You can see my power flying on the
Experimental Aircraft Association
museum’s RC video in Oshkosh,
Wisconsin, but I’ve been strictly a Soaring
guy for the last 15 years or so—mostly
competition Soaring, but I do my share of
slope and DS (dynamic soaring).
Soaring offers many unique
opportunities. Here I am launching a 112-
inch-span sailplane called the “Flying
Rainbow” by Dr. Walter Panknin.
Designed in the early ’90s, it’s a serious
thermal flying wing built awhile ago by
Lee Murray of Appleton, Wisconsin.
Great work with the magazine—more
Soaring articles, please! MA
—Gordy Stahl
[email protected]
E-mail your high-resolution
“Viewfinder” photo and a short note
telling the airplane or helicopter story to
[email protected].
07sig3x.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 5/25/10 3:11 PM Page 92
Edition: Model Aviation - 2010/07
Page Numbers: 90,91,92
Edition: Model Aviation - 2010/07
Page Numbers: 90,91,92
90 MODEL AVIATION
IN PAST columNS we have shared tips for properly trimming
your model. This month we will show you how to do so for the
inside of your airplane, to increase its longevity. That will minimize
downtime and maximize time between repairs.
The elder part of this team (“Old Dog”) will share an idea about
a national ranking for our facet of the hobby.
Through the years we have been to many contests and have seen a
lot of models. We have noticed that the pilots who have done the
best in RC Aerobatics (Pattern) have rarely had to work on their
airplanes.
These fliers are using the same equipment as everyone else, but
they are efficiently positioning it. That way, it lasts longer and
doesn’t present such problems as chafing, cut fuel lines, and
components coming loose. A neatly set-up airplane is the key to
winning and consistently performing your best.
Let’s start with setting up fuel lines and the fuel tank to prevent
chafing of the fuel lines or, in the case of electric-powered aircraft,
the wires. You want to ensure that your aircraft’s fuel tank or battery
is strapped on so that it will not come loose.
The best way is to apply Velcro to the bottom of the tank or
battery and to the surface on which the tank or battery will be
mounted. Then firmly secure the tank/battery with Velcro straps and
tie the tank/battery to the mount. This is one of the safest ways to
keep it secured inside the model.
When running the fuel lines, make sure that they are cut to the
proper length so that fuel is transported smoothly to the engine. You
don’t want kinks that could cause bubbles in the lines, fuel
starvation, or pressure trouble, which could ultimately lead to an
engine flameout.
Anytime you are dealing with two- and four-stroke engines,
ensure that some sort of fuel filter is in the line to clean up possible
contaminants that might be in your fuel. These filters need to be
positioned properly
so that they don’t
cause engine
problems.
Make sure that
the fuel filter is
mounted so that it
does not contact
other components in
the aircraft. I have
seen filters mounted
so close to the
engine that they
rubbed against the
filters and the
engines. If you are
unable to avoid
contact, add fuel
tubing around the
filter and monitor it
after each flying
session.
As with glow
power, electric
airplanes can suffer
the same fate with
wires that are
scraping against
sharp edges of
composite material.
Although electric
[[email protected]]
Radio Control Aerobatics Albert and A.C. Glenn
Setup tips for inside the aircraft
Also included in this column:
• National ranking for
Aerobatics
Run fuel lines so that there are no sharp turns; those could restrict
fuel to the engine. Protect the battery with foam and a Velcro strap,
and add foam to any cables that could rub on jagged edges. Parson
Products’ Safety Plug Clips hold extensions together.
Gardner Bender sells these nice ratcheted, adjustable Kwik
Clips. They are perfect for holding servo leads in place.
These foam keepers are perfect for holding
fuel tubing in place. The author found them
at a booth at the Toledo Expo. Several
hobby retailers carry these types of keepers,
which can be made from foam or rubber.
07sig3x.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 5/25/10 3:10 PM Page 90
has lower vibration than glow, you must
take the same precautions to protect wires.
Use some type of hold-down to keep wires
in place, such as Gardner Bender Kwik
Clips.
Throughout the years we have seen
numerous control failures that weren’t
mechanical breakdowns, but were caused by
improper setups or using the wrong
equipment for the job. Make sure that you
choose the right servo for the job and mount
it where it can be easily accessed.
Mini digital metal-gear servos are best.
Ensure that the clevises are secured so that
they are stress free and don’t bind or come
loose.
The best way to mount a receiver is by
wrapping it in foam. On the bottom of that
foam, use Velcro to attach the unit to the
fuselage floor. This will offer vibration
protection and some protection from heat.
It’s a bit old school, but you’ll never have to
worry about your receiver.
Securing your receiver battery plays a
big part in setup. If the battery failed, losing
your model would be next. The best way to
mount your battery is to employ strong
Velcro and Velcro straps, and then mount
that to the fuselage floor with slow epoxy.
Also use extra care with the regulator,
switch, and extensions. The best way to
connect extensions is to use a Parsons
Products connector (available from Tower
Hobbies) or dental floss and large-diameter
heat-shrink tubing, so that the two
connectors cannot separate. This will ensure
that the plugs don’t come apart.
Make sure that the wires do not rub
against sharp edges. If they do, put silicone
along the spots so that the wires don’t chafe.
Make sure to set your switch so that off
is forward and on is toward the rear, because
in-flight anything could hit the side of your
fuselage and knock the switch to the off
position. This could result in the loss of your
model.
National Ranking: Most sports (tennis,
NASCAR, golf, etc.) have national rankings
of teams or individuals. It’s time for such a
system in Pattern.
Throughout the years we have used the
Nats to determine the National Champion.
However, it’s only one contest and not all
of the best pilots attend each year.
I don’t propose changing the national
contest, but to add spice to competition by
having a national ranking based on a scoring
algorithm. It would be used at local contests
that have qualified judges for each class.
Having a ranking may cause pilots to
compete more often for bragging rights. For
example, any state would have a ranking
based on a national ranking system.
Now the challenge is to make this
system work. Ways to do this are to:
1. Gain support from the AMA to help
develop the algorithm for ranking pilots.
2. Get the NSRCA (National Society of
Radio Controlled Aerobatics) to become the
national ranking gatekeeper.
• Establish regional contests across the
country, to allow pilots from different
districts to compete. That would provide
data for ranking.
• NSRCA would establish rules for
accepting contest scores.
3. Make the ranking period from one
year’s Nats end date to the next year’s Nats
end date.
4. Start the national ranking from the
highest class of pilots and proceed to the
lower classes.
Following is how the ranking would
look following the 2009 Nats, with the
breakdown between classes.
1. Andrew Jesky (FAI National Champion)
2. Chip Hyde
3. Brett Wickizer
4. Mark E. Leseberg
5. David K. Lockhart
6. Donald J. Szczur
7. Todd A. Blose
8. Michael B. Klein
9. Albert C. Glenn
10. Daniel R. Landis
11. Peter A. Collinson
July 2010 91
ClickOn!
www.modelaircraft.org www.masportaviator.com
The second flight of Jim Beagle’s design, which
is featured in this issue, was handled by Keith Shaw
at the Mid-Am Electric Flies event in Northville
Township, Michigan. See how the behemoth
handled the less-than-ideal weather conditions.
The video is available at Model Aviation Online
at www.modelaircraft.org/mag. ®
Exciting Zeppelin-Staaken
XIV Test Flight
Catch the
Reruns!
For nearly six full
weeks, the nation’s
largest aeromodeling
event will unfold at the
International
Aeromodeling Center
at AMA
Headquarters in
Muncie, Indiana.
National records will be pressed, dreams
will be fulfilled, and stories will turn into legend—and all of it
will be recaptured in daily coverage that can be found only in
NatsNews.
Go to www.modelaircraft.org/events/nats/natsnews.aspx
for all of the Indoor FF and outdoor event reports, scores,
and hundreds of photos. ®
07sig3x.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 5/25/10 3:11 PM Page 91
12. Ivan Kristensen
13. Andre J. Bouchard
14. Kenneth G. Velez
15. James R. Kimbro
16. Michael S. Harrison
17. Mark P. Atwood
18. Bryan P. Hebert
19. Mark C. Hunt
20. Matthew Kimbro
21. Ronald S. Barr
22. Earl J. Haury
23. Joseph A. Szczur
24. Stephen H. Lelito
25. Anthony J. Frackowiak (Masters
National Champion)
26. Arch J. Stafford
27. George Asteris
28. David F. Snow
29. Brandon C. Landry
30. Stephen T. Byrd
31. Jerry Budd
32. Verne L. Koester
33. Krishlan J. Fitzsimmons
34. Michael J. Mueller
35. Brian W. Young
36. Brenner M. Sharp
37. John D. Fuqua
38. Rusty Fried
39. Steve A. Miller
40. Joseph M. Lachowski
41. Donald R. Ramsey
42. Dale S. Arnold
43. Robert G. Satalino
44. Marcio A. Jorge
45. Christopher J. Moon
46. Anthony T. Romano
47. Jonathan L. Carter
48. Gregory I. Grigsby
49. Jon A. Lowe
50. Joe A. Dunnaway
51. Frank Granelli
52. Eugene Villa
53. Lawrence W. Auer
54. Richard T. Wallace
55. Robert E. Kane
56. Ronald E. Van Putte
57. Gary R. Courtney (Advanced National
Champion)
58. Christopher D. Odom
59. Keven O’Connor
60. John O. Tarpinian
61. William B. Clemmons
62. George L. Miller
63. Ken Kaut
64. William F. Pritchett
65. Robert J. Condra
66. Michael Wingo
67. Kenneth M. Alexander
68. Richard W. Lewis
69. Joseph E. Zeigenfus
70. Carlos M. Barrera
71. Riley B. Kissenberth (Intermediate
National Champion)
72. David B. Lampron Jr.
73. Edwin M. Manson
74. Larry L. Kauffman
75. Dean Funk
76. Dean S. Lampron
77. James E. Rogers
78. Michael Greear
79. Victor A. Diaz
80. Brian T. Strachan
81. Mark T. Carey
82. Ronald C. Hansen
83. Bruce M. Ginn
84. Edward J. Valls
85. Houston D. Schweitzer
86. Mike R. Gaishin
87. Neil A. Hunt
88. Douglas F. Harvel
89. Charles Simmons
90. Donald M. Manson
91. Michael D. Yearley
92. Thomas L. Stennis MA
Sources:
Gardner Bender
(800) 624-4320
www.gardnerbender.com
Tower Hobbies
(800) 637-6050
www3.towerhobbies.com
Foam keepers:
Troy Built Models
(941) 342-8685
www.troybuiltmodels.com/items/SHIWKEE
PRED.html
National Society of Radio Controlled
Aerobatics
www.nsrca.org
92 MODEL AVIATION
Viewfinder
Launching a Rainbow
I’ve been a writer for quite sometime
(for RC Soaring Digest magazine) and get
to fly more places in the world, with more
people, more often than perhaps anyone
else on earth, and I can assure you, it’s
fun! I have progressed through the hobby,
starting, like most fliers of age 58ish, with
stick-and-tissue, CL—basically the
gamut.
You can see my power flying on the
Experimental Aircraft Association
museum’s RC video in Oshkosh,
Wisconsin, but I’ve been strictly a Soaring
guy for the last 15 years or so—mostly
competition Soaring, but I do my share of
slope and DS (dynamic soaring).
Soaring offers many unique
opportunities. Here I am launching a 112-
inch-span sailplane called the “Flying
Rainbow” by Dr. Walter Panknin.
Designed in the early ’90s, it’s a serious
thermal flying wing built awhile ago by
Lee Murray of Appleton, Wisconsin.
Great work with the magazine—more
Soaring articles, please! MA
—Gordy Stahl
[email protected]
E-mail your high-resolution
“Viewfinder” photo and a short note
telling the airplane or helicopter story to
[email protected].
07sig3x.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 5/25/10 3:11 PM Page 92
Edition: Model Aviation - 2010/07
Page Numbers: 90,91,92
90 MODEL AVIATION
IN PAST columNS we have shared tips for properly trimming
your model. This month we will show you how to do so for the
inside of your airplane, to increase its longevity. That will minimize
downtime and maximize time between repairs.
The elder part of this team (“Old Dog”) will share an idea about
a national ranking for our facet of the hobby.
Through the years we have been to many contests and have seen a
lot of models. We have noticed that the pilots who have done the
best in RC Aerobatics (Pattern) have rarely had to work on their
airplanes.
These fliers are using the same equipment as everyone else, but
they are efficiently positioning it. That way, it lasts longer and
doesn’t present such problems as chafing, cut fuel lines, and
components coming loose. A neatly set-up airplane is the key to
winning and consistently performing your best.
Let’s start with setting up fuel lines and the fuel tank to prevent
chafing of the fuel lines or, in the case of electric-powered aircraft,
the wires. You want to ensure that your aircraft’s fuel tank or battery
is strapped on so that it will not come loose.
The best way is to apply Velcro to the bottom of the tank or
battery and to the surface on which the tank or battery will be
mounted. Then firmly secure the tank/battery with Velcro straps and
tie the tank/battery to the mount. This is one of the safest ways to
keep it secured inside the model.
When running the fuel lines, make sure that they are cut to the
proper length so that fuel is transported smoothly to the engine. You
don’t want kinks that could cause bubbles in the lines, fuel
starvation, or pressure trouble, which could ultimately lead to an
engine flameout.
Anytime you are dealing with two- and four-stroke engines,
ensure that some sort of fuel filter is in the line to clean up possible
contaminants that might be in your fuel. These filters need to be
positioned properly
so that they don’t
cause engine
problems.
Make sure that
the fuel filter is
mounted so that it
does not contact
other components in
the aircraft. I have
seen filters mounted
so close to the
engine that they
rubbed against the
filters and the
engines. If you are
unable to avoid
contact, add fuel
tubing around the
filter and monitor it
after each flying
session.
As with glow
power, electric
airplanes can suffer
the same fate with
wires that are
scraping against
sharp edges of
composite material.
Although electric
[[email protected]]
Radio Control Aerobatics Albert and A.C. Glenn
Setup tips for inside the aircraft
Also included in this column:
• National ranking for
Aerobatics
Run fuel lines so that there are no sharp turns; those could restrict
fuel to the engine. Protect the battery with foam and a Velcro strap,
and add foam to any cables that could rub on jagged edges. Parson
Products’ Safety Plug Clips hold extensions together.
Gardner Bender sells these nice ratcheted, adjustable Kwik
Clips. They are perfect for holding servo leads in place.
These foam keepers are perfect for holding
fuel tubing in place. The author found them
at a booth at the Toledo Expo. Several
hobby retailers carry these types of keepers,
which can be made from foam or rubber.
07sig3x.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 5/25/10 3:10 PM Page 90
has lower vibration than glow, you must
take the same precautions to protect wires.
Use some type of hold-down to keep wires
in place, such as Gardner Bender Kwik
Clips.
Throughout the years we have seen
numerous control failures that weren’t
mechanical breakdowns, but were caused by
improper setups or using the wrong
equipment for the job. Make sure that you
choose the right servo for the job and mount
it where it can be easily accessed.
Mini digital metal-gear servos are best.
Ensure that the clevises are secured so that
they are stress free and don’t bind or come
loose.
The best way to mount a receiver is by
wrapping it in foam. On the bottom of that
foam, use Velcro to attach the unit to the
fuselage floor. This will offer vibration
protection and some protection from heat.
It’s a bit old school, but you’ll never have to
worry about your receiver.
Securing your receiver battery plays a
big part in setup. If the battery failed, losing
your model would be next. The best way to
mount your battery is to employ strong
Velcro and Velcro straps, and then mount
that to the fuselage floor with slow epoxy.
Also use extra care with the regulator,
switch, and extensions. The best way to
connect extensions is to use a Parsons
Products connector (available from Tower
Hobbies) or dental floss and large-diameter
heat-shrink tubing, so that the two
connectors cannot separate. This will ensure
that the plugs don’t come apart.
Make sure that the wires do not rub
against sharp edges. If they do, put silicone
along the spots so that the wires don’t chafe.
Make sure to set your switch so that off
is forward and on is toward the rear, because
in-flight anything could hit the side of your
fuselage and knock the switch to the off
position. This could result in the loss of your
model.
National Ranking: Most sports (tennis,
NASCAR, golf, etc.) have national rankings
of teams or individuals. It’s time for such a
system in Pattern.
Throughout the years we have used the
Nats to determine the National Champion.
However, it’s only one contest and not all
of the best pilots attend each year.
I don’t propose changing the national
contest, but to add spice to competition by
having a national ranking based on a scoring
algorithm. It would be used at local contests
that have qualified judges for each class.
Having a ranking may cause pilots to
compete more often for bragging rights. For
example, any state would have a ranking
based on a national ranking system.
Now the challenge is to make this
system work. Ways to do this are to:
1. Gain support from the AMA to help
develop the algorithm for ranking pilots.
2. Get the NSRCA (National Society of
Radio Controlled Aerobatics) to become the
national ranking gatekeeper.
• Establish regional contests across the
country, to allow pilots from different
districts to compete. That would provide
data for ranking.
• NSRCA would establish rules for
accepting contest scores.
3. Make the ranking period from one
year’s Nats end date to the next year’s Nats
end date.
4. Start the national ranking from the
highest class of pilots and proceed to the
lower classes.
Following is how the ranking would
look following the 2009 Nats, with the
breakdown between classes.
1. Andrew Jesky (FAI National Champion)
2. Chip Hyde
3. Brett Wickizer
4. Mark E. Leseberg
5. David K. Lockhart
6. Donald J. Szczur
7. Todd A. Blose
8. Michael B. Klein
9. Albert C. Glenn
10. Daniel R. Landis
11. Peter A. Collinson
July 2010 91
ClickOn!
www.modelaircraft.org www.masportaviator.com
The second flight of Jim Beagle’s design, which
is featured in this issue, was handled by Keith Shaw
at the Mid-Am Electric Flies event in Northville
Township, Michigan. See how the behemoth
handled the less-than-ideal weather conditions.
The video is available at Model Aviation Online
at www.modelaircraft.org/mag. ®
Exciting Zeppelin-Staaken
XIV Test Flight
Catch the
Reruns!
For nearly six full
weeks, the nation’s
largest aeromodeling
event will unfold at the
International
Aeromodeling Center
at AMA
Headquarters in
Muncie, Indiana.
National records will be pressed, dreams
will be fulfilled, and stories will turn into legend—and all of it
will be recaptured in daily coverage that can be found only in
NatsNews.
Go to www.modelaircraft.org/events/nats/natsnews.aspx
for all of the Indoor FF and outdoor event reports, scores,
and hundreds of photos. ®
07sig3x.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 5/25/10 3:11 PM Page 91
12. Ivan Kristensen
13. Andre J. Bouchard
14. Kenneth G. Velez
15. James R. Kimbro
16. Michael S. Harrison
17. Mark P. Atwood
18. Bryan P. Hebert
19. Mark C. Hunt
20. Matthew Kimbro
21. Ronald S. Barr
22. Earl J. Haury
23. Joseph A. Szczur
24. Stephen H. Lelito
25. Anthony J. Frackowiak (Masters
National Champion)
26. Arch J. Stafford
27. George Asteris
28. David F. Snow
29. Brandon C. Landry
30. Stephen T. Byrd
31. Jerry Budd
32. Verne L. Koester
33. Krishlan J. Fitzsimmons
34. Michael J. Mueller
35. Brian W. Young
36. Brenner M. Sharp
37. John D. Fuqua
38. Rusty Fried
39. Steve A. Miller
40. Joseph M. Lachowski
41. Donald R. Ramsey
42. Dale S. Arnold
43. Robert G. Satalino
44. Marcio A. Jorge
45. Christopher J. Moon
46. Anthony T. Romano
47. Jonathan L. Carter
48. Gregory I. Grigsby
49. Jon A. Lowe
50. Joe A. Dunnaway
51. Frank Granelli
52. Eugene Villa
53. Lawrence W. Auer
54. Richard T. Wallace
55. Robert E. Kane
56. Ronald E. Van Putte
57. Gary R. Courtney (Advanced National
Champion)
58. Christopher D. Odom
59. Keven O’Connor
60. John O. Tarpinian
61. William B. Clemmons
62. George L. Miller
63. Ken Kaut
64. William F. Pritchett
65. Robert J. Condra
66. Michael Wingo
67. Kenneth M. Alexander
68. Richard W. Lewis
69. Joseph E. Zeigenfus
70. Carlos M. Barrera
71. Riley B. Kissenberth (Intermediate
National Champion)
72. David B. Lampron Jr.
73. Edwin M. Manson
74. Larry L. Kauffman
75. Dean Funk
76. Dean S. Lampron
77. James E. Rogers
78. Michael Greear
79. Victor A. Diaz
80. Brian T. Strachan
81. Mark T. Carey
82. Ronald C. Hansen
83. Bruce M. Ginn
84. Edward J. Valls
85. Houston D. Schweitzer
86. Mike R. Gaishin
87. Neil A. Hunt
88. Douglas F. Harvel
89. Charles Simmons
90. Donald M. Manson
91. Michael D. Yearley
92. Thomas L. Stennis MA
Sources:
Gardner Bender
(800) 624-4320
www.gardnerbender.com
Tower Hobbies
(800) 637-6050
www3.towerhobbies.com
Foam keepers:
Troy Built Models
(941) 342-8685
www.troybuiltmodels.com/items/SHIWKEE
PRED.html
National Society of Radio Controlled
Aerobatics
www.nsrca.org
92 MODEL AVIATION
Viewfinder
Launching a Rainbow
I’ve been a writer for quite sometime
(for RC Soaring Digest magazine) and get
to fly more places in the world, with more
people, more often than perhaps anyone
else on earth, and I can assure you, it’s
fun! I have progressed through the hobby,
starting, like most fliers of age 58ish, with
stick-and-tissue, CL—basically the
gamut.
You can see my power flying on the
Experimental Aircraft Association
museum’s RC video in Oshkosh,
Wisconsin, but I’ve been strictly a Soaring
guy for the last 15 years or so—mostly
competition Soaring, but I do my share of
slope and DS (dynamic soaring).
Soaring offers many unique
opportunities. Here I am launching a 112-
inch-span sailplane called the “Flying
Rainbow” by Dr. Walter Panknin.
Designed in the early ’90s, it’s a serious
thermal flying wing built awhile ago by
Lee Murray of Appleton, Wisconsin.
Great work with the magazine—more
Soaring articles, please! MA
—Gordy Stahl
[email protected]
E-mail your high-resolution
“Viewfinder” photo and a short note
telling the airplane or helicopter story to
[email protected].
07sig3x.QXD_00MSTRPG.QXD 5/25/10 3:11 PM Page 92