CONTROL LINE AEROBATICS
Frank McMillan, 12106 Gunter Grv., San Antonio TX 78231
Since the competition season will be in full force when you read this, I'm going to offer some random thoughts to put things in perspective.
I'm well aware of the demographics that say most of our modelers are sport fliers as opposed to full-blown competition fliers. I've seen the argument that modeling publications should focus on the needs and level of the sport flier.
I do agree that there should be a balance. I also strongly believe that competition improves technology. That improvement fuels the development of continually evolving products. As a wise person said of racing, "What wins on Sunday sells on Monday."
One day I was discussing an engine run with Bill Werwage. We were comparing that run and engine runs of the past. The power and characteristics were excellent, but I was fussing about "break." That's what led to putting the conversation in the context of years past. I'm certain that if it wasn't for the newer engines, I would not still be working at being a decent flier.
I remember the early days of Stunt when very few fliers could make an engine run, let alone have it perform well. These are really the golden days!
Along with the blessing of having power plants available that are spectacular in reliability and performance, there is the fact that many modern competition Stunt engines are produced in limited quantities. That translates into the "fact of life" that at times there will be a wait for delivery. I know this has created some negative comments, but my experience is that I wait along with everyone else for my turn to receive an engine.
In the past, there weren't many related items available to Control Line Stunt fliers. Those that were available often did not work well or were of poor quality. That is not the situation now; most of the products today really work well.
I frequently get requests for information about where to get this or that. The first point I generally make is that much of what would interest the specialized Stunt-flier market can be categorized as "cottage-industry" product. Many of our suppliers target a smaller market, and they advertise in the Special Interest Group (SIG) publications.
The Precision Aerobatics Model Pilots Association (PAMPA) is the Stunt SIG recognized by AMA, and it is responsible for the publication Stunt News, which is the source of information and product suppliers for Stunt. It is well worth the $25 annual membership fee to belong to PAMPA. Contact Shaeren Fancher at 158 Flying Cloud Isle, Foster City CA 94404; Tel.: (650) 345-0130.
For some time, we in the Stunt community have been discussing the Old-Time Stunt rules. An interesting point surfaced as a result of the background research into the evolution of the rules in the late 1940s and early 1950s by Warren Thrust.
The rule that addresses four-stroke engines originated in that time period and has remained essentially unchanged or unchallenged to this day. I'm referring to the 60% rule in displacement for four-stroke-type engines that allows a larger displacement than two-stroke type. (Fédération Aéronautique Internationale allows 15 cc vs. 10 cc.)
For many years, four-stroke development was much slower than that for two-stroke engines. However, most will recognize that significant gains have been made in four-stroke development, and the performance gap has been narrowed considerably. What remains as a point of concern is that the original rationale for the 60% displacement rule may no longer be valid in light of modern engine technology and performance. I believe it's time for the Stunt community and the sanctioning bodies to re-examine this rule and consider whether an update is appropriate to reflect current engine capabilities.
Another topic of frequent discussion is the use of fuel and the trends toward different blends and additives. Modern fuels and additives can provide improved performance and reliability, but they also require fliers to be aware of proper handling and engine break-in procedures.
As we move forward, the exchange of information through clubs, SIGs, and publications will continue to be vital in keeping the Control Line Stunt community informed and competitive.
Good luck to everyone this competition season, and remember that continued practice and attention to detail are what make the difference between a good flier and a great one.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
