Author: Rich Lopez
Edition: Model Aviation - 2013/07
Page Numbers: 121,122,123
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March Madness, shutoff devices, and physical fitness

by Rich Lopez [email protected]

March Madness (Phoenix, weekend of March 15)

This year’s March Madness contest kicked off the weekend of March 15 in Phoenix. Its main organizer was Lance Matassa, who received great help from Jeff Hanauer, Leonard Rennick, Sergio Garza, and several other Central Arizona Control Line Club members.

At one time, 1/2A High Performance Combat was held on Friday, followed by F2D on Saturday and Sunday. In recent years the 1/2A event has given way to F2D/Fast. Judging by this year’s entries, pilots in North America must have been suffering from cabin fever: twenty pilots entered F2D/Fast on Friday and 25 entered F2D on Saturday and Sunday.

Notable attendees:

  • Mexican national team: Leonardo Silva and Arnulfo Delgado.
  • East Coast and Chicago: Bob Burch (Chicago), Andrey Nadein (Philadelphia), Alex Prokofiev (Latvian team member living on the East Coast).
  • Texas: Richard Stubblefield, Howard Williams, Allen Deveuve, Lester Haury, Andy and Bobby Mears.
  • Louisiana: James McKinney (MACA president), George Cleveland.
  • California: Don Jensen, Rich Lopez, Bill Maywald, Chuck Rudner, Russ Willcox.
  • Arizona: Jeff Hanauer, Kevin Hebestreit, Alex Rennick, Steve Stewart.
  • Kansas: Andy and Cary Minor.

F2D/Fast is an easy, fast-paced event. With the kill rule in place, there is no arguing about cuts and time scores: if your string gets cut, you lose; if you cut your opponent’s string, you win. Local rules require the pilot to start his or her own engine, so there is no need for a two-man pit crew in some situations.

The contest started midday and ran quickly. It was obvious some pilots had been doing plenty of winter flying. Bobby and Andy Mears were at the site on Thursday to test propellers and sort their models. Andy Mears won the contest; preparation paid off. Andy Minor finished second. I finished third after my opponent, Greg Hill, had a streamer-handling error and elected not to continue the bout. I’m still amazed to watch Richard Stubblefield fly at his age without glasses—he can still put a good kill on the best of them. George Cleveland, a multiple-time USA Combat team member, continues to show strong flying skills.

Shutoff devices

Several pilots tried new shutoff devices that provide on-demand engine shutdown. Alex Prokofiev is the brain behind the electronic devices and appears to have worked out many of the bugs. He uses the device to land his model when he is ahead on points and there is no realistic chance for his opponent to catch up without taking a cut.

Some consider this poor sportsmanship; however, until contest organizers classify it as a sportsmanship violation, this tactic will likely be used more as shutoff devices improve.

Yuvenko Models now offers a two-stage plastic shutoff device that appears to work well. I report this after observing Russ Willcox using them at my home field in Los Angeles. A couple worked right out of the package; others required some sorting. The magnetic devices I have mentioned previously require extensive testing to work well—you must be patient and methodical with testing and adjustments.

The new F2D rules from the FAI state that the circle marshal can ask pilots to land on demand after a match is deemed over. This rule was not applied in Phoenix and appears to be under discussion as to when and where it should be used. Stay tuned while this sorts out.

Results and equipment notes

Alex Prokofiev proved he was the best pilot that weekend—his tactics and flying skills were flawless. Lester Haury came out of a year-long hibernation to finish second; Lester makes laser-cut pit box kits and F2D model kits. Andy Minor finished third. Bill Maywald, who practices at random intervals, still gave a good account on contest days. Russ Willcox seems to have his "mojo" back and has posted five wins since coming out of Combat retirement.

Andrey Nadein used his AKM engines effectively to finish high in the standings. He makes high-quality mufflers for AKM and Fora engines and produces good replacement needle-valve assemblies for Fora engines.

Fitness and pitting

FAI rules have evolved, and some changes affect who ultimately wins. At one time, the pit men could have the engine running on the spare model and could run with it toward where the primary model had crashed or landed. This was deemed unsafe.

Current rules require that the mechanic attending the spare model must not move from that position. The other mechanic must run to the downed primary model, retrieve or drag it to the spare model, and then the pit men may start the engine and hand the spare to the pilot. Procedure details:

  • If the primary model has crashed and is inoperable: the running mechanic goes to it, removes the streamer, runs back to the spare model, attaches the remaining streamer, and prepares it for launch.
  • If the primary model is still operable: both mechanics must run back to its downed position, taking pit boxes with them, before preparing for flight.

Some of the rule change was likely intended to slow pit men down and make fitness more an element of the contest. In my opinion, any change that gives a large advantage to a young, fit team over an older, less fit team shifts Combat toward an athletic event rather than primarily a sport of skill.

Given the median age of our active Combat pilots, the mechanics' job can be stressful—especially if the model crashes on the opposite side of the circle from the original pitting area. I’ve never been an Olympic runner and become winded after half a lap around the circle. In Phoenix, the 90°-plus heat made the running portion even more exhausting. Options are to find young, fast mechanics, use old, tired "Louisiana racing mule" mechanics, or work on your own fitness. I have been doing a lot of bicycle riding to stay somewhat fit.

Anyone serious about F2D should make regular exercise a priority. I turned 65 and can still wiggle the handle, so I want to continue to fly and compete. I recommend consulting your doctor about an appropriate exercise program and which low-stress activities are best for you.

MACA Membership

James McKinney spoke at the March Madness pilots' meeting about maintaining MACA membership and using some of the treasury to help defray the cost of officials at the AMA Nats. Lance Matassa will travel to Muncie, Indiana, to run the team trials and will receive a small stipend from MACA.

Sources:

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.