F2D team trials
by Rich Lopez [email protected]
The F2D team trials, scheduled for July 13-15, have not yet happened as I write this column. Most of the pilots interested in this event are preparing for it, test flying, and trimming models that will travel to Muncie, Indiana.
Making certain that all engines are broken in and in top shape requires that each be run with various propellers and that they are not making “funny” noises. If a pilot has to take a commercial flight to the competition, then he or she needs to decide whether or not to ship models to AMA Headquarters or to transport them on the airliner. If shipping is the choice, then ample time must be allowed to test, trim, box, and ship.
Regulations dealing with fuel shipments and any item that may be considered hazardous, such as starting batteries, need to be considered. The Transportation Security Administration people at airports have nearly always opened up my model bag and suitcase with my tools and engines. I try to keep all tools and engines visible in clear, plastic Ziploc bags.
I use an old Glo-Bee fireplug starting battery system. This system can look suspicious on the baggage screening system, with a battery and wires. I take the fireplug apart and make certain that the battery terminals have rubber caps.
My screwdrivers and other tools are in one bag and clearly visible. It also does not hurt to add a copy of a modeling magazine, an entry form, a contest flyer, and a large print sheet of paper indicating that the suitcase or model bag is your property with all of your contact information and that your destination is the AMA in Muncie, Indiana. With all of those extra precautions, a reasonable TSA inspector can see that you are a legitimate, sporting competitor.
Be prepared to pay baggage fees, which will vary depending on the airline. The fees for shipping models can also vary depending on which service you use.
Plan well in advance for hotel rooms, airline tickets, and rental cars. I waited too long this year and found that the only accommodations available at this year’s Nats were in an adjacent town. If you drive to Muncie, you have much more flexibility in terms of what and how much equipment and clothing you take.
Team Trials Organization
Organizing and running the United States F2D team trials requires a tremendous amount of people power. This year, the Miniature Aircraft Combat Association (MACA) has provided a small amount of funding for the officials.
Lance Matassa of Chandler, Arizona, has been organizing F2D contests in Phoenix for many years and is running the team trials. Many former competitors will be donating time and energy to count cuts, pull test lines, check venturi and muffler clearances, post scores, serve as circle marshals, and do all of the other jobs nobody wants to do. It is important that we give something back to the hobby.
Mack Henry often traveled to world championships to act as the circle marshall. He earned the nicknames “McMarshall” and “Minute-to-the-Minute Mack.”
Chuck Rudner and I have volunteered to help with cut counting at previous world championships. Although you have the best seat in the house for every match, the hours are long and sometimes you have to endure sweltering heat or stand shivering in the rain. The competitors deserve to have competent officials who know how things should run.
Martyn Cowley
Those of you who have been around modeling for more than 30 or 40 years and read the British publication Aero Modeller might recognize the name Martyn Cowley as one of its former editors. I sent photos and articles to Martyn in the 1970s. One that you might remember is that of Howard Rush flying Combat in his clown suit.
Martyn moved to California several years ago and took a job with AeroVironment. He worked with Dr. Paul MacCready on a number of interesting projects including man-powered flight, solar-powered flight, and micro-flight vehicles.
Martyn always seemed to have time to do demonstration flights at the AMA Convention in California. He was very interested in Combat flying and occasionally joined us for our annual end-of-the-year 1/2A Combat bash. It pains me to let you know that Martyn passed away from a heart attack in May 2013. We have lost one of modeling’s most avid enthusiasts.
New Modelers
Those of us who live in Southern California are fortunate to have a dedicated site—the Whittier Narrows National Recreation Area—to practice our hobby/sport. Commuters can see models flying as they drive on the freeway. If they have some curiosity, and take the time to drive into the park, they can experience RC fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, CL Stunt, Sport, Combat, and even tether cars.
Many of these curious people had experiences with model flying in their youth. Some still have their equipment hanging somewhere in their garages or homes.
A little encouragement from the flying field regulars can entice them to try to bring their old models back to life. It always helps to let them know you can help out with a hot battery and a few ounces of fuel to get them in the air.
Chris Collins flew at one time and has now become a regular along with his son, Randy. Chris has been sharpening his flying skills and it looks as if he will be giving us a run for our money in the near future. His son seems like a natural and is willing to listen. He seems to observe everything.
It is important to keep new and returning fliers motivated, and one way to do it is to provide them with cheap, reliable equipment. I have donated to Chris and Randy some older, damaged models and parts that can be repaired.
I also found my old Charles Mackey-designed CL kites that I gave to Chris and Randy. Flying these kites translates directly into flying CL models.
Perhaps you also have old stuff that you can donate to new and returning modelers.
Northwest Regionals
The Northwest Regional competition has been one of the longest-running competitions in the US. This year it features Diesel Combat, High Performance 1/2A, 80 mph, and AMA Fast Combat. I want to return to this venue to renew friendships and have fun. There is a comprehensive report on the 2013 Northwest Regionals in Flying Lines. See the "Sources" section for the URL.
SOURCES:
Flying Lines www.flyinglines.org/nwregionals.13.html
Miniature Aircraft Combat Association www.maca.hobby-site.com:3535
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
