Leigh Valley RC Society (LVRCS) Pattern/Classic Pattern Contest: As some of you may know, I am an avid Pattern flier from way back. I watched Pattern evolve in the ’60s with the Kwick Fli and Kaos to the ’70s with retracts and tuned pipes to the ’80s with turnaround style using four-strokes to now with electric power becoming the norm.
I currently fly Masters Pattern with an electric-powered Wind S Pro, however I still like to get out my Don Lowe-designed Phoenix Pattern airplanes and fly the patterns I grew up with.
There never seems to be enough time to do both, however that all changed on the weekend of July 13-14, 2013, when I attended a Pattern contest that had both current and Classic Pattern contests. The event was hosted by the LVRCS in Easton, Pennsylvania. The LVRCS has held Pattern contests for many years going back to the ’70s which I attended.
I was excited that the club would have both current and Classic Pattern at the same event and CD Dale Hart was curious to see how the combined events would work out. Several fliers such as I brought both types of airplanes, while others entered either current or Classic Pattern.
Although we all had fun flying the current sequences in pattern, you should see the big smiles that appeared when the classics were flown with retracts and screaming piped 60s of yesteryear. What a blast from the past!
Judging from the flying and comments from everyone, I believe the LVRCS event was a big success. Look for more Classic Pattern events in the years to come. Now I need to practice. “The next maneuver is … on this heading starting NOW!”
New model flying air show requirements
Is your club going to fly model aircraft at full-scale airshows this year? I would like to make everyone aware of a new FAA-mandated airshow requirement for 2014. The FAA approached AMA with a request to provide guidelines for model aircraft operations at FAA-waivered events where both model aircraft and manned full-scale aircraft are scheduled to perform. In response to this request, the AMA Executive Council established a policy in July 2013. Following is a brief excerpt from document 600 available on the AMA website at www.modelaircraft.org/files/RequirementsforRCOperationatFullScaleAirshow....
“… all model aircraft flight operations at FAA waivered aviation events (airshows) must be overseen by an AMA Contest Director and conducted under an AMA issued Class D sanction. The Contest Director shall verify the competency of the pilots and the safe conduct of the flight operations.”
This is significant because it was previously suggested that a club sanction an air show, but now it is mandatory. Please look at this document if your club plans to perform at a full-scale airshow, which I think is a fantastic way to promote our hobby.
I hope when you read this, our rough winter is behind us and we will be flying in sunny skies in District III. Until next month, go fly and have fun!