AMA’s roots are in competition. One of the reasons AMA was organized was to standardize, record, and facilitate competitions. With that in mind, I’d like to encourage all of you to take part in some competitive flying this season.
In the past few years, I started flying International Miniature Aerobatic Club (IMAC) events. Although I am still flying in Basic, I enjoy the precision flying and camaraderie these events foster. As a side benefit, it has definitely made me a better flier.
We have several IMAC and pattern events scheduled in District IX in 2014. There are four IMAC events in South Dakota and several in Colorado and Kansas. You can find the schedule on the IMAC website at www.mini-iac.com. You can join IMAC on the site, but you do not have to be an IMAC member to take part in these events. The diagrams and explanations of the maneuvers for the 2014 season are available to download as well so you can start practicing.
Similarly, if you want to be part of the resurgence in pattern competition, go to the National Society of Radio Controlled Aerobatics (NSRCA) website at http://nsrca.us to find all the same information.
I hope to see you at one of these events this year.
Tom Neff, associate vice president (AVP) from Colorado, sent this report on the District IX Fun-Fly held in the fall of 2013.
“The District IX Fun-Fly was again hosted by the Arvada Associated Modelers. Typical of fall in Colorado, the day was cold and windy—gusting to 30 knots at times. The four traditional events that have been flown in years past were presented again this year: the limbo contest, the takeoff/ loop/roll/land, fast pass/slow pass, and spot landing.
“These events were flown as fun events and not as competitive aircraft killers. And you should have seen the fun—especially in the limbo contest. We chose these events to make flying them challenging but not overpowering.
“The turnout for this fun-fly has not been the best over the years and this year was no exception. At this event six pilots competed, four from Arvada and two from Airpark Elite. Two other pilots from other clubs came, but decided not to fly. Judging and food preparation was graciously provide by Jim Manley and his assistant, and multiple others from Arvada that helped run a successful event. A huge thank-you goes out to them for their assistance and support.
“Trying to make the fun-fly a tradition, a traveling trophy was created to go to the club with the highest combined point total from its competing pilots. Every year, the trophy is returned by the winning club to go home with the new club that wins it. Airpark Elite ended up taking home the traveling trophy and continues to be the district’s fun-fly champions.
“This is a simple contest to set up and judge. If you think your club would like to host it next year and have a licensed CD, have him contact me at [email protected] for assistance.
