Liz,
Here's the column. Do you think it could be formatted for my review by Friday. I'm leaving the country on Saturday and would like to review it if possible.
Thanks,
LT
The third annual Bear Mountain Pattern Bash is a wrap. CD, promoter, and jack-of-all-trades Chip Hyde put on a great show. Chip is a 13-time national champion, a two-time world champion, and three-time winner of the Tournament of Champions.
This contest brings people from many parts of the country and from many backgrounds. Mike Mueller from F3A Unlimited, Bobby Satalino from Chicago, Robert Green the National Society of Radio Controlled Aerobatics (NSRCA) District 5 vice president, Richard Verano the U.S. Distributor for YS Engines, and among many others including the usual suspects from the AMA District X Pattern community. This contest is spread across three days rather than two, allowing more time to visit with the travelers.
The contest differed significantly when it came to scoring. District X Associate Vice President Peter Vogel is a software designer with Intuit. Peter wanted to reduce the tedious, labor-intensive job of transcribing the judges’ scores for every maneuver into the scoring computer. At a contest such as this, that means more than 10,000 data entries.
Peter came up with a solution that combined iPod Touches, a wireless network, and Peter’s custom software. Each judge has an iPod and he or she enters the scores as the maneuvers are flown. At the end of the flight, they are transmitted to the scoring computer for tabulation. The system was a hit with the judges because they could keep their eyes on the airplane rather than looking down to record scores. Peter is continuing to refine the system and I think it will change the way scoring will be done across the country.
Saturday evening brought on some full-contact combat flying with Aerobeez Zagi flying wings. We enjoyed a catered dinner and the highlight was a magic show from District X Pattern flier Jamie Schoolcraft who produces high quality magic items for some of the biggest names in entertainment. Please enjoy my favorite pictures from the event.
Insert photos 2-6 as space allows
2 -
Chris Fitzsimmons brings his BJ Craft Biside in for a smooth landing.
3 -
Peter Vogel displays his scoring system.
4 -
Just like rush hour at O’Hare International Airport in Chicago, these Pattern airplanes are lining up for takeoff.
5-
Bakersfield CA native Gary Banducci has a beautiful Oxai Galatic equipped with a set of counter-rotating propellers.
6 -
2013 Nats Masters Champion Matt Stringer’s Axiome.
La Mariposa Elementary School in Camarillo CA held its Science Week from March 24-28, 2014. According to the Principal, Erica Williams, this year’s theme was “Air.” Natalie Swarts, a Science Week volunteer, asked the Camarillo Flying Circus (CFC) RC Club to display and fly RC models in order to introduce the kindergarten to fifth-grade students to the basic concepts of flight.
CFC members displayed various RC airplanes, helicopters, and boats, flew a small electric helicopter, and dropped candy from a quadcopter. The students asked many interesting questions and enjoyed the candy hunt, making this event a great success and good example of how an AMA club can get involved in its community.
1 -
CFC member Sean Mersh shows the La Mariposa students his UMX Beast 3D.
Until next month, may you have nothing but happy landings.
