December 2003 55
THE NATIONALS, or Nats, encompasses a variety of events as
pilots compete in AMA and National Electric Aircraft Council
(NEAC) categories. This format allows someone to gain competitive
experience without breaking the bank. By carefully selecting
airplanes and setups, pilots can compete in several classes with the
same airframe.
This year the winners worked for every point, and the close
scores showed how difficult it was to rise above the others. Each day
comprised an AMA event and an NEAC event. For those competing
in both, the day(s) proved to be very busy. The winners in each class
are listed elsewhere, so I’ll review the highlights of each day.
Rules Changes: There were a couple of rules changes this year that
helped make things even more interesting. In each of the AMA
Sailplane events and the NEAC’s 1⁄2A Sailplane competition, the
times could be extended from eight minutes to 12 minutes at the
contest director’s (CD’s) discretion. The decision was made each
day according to the conditions.
The other rules change allowed the NEAC Sport Sailplane fliers
to use more than seven cells for the first time; they could use as
many as 30.
Sunday 7/27: Sunday greeted the competitors with cooler temps this
year, but the wind was strong from beginning to end. The events of
the day were Class A Sailplane and NEAC 1⁄2A Sailplane.
The 1⁄2A airplanes are relatively small and are powered by seven
cells and a Speed 400 motor. After a 90-second motor run, the goal
is to finish with an eight-minute flight and a spot landing. Bob
Burson flew his Pulsar 2000 into the lead and never looked back.
Class A sailplanes are large, but they are limited to seven cells.
With the geared brushless motors and big propellers, they climb
unlike anything else on that number of cells. The afternoon was
shortened by severe thunderstorms, so Class A Sailplane had to be
completed Monday morning; at least that was the plan.
E l e c t r i c s
Greg Gimlick, 100 Maple Glen Ln., Holley Springs NC 27540; E-mail: [email protected]
Dave Harding’s Cub sports little-known Navy NE-1 markings. It’s a fine flier and qualifies for warbird events.
Paul Siegel and his Axi-powered Tucano, complete with retracts.
RADIO CONTROL
This year it became obvious that eight minutes wasn’t going to
be easy to attain, so the CD didn’t extend the time. Many
competitors use the same model for Class A and Class B Sailplane,
and they change the cell count and propeller.
Monday 7/28: The cold-front passage on Sunday brought clouds,
drizzle, and much cooler air for the second day of flying. The CD
decided to shorten the Class A Sailplane contest to the four rounds
flown on Sunday in hopes of having time to complete the scheduled
events once the weather cleared.
The big surprise turned out to be that in spite of the fact that
many high-tech composite airplanes were flown, the winning
sailplane flown by Ken Bates was a low-tech, all-wood Almost
Ready to Fly called the Aspire.
Sport Sailplane allows almost any model to be used as long as
it’s less than 100 inches and employs only rudder, elevator, and
spoilers. Even Old-Timers were used. Ken Bates and Paul Siegel
tied for the lead and went to a flyoff to determine the winner. Ken’s
trusty wood Aspire won the top prize again.
Class B Sailplane brought out many of the same models that
were flown the day before. The increase in cell count and different
propellers made it much different to watch. These airplanes scream
toward the sky, and most fliers cut the motor before the end of the
allotted run time because they were so high.
Paul Siegel led the pack flying his Ava, but first and third places
were only separated by four points.
Tuesday 7/29: The Class A Old Timer and NEAC 1⁄2A Texaco
events made up the third day of competition.
Most competitors tried to get their two 15-minute qualifying
flights in early for 1⁄2A Texaco. Powered by seven 600 mAh cells
and 380-type (Speed 400) ferrite motors, these models are
lightweight and prefer light wind conditions.
Once qualification flights were completed, the flyoff was
scheduled for 5 p.m. The final two contestants fought for every bit of
lift they could find, and the margin between Don Belfort and Paul
Siegel was narrow. In the end Paul took home the prize with a flight
of more than 40 minutes and put an exclamation point on the win by
doing a victory loop under power before landing.
Class A Old Timer consists of seven-cell setups powering models
designed in the 1930s and 1940s. The variety of designs and their
graceful appearances made a beautiful site as they were launched
into the clear, blue sky. Translucent covering resembling silkspan
and dope made the framework visible, displaying the competitors’
building talents.
Perennial favorite Bill Jenkins pulled off the win again this year.
Wednesday 7/30: The last day of competition started early with the
NEAC Pylon events. This year marked the addition of Quickie 05
Pylon, which has parameters that are too lengthy to go into here.
They specify size, dimensions, motor, propeller, and battery type.
For a first-year event, Quickie 05 Pylon proved interesting and
hopefully participation will grow.
1⁄2A Pylon Racing followed. The model of choice this year
seemed to be the Stinger, and it was clearly the fastest of the lot.
Although speed is not the winning factor in Pylon Racing, it sure
didn’t hurt. John Jennings came to win this year, and he did so in
both Pylon events by flying fast; but more important, he flew a
superb course.
After the Pylon events were finished, Class B Old Timer began
along with the Scale static judging. The Old Timers flew three
rounds, compared to five rounds in the other events, and once again
Bill Jenkins displayed his winning form; he won both Old Timer
events this year.
Scale entries have increased in number each year, and the effort
that these contestants put into their subjects is amazing. Last year’s
winning model was donated to the AMA museum by its builder,
Don Belfort. Don won again this year with a meticulous Miles &
Atwood Special.
Overall Champion: The NEAC gives this award to the competitor
who accumulates the most points in AMA and NEAC events. This
year’s Grand Champion was Paul Siegel, in his first attempt at the
Electric Nats events. Being a longtime Soaring competitor, he
brought a great deal of expertise and experience with him.
56 MODEL AVIATION
Perennial Pylon champ Kevin Matney rounds a pylon with his
own-design Vixen, which has servo failure in next turn.
Bob Burson won 1⁄2A Sailplane with his composite Pulsar 2000.
Don Belfort sends Starduster Special up for a flight in Texaco.
RADIO CONTROL
This was Ric Vaughn’s first year as NEAC
president and director of the Nats, but he ran
it like a seasoned veteran. Everyone is
greatly indebted to the wonderful volunteers
he brought along to run the administrative
tasks and keep the pilots in line. Rebecca
Vaughn, Cindy Collins, and Brenda
Richmond greeted every flier with a smile
and kept the scores up to date without error.
It was great to have such great ladies looking
after us.
The range of equipment used successfully
in these events is remarkable. There are
some high-tech designs and motor systems,
but there are some well-proven,
conventional systems doing well. Hacker
powered most of the high-power setups this
year.
You don’t have to break the bank to be
successful in the Nats, but you better
practice. The competition is tough, the
camaraderie is great, and the key is to
participate. If you want to try some
competition or see what it’s about, a trip to
the Nats is a must. I hope to see you there
next year. MA
December 2003 57
Ric Vaughn’s Flying Goose climbs skyward in the Texaco event.
Dave Harding’s Class A Old Timer model gets a launch. Dave finished seventh.
Class A Old Timer event top finishers (left to right) Ernie Schlumberger (fourth), Paul
Siegel (third), Ric Vaughn (second), and Bill Jenkins (first).
Paul Siegel flew his Quickie 05 airplane to
a third-place finish.
Don Belfort’s Scale-winning Miles &
Atwood Special.
RADIO CONTROL
58 MODEL AVIATION
Ernie Schlumberger launches Jim Beck’s Class A Sailplane
entry.
Ric Vaughn prepares to launch Mike McGowan’s Hacker 50 LMRpowered
Graphite in Class A Sailplane.
Grand Champion Paul Siegel aces another flight and landing with
his Hacker B50-powered Lanzo Bomber.
John Jennings rounds pylon with Quickie 05 entry to win event.
Winner Ken Bates (R) and second-place finisher Paul Siegel have
a laugh and a handshake after a tie-breaking flyoff in the Sport
Sailplane category.
Old Timer champ Bill Jenkins returns to the pits after flying a
Sailplane round.
RADIO CONTROL
Edition: Model Aviation - 2003/12
Page Numbers: 55,56,57,58
Edition: Model Aviation - 2003/12
Page Numbers: 55,56,57,58
December 2003 55
THE NATIONALS, or Nats, encompasses a variety of events as
pilots compete in AMA and National Electric Aircraft Council
(NEAC) categories. This format allows someone to gain competitive
experience without breaking the bank. By carefully selecting
airplanes and setups, pilots can compete in several classes with the
same airframe.
This year the winners worked for every point, and the close
scores showed how difficult it was to rise above the others. Each day
comprised an AMA event and an NEAC event. For those competing
in both, the day(s) proved to be very busy. The winners in each class
are listed elsewhere, so I’ll review the highlights of each day.
Rules Changes: There were a couple of rules changes this year that
helped make things even more interesting. In each of the AMA
Sailplane events and the NEAC’s 1⁄2A Sailplane competition, the
times could be extended from eight minutes to 12 minutes at the
contest director’s (CD’s) discretion. The decision was made each
day according to the conditions.
The other rules change allowed the NEAC Sport Sailplane fliers
to use more than seven cells for the first time; they could use as
many as 30.
Sunday 7/27: Sunday greeted the competitors with cooler temps this
year, but the wind was strong from beginning to end. The events of
the day were Class A Sailplane and NEAC 1⁄2A Sailplane.
The 1⁄2A airplanes are relatively small and are powered by seven
cells and a Speed 400 motor. After a 90-second motor run, the goal
is to finish with an eight-minute flight and a spot landing. Bob
Burson flew his Pulsar 2000 into the lead and never looked back.
Class A sailplanes are large, but they are limited to seven cells.
With the geared brushless motors and big propellers, they climb
unlike anything else on that number of cells. The afternoon was
shortened by severe thunderstorms, so Class A Sailplane had to be
completed Monday morning; at least that was the plan.
E l e c t r i c s
Greg Gimlick, 100 Maple Glen Ln., Holley Springs NC 27540; E-mail: [email protected]
Dave Harding’s Cub sports little-known Navy NE-1 markings. It’s a fine flier and qualifies for warbird events.
Paul Siegel and his Axi-powered Tucano, complete with retracts.
RADIO CONTROL
This year it became obvious that eight minutes wasn’t going to
be easy to attain, so the CD didn’t extend the time. Many
competitors use the same model for Class A and Class B Sailplane,
and they change the cell count and propeller.
Monday 7/28: The cold-front passage on Sunday brought clouds,
drizzle, and much cooler air for the second day of flying. The CD
decided to shorten the Class A Sailplane contest to the four rounds
flown on Sunday in hopes of having time to complete the scheduled
events once the weather cleared.
The big surprise turned out to be that in spite of the fact that
many high-tech composite airplanes were flown, the winning
sailplane flown by Ken Bates was a low-tech, all-wood Almost
Ready to Fly called the Aspire.
Sport Sailplane allows almost any model to be used as long as
it’s less than 100 inches and employs only rudder, elevator, and
spoilers. Even Old-Timers were used. Ken Bates and Paul Siegel
tied for the lead and went to a flyoff to determine the winner. Ken’s
trusty wood Aspire won the top prize again.
Class B Sailplane brought out many of the same models that
were flown the day before. The increase in cell count and different
propellers made it much different to watch. These airplanes scream
toward the sky, and most fliers cut the motor before the end of the
allotted run time because they were so high.
Paul Siegel led the pack flying his Ava, but first and third places
were only separated by four points.
Tuesday 7/29: The Class A Old Timer and NEAC 1⁄2A Texaco
events made up the third day of competition.
Most competitors tried to get their two 15-minute qualifying
flights in early for 1⁄2A Texaco. Powered by seven 600 mAh cells
and 380-type (Speed 400) ferrite motors, these models are
lightweight and prefer light wind conditions.
Once qualification flights were completed, the flyoff was
scheduled for 5 p.m. The final two contestants fought for every bit of
lift they could find, and the margin between Don Belfort and Paul
Siegel was narrow. In the end Paul took home the prize with a flight
of more than 40 minutes and put an exclamation point on the win by
doing a victory loop under power before landing.
Class A Old Timer consists of seven-cell setups powering models
designed in the 1930s and 1940s. The variety of designs and their
graceful appearances made a beautiful site as they were launched
into the clear, blue sky. Translucent covering resembling silkspan
and dope made the framework visible, displaying the competitors’
building talents.
Perennial favorite Bill Jenkins pulled off the win again this year.
Wednesday 7/30: The last day of competition started early with the
NEAC Pylon events. This year marked the addition of Quickie 05
Pylon, which has parameters that are too lengthy to go into here.
They specify size, dimensions, motor, propeller, and battery type.
For a first-year event, Quickie 05 Pylon proved interesting and
hopefully participation will grow.
1⁄2A Pylon Racing followed. The model of choice this year
seemed to be the Stinger, and it was clearly the fastest of the lot.
Although speed is not the winning factor in Pylon Racing, it sure
didn’t hurt. John Jennings came to win this year, and he did so in
both Pylon events by flying fast; but more important, he flew a
superb course.
After the Pylon events were finished, Class B Old Timer began
along with the Scale static judging. The Old Timers flew three
rounds, compared to five rounds in the other events, and once again
Bill Jenkins displayed his winning form; he won both Old Timer
events this year.
Scale entries have increased in number each year, and the effort
that these contestants put into their subjects is amazing. Last year’s
winning model was donated to the AMA museum by its builder,
Don Belfort. Don won again this year with a meticulous Miles &
Atwood Special.
Overall Champion: The NEAC gives this award to the competitor
who accumulates the most points in AMA and NEAC events. This
year’s Grand Champion was Paul Siegel, in his first attempt at the
Electric Nats events. Being a longtime Soaring competitor, he
brought a great deal of expertise and experience with him.
56 MODEL AVIATION
Perennial Pylon champ Kevin Matney rounds a pylon with his
own-design Vixen, which has servo failure in next turn.
Bob Burson won 1⁄2A Sailplane with his composite Pulsar 2000.
Don Belfort sends Starduster Special up for a flight in Texaco.
RADIO CONTROL
This was Ric Vaughn’s first year as NEAC
president and director of the Nats, but he ran
it like a seasoned veteran. Everyone is
greatly indebted to the wonderful volunteers
he brought along to run the administrative
tasks and keep the pilots in line. Rebecca
Vaughn, Cindy Collins, and Brenda
Richmond greeted every flier with a smile
and kept the scores up to date without error.
It was great to have such great ladies looking
after us.
The range of equipment used successfully
in these events is remarkable. There are
some high-tech designs and motor systems,
but there are some well-proven,
conventional systems doing well. Hacker
powered most of the high-power setups this
year.
You don’t have to break the bank to be
successful in the Nats, but you better
practice. The competition is tough, the
camaraderie is great, and the key is to
participate. If you want to try some
competition or see what it’s about, a trip to
the Nats is a must. I hope to see you there
next year. MA
December 2003 57
Ric Vaughn’s Flying Goose climbs skyward in the Texaco event.
Dave Harding’s Class A Old Timer model gets a launch. Dave finished seventh.
Class A Old Timer event top finishers (left to right) Ernie Schlumberger (fourth), Paul
Siegel (third), Ric Vaughn (second), and Bill Jenkins (first).
Paul Siegel flew his Quickie 05 airplane to
a third-place finish.
Don Belfort’s Scale-winning Miles &
Atwood Special.
RADIO CONTROL
58 MODEL AVIATION
Ernie Schlumberger launches Jim Beck’s Class A Sailplane
entry.
Ric Vaughn prepares to launch Mike McGowan’s Hacker 50 LMRpowered
Graphite in Class A Sailplane.
Grand Champion Paul Siegel aces another flight and landing with
his Hacker B50-powered Lanzo Bomber.
John Jennings rounds pylon with Quickie 05 entry to win event.
Winner Ken Bates (R) and second-place finisher Paul Siegel have
a laugh and a handshake after a tie-breaking flyoff in the Sport
Sailplane category.
Old Timer champ Bill Jenkins returns to the pits after flying a
Sailplane round.
RADIO CONTROL
Edition: Model Aviation - 2003/12
Page Numbers: 55,56,57,58
December 2003 55
THE NATIONALS, or Nats, encompasses a variety of events as
pilots compete in AMA and National Electric Aircraft Council
(NEAC) categories. This format allows someone to gain competitive
experience without breaking the bank. By carefully selecting
airplanes and setups, pilots can compete in several classes with the
same airframe.
This year the winners worked for every point, and the close
scores showed how difficult it was to rise above the others. Each day
comprised an AMA event and an NEAC event. For those competing
in both, the day(s) proved to be very busy. The winners in each class
are listed elsewhere, so I’ll review the highlights of each day.
Rules Changes: There were a couple of rules changes this year that
helped make things even more interesting. In each of the AMA
Sailplane events and the NEAC’s 1⁄2A Sailplane competition, the
times could be extended from eight minutes to 12 minutes at the
contest director’s (CD’s) discretion. The decision was made each
day according to the conditions.
The other rules change allowed the NEAC Sport Sailplane fliers
to use more than seven cells for the first time; they could use as
many as 30.
Sunday 7/27: Sunday greeted the competitors with cooler temps this
year, but the wind was strong from beginning to end. The events of
the day were Class A Sailplane and NEAC 1⁄2A Sailplane.
The 1⁄2A airplanes are relatively small and are powered by seven
cells and a Speed 400 motor. After a 90-second motor run, the goal
is to finish with an eight-minute flight and a spot landing. Bob
Burson flew his Pulsar 2000 into the lead and never looked back.
Class A sailplanes are large, but they are limited to seven cells.
With the geared brushless motors and big propellers, they climb
unlike anything else on that number of cells. The afternoon was
shortened by severe thunderstorms, so Class A Sailplane had to be
completed Monday morning; at least that was the plan.
E l e c t r i c s
Greg Gimlick, 100 Maple Glen Ln., Holley Springs NC 27540; E-mail: [email protected]
Dave Harding’s Cub sports little-known Navy NE-1 markings. It’s a fine flier and qualifies for warbird events.
Paul Siegel and his Axi-powered Tucano, complete with retracts.
RADIO CONTROL
This year it became obvious that eight minutes wasn’t going to
be easy to attain, so the CD didn’t extend the time. Many
competitors use the same model for Class A and Class B Sailplane,
and they change the cell count and propeller.
Monday 7/28: The cold-front passage on Sunday brought clouds,
drizzle, and much cooler air for the second day of flying. The CD
decided to shorten the Class A Sailplane contest to the four rounds
flown on Sunday in hopes of having time to complete the scheduled
events once the weather cleared.
The big surprise turned out to be that in spite of the fact that
many high-tech composite airplanes were flown, the winning
sailplane flown by Ken Bates was a low-tech, all-wood Almost
Ready to Fly called the Aspire.
Sport Sailplane allows almost any model to be used as long as
it’s less than 100 inches and employs only rudder, elevator, and
spoilers. Even Old-Timers were used. Ken Bates and Paul Siegel
tied for the lead and went to a flyoff to determine the winner. Ken’s
trusty wood Aspire won the top prize again.
Class B Sailplane brought out many of the same models that
were flown the day before. The increase in cell count and different
propellers made it much different to watch. These airplanes scream
toward the sky, and most fliers cut the motor before the end of the
allotted run time because they were so high.
Paul Siegel led the pack flying his Ava, but first and third places
were only separated by four points.
Tuesday 7/29: The Class A Old Timer and NEAC 1⁄2A Texaco
events made up the third day of competition.
Most competitors tried to get their two 15-minute qualifying
flights in early for 1⁄2A Texaco. Powered by seven 600 mAh cells
and 380-type (Speed 400) ferrite motors, these models are
lightweight and prefer light wind conditions.
Once qualification flights were completed, the flyoff was
scheduled for 5 p.m. The final two contestants fought for every bit of
lift they could find, and the margin between Don Belfort and Paul
Siegel was narrow. In the end Paul took home the prize with a flight
of more than 40 minutes and put an exclamation point on the win by
doing a victory loop under power before landing.
Class A Old Timer consists of seven-cell setups powering models
designed in the 1930s and 1940s. The variety of designs and their
graceful appearances made a beautiful site as they were launched
into the clear, blue sky. Translucent covering resembling silkspan
and dope made the framework visible, displaying the competitors’
building talents.
Perennial favorite Bill Jenkins pulled off the win again this year.
Wednesday 7/30: The last day of competition started early with the
NEAC Pylon events. This year marked the addition of Quickie 05
Pylon, which has parameters that are too lengthy to go into here.
They specify size, dimensions, motor, propeller, and battery type.
For a first-year event, Quickie 05 Pylon proved interesting and
hopefully participation will grow.
1⁄2A Pylon Racing followed. The model of choice this year
seemed to be the Stinger, and it was clearly the fastest of the lot.
Although speed is not the winning factor in Pylon Racing, it sure
didn’t hurt. John Jennings came to win this year, and he did so in
both Pylon events by flying fast; but more important, he flew a
superb course.
After the Pylon events were finished, Class B Old Timer began
along with the Scale static judging. The Old Timers flew three
rounds, compared to five rounds in the other events, and once again
Bill Jenkins displayed his winning form; he won both Old Timer
events this year.
Scale entries have increased in number each year, and the effort
that these contestants put into their subjects is amazing. Last year’s
winning model was donated to the AMA museum by its builder,
Don Belfort. Don won again this year with a meticulous Miles &
Atwood Special.
Overall Champion: The NEAC gives this award to the competitor
who accumulates the most points in AMA and NEAC events. This
year’s Grand Champion was Paul Siegel, in his first attempt at the
Electric Nats events. Being a longtime Soaring competitor, he
brought a great deal of expertise and experience with him.
56 MODEL AVIATION
Perennial Pylon champ Kevin Matney rounds a pylon with his
own-design Vixen, which has servo failure in next turn.
Bob Burson won 1⁄2A Sailplane with his composite Pulsar 2000.
Don Belfort sends Starduster Special up for a flight in Texaco.
RADIO CONTROL
This was Ric Vaughn’s first year as NEAC
president and director of the Nats, but he ran
it like a seasoned veteran. Everyone is
greatly indebted to the wonderful volunteers
he brought along to run the administrative
tasks and keep the pilots in line. Rebecca
Vaughn, Cindy Collins, and Brenda
Richmond greeted every flier with a smile
and kept the scores up to date without error.
It was great to have such great ladies looking
after us.
The range of equipment used successfully
in these events is remarkable. There are
some high-tech designs and motor systems,
but there are some well-proven,
conventional systems doing well. Hacker
powered most of the high-power setups this
year.
You don’t have to break the bank to be
successful in the Nats, but you better
practice. The competition is tough, the
camaraderie is great, and the key is to
participate. If you want to try some
competition or see what it’s about, a trip to
the Nats is a must. I hope to see you there
next year. MA
December 2003 57
Ric Vaughn’s Flying Goose climbs skyward in the Texaco event.
Dave Harding’s Class A Old Timer model gets a launch. Dave finished seventh.
Class A Old Timer event top finishers (left to right) Ernie Schlumberger (fourth), Paul
Siegel (third), Ric Vaughn (second), and Bill Jenkins (first).
Paul Siegel flew his Quickie 05 airplane to
a third-place finish.
Don Belfort’s Scale-winning Miles &
Atwood Special.
RADIO CONTROL
58 MODEL AVIATION
Ernie Schlumberger launches Jim Beck’s Class A Sailplane
entry.
Ric Vaughn prepares to launch Mike McGowan’s Hacker 50 LMRpowered
Graphite in Class A Sailplane.
Grand Champion Paul Siegel aces another flight and landing with
his Hacker B50-powered Lanzo Bomber.
John Jennings rounds pylon with Quickie 05 entry to win event.
Winner Ken Bates (R) and second-place finisher Paul Siegel have
a laugh and a handshake after a tie-breaking flyoff in the Sport
Sailplane category.
Old Timer champ Bill Jenkins returns to the pits after flying a
Sailplane round.
RADIO CONTROL
Edition: Model Aviation - 2003/12
Page Numbers: 55,56,57,58
December 2003 55
THE NATIONALS, or Nats, encompasses a variety of events as
pilots compete in AMA and National Electric Aircraft Council
(NEAC) categories. This format allows someone to gain competitive
experience without breaking the bank. By carefully selecting
airplanes and setups, pilots can compete in several classes with the
same airframe.
This year the winners worked for every point, and the close
scores showed how difficult it was to rise above the others. Each day
comprised an AMA event and an NEAC event. For those competing
in both, the day(s) proved to be very busy. The winners in each class
are listed elsewhere, so I’ll review the highlights of each day.
Rules Changes: There were a couple of rules changes this year that
helped make things even more interesting. In each of the AMA
Sailplane events and the NEAC’s 1⁄2A Sailplane competition, the
times could be extended from eight minutes to 12 minutes at the
contest director’s (CD’s) discretion. The decision was made each
day according to the conditions.
The other rules change allowed the NEAC Sport Sailplane fliers
to use more than seven cells for the first time; they could use as
many as 30.
Sunday 7/27: Sunday greeted the competitors with cooler temps this
year, but the wind was strong from beginning to end. The events of
the day were Class A Sailplane and NEAC 1⁄2A Sailplane.
The 1⁄2A airplanes are relatively small and are powered by seven
cells and a Speed 400 motor. After a 90-second motor run, the goal
is to finish with an eight-minute flight and a spot landing. Bob
Burson flew his Pulsar 2000 into the lead and never looked back.
Class A sailplanes are large, but they are limited to seven cells.
With the geared brushless motors and big propellers, they climb
unlike anything else on that number of cells. The afternoon was
shortened by severe thunderstorms, so Class A Sailplane had to be
completed Monday morning; at least that was the plan.
E l e c t r i c s
Greg Gimlick, 100 Maple Glen Ln., Holley Springs NC 27540; E-mail: [email protected]
Dave Harding’s Cub sports little-known Navy NE-1 markings. It’s a fine flier and qualifies for warbird events.
Paul Siegel and his Axi-powered Tucano, complete with retracts.
RADIO CONTROL
This year it became obvious that eight minutes wasn’t going to
be easy to attain, so the CD didn’t extend the time. Many
competitors use the same model for Class A and Class B Sailplane,
and they change the cell count and propeller.
Monday 7/28: The cold-front passage on Sunday brought clouds,
drizzle, and much cooler air for the second day of flying. The CD
decided to shorten the Class A Sailplane contest to the four rounds
flown on Sunday in hopes of having time to complete the scheduled
events once the weather cleared.
The big surprise turned out to be that in spite of the fact that
many high-tech composite airplanes were flown, the winning
sailplane flown by Ken Bates was a low-tech, all-wood Almost
Ready to Fly called the Aspire.
Sport Sailplane allows almost any model to be used as long as
it’s less than 100 inches and employs only rudder, elevator, and
spoilers. Even Old-Timers were used. Ken Bates and Paul Siegel
tied for the lead and went to a flyoff to determine the winner. Ken’s
trusty wood Aspire won the top prize again.
Class B Sailplane brought out many of the same models that
were flown the day before. The increase in cell count and different
propellers made it much different to watch. These airplanes scream
toward the sky, and most fliers cut the motor before the end of the
allotted run time because they were so high.
Paul Siegel led the pack flying his Ava, but first and third places
were only separated by four points.
Tuesday 7/29: The Class A Old Timer and NEAC 1⁄2A Texaco
events made up the third day of competition.
Most competitors tried to get their two 15-minute qualifying
flights in early for 1⁄2A Texaco. Powered by seven 600 mAh cells
and 380-type (Speed 400) ferrite motors, these models are
lightweight and prefer light wind conditions.
Once qualification flights were completed, the flyoff was
scheduled for 5 p.m. The final two contestants fought for every bit of
lift they could find, and the margin between Don Belfort and Paul
Siegel was narrow. In the end Paul took home the prize with a flight
of more than 40 minutes and put an exclamation point on the win by
doing a victory loop under power before landing.
Class A Old Timer consists of seven-cell setups powering models
designed in the 1930s and 1940s. The variety of designs and their
graceful appearances made a beautiful site as they were launched
into the clear, blue sky. Translucent covering resembling silkspan
and dope made the framework visible, displaying the competitors’
building talents.
Perennial favorite Bill Jenkins pulled off the win again this year.
Wednesday 7/30: The last day of competition started early with the
NEAC Pylon events. This year marked the addition of Quickie 05
Pylon, which has parameters that are too lengthy to go into here.
They specify size, dimensions, motor, propeller, and battery type.
For a first-year event, Quickie 05 Pylon proved interesting and
hopefully participation will grow.
1⁄2A Pylon Racing followed. The model of choice this year
seemed to be the Stinger, and it was clearly the fastest of the lot.
Although speed is not the winning factor in Pylon Racing, it sure
didn’t hurt. John Jennings came to win this year, and he did so in
both Pylon events by flying fast; but more important, he flew a
superb course.
After the Pylon events were finished, Class B Old Timer began
along with the Scale static judging. The Old Timers flew three
rounds, compared to five rounds in the other events, and once again
Bill Jenkins displayed his winning form; he won both Old Timer
events this year.
Scale entries have increased in number each year, and the effort
that these contestants put into their subjects is amazing. Last year’s
winning model was donated to the AMA museum by its builder,
Don Belfort. Don won again this year with a meticulous Miles &
Atwood Special.
Overall Champion: The NEAC gives this award to the competitor
who accumulates the most points in AMA and NEAC events. This
year’s Grand Champion was Paul Siegel, in his first attempt at the
Electric Nats events. Being a longtime Soaring competitor, he
brought a great deal of expertise and experience with him.
56 MODEL AVIATION
Perennial Pylon champ Kevin Matney rounds a pylon with his
own-design Vixen, which has servo failure in next turn.
Bob Burson won 1⁄2A Sailplane with his composite Pulsar 2000.
Don Belfort sends Starduster Special up for a flight in Texaco.
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This was Ric Vaughn’s first year as NEAC
president and director of the Nats, but he ran
it like a seasoned veteran. Everyone is
greatly indebted to the wonderful volunteers
he brought along to run the administrative
tasks and keep the pilots in line. Rebecca
Vaughn, Cindy Collins, and Brenda
Richmond greeted every flier with a smile
and kept the scores up to date without error.
It was great to have such great ladies looking
after us.
The range of equipment used successfully
in these events is remarkable. There are
some high-tech designs and motor systems,
but there are some well-proven,
conventional systems doing well. Hacker
powered most of the high-power setups this
year.
You don’t have to break the bank to be
successful in the Nats, but you better
practice. The competition is tough, the
camaraderie is great, and the key is to
participate. If you want to try some
competition or see what it’s about, a trip to
the Nats is a must. I hope to see you there
next year. MA
December 2003 57
Ric Vaughn’s Flying Goose climbs skyward in the Texaco event.
Dave Harding’s Class A Old Timer model gets a launch. Dave finished seventh.
Class A Old Timer event top finishers (left to right) Ernie Schlumberger (fourth), Paul
Siegel (third), Ric Vaughn (second), and Bill Jenkins (first).
Paul Siegel flew his Quickie 05 airplane to
a third-place finish.
Don Belfort’s Scale-winning Miles &
Atwood Special.
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58 MODEL AVIATION
Ernie Schlumberger launches Jim Beck’s Class A Sailplane
entry.
Ric Vaughn prepares to launch Mike McGowan’s Hacker 50 LMRpowered
Graphite in Class A Sailplane.
Grand Champion Paul Siegel aces another flight and landing with
his Hacker B50-powered Lanzo Bomber.
John Jennings rounds pylon with Quickie 05 entry to win event.
Winner Ken Bates (R) and second-place finisher Paul Siegel have
a laugh and a handshake after a tie-breaking flyoff in the Sport
Sailplane category.
Old Timer champ Bill Jenkins returns to the pits after flying a
Sailplane round.
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