Electrics
Greg Gimlick, 100 Maple Glen Ln., Holly Springs, NC 27540; E-mail: [email protected]
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 days 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 temperatures 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.
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 sight 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.
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
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
