FREE FLIGHT DURATION - 2003/12

126 MODEL AVIATION
D u r a t i o n
Louis Joyner, 6 Saturday Rd., Mount Pleasant SC 29464
FOR 22 JUNIORS the Free Flight
Nationals (Nats) started a day early. The
special Juniors-only contest was held the
Sunday before the official start of the Free
Flight Nats, which was held July 28-August
1. This seven-round contest, along with
performances at two America’s Cup
contests and at the Nats itself, would
determine the United States team members
to compete at the Junior World
Championships, which will be held next
summer in France.
With a team place in the balance, each
Junior gave it his or her all. Despite the
windy, turbulent weather, the young fliers
put in flight after flight. This often involved
repairs between, and sometimes during, the
rounds.
In F1A the wind made circle-towing
difficult, and most of the 11 fliers chose to
wait on the ground for signs of lift, then tow
up and off rather than risk circle-towing.
Most of the competitors used models with
carbon-fiber wing spars that could withstand
the high stresses of the tow. Many got good
height on the bunt, which was important in
the nonthermal conditions when a few extra
feet of height on launch could make the
difference between a max and a drop.
The top three finishers were Brian
Bauer, Tyler Secor, and Michael Avallone.
(Michael was on the Junior team in 2002.)
In F1B the wind took its toll on models.
Sarah Radziunas used four airplanes to put
in her seven flights. At one point she was
flying a model pieced together from parts of
three damaged aircraft. She ended up in
third place behind Taylor Gunder and Ryan
Jones, who were both on the 2002 team.
In Power the Juniors could fly the
familiar F1J models or the new F1P
airplanes. The F1P class was created to offer
a low-tech alternative to the F1J designs. In
F1P the maximum wingspan is 11⁄2 meters
(approximately 59 inches), and the
minimum wing area is 26 square decimeters
(roughly 402 square inches).
The idea is that the limited span will
allow conventional stick-and-tissue
construction, and the large wing area will
slow the climb. Unlike F1J models, which
often feature auto rudder, auto stabilizer,
and bunt functions, F1P models are limited
to one change in wing or tail incidence prior
to dethermalizing (DT).
Former Junior team member John
Lorbiecki finished in first place, reigning
Junior World Champion Austin Gunder was
second, and Jonathon Schelp placed third.
One interesting aspect of this contest was
that only Juniors and timers were allowed
Connie Perry placed second in Mulvihill,
just 12 seconds behind John Kamla.
Design is the Tube Steak by Jim O’Reilly;
Ronnie Thompson times.
Herb Kothe flew one of his 1955 Wakefields in Nostalgia Wakefield. Wing, tail are
original; fuselage is new. Used 1,200 turns on 28-strand rubber motor.
Attending his first Nats, Senior David
Gibson Cornell flew in several Rubber and
Glider events. Model is Tail-Firster P-30
from BMJR Model Products.
FREE FLIGHT
December 2003 127
Lone F1P flier Cody Secor used a Terry Thorkildsen Astrostar.
New F1P event is intended as low-tech alternative to F1J.
This log system developed by Philip Scheiman’s mother Aimee
Raymond tracks flight times and adjustments.
Intermittent rain had little effect on plastic-covered models such
as John Kamla’s Moffett. He finished eighth.
Bob Mattes won AB Classic Gas with own-design Nelson .21-
powered model. Classic Gas events don’t allow auto surfaces.
One of the 2003 Models of the Year—Li’l Al—is popular in F1A
Towline Glider. Junior Jonah Coste prepares his for flight.
FREE FLIGHT
on the flightline. Contest Director Chuck
Markos and event organizer Art Ellis kept
parents and other spectators well back, just
as they would be at the Junior World
Champs.
Since it was too windy for test flying, the
Junior contest drew a large number of Open
spectators. Thanks to the Juniors’ hard work,
the audience was treated to a good contest.
Now on to the Nats.
After Sunday’s wind, the gentler breezes
the rest of the week were a relief. The
intermittent rain on Monday helped cool
things down without stopping flying. High
temperatures were in the mid-80s most days;
nights were cool.
The only weather-related problem was
the early-morning fog that limited visibility
somewhat during the Dawn Unlimited event
Thursday and the F1J flyoff Friday morning.
News of approaching bad weather on Friday
encouraged most fliers to get their attempts
in early, but it stayed away until late in the
day.
With an average of 10 events each day
for five days, it’s impossible to see
everything that goes on during the Free
Flight Nats. However, following are a few
observations.
Mulvihill still draws one of the biggest
crowds. The Mulvihill Trophy, which dates
back to the days of the twin pusher, is one of
modeling’s most beautiful and most soughtafter
awards. The aircraft are relatively
simple Rubber models with big wings and
lots of rubber.
Recent rules changes require a twominute
max on the first flight, three minutes
on the second, and four on the third, then the
real contest begins. Flyoff flights increase
by a minute each time. With wind and
thermals, that usually puts you off the field.
Lone female Open contestant Connie
Perry had three flights into the corn, as did
many other contestants. She dropped 12
128 MODEL AVIATION
Lone female F1J flier Amanda Barr flew
modified Maverick with tubular fuselage,
designed by the late Tom Hutchinson.
Joe Clawson’s O.S. .61-powered Centaur provides plenty of shade. Modified Union Jack
wing construction adds extra strength to 1,000-plus-square-inch wing.
Jean Andrews readies his Triple Threat Nostalgia Wakefield. The Lee Renaud design
used the same wing and stabilizer for Wakefield, 1⁄2A Gas, and Payload.
NFFS digest editor Walt Rozelle processes Alexandra Proffitt’s F1G Coupe. He was one
of many volunteers who helped contest director Bob Perkins run the Nats.
FREE FLIGHT
December 2003 129
Sarah Radziunas gets Vivchar F1B off in Juniors-only FAI event.
Strong winds took a toll on models. She placed third.
NFFS regional vice president Bill Vanderbeek tunes the O&R .60
in his Herky. It flies in Ignition Nostalgia Gas.
Philip Scheiman winds F1B model in Junior FAI contest. Andriukov-Kulakovsky model
has delayed propeller release, auto stabilizer and rudder, wing wiggler.
seconds on her eight-minute round to place
second behind John Kamla, who finished
with a total of 2,100 seconds (35 minutes).
Connie wasn’t the only female who was
flying well. Junior flier Alexandra
Proffitt’s score of 702 seconds would have
placed her fifth in Open F1G Coupe
d’Hiver.
Juniors and Seniors did well in a number
of combined-age events. In F1A Towline
Glider, Senior Peter Barron finished
second behind Open flier Jim Parker. Ben
Coussens came in fourth—13 seconds
behind longtime Nats flier Robert Sifleet.
Seniors picked up seven of the top 20
places in the event. Junior winner Tyler
Secor’s score of 1,180 would have put him
in the Senior Open top 20.
In F1J, reigning Junior World
Champion Austin Gunder topped the four
Open fliers in the early-morning flyoff
with just more than six minutes. Jim
Haught was the high Open flier with 344
seconds in the flyoff.
In Mulvihill, Junior John Shailor’s total
time of 1,855 seconds would have given
him third place in Open. John teamed up
with fellow Junior Evan Simon and Evan’s
grandfather Paul Simon to win the team
Mulvihill title. The total for the three was
almost 82 minutes of air time, and
probably much more time in the corn.
(AMA and Fédération Aéronautique
Internationale [FAI] age classifications
differ. For AMA events, Juniors are
younger than 16 and Seniors are younger
than 21. In FAI events, Juniors are 18 and
younger; there is no Senior classification.)
For many, the Nats is a time to combine a
family vacation with competition.
Traditionally this has been a father-son
thing, but lately there seems to be more
female involvement, as fliers and
supporters.
In Junior F1H Towline Glider, Amanda
Watson and her sister Katelyn placed
second and third respectively behind Kyle
Jones, who maxed out. The girls’ brother
Jonathan Watson placed fifth.
There is often a skip in generations,
FREE FLIGHT
130 MODEL AVIATION
Rain didn’t slow Ronnie Thompson down; he won A Gas with a score of 3,581 seconds
(almost an hour of air time) flying 330-square-inch Charlie Caton Sunbird.
Steve Bruno checks air before firing up 1⁄2A Satellite 320 design
by late Bob Hunter. Power is Cyclone—popular in 1⁄2A and F1J.
Chuck Markos used a 20-year-old Manhattan Cabin Indoor model
in one-flight Dawn Unlimited. He finished second.
Trying F1B for first time at Nats, Glider
flier Andrew Barron made flyoff, tied Ed
Wiley for third place. Andrew won flyoff to
settle tie.
with a grandfather introducing a grandson
or granddaughter to Free Flight. Henry
Spence and his grandson Jonathon Schelp
flew Power events at the Nats while
Henry’s son (Jonathon’s dad) Steve
Spence was in Hungary representing the
United States at the World Championships.
However, sometimes the grandson or
granddaughter does the helping. In the
Dawn Unlimited event, 2-year-old Larson
Ringlien assisted his grandfather Warren
Ringlien in hooking up the propeller.
Meanwhile, Larson’s father Andy won the
event with a single-flight score of 440
seconds (well more than seven minutes).
Thanks in large part to the FAI Junior
team and to modeling programs such as
Art Ellis’s Wilbur & Orville Society,
there’s been a big increase in Juniors who
come from nonmodeling families. It’s
December 2003 133
Little Lightning
www.gcbmrc.com
Direct Sales Only.
PO Box 7967, PASADENA, TX 77508
ORDERS: 800-609-7951 • TECHLINE: 281-998-2529
Laser&machine cut parts
Foam CoreWing
Uses full size servos
Specifications:
Wingspan.........................46 in.
Wing Area ...............414 sq. in.
Engine .............19-.40 2 stroke
Required Radio................4 ch.
$8999
shipped in the lower 48.
Kit & Engine Combo
Add a Magnum .32 XL engine
for only...
$5999 Save $5.00!
Radio Control Airplane Kit
HandiBond CA Glue
2 oz., Thin – $4.50
2 oz., Thick – $4.50
Build as a Taildragger also! 8 oz. accelerator – $8.00
great to see the enthusiasm and support
that these nonmodeling parents bring to
Free Flight. They also provide a
different perspective on the
hobby/sport.
To many of them, the competition
and camaraderie of flying far outweigh
the hobby aspects of building. The
elimination of the Builder-of-the-Model
Rule in the FAI events has allowed
these Juniors to fly first-class
equipment.
This means that the construction
inaccuracies and structural weaknesses
inherent in beginning builders are not a
problem. It also allows Juniors from
nonmodeling families to compete on a
more even footing with Juniors who
may have experienced family support.
One nonmodeling parent is Aimee
Raymond, although her father Joel
Raymond is a longtime modeler. She is
involved in helping her 17-year-old son
Philip Scheiman, who flies F1B
Wakefield Rubber and F1G Coupe
d’Hiver. Both are involved with their
club; she edits the Oakland Cloud
Dusters newsletter while Philip serves
as treasurer.
An engineer by training, Aimee has
developed a detailed log system to
record each of Philip’s flights in
practice and competition. The exact
timing for each auto function on each
model is recorded, along with motor
turns and torque. More subjective flight
parameters such as launch, burst,
cruise, and glide are evaluated.
Adjustments are made precisely, in
one-quarter-turn increments. Combined
with the stability and rigidity of modern
carbon-fiber construction, this
recorded-keeping system allows them
to make a series of adjustments, try
MADISON COMPONENTS • 1-800-811-9135
1059 Valley Crest Drive, Birmingham, AL 35226
www.qualityrcproducts.com
•Made from
Anodized
Aluminum
•Receptacle
plug is fixed
•Mating plug can
only be plugged in
the correct way
•Cap seals out dirt,
fuel and grime
•Easy to assemble
and install
CHARGE RECEPTACLE
We’ve Put A New
Spin On Charging!
only
$10.95
Beep
Beep
Beep
Beep
Beep
Beep
Beep
Beep
WALSTON RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS
725 Cooper Lake Rd., S.E., Smyrna, GA 30082
770-434-4905 800-657-4672 Fax 770-431-0119
Visa • MC • AmEx • Disc
e-mail [email protected]
Call Now.
original settings if necessary.
The ability to quantify adjustments
and obtain repeatable results not only
speeds the learning process, but also helps
demystify the trimming of a model. When
you can put numbers to it, it is no longer
an art, but a science.
The kids often helped each other. In the
F1G flyoff Ben Thompson’s Coupe
experienced a front-end malfunction.
With only a 10-minute window to get the
flight off, he handed the model to a group
of Juniors and Seniors, including Lee
Wang, Philip Scheiman, and Sarah
Radziunas, to sort things out.
Meanwhile, Ben wound his backup
and launched. Seeing that the backup
airplane was not in good air,
approximately a dozen youngsters ran
underneath the model and waved T-shirts
in an effort to break loose a thermal.
Called flapping, this is often seen in
Europe.
The Nats is a time to renew old
friendships and make new ones. The
National Free Flight Society (NFFS)
banquet and the Texas Timers/NFFS
cookout provided time to relax after the
day’s flying.
The banquet also offered the
opportunity to thank outgoing NFFS
President Bob Stalick for seven years of
service. Thanks are also due to longtime
NFFS membership chairman and cookout
sponsor Hank Nystrom.
A Nats doesn’t happen by itself. Months
of preparation by the Nationals Planning
Committee, the NFFS, and AMA are
required. Contest Director Bob Perkins
led a crew of volunteer officials and event
directors who worked long hours to make
sure that each day’s events ran smoothly.
Thanks for all the hard work. MA

126 MODEL AVIATION
D u r a t i o n
Louis Joyner, 6 Saturday Rd., Mount Pleasant SC 29464
FOR 22 JUNIORS the Free Flight
Nationals (Nats) started a day early. The
special Juniors-only contest was held the
Sunday before the official start of the Free
Flight Nats, which was held July 28-August
1. This seven-round contest, along with
performances at two America’s Cup
contests and at the Nats itself, would
determine the United States team members
to compete at the Junior World
Championships, which will be held next
summer in France.
With a team place in the balance, each
Junior gave it his or her all. Despite the
windy, turbulent weather, the young fliers
put in flight after flight. This often involved
repairs between, and sometimes during, the
rounds.
In F1A the wind made circle-towing
difficult, and most of the 11 fliers chose to
wait on the ground for signs of lift, then tow
up and off rather than risk circle-towing.
Most of the competitors used models with
carbon-fiber wing spars that could withstand
the high stresses of the tow. Many got good
height on the bunt, which was important in
the nonthermal conditions when a few extra
feet of height on launch could make the
difference between a max and a drop.
The top three finishers were Brian
Bauer, Tyler Secor, and Michael Avallone.
(Michael was on the Junior team in 2002.)
In F1B the wind took its toll on models.
Sarah Radziunas used four airplanes to put
in her seven flights. At one point she was
flying a model pieced together from parts of
three damaged aircraft. She ended up in
third place behind Taylor Gunder and Ryan
Jones, who were both on the 2002 team.
In Power the Juniors could fly the
familiar F1J models or the new F1P
airplanes. The F1P class was created to offer
a low-tech alternative to the F1J designs. In
F1P the maximum wingspan is 11⁄2 meters
(approximately 59 inches), and the
minimum wing area is 26 square decimeters
(roughly 402 square inches).
The idea is that the limited span will
allow conventional stick-and-tissue
construction, and the large wing area will
slow the climb. Unlike F1J models, which
often feature auto rudder, auto stabilizer,
and bunt functions, F1P models are limited
to one change in wing or tail incidence prior
to dethermalizing (DT).
Former Junior team member John
Lorbiecki finished in first place, reigning
Junior World Champion Austin Gunder was
second, and Jonathon Schelp placed third.
One interesting aspect of this contest was
that only Juniors and timers were allowed
Connie Perry placed second in Mulvihill,
just 12 seconds behind John Kamla.
Design is the Tube Steak by Jim O’Reilly;
Ronnie Thompson times.
Herb Kothe flew one of his 1955 Wakefields in Nostalgia Wakefield. Wing, tail are
original; fuselage is new. Used 1,200 turns on 28-strand rubber motor.
Attending his first Nats, Senior David
Gibson Cornell flew in several Rubber and
Glider events. Model is Tail-Firster P-30
from BMJR Model Products.
FREE FLIGHT
December 2003 127
Lone F1P flier Cody Secor used a Terry Thorkildsen Astrostar.
New F1P event is intended as low-tech alternative to F1J.
This log system developed by Philip Scheiman’s mother Aimee
Raymond tracks flight times and adjustments.
Intermittent rain had little effect on plastic-covered models such
as John Kamla’s Moffett. He finished eighth.
Bob Mattes won AB Classic Gas with own-design Nelson .21-
powered model. Classic Gas events don’t allow auto surfaces.
One of the 2003 Models of the Year—Li’l Al—is popular in F1A
Towline Glider. Junior Jonah Coste prepares his for flight.
FREE FLIGHT
on the flightline. Contest Director Chuck
Markos and event organizer Art Ellis kept
parents and other spectators well back, just
as they would be at the Junior World
Champs.
Since it was too windy for test flying, the
Junior contest drew a large number of Open
spectators. Thanks to the Juniors’ hard work,
the audience was treated to a good contest.
Now on to the Nats.
After Sunday’s wind, the gentler breezes
the rest of the week were a relief. The
intermittent rain on Monday helped cool
things down without stopping flying. High
temperatures were in the mid-80s most days;
nights were cool.
The only weather-related problem was
the early-morning fog that limited visibility
somewhat during the Dawn Unlimited event
Thursday and the F1J flyoff Friday morning.
News of approaching bad weather on Friday
encouraged most fliers to get their attempts
in early, but it stayed away until late in the
day.
With an average of 10 events each day
for five days, it’s impossible to see
everything that goes on during the Free
Flight Nats. However, following are a few
observations.
Mulvihill still draws one of the biggest
crowds. The Mulvihill Trophy, which dates
back to the days of the twin pusher, is one of
modeling’s most beautiful and most soughtafter
awards. The aircraft are relatively
simple Rubber models with big wings and
lots of rubber.
Recent rules changes require a twominute
max on the first flight, three minutes
on the second, and four on the third, then the
real contest begins. Flyoff flights increase
by a minute each time. With wind and
thermals, that usually puts you off the field.
Lone female Open contestant Connie
Perry had three flights into the corn, as did
many other contestants. She dropped 12
128 MODEL AVIATION
Lone female F1J flier Amanda Barr flew
modified Maverick with tubular fuselage,
designed by the late Tom Hutchinson.
Joe Clawson’s O.S. .61-powered Centaur provides plenty of shade. Modified Union Jack
wing construction adds extra strength to 1,000-plus-square-inch wing.
Jean Andrews readies his Triple Threat Nostalgia Wakefield. The Lee Renaud design
used the same wing and stabilizer for Wakefield, 1⁄2A Gas, and Payload.
NFFS digest editor Walt Rozelle processes Alexandra Proffitt’s F1G Coupe. He was one
of many volunteers who helped contest director Bob Perkins run the Nats.
FREE FLIGHT
December 2003 129
Sarah Radziunas gets Vivchar F1B off in Juniors-only FAI event.
Strong winds took a toll on models. She placed third.
NFFS regional vice president Bill Vanderbeek tunes the O&R .60
in his Herky. It flies in Ignition Nostalgia Gas.
Philip Scheiman winds F1B model in Junior FAI contest. Andriukov-Kulakovsky model
has delayed propeller release, auto stabilizer and rudder, wing wiggler.
seconds on her eight-minute round to place
second behind John Kamla, who finished
with a total of 2,100 seconds (35 minutes).
Connie wasn’t the only female who was
flying well. Junior flier Alexandra
Proffitt’s score of 702 seconds would have
placed her fifth in Open F1G Coupe
d’Hiver.
Juniors and Seniors did well in a number
of combined-age events. In F1A Towline
Glider, Senior Peter Barron finished
second behind Open flier Jim Parker. Ben
Coussens came in fourth—13 seconds
behind longtime Nats flier Robert Sifleet.
Seniors picked up seven of the top 20
places in the event. Junior winner Tyler
Secor’s score of 1,180 would have put him
in the Senior Open top 20.
In F1J, reigning Junior World
Champion Austin Gunder topped the four
Open fliers in the early-morning flyoff
with just more than six minutes. Jim
Haught was the high Open flier with 344
seconds in the flyoff.
In Mulvihill, Junior John Shailor’s total
time of 1,855 seconds would have given
him third place in Open. John teamed up
with fellow Junior Evan Simon and Evan’s
grandfather Paul Simon to win the team
Mulvihill title. The total for the three was
almost 82 minutes of air time, and
probably much more time in the corn.
(AMA and Fédération Aéronautique
Internationale [FAI] age classifications
differ. For AMA events, Juniors are
younger than 16 and Seniors are younger
than 21. In FAI events, Juniors are 18 and
younger; there is no Senior classification.)
For many, the Nats is a time to combine a
family vacation with competition.
Traditionally this has been a father-son
thing, but lately there seems to be more
female involvement, as fliers and
supporters.
In Junior F1H Towline Glider, Amanda
Watson and her sister Katelyn placed
second and third respectively behind Kyle
Jones, who maxed out. The girls’ brother
Jonathan Watson placed fifth.
There is often a skip in generations,
FREE FLIGHT
130 MODEL AVIATION
Rain didn’t slow Ronnie Thompson down; he won A Gas with a score of 3,581 seconds
(almost an hour of air time) flying 330-square-inch Charlie Caton Sunbird.
Steve Bruno checks air before firing up 1⁄2A Satellite 320 design
by late Bob Hunter. Power is Cyclone—popular in 1⁄2A and F1J.
Chuck Markos used a 20-year-old Manhattan Cabin Indoor model
in one-flight Dawn Unlimited. He finished second.
Trying F1B for first time at Nats, Glider
flier Andrew Barron made flyoff, tied Ed
Wiley for third place. Andrew won flyoff to
settle tie.
with a grandfather introducing a grandson
or granddaughter to Free Flight. Henry
Spence and his grandson Jonathon Schelp
flew Power events at the Nats while
Henry’s son (Jonathon’s dad) Steve
Spence was in Hungary representing the
United States at the World Championships.
However, sometimes the grandson or
granddaughter does the helping. In the
Dawn Unlimited event, 2-year-old Larson
Ringlien assisted his grandfather Warren
Ringlien in hooking up the propeller.
Meanwhile, Larson’s father Andy won the
event with a single-flight score of 440
seconds (well more than seven minutes).
Thanks in large part to the FAI Junior
team and to modeling programs such as
Art Ellis’s Wilbur & Orville Society,
there’s been a big increase in Juniors who
come from nonmodeling families. It’s
December 2003 133
Little Lightning
www.gcbmrc.com
Direct Sales Only.
PO Box 7967, PASADENA, TX 77508
ORDERS: 800-609-7951 • TECHLINE: 281-998-2529
Laser&machine cut parts
Foam CoreWing
Uses full size servos
Specifications:
Wingspan.........................46 in.
Wing Area ...............414 sq. in.
Engine .............19-.40 2 stroke
Required Radio................4 ch.
$8999
shipped in the lower 48.
Kit & Engine Combo
Add a Magnum .32 XL engine
for only...
$5999 Save $5.00!
Radio Control Airplane Kit
HandiBond CA Glue
2 oz., Thin – $4.50
2 oz., Thick – $4.50
Build as a Taildragger also! 8 oz. accelerator – $8.00
great to see the enthusiasm and support
that these nonmodeling parents bring to
Free Flight. They also provide a
different perspective on the
hobby/sport.
To many of them, the competition
and camaraderie of flying far outweigh
the hobby aspects of building. The
elimination of the Builder-of-the-Model
Rule in the FAI events has allowed
these Juniors to fly first-class
equipment.
This means that the construction
inaccuracies and structural weaknesses
inherent in beginning builders are not a
problem. It also allows Juniors from
nonmodeling families to compete on a
more even footing with Juniors who
may have experienced family support.
One nonmodeling parent is Aimee
Raymond, although her father Joel
Raymond is a longtime modeler. She is
involved in helping her 17-year-old son
Philip Scheiman, who flies F1B
Wakefield Rubber and F1G Coupe
d’Hiver. Both are involved with their
club; she edits the Oakland Cloud
Dusters newsletter while Philip serves
as treasurer.
An engineer by training, Aimee has
developed a detailed log system to
record each of Philip’s flights in
practice and competition. The exact
timing for each auto function on each
model is recorded, along with motor
turns and torque. More subjective flight
parameters such as launch, burst,
cruise, and glide are evaluated.
Adjustments are made precisely, in
one-quarter-turn increments. Combined
with the stability and rigidity of modern
carbon-fiber construction, this
recorded-keeping system allows them
to make a series of adjustments, try
MADISON COMPONENTS • 1-800-811-9135
1059 Valley Crest Drive, Birmingham, AL 35226
www.qualityrcproducts.com
•Made from
Anodized
Aluminum
•Receptacle
plug is fixed
•Mating plug can
only be plugged in
the correct way
•Cap seals out dirt,
fuel and grime
•Easy to assemble
and install
CHARGE RECEPTACLE
We’ve Put A New
Spin On Charging!
only
$10.95
Beep
Beep
Beep
Beep
Beep
Beep
Beep
Beep
WALSTON RETRIEVAL SYSTEMS
725 Cooper Lake Rd., S.E., Smyrna, GA 30082
770-434-4905 800-657-4672 Fax 770-431-0119
Visa • MC • AmEx • Disc
e-mail [email protected]
Call Now.
original settings if necessary.
The ability to quantify adjustments
and obtain repeatable results not only
speeds the learning process, but also helps
demystify the trimming of a model. When
you can put numbers to it, it is no longer
an art, but a science.
The kids often helped each other. In the
F1G flyoff Ben Thompson’s Coupe
experienced a front-end malfunction.
With only a 10-minute window to get the
flight off, he handed the model to a group
of Juniors and Seniors, including Lee
Wang, Philip Scheiman, and Sarah
Radziunas, to sort things out.
Meanwhile, Ben wound his backup
and launched. Seeing that the backup
airplane was not in good air,
approximately a dozen youngsters ran
underneath the model and waved T-shirts
in an effort to break loose a thermal.
Called flapping, this is often seen in
Europe.
The Nats is a time to renew old
friendships and make new ones. The
National Free Flight Society (NFFS)
banquet and the Texas Timers/NFFS
cookout provided time to relax after the
day’s flying.
The banquet also offered the
opportunity to thank outgoing NFFS
President Bob Stalick for seven years of
service. Thanks are also due to longtime
NFFS membership chairman and cookout
sponsor Hank Nystrom.
A Nats doesn’t happen by itself. Months
of preparation by the Nationals Planning
Committee, the NFFS, and AMA are
required. Contest Director Bob Perkins
led a crew of volunteer officials and event
directors who worked long hours to make
sure that each day’s events ran smoothly.
Thanks for all the hard work. MA

126 MODEL AVIATION
D u r a t i o n
Louis Joyner, 6 Saturday Rd., Mount Pleasant SC 29464
FOR 22 JUNIORS the Free Flight
Nationals (Nats) started a day early. The
special Juniors-only contest was held the
Sunday before the official start of the Free
Flight Nats, which was held July 28-August
1. This seven-round contest, along with
performances at two America’s Cup
contests and at the Nats itself, would
determine the United States team members
to compete at the Junior World
Championships, which will be held next
summer in France.
With a team place in the balance, each
Junior gave it his or her all. Despite the
windy, turbulent weather, the young fliers
put in flight after flight. This often involved
repairs between, and sometimes during, the
rounds.
In F1A the wind made circle-towing
difficult, and most of the 11 fliers chose to
wait on the ground for signs of lift, then tow
up and off rather than risk circle-towing.
Most of the competitors used models with
carbon-fiber wing spars that could withstand
the high stresses of the tow. Many got good
height on the bunt, which was important in
the nonthermal conditions when a few extra
feet of height on launch could make the
difference between a max and a drop.
The top three finishers were Brian
Bauer, Tyler Secor, and Michael Avallone.
(Michael was on the Junior team in 2002.)
In F1B the wind took its toll on models.
Sarah Radziunas used four airplanes to put
in her seven flights. At one point she was
flying a model pieced together from parts of
three damaged aircraft. She ended up in
third place behind Taylor Gunder and Ryan
Jones, who were both on the 2002 team.
In Power the Juniors could fly the
familiar F1J models or the new F1P
airplanes. The F1P class was created to offer
a low-tech alternative to the F1J designs. In
F1P the maximum wingspan is 11⁄2 meters
(approximately 59 inches), and the
minimum wing area is 26 square decimeters
(roughly 402 square inches).
The idea is that the limited span will
allow conventional stick-and-tissue
construction, and the large wing area will
slow the climb. Unlike F1J models, which
often feature auto rudder, auto stabilizer,
and bunt functions, F1P models are limited
to one change in wing or tail incidence prior
to dethermalizing (DT).
Former Junior team member John
Lorbiecki finished in first place, reigning
Junior World Champion Austin Gunder was
second, and Jonathon Schelp placed third.
One interesting aspect of this contest was
that only Juniors and timers were allowed
Connie Perry placed second in Mulvihill,
just 12 seconds behind John Kamla.
Design is the Tube Steak by Jim O’Reilly;
Ronnie Thompson times.
Herb Kothe flew one of his 1955 Wakefields in Nostalgia Wakefield. Wing, tail are
original; fuselage is new. Used 1,200 turns on 28-strand rubber motor.
Attending his first Nats, Senior David
Gibson Cornell flew in several Rubber and
Glider events. Model is Tail-Firster P-30
from BMJR Model Products.
FREE FLIGHT
December 2003 127
Lone F1P flier Cody Secor used a Terry Thorkildsen Astrostar.
New F1P event is intended as low-tech alternative to F1J.
This log system developed by Philip Scheiman’s mother Aimee
Raymond tracks flight times and adjustments.
Intermittent rain had little effect on plastic-covered models such
as John Kamla’s Moffett. He finished eighth.
Bob Mattes won AB Classic Gas with own-design Nelson .21-
powered model. Classic Gas events don’t allow auto surfaces.
One of the 2003 Models of the Year—Li’l Al—is popular in F1A
Towline Glider. Junior Jonah Coste prepares his for flight.
FREE FLIGHT
on the flightline. Contest Director Chuck
Markos and event organizer Art Ellis kept
parents and other spectators well back, just
as they would be at the Junior World
Champs.
Since it was too windy for test flying, the
Junior contest drew a large number of Open
spectators. Thanks to the Juniors’ hard work,
the audience was treated to a good contest.
Now on to the Nats.
After Sunday’s wind, the gentler breezes
the rest of the week were a relief. The
intermittent rain on Monday helped cool
things down without stopping flying. High
temperatures were in the mid-80s most days;
nights were cool.
The only weather-related problem was
the early-morning fog that limited visibility
somewhat during the Dawn Unlimited event
Thursday and the F1J flyoff Friday morning.
News of approaching bad weather on Friday
encouraged most fliers to get their attempts
in early, but it stayed away until late in the
day.
With an average of 10 events each day
for five days, it’s impossible to see
everything that goes on during the Free
Flight Nats. However, following are a few
observations.
Mulvihill still draws one of the biggest
crowds. The Mulvihill Trophy, which dates
back to the days of the twin pusher, is one of
modeling’s most beautiful and most soughtafter
awards. The aircraft are relatively
simple Rubber models with big wings and
lots of rubber.
Recent rules changes require a twominute
max on the first flight, three minutes
on the second, and four on the third, then the
real contest begins. Flyoff flights increase
by a minute each time. With wind and
thermals, that usually puts you off the field.
Lone female Open contestant Connie
Perry had three flights into the corn, as did
many other contestants. She dropped 12
128 MODEL AVIATION
Lone female F1J flier Amanda Barr flew
modified Maverick with tubular fuselage,
designed by the late Tom Hutchinson.
Joe Clawson’s O.S. .61-powered Centaur provides plenty of shade. Modified Union Jack
wing construction adds extra strength to 1,000-plus-square-inch wing.
Jean Andrews readies his Triple Threat Nostalgia Wakefield. The Lee Renaud design
used the same wing and stabilizer for Wakefield, 1⁄2A Gas, and Payload.
NFFS digest editor Walt Rozelle processes Alexandra Proffitt’s F1G Coupe. He was one
of many volunteers who helped contest director Bob Perkins run the Nats.
FREE FLIGHT
December 2003 129
Sarah Radziunas gets Vivchar F1B off in Juniors-only FAI event.
Strong winds took a toll on models. She placed third.
NFFS regional vice president Bill Vanderbeek tunes the O&R .60
in his Herky. It flies in Ignition Nostalgia Gas.
Philip Scheiman winds F1B model in Junior FAI contest. Andriukov-Kulakovsky model
has delayed propeller release, auto stabilizer and rudder, wing wiggler.
seconds on her eight-minute round to place
second behind John Kamla, who finished
with a total of 2,100 seconds (35 minutes).
Connie wasn’t the only female who was
flying well. Junior flier Alexandra
Proffitt’s score of 702 seconds would have
placed her fifth in Open F1G Coupe
d’Hiver.
Juniors and Seniors did well in a number
of combined-age events. In F1A Towline
Glider, Senior Peter Barron finished
second behind Open flier Jim Parker. Ben
Coussens came in fourth—13 seconds
behind longtime Nats flier Robert Sifleet.
Seniors picked up seven of the top 20
places in the event. Junior winner Tyler
Secor’s score of 1,180 would have put him
in the Senior Open top 20.
In F1J, reigning Junior World
Champion Austin Gunder topped the four
Open fliers in the early-morning flyoff
with just more than six minutes. Jim
Haught was the high Open flier with 344
seconds in the flyoff.
In Mulvihill, Junior John Shailor’s total
time of 1,855 seconds would have given
him third place in Open. John teamed up
with fellow Junior Evan Simon and Evan’s
grandfather Paul Simon to win the team
Mulvihill title. The total for the three was
almost 82 minutes of air time, and
probably much more time in the corn.
(AMA and Fédération Aéronautique
Internationale [FAI] age classifications
differ. For AMA events, Juniors are
younger than 16 and Seniors are younger
than 21. In FAI events, Juniors are 18 and
younger; there is no Senior classification.)
For many, the Nats is a time to combine a
family vacation with competition.
Traditionally this has been a father-son
thing, but lately there seems to be more
female involvement, as fliers and
supporters.
In Junior F1H Towline Glider, Amanda
Watson and her sister Katelyn placed
second and third respectively behind Kyle
Jones, who maxed out. The girls’ brother
Jonathan Watson placed fifth.
There is often a skip in generations,
FREE FLIGHT
130 MODEL AVIATION
Rain didn’t slow Ronnie Thompson down; he won A Gas with a score of 3,581 seconds
(almost an hour of air time) flying 330-square-inch Charlie Caton Sunbird.
Steve Bruno checks air before firing up 1⁄2A Satellite 320 design
by late Bob Hunter. Power is Cyclone—popular in 1⁄2A and F1J.
Chuck Markos used a 20-year-old Manhattan Cabin Indoor model
in one-flight Dawn Unlimited. He finished second.
Trying F1B for first time at Nats, Glider
flier Andrew Barron made flyoff, tied Ed
Wiley for third place. Andrew won flyoff to
settle tie.
with a grandfather introducing a grandson
or granddaughter to Free Flight. Henry
Spence and his grandson Jonathon Schelp
flew Power events at the Nats while
Henry’s son (Jonathon’s dad) Steve
Spence was in Hungary representing the
United States at the World Championships.
However, sometimes the grandson or
granddaughter does the helping. In the
Dawn Unlimited event, 2-year-old Larson
Ringlien assisted his grandfather Warren
Ringlien in hooking up the propeller.
Meanwhile, Larson’s father Andy won the
event with a single-flight score of 440
seconds (well more than seven minutes).
Thanks in large part to the FAI Junior
team and to modeling programs such as
Art Ellis’s Wilbur & Orville Society,
there’s been a big increase in Juniors who
come from nonmodeling families. It’s
December 2003 133
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great to see the enthusiasm and support
that these nonmodeling parents bring to
Free Flight. They also provide a
different perspective on the
hobby/sport.
To many of them, the competition
and camaraderie of flying far outweigh
the hobby aspects of building. The
elimination of the Builder-of-the-Model
Rule in the FAI events has allowed
these Juniors to fly first-class
equipment.
This means that the construction
inaccuracies and structural weaknesses
inherent in beginning builders are not a
problem. It also allows Juniors from
nonmodeling families to compete on a
more even footing with Juniors who
may have experienced family support.
One nonmodeling parent is Aimee
Raymond, although her father Joel
Raymond is a longtime modeler. She is
involved in helping her 17-year-old son
Philip Scheiman, who flies F1B
Wakefield Rubber and F1G Coupe
d’Hiver. Both are involved with their
club; she edits the Oakland Cloud
Dusters newsletter while Philip serves
as treasurer.
An engineer by training, Aimee has
developed a detailed log system to
record each of Philip’s flights in
practice and competition. The exact
timing for each auto function on each
model is recorded, along with motor
turns and torque. More subjective flight
parameters such as launch, burst,
cruise, and glide are evaluated.
Adjustments are made precisely, in
one-quarter-turn increments. Combined
with the stability and rigidity of modern
carbon-fiber construction, this
recorded-keeping system allows them
to make a series of adjustments, try
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original settings if necessary.
The ability to quantify adjustments
and obtain repeatable results not only
speeds the learning process, but also helps
demystify the trimming of a model. When
you can put numbers to it, it is no longer
an art, but a science.
The kids often helped each other. In the
F1G flyoff Ben Thompson’s Coupe
experienced a front-end malfunction.
With only a 10-minute window to get the
flight off, he handed the model to a group
of Juniors and Seniors, including Lee
Wang, Philip Scheiman, and Sarah
Radziunas, to sort things out.
Meanwhile, Ben wound his backup
and launched. Seeing that the backup
airplane was not in good air,
approximately a dozen youngsters ran
underneath the model and waved T-shirts
in an effort to break loose a thermal.
Called flapping, this is often seen in
Europe.
The Nats is a time to renew old
friendships and make new ones. The
National Free Flight Society (NFFS)
banquet and the Texas Timers/NFFS
cookout provided time to relax after the
day’s flying.
The banquet also offered the
opportunity to thank outgoing NFFS
President Bob Stalick for seven years of
service. Thanks are also due to longtime
NFFS membership chairman and cookout
sponsor Hank Nystrom.
A Nats doesn’t happen by itself. Months
of preparation by the Nationals Planning
Committee, the NFFS, and AMA are
required. Contest Director Bob Perkins
led a crew of volunteer officials and event
directors who worked long hours to make
sure that each day’s events ran smoothly.
Thanks for all the hard work. MA