158 MODEL AVIATION
What is Limited Pennyplane?
Free Flight Indoor John Kagan
[[email protected]]
Also included in this column:
• Notes on 2007 USIC/AMA
Nats, Kibbie Dome Annual
• OSFilm update
• New INAV collection
Don DeLoach gets ready to fly his LPP. Jeff Hood photo. John Kagan prepares his LPP. Hood photo.
Max Zaluska and his LPP. Hood photo.
LIMITED PENNYPLANE (LPP) is one
of the best classes for newcomers to fly to
get their feet wet in Indoor FF, and it is a
great low-stress event for more experienced
fliers. Its popularity speaks for itself; LPP
regularly attracts a large number of entrants
at meets such as the recent US Indoor
Championships (USIC).
The events that are the simplest to fly have
the most rules, such as LPP. Almost every
dimension of the model is defined, from the
airplane and motorstick length to the span and
chord of the stabilizer. However, there is just
enough leeway to allow for a significant visual
variety of aircraft.
A result of the restrictive rules is a much
smaller set of things to learn and master to
10sig5.QXD 8/22/07 2:39 PM Page 158
October 2007 159
Tom Sova’s LPP. Hood photo.
Steve Brown and his LPP. Hood photo.
Walt VanGorder’s LPP. Hood photo.
Aeromodeling Day proclamation recognizing the first day of the
2007 FF Indoor Nats in Johnson City, Tennessee.
reach the top times, providing those who are new to Indoor FF with a
satisfying way to showcase their efforts. You still need to build a
strong airplane, but you get a great deal of weight with which to do it;
no rolled tubes or bracing is required.
There are no flying complications, such as variable-geometry
propellers to adjust; you just need to develop good winding and flying
techniques. The most complicated thing about flying top times with an
LPP is working out the propeller-and-rubber combination.
That doesn’t mean it is easy to win an LPP contest. The best fliers
still come out on top. But since there are fewer variables to play with, a
newcomer can quickly work his or her way toward being one of those
best fliers.
Scott Fultz finished third in LPP at this year’s Nats, despite having
started flying Indoor FF only five months earlier. He certainly
wouldn’t have had enough time to master the many intricacies of
something such as F1D, but he flew frequently, received support from
World Champ Larry Cailliau and Indoor FF master Larry Coslick, and
clearly got a handle on LPP.
Continued on page 161
10sig5.QXD 8/22/07 2:29 PM Page 159
A newcomer and a top dog? That’s the
magic of LPP.
So how did PP start? I’ve only been flying
Indoor FF for roughly 14 years, so I don’t
think much about how the various events we
fly were “invented.” In my mind they have all
been around forever, but when I have a reason
to dig into some history the results are usually
interesting.
F1D World Champion Erv Rodemsky
thought up the event in 1970 with the support
of the Chicago Aeronuts. (See the club’s
history at www.modelaircraft.org/museum/
club/ChicagoAeronuts.pdf.) Erv wrote the
following messages about it a few years ago
on one of the Indoor FF forums.
“As the ‘inventor’ of the Pennyplane, my
intent was to have a contest model that was
easy to build & handle. This meant nearly a
‘one design’ contest, close times & lots of fun.
“The object of limited Pennyplane is to
have an event where a beginner (be they 16 or
60) can build and fly a creditable model using
easily obtained material.
“The year was 1970. All the pennies I
weighed were about 3 grams. A fellow
Aeronut had a couple of EZBs made with
hobby shop materials. They weighed almost
exactly 3 grams. My original thought was to
use a standard coin like a nickel for the weight
rule, but since these matched the pennies so
closely, that is what I picked. The name
‘Pennyplane’ at first was a joke, but it seemed
to stick and was a big reason for the event’s
popularity.
“Chuck Markos of the Chicago Aeronuts
won the very first Pennyplane contest which
my wife, Joan, and I put on. We also ran the
first Pennyplane contest at the Nationals
(unofficial event) with an entry fee of you
guessed it—one cent.
“I remember Bob Clemens and Dave
Linstrum building for the contest. I also made
the trophies, a 1970 penny laminated in a
plastic pen holder.”
The pennies Erv weighed were 95%
copper and 5% zinc. Pennies were changed to
97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper in 1982 and are
approximately a half gram lighter than the
older ones.
I remember noticing this as a teenager
because I was idly flipping a penny with my
thumb when it made a dull “thunk,” whereas
the other pennies I flipped would ring. So
don’t use a new penny to check your PP’s
weight!
PP started getting complex sometime
between 1970 and now, with biplanes,
variable-pitch propellers, rolled sticks, etc.
More rules were needed to rein things in, and
LPP was born, additionally restricting the
number and size of the flying surfaces, the
motorstick composition, and “gadgets.”
The original event still exists, known as
Unlimited PP or just PP, and you see the
stubby, boxy models flown at the Nats and
occasionally at smaller contests. There are
those, including some who fly the event, who
feel that Unlimited PP should be replaced
with the similar but better-flying F1M class.
More than a few people have tested the
fairly vague LPP “no gadgets” rule by
introducing various mechanisms—some
simple, some made from common materials—
but the most complicated device allowed
remains a simple flaring propeller, and the
event with the most rules remains one of the
most popular.
“[a recent discussion about the rules]
proves one thing: Writing rules ain’t easy
(like Easy B ain’t easy)!” wrote Erv.
“Everyone expects rules to be simple. I expect
airplanes to be simple.”
USIC and Kibbie 2007: The 2007
USIC/AMA Indoor FF Nats is in the bag.
Approximately 100 competitors entered 40
different events, making this the largest
edition of the contest in recent years.
If you were unfortunate enough to have
missed the fun, you can get a taste of the
action from NatsNews at www.modelair
craft.org/events/nats/natsnews.aspx. You’ll
find a daily recount of events, great photos,
and complete results.
Not to be outdone by the Colorado Springs
crew (see “Indoor Free Flight Town” mayoral
proclamation in the July column), Johnson
City, Tennessee, Mayor David P. Roe
declared May 30 (the first day of the AMA
Nats) “Aeromodeling Day,” thanks to
Tennessee native Hank Nystrom’s efforts.
It reads, in part:
“Whereas, the Academy of Model
Aeronautics will launch the eighty-first
National Aeromodeling Championships, the
world’s largest model aviation event, in
Johnson City; and ...
“ ... between 75 and 100 of the nation’s
top indoor model airplane fliers from 17
states will gather to compete for top honors in
a challenging indoor model aviation sport
with three former World Champions, as well
as the reigning World Champion; and ...
“ ... free flight airplanes have been
instrumental in the development and learning
of many of this country’s leading scientists
and engineers and represent the highest and
most demanding levels of design and
construction skills, as well as knowledge of
aerodynamics ...
“I, David P. Roe, Mayor of Johnson City,
Tennessee, do hereby proclaim May 30, 2007
as AEROMODELING DAY… and on behalf
of the Board of Commissioners and the
citizens, welcome each contestant to our area
and are honored that the Academy has chosen
Johnson City for competition for the twentyfirst
year.”
Way to go, Hank!
There have been rumors that the East
Tennessee State University Mini-Dome, site
of the Indoor FF Nats, might be torn down.
Although there is official talk in this direction,
Indoorists who live in the area say that it
appears unlikely to happen anytime soon. So
one of the best sites and contests around
seems solid for the near future.
Next year’s event is a go. The CD, site,
and date are lined up. Don’t miss it!
The 2007 Kibbie Dome Annual is next on
the schedule, although it will be a wrap by the
time you read this. I bring it up because this
contest has been the subject of another rumor:
that longtime CD Andrew Tagliafico may
discontinue it because of increased rental costs
and diminished attendance.
Indoor News (www.indoornews.com)
hostmaster Jeff Hood spoke with Andrew and
confirmed that he does plan to continue
hosting the contest. If you haven’t been yet,
make plans now to attend. Don’t miss out on
this great event and help keep it around for the
future.
OSFilm: It seems that we are always in
danger of losing one of our critical supplies.
Earlier this year word spread that the OSFilm
(.5-micron film—the lightest polyester
covering for Indoor models) supply was
running out.
OSFilm cottage-industry proprietor Alan
Cohen confirmed that the roll he had was
nearing its end. Matters worsened when Alan
discovered that all his supplier contacts had
either retired or moved on. The new people he
spoke with didn’t even know .5-micron film
existed, never mind how to get it.
However, Alan’s persistence paid off. He
established new contacts, found the film, and
now has another roll. More than 200 preorders
are already being filled from the new supply.
Alan reports:
“It is exactly the same as the previous roll.
Colors are red/green. Weight is approximately
50-52mg/100 sq. in.
“Due to a significant price increase on the
film from 4 years ago, as well as substantial
increases in postage, the pricing structure of
OSFilm has been modified. The new prices
are in USD and are as follows: 25’ roll—$35,
50’ roll—$70, US shipping charges—$4/roll,
Foreign shipping charges—$6/roll.”
You can order film via PayPal to
[email protected] (send an E-mail to that
address if you need instructions) or snail mail
a check or money order to OSFilm, 2115A
Route 31, Glen Gardner NJ 08826.
The INAV Collection: Jeff Hood has
assembled a complete collection of Indoor
News and Views (INAV) issues from its
inception in 1960 through 2005. Jeff chose
Lulu (www.lulu.com) as the online publisher.
Internet technology at its finest, Lulu
eliminates requirements for up-front
investment and minimum number of sales.
Each book is published on order and is
available whenever anyone wants one.
Hardcover volumes were on display at the
USIC, and they were beautiful.
INAV is the premier source of Indoor FF
news and information, with articles and plans
from many top competitors. Whether you are
looking for current competition secrets or
want to delve into the history of Indoor FF,
this collection is a must-have. Visit Lulu and
search for “INAV” to take a look.
Til next time.
Edition: Model Aviation - 2007/10
Page Numbers: 158,159,161,162
Edition: Model Aviation - 2007/10
Page Numbers: 158,159,161,162
158 MODEL AVIATION
What is Limited Pennyplane?
Free Flight Indoor John Kagan
[[email protected]]
Also included in this column:
• Notes on 2007 USIC/AMA
Nats, Kibbie Dome Annual
• OSFilm update
• New INAV collection
Don DeLoach gets ready to fly his LPP. Jeff Hood photo. John Kagan prepares his LPP. Hood photo.
Max Zaluska and his LPP. Hood photo.
LIMITED PENNYPLANE (LPP) is one
of the best classes for newcomers to fly to
get their feet wet in Indoor FF, and it is a
great low-stress event for more experienced
fliers. Its popularity speaks for itself; LPP
regularly attracts a large number of entrants
at meets such as the recent US Indoor
Championships (USIC).
The events that are the simplest to fly have
the most rules, such as LPP. Almost every
dimension of the model is defined, from the
airplane and motorstick length to the span and
chord of the stabilizer. However, there is just
enough leeway to allow for a significant visual
variety of aircraft.
A result of the restrictive rules is a much
smaller set of things to learn and master to
10sig5.QXD 8/22/07 2:39 PM Page 158
October 2007 159
Tom Sova’s LPP. Hood photo.
Steve Brown and his LPP. Hood photo.
Walt VanGorder’s LPP. Hood photo.
Aeromodeling Day proclamation recognizing the first day of the
2007 FF Indoor Nats in Johnson City, Tennessee.
reach the top times, providing those who are new to Indoor FF with a
satisfying way to showcase their efforts. You still need to build a
strong airplane, but you get a great deal of weight with which to do it;
no rolled tubes or bracing is required.
There are no flying complications, such as variable-geometry
propellers to adjust; you just need to develop good winding and flying
techniques. The most complicated thing about flying top times with an
LPP is working out the propeller-and-rubber combination.
That doesn’t mean it is easy to win an LPP contest. The best fliers
still come out on top. But since there are fewer variables to play with, a
newcomer can quickly work his or her way toward being one of those
best fliers.
Scott Fultz finished third in LPP at this year’s Nats, despite having
started flying Indoor FF only five months earlier. He certainly
wouldn’t have had enough time to master the many intricacies of
something such as F1D, but he flew frequently, received support from
World Champ Larry Cailliau and Indoor FF master Larry Coslick, and
clearly got a handle on LPP.
Continued on page 161
10sig5.QXD 8/22/07 2:29 PM Page 159
A newcomer and a top dog? That’s the
magic of LPP.
So how did PP start? I’ve only been flying
Indoor FF for roughly 14 years, so I don’t
think much about how the various events we
fly were “invented.” In my mind they have all
been around forever, but when I have a reason
to dig into some history the results are usually
interesting.
F1D World Champion Erv Rodemsky
thought up the event in 1970 with the support
of the Chicago Aeronuts. (See the club’s
history at www.modelaircraft.org/museum/
club/ChicagoAeronuts.pdf.) Erv wrote the
following messages about it a few years ago
on one of the Indoor FF forums.
“As the ‘inventor’ of the Pennyplane, my
intent was to have a contest model that was
easy to build & handle. This meant nearly a
‘one design’ contest, close times & lots of fun.
“The object of limited Pennyplane is to
have an event where a beginner (be they 16 or
60) can build and fly a creditable model using
easily obtained material.
“The year was 1970. All the pennies I
weighed were about 3 grams. A fellow
Aeronut had a couple of EZBs made with
hobby shop materials. They weighed almost
exactly 3 grams. My original thought was to
use a standard coin like a nickel for the weight
rule, but since these matched the pennies so
closely, that is what I picked. The name
‘Pennyplane’ at first was a joke, but it seemed
to stick and was a big reason for the event’s
popularity.
“Chuck Markos of the Chicago Aeronuts
won the very first Pennyplane contest which
my wife, Joan, and I put on. We also ran the
first Pennyplane contest at the Nationals
(unofficial event) with an entry fee of you
guessed it—one cent.
“I remember Bob Clemens and Dave
Linstrum building for the contest. I also made
the trophies, a 1970 penny laminated in a
plastic pen holder.”
The pennies Erv weighed were 95%
copper and 5% zinc. Pennies were changed to
97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper in 1982 and are
approximately a half gram lighter than the
older ones.
I remember noticing this as a teenager
because I was idly flipping a penny with my
thumb when it made a dull “thunk,” whereas
the other pennies I flipped would ring. So
don’t use a new penny to check your PP’s
weight!
PP started getting complex sometime
between 1970 and now, with biplanes,
variable-pitch propellers, rolled sticks, etc.
More rules were needed to rein things in, and
LPP was born, additionally restricting the
number and size of the flying surfaces, the
motorstick composition, and “gadgets.”
The original event still exists, known as
Unlimited PP or just PP, and you see the
stubby, boxy models flown at the Nats and
occasionally at smaller contests. There are
those, including some who fly the event, who
feel that Unlimited PP should be replaced
with the similar but better-flying F1M class.
More than a few people have tested the
fairly vague LPP “no gadgets” rule by
introducing various mechanisms—some
simple, some made from common materials—
but the most complicated device allowed
remains a simple flaring propeller, and the
event with the most rules remains one of the
most popular.
“[a recent discussion about the rules]
proves one thing: Writing rules ain’t easy
(like Easy B ain’t easy)!” wrote Erv.
“Everyone expects rules to be simple. I expect
airplanes to be simple.”
USIC and Kibbie 2007: The 2007
USIC/AMA Indoor FF Nats is in the bag.
Approximately 100 competitors entered 40
different events, making this the largest
edition of the contest in recent years.
If you were unfortunate enough to have
missed the fun, you can get a taste of the
action from NatsNews at www.modelair
craft.org/events/nats/natsnews.aspx. You’ll
find a daily recount of events, great photos,
and complete results.
Not to be outdone by the Colorado Springs
crew (see “Indoor Free Flight Town” mayoral
proclamation in the July column), Johnson
City, Tennessee, Mayor David P. Roe
declared May 30 (the first day of the AMA
Nats) “Aeromodeling Day,” thanks to
Tennessee native Hank Nystrom’s efforts.
It reads, in part:
“Whereas, the Academy of Model
Aeronautics will launch the eighty-first
National Aeromodeling Championships, the
world’s largest model aviation event, in
Johnson City; and ...
“ ... between 75 and 100 of the nation’s
top indoor model airplane fliers from 17
states will gather to compete for top honors in
a challenging indoor model aviation sport
with three former World Champions, as well
as the reigning World Champion; and ...
“ ... free flight airplanes have been
instrumental in the development and learning
of many of this country’s leading scientists
and engineers and represent the highest and
most demanding levels of design and
construction skills, as well as knowledge of
aerodynamics ...
“I, David P. Roe, Mayor of Johnson City,
Tennessee, do hereby proclaim May 30, 2007
as AEROMODELING DAY… and on behalf
of the Board of Commissioners and the
citizens, welcome each contestant to our area
and are honored that the Academy has chosen
Johnson City for competition for the twentyfirst
year.”
Way to go, Hank!
There have been rumors that the East
Tennessee State University Mini-Dome, site
of the Indoor FF Nats, might be torn down.
Although there is official talk in this direction,
Indoorists who live in the area say that it
appears unlikely to happen anytime soon. So
one of the best sites and contests around
seems solid for the near future.
Next year’s event is a go. The CD, site,
and date are lined up. Don’t miss it!
The 2007 Kibbie Dome Annual is next on
the schedule, although it will be a wrap by the
time you read this. I bring it up because this
contest has been the subject of another rumor:
that longtime CD Andrew Tagliafico may
discontinue it because of increased rental costs
and diminished attendance.
Indoor News (www.indoornews.com)
hostmaster Jeff Hood spoke with Andrew and
confirmed that he does plan to continue
hosting the contest. If you haven’t been yet,
make plans now to attend. Don’t miss out on
this great event and help keep it around for the
future.
OSFilm: It seems that we are always in
danger of losing one of our critical supplies.
Earlier this year word spread that the OSFilm
(.5-micron film—the lightest polyester
covering for Indoor models) supply was
running out.
OSFilm cottage-industry proprietor Alan
Cohen confirmed that the roll he had was
nearing its end. Matters worsened when Alan
discovered that all his supplier contacts had
either retired or moved on. The new people he
spoke with didn’t even know .5-micron film
existed, never mind how to get it.
However, Alan’s persistence paid off. He
established new contacts, found the film, and
now has another roll. More than 200 preorders
are already being filled from the new supply.
Alan reports:
“It is exactly the same as the previous roll.
Colors are red/green. Weight is approximately
50-52mg/100 sq. in.
“Due to a significant price increase on the
film from 4 years ago, as well as substantial
increases in postage, the pricing structure of
OSFilm has been modified. The new prices
are in USD and are as follows: 25’ roll—$35,
50’ roll—$70, US shipping charges—$4/roll,
Foreign shipping charges—$6/roll.”
You can order film via PayPal to
[email protected] (send an E-mail to that
address if you need instructions) or snail mail
a check or money order to OSFilm, 2115A
Route 31, Glen Gardner NJ 08826.
The INAV Collection: Jeff Hood has
assembled a complete collection of Indoor
News and Views (INAV) issues from its
inception in 1960 through 2005. Jeff chose
Lulu (www.lulu.com) as the online publisher.
Internet technology at its finest, Lulu
eliminates requirements for up-front
investment and minimum number of sales.
Each book is published on order and is
available whenever anyone wants one.
Hardcover volumes were on display at the
USIC, and they were beautiful.
INAV is the premier source of Indoor FF
news and information, with articles and plans
from many top competitors. Whether you are
looking for current competition secrets or
want to delve into the history of Indoor FF,
this collection is a must-have. Visit Lulu and
search for “INAV” to take a look.
Til next time.
Edition: Model Aviation - 2007/10
Page Numbers: 158,159,161,162
158 MODEL AVIATION
What is Limited Pennyplane?
Free Flight Indoor John Kagan
[[email protected]]
Also included in this column:
• Notes on 2007 USIC/AMA
Nats, Kibbie Dome Annual
• OSFilm update
• New INAV collection
Don DeLoach gets ready to fly his LPP. Jeff Hood photo. John Kagan prepares his LPP. Hood photo.
Max Zaluska and his LPP. Hood photo.
LIMITED PENNYPLANE (LPP) is one
of the best classes for newcomers to fly to
get their feet wet in Indoor FF, and it is a
great low-stress event for more experienced
fliers. Its popularity speaks for itself; LPP
regularly attracts a large number of entrants
at meets such as the recent US Indoor
Championships (USIC).
The events that are the simplest to fly have
the most rules, such as LPP. Almost every
dimension of the model is defined, from the
airplane and motorstick length to the span and
chord of the stabilizer. However, there is just
enough leeway to allow for a significant visual
variety of aircraft.
A result of the restrictive rules is a much
smaller set of things to learn and master to
10sig5.QXD 8/22/07 2:39 PM Page 158
October 2007 159
Tom Sova’s LPP. Hood photo.
Steve Brown and his LPP. Hood photo.
Walt VanGorder’s LPP. Hood photo.
Aeromodeling Day proclamation recognizing the first day of the
2007 FF Indoor Nats in Johnson City, Tennessee.
reach the top times, providing those who are new to Indoor FF with a
satisfying way to showcase their efforts. You still need to build a
strong airplane, but you get a great deal of weight with which to do it;
no rolled tubes or bracing is required.
There are no flying complications, such as variable-geometry
propellers to adjust; you just need to develop good winding and flying
techniques. The most complicated thing about flying top times with an
LPP is working out the propeller-and-rubber combination.
That doesn’t mean it is easy to win an LPP contest. The best fliers
still come out on top. But since there are fewer variables to play with, a
newcomer can quickly work his or her way toward being one of those
best fliers.
Scott Fultz finished third in LPP at this year’s Nats, despite having
started flying Indoor FF only five months earlier. He certainly
wouldn’t have had enough time to master the many intricacies of
something such as F1D, but he flew frequently, received support from
World Champ Larry Cailliau and Indoor FF master Larry Coslick, and
clearly got a handle on LPP.
Continued on page 161
10sig5.QXD 8/22/07 2:29 PM Page 159
A newcomer and a top dog? That’s the
magic of LPP.
So how did PP start? I’ve only been flying
Indoor FF for roughly 14 years, so I don’t
think much about how the various events we
fly were “invented.” In my mind they have all
been around forever, but when I have a reason
to dig into some history the results are usually
interesting.
F1D World Champion Erv Rodemsky
thought up the event in 1970 with the support
of the Chicago Aeronuts. (See the club’s
history at www.modelaircraft.org/museum/
club/ChicagoAeronuts.pdf.) Erv wrote the
following messages about it a few years ago
on one of the Indoor FF forums.
“As the ‘inventor’ of the Pennyplane, my
intent was to have a contest model that was
easy to build & handle. This meant nearly a
‘one design’ contest, close times & lots of fun.
“The object of limited Pennyplane is to
have an event where a beginner (be they 16 or
60) can build and fly a creditable model using
easily obtained material.
“The year was 1970. All the pennies I
weighed were about 3 grams. A fellow
Aeronut had a couple of EZBs made with
hobby shop materials. They weighed almost
exactly 3 grams. My original thought was to
use a standard coin like a nickel for the weight
rule, but since these matched the pennies so
closely, that is what I picked. The name
‘Pennyplane’ at first was a joke, but it seemed
to stick and was a big reason for the event’s
popularity.
“Chuck Markos of the Chicago Aeronuts
won the very first Pennyplane contest which
my wife, Joan, and I put on. We also ran the
first Pennyplane contest at the Nationals
(unofficial event) with an entry fee of you
guessed it—one cent.
“I remember Bob Clemens and Dave
Linstrum building for the contest. I also made
the trophies, a 1970 penny laminated in a
plastic pen holder.”
The pennies Erv weighed were 95%
copper and 5% zinc. Pennies were changed to
97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper in 1982 and are
approximately a half gram lighter than the
older ones.
I remember noticing this as a teenager
because I was idly flipping a penny with my
thumb when it made a dull “thunk,” whereas
the other pennies I flipped would ring. So
don’t use a new penny to check your PP’s
weight!
PP started getting complex sometime
between 1970 and now, with biplanes,
variable-pitch propellers, rolled sticks, etc.
More rules were needed to rein things in, and
LPP was born, additionally restricting the
number and size of the flying surfaces, the
motorstick composition, and “gadgets.”
The original event still exists, known as
Unlimited PP or just PP, and you see the
stubby, boxy models flown at the Nats and
occasionally at smaller contests. There are
those, including some who fly the event, who
feel that Unlimited PP should be replaced
with the similar but better-flying F1M class.
More than a few people have tested the
fairly vague LPP “no gadgets” rule by
introducing various mechanisms—some
simple, some made from common materials—
but the most complicated device allowed
remains a simple flaring propeller, and the
event with the most rules remains one of the
most popular.
“[a recent discussion about the rules]
proves one thing: Writing rules ain’t easy
(like Easy B ain’t easy)!” wrote Erv.
“Everyone expects rules to be simple. I expect
airplanes to be simple.”
USIC and Kibbie 2007: The 2007
USIC/AMA Indoor FF Nats is in the bag.
Approximately 100 competitors entered 40
different events, making this the largest
edition of the contest in recent years.
If you were unfortunate enough to have
missed the fun, you can get a taste of the
action from NatsNews at www.modelair
craft.org/events/nats/natsnews.aspx. You’ll
find a daily recount of events, great photos,
and complete results.
Not to be outdone by the Colorado Springs
crew (see “Indoor Free Flight Town” mayoral
proclamation in the July column), Johnson
City, Tennessee, Mayor David P. Roe
declared May 30 (the first day of the AMA
Nats) “Aeromodeling Day,” thanks to
Tennessee native Hank Nystrom’s efforts.
It reads, in part:
“Whereas, the Academy of Model
Aeronautics will launch the eighty-first
National Aeromodeling Championships, the
world’s largest model aviation event, in
Johnson City; and ...
“ ... between 75 and 100 of the nation’s
top indoor model airplane fliers from 17
states will gather to compete for top honors in
a challenging indoor model aviation sport
with three former World Champions, as well
as the reigning World Champion; and ...
“ ... free flight airplanes have been
instrumental in the development and learning
of many of this country’s leading scientists
and engineers and represent the highest and
most demanding levels of design and
construction skills, as well as knowledge of
aerodynamics ...
“I, David P. Roe, Mayor of Johnson City,
Tennessee, do hereby proclaim May 30, 2007
as AEROMODELING DAY… and on behalf
of the Board of Commissioners and the
citizens, welcome each contestant to our area
and are honored that the Academy has chosen
Johnson City for competition for the twentyfirst
year.”
Way to go, Hank!
There have been rumors that the East
Tennessee State University Mini-Dome, site
of the Indoor FF Nats, might be torn down.
Although there is official talk in this direction,
Indoorists who live in the area say that it
appears unlikely to happen anytime soon. So
one of the best sites and contests around
seems solid for the near future.
Next year’s event is a go. The CD, site,
and date are lined up. Don’t miss it!
The 2007 Kibbie Dome Annual is next on
the schedule, although it will be a wrap by the
time you read this. I bring it up because this
contest has been the subject of another rumor:
that longtime CD Andrew Tagliafico may
discontinue it because of increased rental costs
and diminished attendance.
Indoor News (www.indoornews.com)
hostmaster Jeff Hood spoke with Andrew and
confirmed that he does plan to continue
hosting the contest. If you haven’t been yet,
make plans now to attend. Don’t miss out on
this great event and help keep it around for the
future.
OSFilm: It seems that we are always in
danger of losing one of our critical supplies.
Earlier this year word spread that the OSFilm
(.5-micron film—the lightest polyester
covering for Indoor models) supply was
running out.
OSFilm cottage-industry proprietor Alan
Cohen confirmed that the roll he had was
nearing its end. Matters worsened when Alan
discovered that all his supplier contacts had
either retired or moved on. The new people he
spoke with didn’t even know .5-micron film
existed, never mind how to get it.
However, Alan’s persistence paid off. He
established new contacts, found the film, and
now has another roll. More than 200 preorders
are already being filled from the new supply.
Alan reports:
“It is exactly the same as the previous roll.
Colors are red/green. Weight is approximately
50-52mg/100 sq. in.
“Due to a significant price increase on the
film from 4 years ago, as well as substantial
increases in postage, the pricing structure of
OSFilm has been modified. The new prices
are in USD and are as follows: 25’ roll—$35,
50’ roll—$70, US shipping charges—$4/roll,
Foreign shipping charges—$6/roll.”
You can order film via PayPal to
[email protected] (send an E-mail to that
address if you need instructions) or snail mail
a check or money order to OSFilm, 2115A
Route 31, Glen Gardner NJ 08826.
The INAV Collection: Jeff Hood has
assembled a complete collection of Indoor
News and Views (INAV) issues from its
inception in 1960 through 2005. Jeff chose
Lulu (www.lulu.com) as the online publisher.
Internet technology at its finest, Lulu
eliminates requirements for up-front
investment and minimum number of sales.
Each book is published on order and is
available whenever anyone wants one.
Hardcover volumes were on display at the
USIC, and they were beautiful.
INAV is the premier source of Indoor FF
news and information, with articles and plans
from many top competitors. Whether you are
looking for current competition secrets or
want to delve into the history of Indoor FF,
this collection is a must-have. Visit Lulu and
search for “INAV” to take a look.
Til next time.
Edition: Model Aviation - 2007/10
Page Numbers: 158,159,161,162
158 MODEL AVIATION
What is Limited Pennyplane?
Free Flight Indoor John Kagan
[[email protected]]
Also included in this column:
• Notes on 2007 USIC/AMA
Nats, Kibbie Dome Annual
• OSFilm update
• New INAV collection
Don DeLoach gets ready to fly his LPP. Jeff Hood photo. John Kagan prepares his LPP. Hood photo.
Max Zaluska and his LPP. Hood photo.
LIMITED PENNYPLANE (LPP) is one
of the best classes for newcomers to fly to
get their feet wet in Indoor FF, and it is a
great low-stress event for more experienced
fliers. Its popularity speaks for itself; LPP
regularly attracts a large number of entrants
at meets such as the recent US Indoor
Championships (USIC).
The events that are the simplest to fly have
the most rules, such as LPP. Almost every
dimension of the model is defined, from the
airplane and motorstick length to the span and
chord of the stabilizer. However, there is just
enough leeway to allow for a significant visual
variety of aircraft.
A result of the restrictive rules is a much
smaller set of things to learn and master to
10sig5.QXD 8/22/07 2:39 PM Page 158
October 2007 159
Tom Sova’s LPP. Hood photo.
Steve Brown and his LPP. Hood photo.
Walt VanGorder’s LPP. Hood photo.
Aeromodeling Day proclamation recognizing the first day of the
2007 FF Indoor Nats in Johnson City, Tennessee.
reach the top times, providing those who are new to Indoor FF with a
satisfying way to showcase their efforts. You still need to build a
strong airplane, but you get a great deal of weight with which to do it;
no rolled tubes or bracing is required.
There are no flying complications, such as variable-geometry
propellers to adjust; you just need to develop good winding and flying
techniques. The most complicated thing about flying top times with an
LPP is working out the propeller-and-rubber combination.
That doesn’t mean it is easy to win an LPP contest. The best fliers
still come out on top. But since there are fewer variables to play with, a
newcomer can quickly work his or her way toward being one of those
best fliers.
Scott Fultz finished third in LPP at this year’s Nats, despite having
started flying Indoor FF only five months earlier. He certainly
wouldn’t have had enough time to master the many intricacies of
something such as F1D, but he flew frequently, received support from
World Champ Larry Cailliau and Indoor FF master Larry Coslick, and
clearly got a handle on LPP.
Continued on page 161
10sig5.QXD 8/22/07 2:29 PM Page 159
A newcomer and a top dog? That’s the
magic of LPP.
So how did PP start? I’ve only been flying
Indoor FF for roughly 14 years, so I don’t
think much about how the various events we
fly were “invented.” In my mind they have all
been around forever, but when I have a reason
to dig into some history the results are usually
interesting.
F1D World Champion Erv Rodemsky
thought up the event in 1970 with the support
of the Chicago Aeronuts. (See the club’s
history at www.modelaircraft.org/museum/
club/ChicagoAeronuts.pdf.) Erv wrote the
following messages about it a few years ago
on one of the Indoor FF forums.
“As the ‘inventor’ of the Pennyplane, my
intent was to have a contest model that was
easy to build & handle. This meant nearly a
‘one design’ contest, close times & lots of fun.
“The object of limited Pennyplane is to
have an event where a beginner (be they 16 or
60) can build and fly a creditable model using
easily obtained material.
“The year was 1970. All the pennies I
weighed were about 3 grams. A fellow
Aeronut had a couple of EZBs made with
hobby shop materials. They weighed almost
exactly 3 grams. My original thought was to
use a standard coin like a nickel for the weight
rule, but since these matched the pennies so
closely, that is what I picked. The name
‘Pennyplane’ at first was a joke, but it seemed
to stick and was a big reason for the event’s
popularity.
“Chuck Markos of the Chicago Aeronuts
won the very first Pennyplane contest which
my wife, Joan, and I put on. We also ran the
first Pennyplane contest at the Nationals
(unofficial event) with an entry fee of you
guessed it—one cent.
“I remember Bob Clemens and Dave
Linstrum building for the contest. I also made
the trophies, a 1970 penny laminated in a
plastic pen holder.”
The pennies Erv weighed were 95%
copper and 5% zinc. Pennies were changed to
97.5% zinc and 2.5% copper in 1982 and are
approximately a half gram lighter than the
older ones.
I remember noticing this as a teenager
because I was idly flipping a penny with my
thumb when it made a dull “thunk,” whereas
the other pennies I flipped would ring. So
don’t use a new penny to check your PP’s
weight!
PP started getting complex sometime
between 1970 and now, with biplanes,
variable-pitch propellers, rolled sticks, etc.
More rules were needed to rein things in, and
LPP was born, additionally restricting the
number and size of the flying surfaces, the
motorstick composition, and “gadgets.”
The original event still exists, known as
Unlimited PP or just PP, and you see the
stubby, boxy models flown at the Nats and
occasionally at smaller contests. There are
those, including some who fly the event, who
feel that Unlimited PP should be replaced
with the similar but better-flying F1M class.
More than a few people have tested the
fairly vague LPP “no gadgets” rule by
introducing various mechanisms—some
simple, some made from common materials—
but the most complicated device allowed
remains a simple flaring propeller, and the
event with the most rules remains one of the
most popular.
“[a recent discussion about the rules]
proves one thing: Writing rules ain’t easy
(like Easy B ain’t easy)!” wrote Erv.
“Everyone expects rules to be simple. I expect
airplanes to be simple.”
USIC and Kibbie 2007: The 2007
USIC/AMA Indoor FF Nats is in the bag.
Approximately 100 competitors entered 40
different events, making this the largest
edition of the contest in recent years.
If you were unfortunate enough to have
missed the fun, you can get a taste of the
action from NatsNews at www.modelair
craft.org/events/nats/natsnews.aspx. You’ll
find a daily recount of events, great photos,
and complete results.
Not to be outdone by the Colorado Springs
crew (see “Indoor Free Flight Town” mayoral
proclamation in the July column), Johnson
City, Tennessee, Mayor David P. Roe
declared May 30 (the first day of the AMA
Nats) “Aeromodeling Day,” thanks to
Tennessee native Hank Nystrom’s efforts.
It reads, in part:
“Whereas, the Academy of Model
Aeronautics will launch the eighty-first
National Aeromodeling Championships, the
world’s largest model aviation event, in
Johnson City; and ...
“ ... between 75 and 100 of the nation’s
top indoor model airplane fliers from 17
states will gather to compete for top honors in
a challenging indoor model aviation sport
with three former World Champions, as well
as the reigning World Champion; and ...
“ ... free flight airplanes have been
instrumental in the development and learning
of many of this country’s leading scientists
and engineers and represent the highest and
most demanding levels of design and
construction skills, as well as knowledge of
aerodynamics ...
“I, David P. Roe, Mayor of Johnson City,
Tennessee, do hereby proclaim May 30, 2007
as AEROMODELING DAY… and on behalf
of the Board of Commissioners and the
citizens, welcome each contestant to our area
and are honored that the Academy has chosen
Johnson City for competition for the twentyfirst
year.”
Way to go, Hank!
There have been rumors that the East
Tennessee State University Mini-Dome, site
of the Indoor FF Nats, might be torn down.
Although there is official talk in this direction,
Indoorists who live in the area say that it
appears unlikely to happen anytime soon. So
one of the best sites and contests around
seems solid for the near future.
Next year’s event is a go. The CD, site,
and date are lined up. Don’t miss it!
The 2007 Kibbie Dome Annual is next on
the schedule, although it will be a wrap by the
time you read this. I bring it up because this
contest has been the subject of another rumor:
that longtime CD Andrew Tagliafico may
discontinue it because of increased rental costs
and diminished attendance.
Indoor News (www.indoornews.com)
hostmaster Jeff Hood spoke with Andrew and
confirmed that he does plan to continue
hosting the contest. If you haven’t been yet,
make plans now to attend. Don’t miss out on
this great event and help keep it around for the
future.
OSFilm: It seems that we are always in
danger of losing one of our critical supplies.
Earlier this year word spread that the OSFilm
(.5-micron film—the lightest polyester
covering for Indoor models) supply was
running out.
OSFilm cottage-industry proprietor Alan
Cohen confirmed that the roll he had was
nearing its end. Matters worsened when Alan
discovered that all his supplier contacts had
either retired or moved on. The new people he
spoke with didn’t even know .5-micron film
existed, never mind how to get it.
However, Alan’s persistence paid off. He
established new contacts, found the film, and
now has another roll. More than 200 preorders
are already being filled from the new supply.
Alan reports:
“It is exactly the same as the previous roll.
Colors are red/green. Weight is approximately
50-52mg/100 sq. in.
“Due to a significant price increase on the
film from 4 years ago, as well as substantial
increases in postage, the pricing structure of
OSFilm has been modified. The new prices
are in USD and are as follows: 25’ roll—$35,
50’ roll—$70, US shipping charges—$4/roll,
Foreign shipping charges—$6/roll.”
You can order film via PayPal to
[email protected] (send an E-mail to that
address if you need instructions) or snail mail
a check or money order to OSFilm, 2115A
Route 31, Glen Gardner NJ 08826.
The INAV Collection: Jeff Hood has
assembled a complete collection of Indoor
News and Views (INAV) issues from its
inception in 1960 through 2005. Jeff chose
Lulu (www.lulu.com) as the online publisher.
Internet technology at its finest, Lulu
eliminates requirements for up-front
investment and minimum number of sales.
Each book is published on order and is
available whenever anyone wants one.
Hardcover volumes were on display at the
USIC, and they were beautiful.
INAV is the premier source of Indoor FF
news and information, with articles and plans
from many top competitors. Whether you are
looking for current competition secrets or
want to delve into the history of Indoor FF,
this collection is a must-have. Visit Lulu and
search for “INAV” to take a look.
Til next time.