18 MODEL AVIATION
Futaba XFC
by Ben Lanterman
This is where
RC pilots
are branded
“extreme”
competition, and, as such, features some of
the finest pilots flying some of the best
airplanes and helicopters. A comparison
came to mind as I listened to the
announcers during the event. Modern
motor-sports teams and drivers have all
their sponsors, as do the modern
competition model pilots, which enables
them to practice and improve.
Not all invited pilots are able to attend
the event, so there are provisional slots for
which any pilots can try out. They must fly
for the event promoters at the XFC site to be
accepted into the competition.
This year, in addition to the normal (as if
any of the maneuvers performed are
“normal”) airplane and helicopter
competitions, Team and Night Fly events
were on the XFC schedule. The Team
models could be airplanes, helicopters, or a
combination, and they were simultaneously
flown to music. It was a great addition to
the contest. It indicated a maturation of our
sport and was a delight to watch.
The Night Fly event was for the brave
souls with great eyesight. Scores were based
on audience reaction.
THE 7TH ANNUAL Extreme Flight
Championships (XFC) was held at AMA’s
National Flying Site at Muncie, Indiana,
Friday June 13-Sunday June 15. Last year
was windy and challenging for the
contestants, but this year promised to be
even more interesting.
A major weather front that had spawned
tornadoes and severe weather across Iowa
was due to come across this part of Indiana
Friday. However, as I began writing this
Thursday, the weatherman on the local TV
station promised that the conditions would
be great on Saturday and Sunday.
The XFC is an invitation-only
Frank Noll demonstrates the
Great Planes 38% Extra 330S
during the noontime break.
Bobby Watts and Burt Kammerer flew in the
Team competition. A bit of close formation
flying in the gusty wind drew appreciative
applause from the crowd.
Right: Manuel Santos of Mexico City,
Mexico, has been flying for 32 years. This
enthusiastic competitor has developed an
interesting wing configuration for the
altitude of Mexico City.
September 2008 19
Friday morning, Mother Nature played a
game of “tease the pilots.” Several flights
were made in fairly good conditions, and
then came the “light” rains and one total
downpour. Every time it seemed like the
rains might let up and a couple flights were
made, a cloud dropped a load of rain on the
already soaked region.
It isn’t easy to run for the tents in the pit
areas with a Giant Scale Aerobatics
airplane. The announcer inserted a bit of
humor as the pilots were scurrying to the
shelters, with a cry of “Run Forrest, Run!”
The rain let up Friday evening, and several
more flights were made.
Saturday was perfect, with low
temperatures and enough wind to keep the
spectators cool but give the pilots a
challenge. They spent the morning flying
the Known maneuver sequence for airplanes
and helicopters. The aircraft types
alternated, which allowed the audience to
get a great idea of how the different flying
machines presented to the judges.
The pilots performed their Freestyle
maneuvers in the afternoon, in a wind that
blew hard enough to challenge anyone.
Several airplanes landed extremely hard
after shedding some necessary flight
surfaces in flight.
Some of the helicopter pilots pushed the
lower altitude envelope so hard that the
inevitable gust of wind caused collisions
with the runway. They came to compete,
and they did!
Saturday was also the first presentation
of the Team competition. We were treated
to a helicopter-and-airplane team and
several pairs of helicopters.
Two helicopters performing maneuvers
that complemented each other and mirrored
each other with a great deal of accuracy was
amazing to watch. There aren’t too many
sports in which this kind of timing is
required, and to do it with a model airplane
or helicopter is a tribute to the state of the
art and the pilots’ skills. It would be
interesting to see three or more models team
up next year.
The Saturday Night Fly brought out a
large variation of model types and
technology. Mark Fadely was good enough
to provide me with some excellent imagery
since I experienced technical difficulties.
There were basic models with little
XFC
Bobby Watts finished second in the helicopter competition. His prototype Miniature
Aircraft model used an O.S. .91 engine and a Futaba FASST radio system. Bobby, who is
19 and a student at the University of South Carolina, has been flying for five years.
One of Andrew Jesky’s signature maneuvers on takeoff is a roll just as the wings clear the
runway. It was fun to wait for and watch, and it set the stage for the rest of his flight.
Left: L-R: Nick Maxwell
(third in helicopters), Kelly
Gerber (third in airplanes),
Dominik Haegele (first in
helicopters), Andrew Jesky
(first in airplanes), Bobby
Watts (second in helicopters),
Jason Noll (second
in airplanes).
Photos by the author except as noted Futaba
The lighting system that Yuri Higuchi and
John Sabini developed for Yuri’s CARF
Extra mimicked the light of a supernova.
Enhanced visibility made Yuri’s
uninhibited performance breathtaking.
Photo by Mark Fadely.
20 MODEL AVIATION
Sponsors: Futaba, AMA, Great Planes, Desert
Aircraft, RunRyder, Carden Aircraft, SKS
Video Productions, JTEC Radiowave,
Miniature Aircraft, RCGroups/Knife Edge
Software
For a complete list of standings, supporting
sponsors, and more information about the XFC,
visit www.futaba-rc.com/xfc-rc/. MA
Dominik Haegele and Daniel Jetschin perform
a close opposing pass. Team formation flying
is fun to watch, and this year’s XFC pilots got
into the spirit of the event.
Jason Krause designed this Align T-Rex 700 and flew it using an O.S. .91 and a Futaba
FASST radio. The white model is a contrast with Friday’s rain and gray sky.
21
A couple hours after the contest ended Sunday, the weather conveyed what it means
by “extreme.” All who decided to stay overnight and leave Monday were treated to 60-
70 mph straight-line winds that swept ferociously across the AMA site at Muncie,
Indiana.
Chris Maier with his
airplane in the center
walkway of the airplane
and helicopter hangar
area. Each competitor
had a reserved
space for his
models and
equipment.
Although the
size of the
aircraft
made
things tight at
times, the tents
were perfect for
withstanding the rain
and windy weather
during and after the
contest.
AIRPLANES
1. Andrew Jesky
2. Jason Noll
3. Kelly Gerber
4. Chris Maier
5. Yuri Higuchi
6. Tim Fulk
7. Jason Danhakl
8. Terry Hahn
9. Nick Maxwell
10. Manuel Santos
HELICOPTERS
1. Dominik Haegele
2. Bobby Watts
3. Nick Maxwell
4. Colin Bell
5. Scott Gray
6. Alan Szabo
7. Jamie Robertson
8. Daniel Jetschin
9. JaeHong Lee
10. Jason Krause
XXFFCC 2008 Top 10
September 2008 21
lighting and helicopters with LEDs on the
fuselage and rotors that looked great in the
air. A Giant Scale airplane had lights on the
wing and stabilizer tips that illuminated the
entire model as if it were carrying its own
sunlight.
The Night Fly winner put together a
show of cutting ribbons, fireworks, and
something that involved removing part of
the aft of the airplane with a collision with
ribbon supports (I think; it was dark),
which was unplanned but interesting.
Following the Night Fly, we were
treated to a great fireworks show that
would have made the trip worthwhile on its
own. It was a wonderful end to a good day.
Sunday morning was beautiful and clear,
but the wind increased throughout the day.
The top 10 qualifiers in each discipline
started from scratch, and the flight order
was determined by chance. There would be
five airplane flights alternating with five
helicopter flights. The overall grouping
would perform Known maneuvers in the
Jason Noll makes a low-speed roll across show center. His smooth piloting results from
18 years of flying with all kinds of models. In a squeaker of a finish (separated by 2 points
out of 1,000), he finished second. Jason used Futaba FASST equipment.
Marcus Kim and Danny Szabo entered the Team competition. They flew as if their
models were locked together. Their routine was very impressive, considering the rate of
maneuvering.
Not all Team competitors used dual
helicopters. Jason Danhakl flew an airplane
and Nick Maxwell piloted a helicopter. The
models’ size difference is apparent.
Left: If you needed help, others were
willing to lend a hand. The knowledge base
at this kind of event is outstanding! The
author didn’t intrude on this helicopter
repair effort.
22 MODEL AVIATION
Dominik Haegele took first place in helicopters home to Germany. He flew his
prototype Hirobo Turbulence. Dominik is a 17-year-old student and has been flying
for four years. There seems to be a trend toward youth flying helicopters.
Terry Hahn flew the limbo in one direction and then came back into show center. Then flying
the airplane in knife edge, he cut both sets of ribbons from the center.
Five pilots participated in the moonless night-flight
competition. The audience determined the winner, and
technical achievement had a strong influence on the
crowd. Terry Hahn took the title. Fadely photo.
September 2008 23
morning, followed by Unknown maneuvers.
The pilots pulled out all the stops. To
make things more challenging, the wind
varied enough to play a large part in the
final results, but top pilots tend to overcome
those kinds of obstacles.
An overall impression of the airplane
flying included extremely low-level knifeedge
flying, elegantly presented hovering,
rolls that varied from one during a large
horizontal circle to dozens in a small circle,
a slow roll so low and straight that the
organizers had to have prestrung a track to
fly on, and maneuvers that started and
stopped with total precision.
An overall impression of the helicopter
flying included the same maneuvers.
However, I would include something that
happens when the helicopter goes insane
approximately 3 feet off the ground; it is
impossible to describe in words. Come next
year and watch for yourself.
If you are older than 18, you might be out
of your prime helicopter competition years.
The generations of pilots brought up with
Game Boys and Xboxes are flying now.
It would be nice if the helicopter
designers came up with full-fuselage
machines instead of the pod-and-boom
types. They would look so much better, and
they would still be competitive if everyone
had to use them.
The awards ceremony was held Sunday
afternoon at the field. It is sad to tell
competitors that they didn’t win the XFC,
but they should keep in mind that they have
a couple things the rest of us don’t: a plaque
to show that they competed in the contest
and their fellow pilots’ respect.
The top three in airplanes and helicopters
are shown in a photo accompanying this
article. I watched them fly during several
days and photographed each of their
flights. I agree with the judges’
decisions (not that they are worried
about that), with the caveat that on
any day at any contest the pilots’
order might change. They are that
consistent and good, but they can’t
control the weather.
I have a couple suggestions for all
pilots who might consider flying in
this kind of event, in which music
and flying are presented as a
package to a judge. I saw some
good and some bad
performances at the XFC.
Pilots should take time in the
winter months to watch an iceskating
competition. The skater’s coach is
After one of the many rain showers
on Friday, Nick Maxwell (R) gets
ready to fly his aircraft. At times,
Mother Nature allowed only a couple
flights before she deemed necessary a
thorough washing of the runway.
24 MODEL AVIATION
Triple the Extreme:
Interview With Nick Maxwell
Nick Maxwell is a nice young man; he always seems to be smiling and to have a
great attitude. With his skills, he should be.
He is from Fort Wayne, Indiana, and at the age of 18 is still a high school
student. He is going to attend IPFW, an Indiana University/Purdue University
extension, and study mechanical engineering. The school is going to be roughly five
minutes from his flying field, so he hopes to keep his skills sharp.
The first year Nick participated in the XFC, two years ago, he finished last. For
the 2008 contest—his third—he started practicing fairly seriously several months
ago, every day, putting in three to four flights a day. He said that if he flew more, he
tended to get stale and the practice was unproductive.
This year Nick finished third in helicopter and ninth in airplane, and he flew a
helicopter in the team event, which he entered with Jason Danhakl. Nick flew using
aircraft he didn’t have much time on. His airplane was a 38% Great Planes Extra 330
ARF, and he built it per the instructions. Nick said it seemed to be rigid and flew
well.
His helicopter was a prototype Excel 90, and his backup machine was the new
Bandit 50. Nick felt that the 90 was light and precise, which made the response nice
and made it easier on his thumbs.
Nick thanks Futaba, Miniature Aircraft USA, FlightPower, V-Blades, and
Dietrich Aircraft. He specifically thanks his parents; without them, he wouldn’t be
able to participate in the XFC and his modeling activities. MA
—Ben Lanterman
like a pilot because they have the same
problem: making their skater/airplane
perform in front of judges.
The coaches have the same kinds of
challenges pilots have. They need
changes in the tempo of presentation, the
correlation of presentation with music,
and the blending of the music itself.
Watch them and evaluate what you are
doing.
I recommend that enthusiasts mark
their calendars for the dates of the 2009
XFC event and stop by that weekend. The
audience will surely be rewarded with
some of the finest and most extreme
flying entertainment our sport has seen.
More of the hundreds of photos I took
during the XFC will be posted on my
photo Web site. Sit down with a cold
beverage and watch them in “Slideshow”
mode; many of them are sequenced to be
viewed in that manner.
There are also several videos on
YouTube. One truly conveys how much
of a party the night-flying event really
was. MA
Ben Lanterman
[email protected]
Sources:
More photos by Ben Lanterman
http://public.fotki.com/benlanterman/
Edition: Model Aviation - 2008/09
Page Numbers: 18,19,20,21,22,23,24,26
Edition: Model Aviation - 2008/09
Page Numbers: 18,19,20,21,22,23,24,26
18 MODEL AVIATION
Futaba XFC
by Ben Lanterman
This is where
RC pilots
are branded
“extreme”
competition, and, as such, features some of
the finest pilots flying some of the best
airplanes and helicopters. A comparison
came to mind as I listened to the
announcers during the event. Modern
motor-sports teams and drivers have all
their sponsors, as do the modern
competition model pilots, which enables
them to practice and improve.
Not all invited pilots are able to attend
the event, so there are provisional slots for
which any pilots can try out. They must fly
for the event promoters at the XFC site to be
accepted into the competition.
This year, in addition to the normal (as if
any of the maneuvers performed are
“normal”) airplane and helicopter
competitions, Team and Night Fly events
were on the XFC schedule. The Team
models could be airplanes, helicopters, or a
combination, and they were simultaneously
flown to music. It was a great addition to
the contest. It indicated a maturation of our
sport and was a delight to watch.
The Night Fly event was for the brave
souls with great eyesight. Scores were based
on audience reaction.
THE 7TH ANNUAL Extreme Flight
Championships (XFC) was held at AMA’s
National Flying Site at Muncie, Indiana,
Friday June 13-Sunday June 15. Last year
was windy and challenging for the
contestants, but this year promised to be
even more interesting.
A major weather front that had spawned
tornadoes and severe weather across Iowa
was due to come across this part of Indiana
Friday. However, as I began writing this
Thursday, the weatherman on the local TV
station promised that the conditions would
be great on Saturday and Sunday.
The XFC is an invitation-only
Frank Noll demonstrates the
Great Planes 38% Extra 330S
during the noontime break.
Bobby Watts and Burt Kammerer flew in the
Team competition. A bit of close formation
flying in the gusty wind drew appreciative
applause from the crowd.
Right: Manuel Santos of Mexico City,
Mexico, has been flying for 32 years. This
enthusiastic competitor has developed an
interesting wing configuration for the
altitude of Mexico City.
September 2008 19
Friday morning, Mother Nature played a
game of “tease the pilots.” Several flights
were made in fairly good conditions, and
then came the “light” rains and one total
downpour. Every time it seemed like the
rains might let up and a couple flights were
made, a cloud dropped a load of rain on the
already soaked region.
It isn’t easy to run for the tents in the pit
areas with a Giant Scale Aerobatics
airplane. The announcer inserted a bit of
humor as the pilots were scurrying to the
shelters, with a cry of “Run Forrest, Run!”
The rain let up Friday evening, and several
more flights were made.
Saturday was perfect, with low
temperatures and enough wind to keep the
spectators cool but give the pilots a
challenge. They spent the morning flying
the Known maneuver sequence for airplanes
and helicopters. The aircraft types
alternated, which allowed the audience to
get a great idea of how the different flying
machines presented to the judges.
The pilots performed their Freestyle
maneuvers in the afternoon, in a wind that
blew hard enough to challenge anyone.
Several airplanes landed extremely hard
after shedding some necessary flight
surfaces in flight.
Some of the helicopter pilots pushed the
lower altitude envelope so hard that the
inevitable gust of wind caused collisions
with the runway. They came to compete,
and they did!
Saturday was also the first presentation
of the Team competition. We were treated
to a helicopter-and-airplane team and
several pairs of helicopters.
Two helicopters performing maneuvers
that complemented each other and mirrored
each other with a great deal of accuracy was
amazing to watch. There aren’t too many
sports in which this kind of timing is
required, and to do it with a model airplane
or helicopter is a tribute to the state of the
art and the pilots’ skills. It would be
interesting to see three or more models team
up next year.
The Saturday Night Fly brought out a
large variation of model types and
technology. Mark Fadely was good enough
to provide me with some excellent imagery
since I experienced technical difficulties.
There were basic models with little
XFC
Bobby Watts finished second in the helicopter competition. His prototype Miniature
Aircraft model used an O.S. .91 engine and a Futaba FASST radio system. Bobby, who is
19 and a student at the University of South Carolina, has been flying for five years.
One of Andrew Jesky’s signature maneuvers on takeoff is a roll just as the wings clear the
runway. It was fun to wait for and watch, and it set the stage for the rest of his flight.
Left: L-R: Nick Maxwell
(third in helicopters), Kelly
Gerber (third in airplanes),
Dominik Haegele (first in
helicopters), Andrew Jesky
(first in airplanes), Bobby
Watts (second in helicopters),
Jason Noll (second
in airplanes).
Photos by the author except as noted Futaba
The lighting system that Yuri Higuchi and
John Sabini developed for Yuri’s CARF
Extra mimicked the light of a supernova.
Enhanced visibility made Yuri’s
uninhibited performance breathtaking.
Photo by Mark Fadely.
20 MODEL AVIATION
Sponsors: Futaba, AMA, Great Planes, Desert
Aircraft, RunRyder, Carden Aircraft, SKS
Video Productions, JTEC Radiowave,
Miniature Aircraft, RCGroups/Knife Edge
Software
For a complete list of standings, supporting
sponsors, and more information about the XFC,
visit www.futaba-rc.com/xfc-rc/. MA
Dominik Haegele and Daniel Jetschin perform
a close opposing pass. Team formation flying
is fun to watch, and this year’s XFC pilots got
into the spirit of the event.
Jason Krause designed this Align T-Rex 700 and flew it using an O.S. .91 and a Futaba
FASST radio. The white model is a contrast with Friday’s rain and gray sky.
21
A couple hours after the contest ended Sunday, the weather conveyed what it means
by “extreme.” All who decided to stay overnight and leave Monday were treated to 60-
70 mph straight-line winds that swept ferociously across the AMA site at Muncie,
Indiana.
Chris Maier with his
airplane in the center
walkway of the airplane
and helicopter hangar
area. Each competitor
had a reserved
space for his
models and
equipment.
Although the
size of the
aircraft
made
things tight at
times, the tents
were perfect for
withstanding the rain
and windy weather
during and after the
contest.
AIRPLANES
1. Andrew Jesky
2. Jason Noll
3. Kelly Gerber
4. Chris Maier
5. Yuri Higuchi
6. Tim Fulk
7. Jason Danhakl
8. Terry Hahn
9. Nick Maxwell
10. Manuel Santos
HELICOPTERS
1. Dominik Haegele
2. Bobby Watts
3. Nick Maxwell
4. Colin Bell
5. Scott Gray
6. Alan Szabo
7. Jamie Robertson
8. Daniel Jetschin
9. JaeHong Lee
10. Jason Krause
XXFFCC 2008 Top 10
September 2008 21
lighting and helicopters with LEDs on the
fuselage and rotors that looked great in the
air. A Giant Scale airplane had lights on the
wing and stabilizer tips that illuminated the
entire model as if it were carrying its own
sunlight.
The Night Fly winner put together a
show of cutting ribbons, fireworks, and
something that involved removing part of
the aft of the airplane with a collision with
ribbon supports (I think; it was dark),
which was unplanned but interesting.
Following the Night Fly, we were
treated to a great fireworks show that
would have made the trip worthwhile on its
own. It was a wonderful end to a good day.
Sunday morning was beautiful and clear,
but the wind increased throughout the day.
The top 10 qualifiers in each discipline
started from scratch, and the flight order
was determined by chance. There would be
five airplane flights alternating with five
helicopter flights. The overall grouping
would perform Known maneuvers in the
Jason Noll makes a low-speed roll across show center. His smooth piloting results from
18 years of flying with all kinds of models. In a squeaker of a finish (separated by 2 points
out of 1,000), he finished second. Jason used Futaba FASST equipment.
Marcus Kim and Danny Szabo entered the Team competition. They flew as if their
models were locked together. Their routine was very impressive, considering the rate of
maneuvering.
Not all Team competitors used dual
helicopters. Jason Danhakl flew an airplane
and Nick Maxwell piloted a helicopter. The
models’ size difference is apparent.
Left: If you needed help, others were
willing to lend a hand. The knowledge base
at this kind of event is outstanding! The
author didn’t intrude on this helicopter
repair effort.
22 MODEL AVIATION
Dominik Haegele took first place in helicopters home to Germany. He flew his
prototype Hirobo Turbulence. Dominik is a 17-year-old student and has been flying
for four years. There seems to be a trend toward youth flying helicopters.
Terry Hahn flew the limbo in one direction and then came back into show center. Then flying
the airplane in knife edge, he cut both sets of ribbons from the center.
Five pilots participated in the moonless night-flight
competition. The audience determined the winner, and
technical achievement had a strong influence on the
crowd. Terry Hahn took the title. Fadely photo.
September 2008 23
morning, followed by Unknown maneuvers.
The pilots pulled out all the stops. To
make things more challenging, the wind
varied enough to play a large part in the
final results, but top pilots tend to overcome
those kinds of obstacles.
An overall impression of the airplane
flying included extremely low-level knifeedge
flying, elegantly presented hovering,
rolls that varied from one during a large
horizontal circle to dozens in a small circle,
a slow roll so low and straight that the
organizers had to have prestrung a track to
fly on, and maneuvers that started and
stopped with total precision.
An overall impression of the helicopter
flying included the same maneuvers.
However, I would include something that
happens when the helicopter goes insane
approximately 3 feet off the ground; it is
impossible to describe in words. Come next
year and watch for yourself.
If you are older than 18, you might be out
of your prime helicopter competition years.
The generations of pilots brought up with
Game Boys and Xboxes are flying now.
It would be nice if the helicopter
designers came up with full-fuselage
machines instead of the pod-and-boom
types. They would look so much better, and
they would still be competitive if everyone
had to use them.
The awards ceremony was held Sunday
afternoon at the field. It is sad to tell
competitors that they didn’t win the XFC,
but they should keep in mind that they have
a couple things the rest of us don’t: a plaque
to show that they competed in the contest
and their fellow pilots’ respect.
The top three in airplanes and helicopters
are shown in a photo accompanying this
article. I watched them fly during several
days and photographed each of their
flights. I agree with the judges’
decisions (not that they are worried
about that), with the caveat that on
any day at any contest the pilots’
order might change. They are that
consistent and good, but they can’t
control the weather.
I have a couple suggestions for all
pilots who might consider flying in
this kind of event, in which music
and flying are presented as a
package to a judge. I saw some
good and some bad
performances at the XFC.
Pilots should take time in the
winter months to watch an iceskating
competition. The skater’s coach is
After one of the many rain showers
on Friday, Nick Maxwell (R) gets
ready to fly his aircraft. At times,
Mother Nature allowed only a couple
flights before she deemed necessary a
thorough washing of the runway.
24 MODEL AVIATION
Triple the Extreme:
Interview With Nick Maxwell
Nick Maxwell is a nice young man; he always seems to be smiling and to have a
great attitude. With his skills, he should be.
He is from Fort Wayne, Indiana, and at the age of 18 is still a high school
student. He is going to attend IPFW, an Indiana University/Purdue University
extension, and study mechanical engineering. The school is going to be roughly five
minutes from his flying field, so he hopes to keep his skills sharp.
The first year Nick participated in the XFC, two years ago, he finished last. For
the 2008 contest—his third—he started practicing fairly seriously several months
ago, every day, putting in three to four flights a day. He said that if he flew more, he
tended to get stale and the practice was unproductive.
This year Nick finished third in helicopter and ninth in airplane, and he flew a
helicopter in the team event, which he entered with Jason Danhakl. Nick flew using
aircraft he didn’t have much time on. His airplane was a 38% Great Planes Extra 330
ARF, and he built it per the instructions. Nick said it seemed to be rigid and flew
well.
His helicopter was a prototype Excel 90, and his backup machine was the new
Bandit 50. Nick felt that the 90 was light and precise, which made the response nice
and made it easier on his thumbs.
Nick thanks Futaba, Miniature Aircraft USA, FlightPower, V-Blades, and
Dietrich Aircraft. He specifically thanks his parents; without them, he wouldn’t be
able to participate in the XFC and his modeling activities. MA
—Ben Lanterman
like a pilot because they have the same
problem: making their skater/airplane
perform in front of judges.
The coaches have the same kinds of
challenges pilots have. They need
changes in the tempo of presentation, the
correlation of presentation with music,
and the blending of the music itself.
Watch them and evaluate what you are
doing.
I recommend that enthusiasts mark
their calendars for the dates of the 2009
XFC event and stop by that weekend. The
audience will surely be rewarded with
some of the finest and most extreme
flying entertainment our sport has seen.
More of the hundreds of photos I took
during the XFC will be posted on my
photo Web site. Sit down with a cold
beverage and watch them in “Slideshow”
mode; many of them are sequenced to be
viewed in that manner.
There are also several videos on
YouTube. One truly conveys how much
of a party the night-flying event really
was. MA
Ben Lanterman
[email protected]
Sources:
More photos by Ben Lanterman
http://public.fotki.com/benlanterman/
Edition: Model Aviation - 2008/09
Page Numbers: 18,19,20,21,22,23,24,26
18 MODEL AVIATION
Futaba XFC
by Ben Lanterman
This is where
RC pilots
are branded
“extreme”
competition, and, as such, features some of
the finest pilots flying some of the best
airplanes and helicopters. A comparison
came to mind as I listened to the
announcers during the event. Modern
motor-sports teams and drivers have all
their sponsors, as do the modern
competition model pilots, which enables
them to practice and improve.
Not all invited pilots are able to attend
the event, so there are provisional slots for
which any pilots can try out. They must fly
for the event promoters at the XFC site to be
accepted into the competition.
This year, in addition to the normal (as if
any of the maneuvers performed are
“normal”) airplane and helicopter
competitions, Team and Night Fly events
were on the XFC schedule. The Team
models could be airplanes, helicopters, or a
combination, and they were simultaneously
flown to music. It was a great addition to
the contest. It indicated a maturation of our
sport and was a delight to watch.
The Night Fly event was for the brave
souls with great eyesight. Scores were based
on audience reaction.
THE 7TH ANNUAL Extreme Flight
Championships (XFC) was held at AMA’s
National Flying Site at Muncie, Indiana,
Friday June 13-Sunday June 15. Last year
was windy and challenging for the
contestants, but this year promised to be
even more interesting.
A major weather front that had spawned
tornadoes and severe weather across Iowa
was due to come across this part of Indiana
Friday. However, as I began writing this
Thursday, the weatherman on the local TV
station promised that the conditions would
be great on Saturday and Sunday.
The XFC is an invitation-only
Frank Noll demonstrates the
Great Planes 38% Extra 330S
during the noontime break.
Bobby Watts and Burt Kammerer flew in the
Team competition. A bit of close formation
flying in the gusty wind drew appreciative
applause from the crowd.
Right: Manuel Santos of Mexico City,
Mexico, has been flying for 32 years. This
enthusiastic competitor has developed an
interesting wing configuration for the
altitude of Mexico City.
September 2008 19
Friday morning, Mother Nature played a
game of “tease the pilots.” Several flights
were made in fairly good conditions, and
then came the “light” rains and one total
downpour. Every time it seemed like the
rains might let up and a couple flights were
made, a cloud dropped a load of rain on the
already soaked region.
It isn’t easy to run for the tents in the pit
areas with a Giant Scale Aerobatics
airplane. The announcer inserted a bit of
humor as the pilots were scurrying to the
shelters, with a cry of “Run Forrest, Run!”
The rain let up Friday evening, and several
more flights were made.
Saturday was perfect, with low
temperatures and enough wind to keep the
spectators cool but give the pilots a
challenge. They spent the morning flying
the Known maneuver sequence for airplanes
and helicopters. The aircraft types
alternated, which allowed the audience to
get a great idea of how the different flying
machines presented to the judges.
The pilots performed their Freestyle
maneuvers in the afternoon, in a wind that
blew hard enough to challenge anyone.
Several airplanes landed extremely hard
after shedding some necessary flight
surfaces in flight.
Some of the helicopter pilots pushed the
lower altitude envelope so hard that the
inevitable gust of wind caused collisions
with the runway. They came to compete,
and they did!
Saturday was also the first presentation
of the Team competition. We were treated
to a helicopter-and-airplane team and
several pairs of helicopters.
Two helicopters performing maneuvers
that complemented each other and mirrored
each other with a great deal of accuracy was
amazing to watch. There aren’t too many
sports in which this kind of timing is
required, and to do it with a model airplane
or helicopter is a tribute to the state of the
art and the pilots’ skills. It would be
interesting to see three or more models team
up next year.
The Saturday Night Fly brought out a
large variation of model types and
technology. Mark Fadely was good enough
to provide me with some excellent imagery
since I experienced technical difficulties.
There were basic models with little
XFC
Bobby Watts finished second in the helicopter competition. His prototype Miniature
Aircraft model used an O.S. .91 engine and a Futaba FASST radio system. Bobby, who is
19 and a student at the University of South Carolina, has been flying for five years.
One of Andrew Jesky’s signature maneuvers on takeoff is a roll just as the wings clear the
runway. It was fun to wait for and watch, and it set the stage for the rest of his flight.
Left: L-R: Nick Maxwell
(third in helicopters), Kelly
Gerber (third in airplanes),
Dominik Haegele (first in
helicopters), Andrew Jesky
(first in airplanes), Bobby
Watts (second in helicopters),
Jason Noll (second
in airplanes).
Photos by the author except as noted Futaba
The lighting system that Yuri Higuchi and
John Sabini developed for Yuri’s CARF
Extra mimicked the light of a supernova.
Enhanced visibility made Yuri’s
uninhibited performance breathtaking.
Photo by Mark Fadely.
20 MODEL AVIATION
Sponsors: Futaba, AMA, Great Planes, Desert
Aircraft, RunRyder, Carden Aircraft, SKS
Video Productions, JTEC Radiowave,
Miniature Aircraft, RCGroups/Knife Edge
Software
For a complete list of standings, supporting
sponsors, and more information about the XFC,
visit www.futaba-rc.com/xfc-rc/. MA
Dominik Haegele and Daniel Jetschin perform
a close opposing pass. Team formation flying
is fun to watch, and this year’s XFC pilots got
into the spirit of the event.
Jason Krause designed this Align T-Rex 700 and flew it using an O.S. .91 and a Futaba
FASST radio. The white model is a contrast with Friday’s rain and gray sky.
21
A couple hours after the contest ended Sunday, the weather conveyed what it means
by “extreme.” All who decided to stay overnight and leave Monday were treated to 60-
70 mph straight-line winds that swept ferociously across the AMA site at Muncie,
Indiana.
Chris Maier with his
airplane in the center
walkway of the airplane
and helicopter hangar
area. Each competitor
had a reserved
space for his
models and
equipment.
Although the
size of the
aircraft
made
things tight at
times, the tents
were perfect for
withstanding the rain
and windy weather
during and after the
contest.
AIRPLANES
1. Andrew Jesky
2. Jason Noll
3. Kelly Gerber
4. Chris Maier
5. Yuri Higuchi
6. Tim Fulk
7. Jason Danhakl
8. Terry Hahn
9. Nick Maxwell
10. Manuel Santos
HELICOPTERS
1. Dominik Haegele
2. Bobby Watts
3. Nick Maxwell
4. Colin Bell
5. Scott Gray
6. Alan Szabo
7. Jamie Robertson
8. Daniel Jetschin
9. JaeHong Lee
10. Jason Krause
XXFFCC 2008 Top 10
September 2008 21
lighting and helicopters with LEDs on the
fuselage and rotors that looked great in the
air. A Giant Scale airplane had lights on the
wing and stabilizer tips that illuminated the
entire model as if it were carrying its own
sunlight.
The Night Fly winner put together a
show of cutting ribbons, fireworks, and
something that involved removing part of
the aft of the airplane with a collision with
ribbon supports (I think; it was dark),
which was unplanned but interesting.
Following the Night Fly, we were
treated to a great fireworks show that
would have made the trip worthwhile on its
own. It was a wonderful end to a good day.
Sunday morning was beautiful and clear,
but the wind increased throughout the day.
The top 10 qualifiers in each discipline
started from scratch, and the flight order
was determined by chance. There would be
five airplane flights alternating with five
helicopter flights. The overall grouping
would perform Known maneuvers in the
Jason Noll makes a low-speed roll across show center. His smooth piloting results from
18 years of flying with all kinds of models. In a squeaker of a finish (separated by 2 points
out of 1,000), he finished second. Jason used Futaba FASST equipment.
Marcus Kim and Danny Szabo entered the Team competition. They flew as if their
models were locked together. Their routine was very impressive, considering the rate of
maneuvering.
Not all Team competitors used dual
helicopters. Jason Danhakl flew an airplane
and Nick Maxwell piloted a helicopter. The
models’ size difference is apparent.
Left: If you needed help, others were
willing to lend a hand. The knowledge base
at this kind of event is outstanding! The
author didn’t intrude on this helicopter
repair effort.
22 MODEL AVIATION
Dominik Haegele took first place in helicopters home to Germany. He flew his
prototype Hirobo Turbulence. Dominik is a 17-year-old student and has been flying
for four years. There seems to be a trend toward youth flying helicopters.
Terry Hahn flew the limbo in one direction and then came back into show center. Then flying
the airplane in knife edge, he cut both sets of ribbons from the center.
Five pilots participated in the moonless night-flight
competition. The audience determined the winner, and
technical achievement had a strong influence on the
crowd. Terry Hahn took the title. Fadely photo.
September 2008 23
morning, followed by Unknown maneuvers.
The pilots pulled out all the stops. To
make things more challenging, the wind
varied enough to play a large part in the
final results, but top pilots tend to overcome
those kinds of obstacles.
An overall impression of the airplane
flying included extremely low-level knifeedge
flying, elegantly presented hovering,
rolls that varied from one during a large
horizontal circle to dozens in a small circle,
a slow roll so low and straight that the
organizers had to have prestrung a track to
fly on, and maneuvers that started and
stopped with total precision.
An overall impression of the helicopter
flying included the same maneuvers.
However, I would include something that
happens when the helicopter goes insane
approximately 3 feet off the ground; it is
impossible to describe in words. Come next
year and watch for yourself.
If you are older than 18, you might be out
of your prime helicopter competition years.
The generations of pilots brought up with
Game Boys and Xboxes are flying now.
It would be nice if the helicopter
designers came up with full-fuselage
machines instead of the pod-and-boom
types. They would look so much better, and
they would still be competitive if everyone
had to use them.
The awards ceremony was held Sunday
afternoon at the field. It is sad to tell
competitors that they didn’t win the XFC,
but they should keep in mind that they have
a couple things the rest of us don’t: a plaque
to show that they competed in the contest
and their fellow pilots’ respect.
The top three in airplanes and helicopters
are shown in a photo accompanying this
article. I watched them fly during several
days and photographed each of their
flights. I agree with the judges’
decisions (not that they are worried
about that), with the caveat that on
any day at any contest the pilots’
order might change. They are that
consistent and good, but they can’t
control the weather.
I have a couple suggestions for all
pilots who might consider flying in
this kind of event, in which music
and flying are presented as a
package to a judge. I saw some
good and some bad
performances at the XFC.
Pilots should take time in the
winter months to watch an iceskating
competition. The skater’s coach is
After one of the many rain showers
on Friday, Nick Maxwell (R) gets
ready to fly his aircraft. At times,
Mother Nature allowed only a couple
flights before she deemed necessary a
thorough washing of the runway.
24 MODEL AVIATION
Triple the Extreme:
Interview With Nick Maxwell
Nick Maxwell is a nice young man; he always seems to be smiling and to have a
great attitude. With his skills, he should be.
He is from Fort Wayne, Indiana, and at the age of 18 is still a high school
student. He is going to attend IPFW, an Indiana University/Purdue University
extension, and study mechanical engineering. The school is going to be roughly five
minutes from his flying field, so he hopes to keep his skills sharp.
The first year Nick participated in the XFC, two years ago, he finished last. For
the 2008 contest—his third—he started practicing fairly seriously several months
ago, every day, putting in three to four flights a day. He said that if he flew more, he
tended to get stale and the practice was unproductive.
This year Nick finished third in helicopter and ninth in airplane, and he flew a
helicopter in the team event, which he entered with Jason Danhakl. Nick flew using
aircraft he didn’t have much time on. His airplane was a 38% Great Planes Extra 330
ARF, and he built it per the instructions. Nick said it seemed to be rigid and flew
well.
His helicopter was a prototype Excel 90, and his backup machine was the new
Bandit 50. Nick felt that the 90 was light and precise, which made the response nice
and made it easier on his thumbs.
Nick thanks Futaba, Miniature Aircraft USA, FlightPower, V-Blades, and
Dietrich Aircraft. He specifically thanks his parents; without them, he wouldn’t be
able to participate in the XFC and his modeling activities. MA
—Ben Lanterman
like a pilot because they have the same
problem: making their skater/airplane
perform in front of judges.
The coaches have the same kinds of
challenges pilots have. They need
changes in the tempo of presentation, the
correlation of presentation with music,
and the blending of the music itself.
Watch them and evaluate what you are
doing.
I recommend that enthusiasts mark
their calendars for the dates of the 2009
XFC event and stop by that weekend. The
audience will surely be rewarded with
some of the finest and most extreme
flying entertainment our sport has seen.
More of the hundreds of photos I took
during the XFC will be posted on my
photo Web site. Sit down with a cold
beverage and watch them in “Slideshow”
mode; many of them are sequenced to be
viewed in that manner.
There are also several videos on
YouTube. One truly conveys how much
of a party the night-flying event really
was. MA
Ben Lanterman
[email protected]
Sources:
More photos by Ben Lanterman
http://public.fotki.com/benlanterman/
Edition: Model Aviation - 2008/09
Page Numbers: 18,19,20,21,22,23,24,26
18 MODEL AVIATION
Futaba XFC
by Ben Lanterman
This is where
RC pilots
are branded
“extreme”
competition, and, as such, features some of
the finest pilots flying some of the best
airplanes and helicopters. A comparison
came to mind as I listened to the
announcers during the event. Modern
motor-sports teams and drivers have all
their sponsors, as do the modern
competition model pilots, which enables
them to practice and improve.
Not all invited pilots are able to attend
the event, so there are provisional slots for
which any pilots can try out. They must fly
for the event promoters at the XFC site to be
accepted into the competition.
This year, in addition to the normal (as if
any of the maneuvers performed are
“normal”) airplane and helicopter
competitions, Team and Night Fly events
were on the XFC schedule. The Team
models could be airplanes, helicopters, or a
combination, and they were simultaneously
flown to music. It was a great addition to
the contest. It indicated a maturation of our
sport and was a delight to watch.
The Night Fly event was for the brave
souls with great eyesight. Scores were based
on audience reaction.
THE 7TH ANNUAL Extreme Flight
Championships (XFC) was held at AMA’s
National Flying Site at Muncie, Indiana,
Friday June 13-Sunday June 15. Last year
was windy and challenging for the
contestants, but this year promised to be
even more interesting.
A major weather front that had spawned
tornadoes and severe weather across Iowa
was due to come across this part of Indiana
Friday. However, as I began writing this
Thursday, the weatherman on the local TV
station promised that the conditions would
be great on Saturday and Sunday.
The XFC is an invitation-only
Frank Noll demonstrates the
Great Planes 38% Extra 330S
during the noontime break.
Bobby Watts and Burt Kammerer flew in the
Team competition. A bit of close formation
flying in the gusty wind drew appreciative
applause from the crowd.
Right: Manuel Santos of Mexico City,
Mexico, has been flying for 32 years. This
enthusiastic competitor has developed an
interesting wing configuration for the
altitude of Mexico City.
September 2008 19
Friday morning, Mother Nature played a
game of “tease the pilots.” Several flights
were made in fairly good conditions, and
then came the “light” rains and one total
downpour. Every time it seemed like the
rains might let up and a couple flights were
made, a cloud dropped a load of rain on the
already soaked region.
It isn’t easy to run for the tents in the pit
areas with a Giant Scale Aerobatics
airplane. The announcer inserted a bit of
humor as the pilots were scurrying to the
shelters, with a cry of “Run Forrest, Run!”
The rain let up Friday evening, and several
more flights were made.
Saturday was perfect, with low
temperatures and enough wind to keep the
spectators cool but give the pilots a
challenge. They spent the morning flying
the Known maneuver sequence for airplanes
and helicopters. The aircraft types
alternated, which allowed the audience to
get a great idea of how the different flying
machines presented to the judges.
The pilots performed their Freestyle
maneuvers in the afternoon, in a wind that
blew hard enough to challenge anyone.
Several airplanes landed extremely hard
after shedding some necessary flight
surfaces in flight.
Some of the helicopter pilots pushed the
lower altitude envelope so hard that the
inevitable gust of wind caused collisions
with the runway. They came to compete,
and they did!
Saturday was also the first presentation
of the Team competition. We were treated
to a helicopter-and-airplane team and
several pairs of helicopters.
Two helicopters performing maneuvers
that complemented each other and mirrored
each other with a great deal of accuracy was
amazing to watch. There aren’t too many
sports in which this kind of timing is
required, and to do it with a model airplane
or helicopter is a tribute to the state of the
art and the pilots’ skills. It would be
interesting to see three or more models team
up next year.
The Saturday Night Fly brought out a
large variation of model types and
technology. Mark Fadely was good enough
to provide me with some excellent imagery
since I experienced technical difficulties.
There were basic models with little
XFC
Bobby Watts finished second in the helicopter competition. His prototype Miniature
Aircraft model used an O.S. .91 engine and a Futaba FASST radio system. Bobby, who is
19 and a student at the University of South Carolina, has been flying for five years.
One of Andrew Jesky’s signature maneuvers on takeoff is a roll just as the wings clear the
runway. It was fun to wait for and watch, and it set the stage for the rest of his flight.
Left: L-R: Nick Maxwell
(third in helicopters), Kelly
Gerber (third in airplanes),
Dominik Haegele (first in
helicopters), Andrew Jesky
(first in airplanes), Bobby
Watts (second in helicopters),
Jason Noll (second
in airplanes).
Photos by the author except as noted Futaba
The lighting system that Yuri Higuchi and
John Sabini developed for Yuri’s CARF
Extra mimicked the light of a supernova.
Enhanced visibility made Yuri’s
uninhibited performance breathtaking.
Photo by Mark Fadely.
20 MODEL AVIATION
Sponsors: Futaba, AMA, Great Planes, Desert
Aircraft, RunRyder, Carden Aircraft, SKS
Video Productions, JTEC Radiowave,
Miniature Aircraft, RCGroups/Knife Edge
Software
For a complete list of standings, supporting
sponsors, and more information about the XFC,
visit www.futaba-rc.com/xfc-rc/. MA
Dominik Haegele and Daniel Jetschin perform
a close opposing pass. Team formation flying
is fun to watch, and this year’s XFC pilots got
into the spirit of the event.
Jason Krause designed this Align T-Rex 700 and flew it using an O.S. .91 and a Futaba
FASST radio. The white model is a contrast with Friday’s rain and gray sky.
21
A couple hours after the contest ended Sunday, the weather conveyed what it means
by “extreme.” All who decided to stay overnight and leave Monday were treated to 60-
70 mph straight-line winds that swept ferociously across the AMA site at Muncie,
Indiana.
Chris Maier with his
airplane in the center
walkway of the airplane
and helicopter hangar
area. Each competitor
had a reserved
space for his
models and
equipment.
Although the
size of the
aircraft
made
things tight at
times, the tents
were perfect for
withstanding the rain
and windy weather
during and after the
contest.
AIRPLANES
1. Andrew Jesky
2. Jason Noll
3. Kelly Gerber
4. Chris Maier
5. Yuri Higuchi
6. Tim Fulk
7. Jason Danhakl
8. Terry Hahn
9. Nick Maxwell
10. Manuel Santos
HELICOPTERS
1. Dominik Haegele
2. Bobby Watts
3. Nick Maxwell
4. Colin Bell
5. Scott Gray
6. Alan Szabo
7. Jamie Robertson
8. Daniel Jetschin
9. JaeHong Lee
10. Jason Krause
XXFFCC 2008 Top 10
September 2008 21
lighting and helicopters with LEDs on the
fuselage and rotors that looked great in the
air. A Giant Scale airplane had lights on the
wing and stabilizer tips that illuminated the
entire model as if it were carrying its own
sunlight.
The Night Fly winner put together a
show of cutting ribbons, fireworks, and
something that involved removing part of
the aft of the airplane with a collision with
ribbon supports (I think; it was dark),
which was unplanned but interesting.
Following the Night Fly, we were
treated to a great fireworks show that
would have made the trip worthwhile on its
own. It was a wonderful end to a good day.
Sunday morning was beautiful and clear,
but the wind increased throughout the day.
The top 10 qualifiers in each discipline
started from scratch, and the flight order
was determined by chance. There would be
five airplane flights alternating with five
helicopter flights. The overall grouping
would perform Known maneuvers in the
Jason Noll makes a low-speed roll across show center. His smooth piloting results from
18 years of flying with all kinds of models. In a squeaker of a finish (separated by 2 points
out of 1,000), he finished second. Jason used Futaba FASST equipment.
Marcus Kim and Danny Szabo entered the Team competition. They flew as if their
models were locked together. Their routine was very impressive, considering the rate of
maneuvering.
Not all Team competitors used dual
helicopters. Jason Danhakl flew an airplane
and Nick Maxwell piloted a helicopter. The
models’ size difference is apparent.
Left: If you needed help, others were
willing to lend a hand. The knowledge base
at this kind of event is outstanding! The
author didn’t intrude on this helicopter
repair effort.
22 MODEL AVIATION
Dominik Haegele took first place in helicopters home to Germany. He flew his
prototype Hirobo Turbulence. Dominik is a 17-year-old student and has been flying
for four years. There seems to be a trend toward youth flying helicopters.
Terry Hahn flew the limbo in one direction and then came back into show center. Then flying
the airplane in knife edge, he cut both sets of ribbons from the center.
Five pilots participated in the moonless night-flight
competition. The audience determined the winner, and
technical achievement had a strong influence on the
crowd. Terry Hahn took the title. Fadely photo.
September 2008 23
morning, followed by Unknown maneuvers.
The pilots pulled out all the stops. To
make things more challenging, the wind
varied enough to play a large part in the
final results, but top pilots tend to overcome
those kinds of obstacles.
An overall impression of the airplane
flying included extremely low-level knifeedge
flying, elegantly presented hovering,
rolls that varied from one during a large
horizontal circle to dozens in a small circle,
a slow roll so low and straight that the
organizers had to have prestrung a track to
fly on, and maneuvers that started and
stopped with total precision.
An overall impression of the helicopter
flying included the same maneuvers.
However, I would include something that
happens when the helicopter goes insane
approximately 3 feet off the ground; it is
impossible to describe in words. Come next
year and watch for yourself.
If you are older than 18, you might be out
of your prime helicopter competition years.
The generations of pilots brought up with
Game Boys and Xboxes are flying now.
It would be nice if the helicopter
designers came up with full-fuselage
machines instead of the pod-and-boom
types. They would look so much better, and
they would still be competitive if everyone
had to use them.
The awards ceremony was held Sunday
afternoon at the field. It is sad to tell
competitors that they didn’t win the XFC,
but they should keep in mind that they have
a couple things the rest of us don’t: a plaque
to show that they competed in the contest
and their fellow pilots’ respect.
The top three in airplanes and helicopters
are shown in a photo accompanying this
article. I watched them fly during several
days and photographed each of their
flights. I agree with the judges’
decisions (not that they are worried
about that), with the caveat that on
any day at any contest the pilots’
order might change. They are that
consistent and good, but they can’t
control the weather.
I have a couple suggestions for all
pilots who might consider flying in
this kind of event, in which music
and flying are presented as a
package to a judge. I saw some
good and some bad
performances at the XFC.
Pilots should take time in the
winter months to watch an iceskating
competition. The skater’s coach is
After one of the many rain showers
on Friday, Nick Maxwell (R) gets
ready to fly his aircraft. At times,
Mother Nature allowed only a couple
flights before she deemed necessary a
thorough washing of the runway.
24 MODEL AVIATION
Triple the Extreme:
Interview With Nick Maxwell
Nick Maxwell is a nice young man; he always seems to be smiling and to have a
great attitude. With his skills, he should be.
He is from Fort Wayne, Indiana, and at the age of 18 is still a high school
student. He is going to attend IPFW, an Indiana University/Purdue University
extension, and study mechanical engineering. The school is going to be roughly five
minutes from his flying field, so he hopes to keep his skills sharp.
The first year Nick participated in the XFC, two years ago, he finished last. For
the 2008 contest—his third—he started practicing fairly seriously several months
ago, every day, putting in three to four flights a day. He said that if he flew more, he
tended to get stale and the practice was unproductive.
This year Nick finished third in helicopter and ninth in airplane, and he flew a
helicopter in the team event, which he entered with Jason Danhakl. Nick flew using
aircraft he didn’t have much time on. His airplane was a 38% Great Planes Extra 330
ARF, and he built it per the instructions. Nick said it seemed to be rigid and flew
well.
His helicopter was a prototype Excel 90, and his backup machine was the new
Bandit 50. Nick felt that the 90 was light and precise, which made the response nice
and made it easier on his thumbs.
Nick thanks Futaba, Miniature Aircraft USA, FlightPower, V-Blades, and
Dietrich Aircraft. He specifically thanks his parents; without them, he wouldn’t be
able to participate in the XFC and his modeling activities. MA
—Ben Lanterman
like a pilot because they have the same
problem: making their skater/airplane
perform in front of judges.
The coaches have the same kinds of
challenges pilots have. They need
changes in the tempo of presentation, the
correlation of presentation with music,
and the blending of the music itself.
Watch them and evaluate what you are
doing.
I recommend that enthusiasts mark
their calendars for the dates of the 2009
XFC event and stop by that weekend. The
audience will surely be rewarded with
some of the finest and most extreme
flying entertainment our sport has seen.
More of the hundreds of photos I took
during the XFC will be posted on my
photo Web site. Sit down with a cold
beverage and watch them in “Slideshow”
mode; many of them are sequenced to be
viewed in that manner.
There are also several videos on
YouTube. One truly conveys how much
of a party the night-flying event really
was. MA
Ben Lanterman
[email protected]
Sources:
More photos by Ben Lanterman
http://public.fotki.com/benlanterman/
Edition: Model Aviation - 2008/09
Page Numbers: 18,19,20,21,22,23,24,26
18 MODEL AVIATION
Futaba XFC
by Ben Lanterman
This is where
RC pilots
are branded
“extreme”
competition, and, as such, features some of
the finest pilots flying some of the best
airplanes and helicopters. A comparison
came to mind as I listened to the
announcers during the event. Modern
motor-sports teams and drivers have all
their sponsors, as do the modern
competition model pilots, which enables
them to practice and improve.
Not all invited pilots are able to attend
the event, so there are provisional slots for
which any pilots can try out. They must fly
for the event promoters at the XFC site to be
accepted into the competition.
This year, in addition to the normal (as if
any of the maneuvers performed are
“normal”) airplane and helicopter
competitions, Team and Night Fly events
were on the XFC schedule. The Team
models could be airplanes, helicopters, or a
combination, and they were simultaneously
flown to music. It was a great addition to
the contest. It indicated a maturation of our
sport and was a delight to watch.
The Night Fly event was for the brave
souls with great eyesight. Scores were based
on audience reaction.
THE 7TH ANNUAL Extreme Flight
Championships (XFC) was held at AMA’s
National Flying Site at Muncie, Indiana,
Friday June 13-Sunday June 15. Last year
was windy and challenging for the
contestants, but this year promised to be
even more interesting.
A major weather front that had spawned
tornadoes and severe weather across Iowa
was due to come across this part of Indiana
Friday. However, as I began writing this
Thursday, the weatherman on the local TV
station promised that the conditions would
be great on Saturday and Sunday.
The XFC is an invitation-only
Frank Noll demonstrates the
Great Planes 38% Extra 330S
during the noontime break.
Bobby Watts and Burt Kammerer flew in the
Team competition. A bit of close formation
flying in the gusty wind drew appreciative
applause from the crowd.
Right: Manuel Santos of Mexico City,
Mexico, has been flying for 32 years. This
enthusiastic competitor has developed an
interesting wing configuration for the
altitude of Mexico City.
September 2008 19
Friday morning, Mother Nature played a
game of “tease the pilots.” Several flights
were made in fairly good conditions, and
then came the “light” rains and one total
downpour. Every time it seemed like the
rains might let up and a couple flights were
made, a cloud dropped a load of rain on the
already soaked region.
It isn’t easy to run for the tents in the pit
areas with a Giant Scale Aerobatics
airplane. The announcer inserted a bit of
humor as the pilots were scurrying to the
shelters, with a cry of “Run Forrest, Run!”
The rain let up Friday evening, and several
more flights were made.
Saturday was perfect, with low
temperatures and enough wind to keep the
spectators cool but give the pilots a
challenge. They spent the morning flying
the Known maneuver sequence for airplanes
and helicopters. The aircraft types
alternated, which allowed the audience to
get a great idea of how the different flying
machines presented to the judges.
The pilots performed their Freestyle
maneuvers in the afternoon, in a wind that
blew hard enough to challenge anyone.
Several airplanes landed extremely hard
after shedding some necessary flight
surfaces in flight.
Some of the helicopter pilots pushed the
lower altitude envelope so hard that the
inevitable gust of wind caused collisions
with the runway. They came to compete,
and they did!
Saturday was also the first presentation
of the Team competition. We were treated
to a helicopter-and-airplane team and
several pairs of helicopters.
Two helicopters performing maneuvers
that complemented each other and mirrored
each other with a great deal of accuracy was
amazing to watch. There aren’t too many
sports in which this kind of timing is
required, and to do it with a model airplane
or helicopter is a tribute to the state of the
art and the pilots’ skills. It would be
interesting to see three or more models team
up next year.
The Saturday Night Fly brought out a
large variation of model types and
technology. Mark Fadely was good enough
to provide me with some excellent imagery
since I experienced technical difficulties.
There were basic models with little
XFC
Bobby Watts finished second in the helicopter competition. His prototype Miniature
Aircraft model used an O.S. .91 engine and a Futaba FASST radio system. Bobby, who is
19 and a student at the University of South Carolina, has been flying for five years.
One of Andrew Jesky’s signature maneuvers on takeoff is a roll just as the wings clear the
runway. It was fun to wait for and watch, and it set the stage for the rest of his flight.
Left: L-R: Nick Maxwell
(third in helicopters), Kelly
Gerber (third in airplanes),
Dominik Haegele (first in
helicopters), Andrew Jesky
(first in airplanes), Bobby
Watts (second in helicopters),
Jason Noll (second
in airplanes).
Photos by the author except as noted Futaba
The lighting system that Yuri Higuchi and
John Sabini developed for Yuri’s CARF
Extra mimicked the light of a supernova.
Enhanced visibility made Yuri’s
uninhibited performance breathtaking.
Photo by Mark Fadely.
20 MODEL AVIATION
Sponsors: Futaba, AMA, Great Planes, Desert
Aircraft, RunRyder, Carden Aircraft, SKS
Video Productions, JTEC Radiowave,
Miniature Aircraft, RCGroups/Knife Edge
Software
For a complete list of standings, supporting
sponsors, and more information about the XFC,
visit www.futaba-rc.com/xfc-rc/. MA
Dominik Haegele and Daniel Jetschin perform
a close opposing pass. Team formation flying
is fun to watch, and this year’s XFC pilots got
into the spirit of the event.
Jason Krause designed this Align T-Rex 700 and flew it using an O.S. .91 and a Futaba
FASST radio. The white model is a contrast with Friday’s rain and gray sky.
21
A couple hours after the contest ended Sunday, the weather conveyed what it means
by “extreme.” All who decided to stay overnight and leave Monday were treated to 60-
70 mph straight-line winds that swept ferociously across the AMA site at Muncie,
Indiana.
Chris Maier with his
airplane in the center
walkway of the airplane
and helicopter hangar
area. Each competitor
had a reserved
space for his
models and
equipment.
Although the
size of the
aircraft
made
things tight at
times, the tents
were perfect for
withstanding the rain
and windy weather
during and after the
contest.
AIRPLANES
1. Andrew Jesky
2. Jason Noll
3. Kelly Gerber
4. Chris Maier
5. Yuri Higuchi
6. Tim Fulk
7. Jason Danhakl
8. Terry Hahn
9. Nick Maxwell
10. Manuel Santos
HELICOPTERS
1. Dominik Haegele
2. Bobby Watts
3. Nick Maxwell
4. Colin Bell
5. Scott Gray
6. Alan Szabo
7. Jamie Robertson
8. Daniel Jetschin
9. JaeHong Lee
10. Jason Krause
XXFFCC 2008 Top 10
September 2008 21
lighting and helicopters with LEDs on the
fuselage and rotors that looked great in the
air. A Giant Scale airplane had lights on the
wing and stabilizer tips that illuminated the
entire model as if it were carrying its own
sunlight.
The Night Fly winner put together a
show of cutting ribbons, fireworks, and
something that involved removing part of
the aft of the airplane with a collision with
ribbon supports (I think; it was dark),
which was unplanned but interesting.
Following the Night Fly, we were
treated to a great fireworks show that
would have made the trip worthwhile on its
own. It was a wonderful end to a good day.
Sunday morning was beautiful and clear,
but the wind increased throughout the day.
The top 10 qualifiers in each discipline
started from scratch, and the flight order
was determined by chance. There would be
five airplane flights alternating with five
helicopter flights. The overall grouping
would perform Known maneuvers in the
Jason Noll makes a low-speed roll across show center. His smooth piloting results from
18 years of flying with all kinds of models. In a squeaker of a finish (separated by 2 points
out of 1,000), he finished second. Jason used Futaba FASST equipment.
Marcus Kim and Danny Szabo entered the Team competition. They flew as if their
models were locked together. Their routine was very impressive, considering the rate of
maneuvering.
Not all Team competitors used dual
helicopters. Jason Danhakl flew an airplane
and Nick Maxwell piloted a helicopter. The
models’ size difference is apparent.
Left: If you needed help, others were
willing to lend a hand. The knowledge base
at this kind of event is outstanding! The
author didn’t intrude on this helicopter
repair effort.
22 MODEL AVIATION
Dominik Haegele took first place in helicopters home to Germany. He flew his
prototype Hirobo Turbulence. Dominik is a 17-year-old student and has been flying
for four years. There seems to be a trend toward youth flying helicopters.
Terry Hahn flew the limbo in one direction and then came back into show center. Then flying
the airplane in knife edge, he cut both sets of ribbons from the center.
Five pilots participated in the moonless night-flight
competition. The audience determined the winner, and
technical achievement had a strong influence on the
crowd. Terry Hahn took the title. Fadely photo.
September 2008 23
morning, followed by Unknown maneuvers.
The pilots pulled out all the stops. To
make things more challenging, the wind
varied enough to play a large part in the
final results, but top pilots tend to overcome
those kinds of obstacles.
An overall impression of the airplane
flying included extremely low-level knifeedge
flying, elegantly presented hovering,
rolls that varied from one during a large
horizontal circle to dozens in a small circle,
a slow roll so low and straight that the
organizers had to have prestrung a track to
fly on, and maneuvers that started and
stopped with total precision.
An overall impression of the helicopter
flying included the same maneuvers.
However, I would include something that
happens when the helicopter goes insane
approximately 3 feet off the ground; it is
impossible to describe in words. Come next
year and watch for yourself.
If you are older than 18, you might be out
of your prime helicopter competition years.
The generations of pilots brought up with
Game Boys and Xboxes are flying now.
It would be nice if the helicopter
designers came up with full-fuselage
machines instead of the pod-and-boom
types. They would look so much better, and
they would still be competitive if everyone
had to use them.
The awards ceremony was held Sunday
afternoon at the field. It is sad to tell
competitors that they didn’t win the XFC,
but they should keep in mind that they have
a couple things the rest of us don’t: a plaque
to show that they competed in the contest
and their fellow pilots’ respect.
The top three in airplanes and helicopters
are shown in a photo accompanying this
article. I watched them fly during several
days and photographed each of their
flights. I agree with the judges’
decisions (not that they are worried
about that), with the caveat that on
any day at any contest the pilots’
order might change. They are that
consistent and good, but they can’t
control the weather.
I have a couple suggestions for all
pilots who might consider flying in
this kind of event, in which music
and flying are presented as a
package to a judge. I saw some
good and some bad
performances at the XFC.
Pilots should take time in the
winter months to watch an iceskating
competition. The skater’s coach is
After one of the many rain showers
on Friday, Nick Maxwell (R) gets
ready to fly his aircraft. At times,
Mother Nature allowed only a couple
flights before she deemed necessary a
thorough washing of the runway.
24 MODEL AVIATION
Triple the Extreme:
Interview With Nick Maxwell
Nick Maxwell is a nice young man; he always seems to be smiling and to have a
great attitude. With his skills, he should be.
He is from Fort Wayne, Indiana, and at the age of 18 is still a high school
student. He is going to attend IPFW, an Indiana University/Purdue University
extension, and study mechanical engineering. The school is going to be roughly five
minutes from his flying field, so he hopes to keep his skills sharp.
The first year Nick participated in the XFC, two years ago, he finished last. For
the 2008 contest—his third—he started practicing fairly seriously several months
ago, every day, putting in three to four flights a day. He said that if he flew more, he
tended to get stale and the practice was unproductive.
This year Nick finished third in helicopter and ninth in airplane, and he flew a
helicopter in the team event, which he entered with Jason Danhakl. Nick flew using
aircraft he didn’t have much time on. His airplane was a 38% Great Planes Extra 330
ARF, and he built it per the instructions. Nick said it seemed to be rigid and flew
well.
His helicopter was a prototype Excel 90, and his backup machine was the new
Bandit 50. Nick felt that the 90 was light and precise, which made the response nice
and made it easier on his thumbs.
Nick thanks Futaba, Miniature Aircraft USA, FlightPower, V-Blades, and
Dietrich Aircraft. He specifically thanks his parents; without them, he wouldn’t be
able to participate in the XFC and his modeling activities. MA
—Ben Lanterman
like a pilot because they have the same
problem: making their skater/airplane
perform in front of judges.
The coaches have the same kinds of
challenges pilots have. They need
changes in the tempo of presentation, the
correlation of presentation with music,
and the blending of the music itself.
Watch them and evaluate what you are
doing.
I recommend that enthusiasts mark
their calendars for the dates of the 2009
XFC event and stop by that weekend. The
audience will surely be rewarded with
some of the finest and most extreme
flying entertainment our sport has seen.
More of the hundreds of photos I took
during the XFC will be posted on my
photo Web site. Sit down with a cold
beverage and watch them in “Slideshow”
mode; many of them are sequenced to be
viewed in that manner.
There are also several videos on
YouTube. One truly conveys how much
of a party the night-flying event really
was. MA
Ben Lanterman
[email protected]
Sources:
More photos by Ben Lanterman
http://public.fotki.com/benlanterman/
Edition: Model Aviation - 2008/09
Page Numbers: 18,19,20,21,22,23,24,26
18 MODEL AVIATION
Futaba XFC
by Ben Lanterman
This is where
RC pilots
are branded
“extreme”
competition, and, as such, features some of
the finest pilots flying some of the best
airplanes and helicopters. A comparison
came to mind as I listened to the
announcers during the event. Modern
motor-sports teams and drivers have all
their sponsors, as do the modern
competition model pilots, which enables
them to practice and improve.
Not all invited pilots are able to attend
the event, so there are provisional slots for
which any pilots can try out. They must fly
for the event promoters at the XFC site to be
accepted into the competition.
This year, in addition to the normal (as if
any of the maneuvers performed are
“normal”) airplane and helicopter
competitions, Team and Night Fly events
were on the XFC schedule. The Team
models could be airplanes, helicopters, or a
combination, and they were simultaneously
flown to music. It was a great addition to
the contest. It indicated a maturation of our
sport and was a delight to watch.
The Night Fly event was for the brave
souls with great eyesight. Scores were based
on audience reaction.
THE 7TH ANNUAL Extreme Flight
Championships (XFC) was held at AMA’s
National Flying Site at Muncie, Indiana,
Friday June 13-Sunday June 15. Last year
was windy and challenging for the
contestants, but this year promised to be
even more interesting.
A major weather front that had spawned
tornadoes and severe weather across Iowa
was due to come across this part of Indiana
Friday. However, as I began writing this
Thursday, the weatherman on the local TV
station promised that the conditions would
be great on Saturday and Sunday.
The XFC is an invitation-only
Frank Noll demonstrates the
Great Planes 38% Extra 330S
during the noontime break.
Bobby Watts and Burt Kammerer flew in the
Team competition. A bit of close formation
flying in the gusty wind drew appreciative
applause from the crowd.
Right: Manuel Santos of Mexico City,
Mexico, has been flying for 32 years. This
enthusiastic competitor has developed an
interesting wing configuration for the
altitude of Mexico City.
September 2008 19
Friday morning, Mother Nature played a
game of “tease the pilots.” Several flights
were made in fairly good conditions, and
then came the “light” rains and one total
downpour. Every time it seemed like the
rains might let up and a couple flights were
made, a cloud dropped a load of rain on the
already soaked region.
It isn’t easy to run for the tents in the pit
areas with a Giant Scale Aerobatics
airplane. The announcer inserted a bit of
humor as the pilots were scurrying to the
shelters, with a cry of “Run Forrest, Run!”
The rain let up Friday evening, and several
more flights were made.
Saturday was perfect, with low
temperatures and enough wind to keep the
spectators cool but give the pilots a
challenge. They spent the morning flying
the Known maneuver sequence for airplanes
and helicopters. The aircraft types
alternated, which allowed the audience to
get a great idea of how the different flying
machines presented to the judges.
The pilots performed their Freestyle
maneuvers in the afternoon, in a wind that
blew hard enough to challenge anyone.
Several airplanes landed extremely hard
after shedding some necessary flight
surfaces in flight.
Some of the helicopter pilots pushed the
lower altitude envelope so hard that the
inevitable gust of wind caused collisions
with the runway. They came to compete,
and they did!
Saturday was also the first presentation
of the Team competition. We were treated
to a helicopter-and-airplane team and
several pairs of helicopters.
Two helicopters performing maneuvers
that complemented each other and mirrored
each other with a great deal of accuracy was
amazing to watch. There aren’t too many
sports in which this kind of timing is
required, and to do it with a model airplane
or helicopter is a tribute to the state of the
art and the pilots’ skills. It would be
interesting to see three or more models team
up next year.
The Saturday Night Fly brought out a
large variation of model types and
technology. Mark Fadely was good enough
to provide me with some excellent imagery
since I experienced technical difficulties.
There were basic models with little
XFC
Bobby Watts finished second in the helicopter competition. His prototype Miniature
Aircraft model used an O.S. .91 engine and a Futaba FASST radio system. Bobby, who is
19 and a student at the University of South Carolina, has been flying for five years.
One of Andrew Jesky’s signature maneuvers on takeoff is a roll just as the wings clear the
runway. It was fun to wait for and watch, and it set the stage for the rest of his flight.
Left: L-R: Nick Maxwell
(third in helicopters), Kelly
Gerber (third in airplanes),
Dominik Haegele (first in
helicopters), Andrew Jesky
(first in airplanes), Bobby
Watts (second in helicopters),
Jason Noll (second
in airplanes).
Photos by the author except as noted Futaba
The lighting system that Yuri Higuchi and
John Sabini developed for Yuri’s CARF
Extra mimicked the light of a supernova.
Enhanced visibility made Yuri’s
uninhibited performance breathtaking.
Photo by Mark Fadely.
20 MODEL AVIATION
Sponsors: Futaba, AMA, Great Planes, Desert
Aircraft, RunRyder, Carden Aircraft, SKS
Video Productions, JTEC Radiowave,
Miniature Aircraft, RCGroups/Knife Edge
Software
For a complete list of standings, supporting
sponsors, and more information about the XFC,
visit www.futaba-rc.com/xfc-rc/. MA
Dominik Haegele and Daniel Jetschin perform
a close opposing pass. Team formation flying
is fun to watch, and this year’s XFC pilots got
into the spirit of the event.
Jason Krause designed this Align T-Rex 700 and flew it using an O.S. .91 and a Futaba
FASST radio. The white model is a contrast with Friday’s rain and gray sky.
21
A couple hours after the contest ended Sunday, the weather conveyed what it means
by “extreme.” All who decided to stay overnight and leave Monday were treated to 60-
70 mph straight-line winds that swept ferociously across the AMA site at Muncie,
Indiana.
Chris Maier with his
airplane in the center
walkway of the airplane
and helicopter hangar
area. Each competitor
had a reserved
space for his
models and
equipment.
Although the
size of the
aircraft
made
things tight at
times, the tents
were perfect for
withstanding the rain
and windy weather
during and after the
contest.
AIRPLANES
1. Andrew Jesky
2. Jason Noll
3. Kelly Gerber
4. Chris Maier
5. Yuri Higuchi
6. Tim Fulk
7. Jason Danhakl
8. Terry Hahn
9. Nick Maxwell
10. Manuel Santos
HELICOPTERS
1. Dominik Haegele
2. Bobby Watts
3. Nick Maxwell
4. Colin Bell
5. Scott Gray
6. Alan Szabo
7. Jamie Robertson
8. Daniel Jetschin
9. JaeHong Lee
10. Jason Krause
XXFFCC 2008 Top 10
September 2008 21
lighting and helicopters with LEDs on the
fuselage and rotors that looked great in the
air. A Giant Scale airplane had lights on the
wing and stabilizer tips that illuminated the
entire model as if it were carrying its own
sunlight.
The Night Fly winner put together a
show of cutting ribbons, fireworks, and
something that involved removing part of
the aft of the airplane with a collision with
ribbon supports (I think; it was dark),
which was unplanned but interesting.
Following the Night Fly, we were
treated to a great fireworks show that
would have made the trip worthwhile on its
own. It was a wonderful end to a good day.
Sunday morning was beautiful and clear,
but the wind increased throughout the day.
The top 10 qualifiers in each discipline
started from scratch, and the flight order
was determined by chance. There would be
five airplane flights alternating with five
helicopter flights. The overall grouping
would perform Known maneuvers in the
Jason Noll makes a low-speed roll across show center. His smooth piloting results from
18 years of flying with all kinds of models. In a squeaker of a finish (separated by 2 points
out of 1,000), he finished second. Jason used Futaba FASST equipment.
Marcus Kim and Danny Szabo entered the Team competition. They flew as if their
models were locked together. Their routine was very impressive, considering the rate of
maneuvering.
Not all Team competitors used dual
helicopters. Jason Danhakl flew an airplane
and Nick Maxwell piloted a helicopter. The
models’ size difference is apparent.
Left: If you needed help, others were
willing to lend a hand. The knowledge base
at this kind of event is outstanding! The
author didn’t intrude on this helicopter
repair effort.
22 MODEL AVIATION
Dominik Haegele took first place in helicopters home to Germany. He flew his
prototype Hirobo Turbulence. Dominik is a 17-year-old student and has been flying
for four years. There seems to be a trend toward youth flying helicopters.
Terry Hahn flew the limbo in one direction and then came back into show center. Then flying
the airplane in knife edge, he cut both sets of ribbons from the center.
Five pilots participated in the moonless night-flight
competition. The audience determined the winner, and
technical achievement had a strong influence on the
crowd. Terry Hahn took the title. Fadely photo.
September 2008 23
morning, followed by Unknown maneuvers.
The pilots pulled out all the stops. To
make things more challenging, the wind
varied enough to play a large part in the
final results, but top pilots tend to overcome
those kinds of obstacles.
An overall impression of the airplane
flying included extremely low-level knifeedge
flying, elegantly presented hovering,
rolls that varied from one during a large
horizontal circle to dozens in a small circle,
a slow roll so low and straight that the
organizers had to have prestrung a track to
fly on, and maneuvers that started and
stopped with total precision.
An overall impression of the helicopter
flying included the same maneuvers.
However, I would include something that
happens when the helicopter goes insane
approximately 3 feet off the ground; it is
impossible to describe in words. Come next
year and watch for yourself.
If you are older than 18, you might be out
of your prime helicopter competition years.
The generations of pilots brought up with
Game Boys and Xboxes are flying now.
It would be nice if the helicopter
designers came up with full-fuselage
machines instead of the pod-and-boom
types. They would look so much better, and
they would still be competitive if everyone
had to use them.
The awards ceremony was held Sunday
afternoon at the field. It is sad to tell
competitors that they didn’t win the XFC,
but they should keep in mind that they have
a couple things the rest of us don’t: a plaque
to show that they competed in the contest
and their fellow pilots’ respect.
The top three in airplanes and helicopters
are shown in a photo accompanying this
article. I watched them fly during several
days and photographed each of their
flights. I agree with the judges’
decisions (not that they are worried
about that), with the caveat that on
any day at any contest the pilots’
order might change. They are that
consistent and good, but they can’t
control the weather.
I have a couple suggestions for all
pilots who might consider flying in
this kind of event, in which music
and flying are presented as a
package to a judge. I saw some
good and some bad
performances at the XFC.
Pilots should take time in the
winter months to watch an iceskating
competition. The skater’s coach is
After one of the many rain showers
on Friday, Nick Maxwell (R) gets
ready to fly his aircraft. At times,
Mother Nature allowed only a couple
flights before she deemed necessary a
thorough washing of the runway.
24 MODEL AVIATION
Triple the Extreme:
Interview With Nick Maxwell
Nick Maxwell is a nice young man; he always seems to be smiling and to have a
great attitude. With his skills, he should be.
He is from Fort Wayne, Indiana, and at the age of 18 is still a high school
student. He is going to attend IPFW, an Indiana University/Purdue University
extension, and study mechanical engineering. The school is going to be roughly five
minutes from his flying field, so he hopes to keep his skills sharp.
The first year Nick participated in the XFC, two years ago, he finished last. For
the 2008 contest—his third—he started practicing fairly seriously several months
ago, every day, putting in three to four flights a day. He said that if he flew more, he
tended to get stale and the practice was unproductive.
This year Nick finished third in helicopter and ninth in airplane, and he flew a
helicopter in the team event, which he entered with Jason Danhakl. Nick flew using
aircraft he didn’t have much time on. His airplane was a 38% Great Planes Extra 330
ARF, and he built it per the instructions. Nick said it seemed to be rigid and flew
well.
His helicopter was a prototype Excel 90, and his backup machine was the new
Bandit 50. Nick felt that the 90 was light and precise, which made the response nice
and made it easier on his thumbs.
Nick thanks Futaba, Miniature Aircraft USA, FlightPower, V-Blades, and
Dietrich Aircraft. He specifically thanks his parents; without them, he wouldn’t be
able to participate in the XFC and his modeling activities. MA
—Ben Lanterman
like a pilot because they have the same
problem: making their skater/airplane
perform in front of judges.
The coaches have the same kinds of
challenges pilots have. They need
changes in the tempo of presentation, the
correlation of presentation with music,
and the blending of the music itself.
Watch them and evaluate what you are
doing.
I recommend that enthusiasts mark
their calendars for the dates of the 2009
XFC event and stop by that weekend. The
audience will surely be rewarded with
some of the finest and most extreme
flying entertainment our sport has seen.
More of the hundreds of photos I took
during the XFC will be posted on my
photo Web site. Sit down with a cold
beverage and watch them in “Slideshow”
mode; many of them are sequenced to be
viewed in that manner.
There are also several videos on
YouTube. One truly conveys how much
of a party the night-flying event really
was. MA
Ben Lanterman
[email protected]
Sources:
More photos by Ben Lanterman
http://public.fotki.com/benlanterman/
Edition: Model Aviation - 2008/09
Page Numbers: 18,19,20,21,22,23,24,26
18 MODEL AVIATION
Futaba XFC
by Ben Lanterman
This is where
RC pilots
are branded
“extreme”
competition, and, as such, features some of
the finest pilots flying some of the best
airplanes and helicopters. A comparison
came to mind as I listened to the
announcers during the event. Modern
motor-sports teams and drivers have all
their sponsors, as do the modern
competition model pilots, which enables
them to practice and improve.
Not all invited pilots are able to attend
the event, so there are provisional slots for
which any pilots can try out. They must fly
for the event promoters at the XFC site to be
accepted into the competition.
This year, in addition to the normal (as if
any of the maneuvers performed are
“normal”) airplane and helicopter
competitions, Team and Night Fly events
were on the XFC schedule. The Team
models could be airplanes, helicopters, or a
combination, and they were simultaneously
flown to music. It was a great addition to
the contest. It indicated a maturation of our
sport and was a delight to watch.
The Night Fly event was for the brave
souls with great eyesight. Scores were based
on audience reaction.
THE 7TH ANNUAL Extreme Flight
Championships (XFC) was held at AMA’s
National Flying Site at Muncie, Indiana,
Friday June 13-Sunday June 15. Last year
was windy and challenging for the
contestants, but this year promised to be
even more interesting.
A major weather front that had spawned
tornadoes and severe weather across Iowa
was due to come across this part of Indiana
Friday. However, as I began writing this
Thursday, the weatherman on the local TV
station promised that the conditions would
be great on Saturday and Sunday.
The XFC is an invitation-only
Frank Noll demonstrates the
Great Planes 38% Extra 330S
during the noontime break.
Bobby Watts and Burt Kammerer flew in the
Team competition. A bit of close formation
flying in the gusty wind drew appreciative
applause from the crowd.
Right: Manuel Santos of Mexico City,
Mexico, has been flying for 32 years. This
enthusiastic competitor has developed an
interesting wing configuration for the
altitude of Mexico City.
September 2008 19
Friday morning, Mother Nature played a
game of “tease the pilots.” Several flights
were made in fairly good conditions, and
then came the “light” rains and one total
downpour. Every time it seemed like the
rains might let up and a couple flights were
made, a cloud dropped a load of rain on the
already soaked region.
It isn’t easy to run for the tents in the pit
areas with a Giant Scale Aerobatics
airplane. The announcer inserted a bit of
humor as the pilots were scurrying to the
shelters, with a cry of “Run Forrest, Run!”
The rain let up Friday evening, and several
more flights were made.
Saturday was perfect, with low
temperatures and enough wind to keep the
spectators cool but give the pilots a
challenge. They spent the morning flying
the Known maneuver sequence for airplanes
and helicopters. The aircraft types
alternated, which allowed the audience to
get a great idea of how the different flying
machines presented to the judges.
The pilots performed their Freestyle
maneuvers in the afternoon, in a wind that
blew hard enough to challenge anyone.
Several airplanes landed extremely hard
after shedding some necessary flight
surfaces in flight.
Some of the helicopter pilots pushed the
lower altitude envelope so hard that the
inevitable gust of wind caused collisions
with the runway. They came to compete,
and they did!
Saturday was also the first presentation
of the Team competition. We were treated
to a helicopter-and-airplane team and
several pairs of helicopters.
Two helicopters performing maneuvers
that complemented each other and mirrored
each other with a great deal of accuracy was
amazing to watch. There aren’t too many
sports in which this kind of timing is
required, and to do it with a model airplane
or helicopter is a tribute to the state of the
art and the pilots’ skills. It would be
interesting to see three or more models team
up next year.
The Saturday Night Fly brought out a
large variation of model types and
technology. Mark Fadely was good enough
to provide me with some excellent imagery
since I experienced technical difficulties.
There were basic models with little
XFC
Bobby Watts finished second in the helicopter competition. His prototype Miniature
Aircraft model used an O.S. .91 engine and a Futaba FASST radio system. Bobby, who is
19 and a student at the University of South Carolina, has been flying for five years.
One of Andrew Jesky’s signature maneuvers on takeoff is a roll just as the wings clear the
runway. It was fun to wait for and watch, and it set the stage for the rest of his flight.
Left: L-R: Nick Maxwell
(third in helicopters), Kelly
Gerber (third in airplanes),
Dominik Haegele (first in
helicopters), Andrew Jesky
(first in airplanes), Bobby
Watts (second in helicopters),
Jason Noll (second
in airplanes).
Photos by the author except as noted Futaba
The lighting system that Yuri Higuchi and
John Sabini developed for Yuri’s CARF
Extra mimicked the light of a supernova.
Enhanced visibility made Yuri’s
uninhibited performance breathtaking.
Photo by Mark Fadely.
20 MODEL AVIATION
Sponsors: Futaba, AMA, Great Planes, Desert
Aircraft, RunRyder, Carden Aircraft, SKS
Video Productions, JTEC Radiowave,
Miniature Aircraft, RCGroups/Knife Edge
Software
For a complete list of standings, supporting
sponsors, and more information about the XFC,
visit www.futaba-rc.com/xfc-rc/. MA
Dominik Haegele and Daniel Jetschin perform
a close opposing pass. Team formation flying
is fun to watch, and this year’s XFC pilots got
into the spirit of the event.
Jason Krause designed this Align T-Rex 700 and flew it using an O.S. .91 and a Futaba
FASST radio. The white model is a contrast with Friday’s rain and gray sky.
21
A couple hours after the contest ended Sunday, the weather conveyed what it means
by “extreme.” All who decided to stay overnight and leave Monday were treated to 60-
70 mph straight-line winds that swept ferociously across the AMA site at Muncie,
Indiana.
Chris Maier with his
airplane in the center
walkway of the airplane
and helicopter hangar
area. Each competitor
had a reserved
space for his
models and
equipment.
Although the
size of the
aircraft
made
things tight at
times, the tents
were perfect for
withstanding the rain
and windy weather
during and after the
contest.
AIRPLANES
1. Andrew Jesky
2. Jason Noll
3. Kelly Gerber
4. Chris Maier
5. Yuri Higuchi
6. Tim Fulk
7. Jason Danhakl
8. Terry Hahn
9. Nick Maxwell
10. Manuel Santos
HELICOPTERS
1. Dominik Haegele
2. Bobby Watts
3. Nick Maxwell
4. Colin Bell
5. Scott Gray
6. Alan Szabo
7. Jamie Robertson
8. Daniel Jetschin
9. JaeHong Lee
10. Jason Krause
XXFFCC 2008 Top 10
September 2008 21
lighting and helicopters with LEDs on the
fuselage and rotors that looked great in the
air. A Giant Scale airplane had lights on the
wing and stabilizer tips that illuminated the
entire model as if it were carrying its own
sunlight.
The Night Fly winner put together a
show of cutting ribbons, fireworks, and
something that involved removing part of
the aft of the airplane with a collision with
ribbon supports (I think; it was dark),
which was unplanned but interesting.
Following the Night Fly, we were
treated to a great fireworks show that
would have made the trip worthwhile on its
own. It was a wonderful end to a good day.
Sunday morning was beautiful and clear,
but the wind increased throughout the day.
The top 10 qualifiers in each discipline
started from scratch, and the flight order
was determined by chance. There would be
five airplane flights alternating with five
helicopter flights. The overall grouping
would perform Known maneuvers in the
Jason Noll makes a low-speed roll across show center. His smooth piloting results from
18 years of flying with all kinds of models. In a squeaker of a finish (separated by 2 points
out of 1,000), he finished second. Jason used Futaba FASST equipment.
Marcus Kim and Danny Szabo entered the Team competition. They flew as if their
models were locked together. Their routine was very impressive, considering the rate of
maneuvering.
Not all Team competitors used dual
helicopters. Jason Danhakl flew an airplane
and Nick Maxwell piloted a helicopter. The
models’ size difference is apparent.
Left: If you needed help, others were
willing to lend a hand. The knowledge base
at this kind of event is outstanding! The
author didn’t intrude on this helicopter
repair effort.
22 MODEL AVIATION
Dominik Haegele took first place in helicopters home to Germany. He flew his
prototype Hirobo Turbulence. Dominik is a 17-year-old student and has been flying
for four years. There seems to be a trend toward youth flying helicopters.
Terry Hahn flew the limbo in one direction and then came back into show center. Then flying
the airplane in knife edge, he cut both sets of ribbons from the center.
Five pilots participated in the moonless night-flight
competition. The audience determined the winner, and
technical achievement had a strong influence on the
crowd. Terry Hahn took the title. Fadely photo.
September 2008 23
morning, followed by Unknown maneuvers.
The pilots pulled out all the stops. To
make things more challenging, the wind
varied enough to play a large part in the
final results, but top pilots tend to overcome
those kinds of obstacles.
An overall impression of the airplane
flying included extremely low-level knifeedge
flying, elegantly presented hovering,
rolls that varied from one during a large
horizontal circle to dozens in a small circle,
a slow roll so low and straight that the
organizers had to have prestrung a track to
fly on, and maneuvers that started and
stopped with total precision.
An overall impression of the helicopter
flying included the same maneuvers.
However, I would include something that
happens when the helicopter goes insane
approximately 3 feet off the ground; it is
impossible to describe in words. Come next
year and watch for yourself.
If you are older than 18, you might be out
of your prime helicopter competition years.
The generations of pilots brought up with
Game Boys and Xboxes are flying now.
It would be nice if the helicopter
designers came up with full-fuselage
machines instead of the pod-and-boom
types. They would look so much better, and
they would still be competitive if everyone
had to use them.
The awards ceremony was held Sunday
afternoon at the field. It is sad to tell
competitors that they didn’t win the XFC,
but they should keep in mind that they have
a couple things the rest of us don’t: a plaque
to show that they competed in the contest
and their fellow pilots’ respect.
The top three in airplanes and helicopters
are shown in a photo accompanying this
article. I watched them fly during several
days and photographed each of their
flights. I agree with the judges’
decisions (not that they are worried
about that), with the caveat that on
any day at any contest the pilots’
order might change. They are that
consistent and good, but they can’t
control the weather.
I have a couple suggestions for all
pilots who might consider flying in
this kind of event, in which music
and flying are presented as a
package to a judge. I saw some
good and some bad
performances at the XFC.
Pilots should take time in the
winter months to watch an iceskating
competition. The skater’s coach is
After one of the many rain showers
on Friday, Nick Maxwell (R) gets
ready to fly his aircraft. At times,
Mother Nature allowed only a couple
flights before she deemed necessary a
thorough washing of the runway.
24 MODEL AVIATION
Triple the Extreme:
Interview With Nick Maxwell
Nick Maxwell is a nice young man; he always seems to be smiling and to have a
great attitude. With his skills, he should be.
He is from Fort Wayne, Indiana, and at the age of 18 is still a high school
student. He is going to attend IPFW, an Indiana University/Purdue University
extension, and study mechanical engineering. The school is going to be roughly five
minutes from his flying field, so he hopes to keep his skills sharp.
The first year Nick participated in the XFC, two years ago, he finished last. For
the 2008 contest—his third—he started practicing fairly seriously several months
ago, every day, putting in three to four flights a day. He said that if he flew more, he
tended to get stale and the practice was unproductive.
This year Nick finished third in helicopter and ninth in airplane, and he flew a
helicopter in the team event, which he entered with Jason Danhakl. Nick flew using
aircraft he didn’t have much time on. His airplane was a 38% Great Planes Extra 330
ARF, and he built it per the instructions. Nick said it seemed to be rigid and flew
well.
His helicopter was a prototype Excel 90, and his backup machine was the new
Bandit 50. Nick felt that the 90 was light and precise, which made the response nice
and made it easier on his thumbs.
Nick thanks Futaba, Miniature Aircraft USA, FlightPower, V-Blades, and
Dietrich Aircraft. He specifically thanks his parents; without them, he wouldn’t be
able to participate in the XFC and his modeling activities. MA
—Ben Lanterman
like a pilot because they have the same
problem: making their skater/airplane
perform in front of judges.
The coaches have the same kinds of
challenges pilots have. They need
changes in the tempo of presentation, the
correlation of presentation with music,
and the blending of the music itself.
Watch them and evaluate what you are
doing.
I recommend that enthusiasts mark
their calendars for the dates of the 2009
XFC event and stop by that weekend. The
audience will surely be rewarded with
some of the finest and most extreme
flying entertainment our sport has seen.
More of the hundreds of photos I took
during the XFC will be posted on my
photo Web site. Sit down with a cold
beverage and watch them in “Slideshow”
mode; many of them are sequenced to be
viewed in that manner.
There are also several videos on
YouTube. One truly conveys how much
of a party the night-flying event really
was. MA
Ben Lanterman
[email protected]
Sources:
More photos by Ben Lanterman
http://public.fotki.com/benlanterman/
Edition: Model Aviation - 2008/09
Page Numbers: 18,19,20,21,22,23,24,26
18 MODEL AVIATION
Futaba XFC
by Ben Lanterman
This is where
RC pilots
are branded
“extreme”
competition, and, as such, features some of
the finest pilots flying some of the best
airplanes and helicopters. A comparison
came to mind as I listened to the
announcers during the event. Modern
motor-sports teams and drivers have all
their sponsors, as do the modern
competition model pilots, which enables
them to practice and improve.
Not all invited pilots are able to attend
the event, so there are provisional slots for
which any pilots can try out. They must fly
for the event promoters at the XFC site to be
accepted into the competition.
This year, in addition to the normal (as if
any of the maneuvers performed are
“normal”) airplane and helicopter
competitions, Team and Night Fly events
were on the XFC schedule. The Team
models could be airplanes, helicopters, or a
combination, and they were simultaneously
flown to music. It was a great addition to
the contest. It indicated a maturation of our
sport and was a delight to watch.
The Night Fly event was for the brave
souls with great eyesight. Scores were based
on audience reaction.
THE 7TH ANNUAL Extreme Flight
Championships (XFC) was held at AMA’s
National Flying Site at Muncie, Indiana,
Friday June 13-Sunday June 15. Last year
was windy and challenging for the
contestants, but this year promised to be
even more interesting.
A major weather front that had spawned
tornadoes and severe weather across Iowa
was due to come across this part of Indiana
Friday. However, as I began writing this
Thursday, the weatherman on the local TV
station promised that the conditions would
be great on Saturday and Sunday.
The XFC is an invitation-only
Frank Noll demonstrates the
Great Planes 38% Extra 330S
during the noontime break.
Bobby Watts and Burt Kammerer flew in the
Team competition. A bit of close formation
flying in the gusty wind drew appreciative
applause from the crowd.
Right: Manuel Santos of Mexico City,
Mexico, has been flying for 32 years. This
enthusiastic competitor has developed an
interesting wing configuration for the
altitude of Mexico City.
September 2008 19
Friday morning, Mother Nature played a
game of “tease the pilots.” Several flights
were made in fairly good conditions, and
then came the “light” rains and one total
downpour. Every time it seemed like the
rains might let up and a couple flights were
made, a cloud dropped a load of rain on the
already soaked region.
It isn’t easy to run for the tents in the pit
areas with a Giant Scale Aerobatics
airplane. The announcer inserted a bit of
humor as the pilots were scurrying to the
shelters, with a cry of “Run Forrest, Run!”
The rain let up Friday evening, and several
more flights were made.
Saturday was perfect, with low
temperatures and enough wind to keep the
spectators cool but give the pilots a
challenge. They spent the morning flying
the Known maneuver sequence for airplanes
and helicopters. The aircraft types
alternated, which allowed the audience to
get a great idea of how the different flying
machines presented to the judges.
The pilots performed their Freestyle
maneuvers in the afternoon, in a wind that
blew hard enough to challenge anyone.
Several airplanes landed extremely hard
after shedding some necessary flight
surfaces in flight.
Some of the helicopter pilots pushed the
lower altitude envelope so hard that the
inevitable gust of wind caused collisions
with the runway. They came to compete,
and they did!
Saturday was also the first presentation
of the Team competition. We were treated
to a helicopter-and-airplane team and
several pairs of helicopters.
Two helicopters performing maneuvers
that complemented each other and mirrored
each other with a great deal of accuracy was
amazing to watch. There aren’t too many
sports in which this kind of timing is
required, and to do it with a model airplane
or helicopter is a tribute to the state of the
art and the pilots’ skills. It would be
interesting to see three or more models team
up next year.
The Saturday Night Fly brought out a
large variation of model types and
technology. Mark Fadely was good enough
to provide me with some excellent imagery
since I experienced technical difficulties.
There were basic models with little
XFC
Bobby Watts finished second in the helicopter competition. His prototype Miniature
Aircraft model used an O.S. .91 engine and a Futaba FASST radio system. Bobby, who is
19 and a student at the University of South Carolina, has been flying for five years.
One of Andrew Jesky’s signature maneuvers on takeoff is a roll just as the wings clear the
runway. It was fun to wait for and watch, and it set the stage for the rest of his flight.
Left: L-R: Nick Maxwell
(third in helicopters), Kelly
Gerber (third in airplanes),
Dominik Haegele (first in
helicopters), Andrew Jesky
(first in airplanes), Bobby
Watts (second in helicopters),
Jason Noll (second
in airplanes).
Photos by the author except as noted Futaba
The lighting system that Yuri Higuchi and
John Sabini developed for Yuri’s CARF
Extra mimicked the light of a supernova.
Enhanced visibility made Yuri’s
uninhibited performance breathtaking.
Photo by Mark Fadely.
20 MODEL AVIATION
Sponsors: Futaba, AMA, Great Planes, Desert
Aircraft, RunRyder, Carden Aircraft, SKS
Video Productions, JTEC Radiowave,
Miniature Aircraft, RCGroups/Knife Edge
Software
For a complete list of standings, supporting
sponsors, and more information about the XFC,
visit www.futaba-rc.com/xfc-rc/. MA
Dominik Haegele and Daniel Jetschin perform
a close opposing pass. Team formation flying
is fun to watch, and this year’s XFC pilots got
into the spirit of the event.
Jason Krause designed this Align T-Rex 700 and flew it using an O.S. .91 and a Futaba
FASST radio. The white model is a contrast with Friday’s rain and gray sky.
21
A couple hours after the contest ended Sunday, the weather conveyed what it means
by “extreme.” All who decided to stay overnight and leave Monday were treated to 60-
70 mph straight-line winds that swept ferociously across the AMA site at Muncie,
Indiana.
Chris Maier with his
airplane in the center
walkway of the airplane
and helicopter hangar
area. Each competitor
had a reserved
space for his
models and
equipment.
Although the
size of the
aircraft
made
things tight at
times, the tents
were perfect for
withstanding the rain
and windy weather
during and after the
contest.
AIRPLANES
1. Andrew Jesky
2. Jason Noll
3. Kelly Gerber
4. Chris Maier
5. Yuri Higuchi
6. Tim Fulk
7. Jason Danhakl
8. Terry Hahn
9. Nick Maxwell
10. Manuel Santos
HELICOPTERS
1. Dominik Haegele
2. Bobby Watts
3. Nick Maxwell
4. Colin Bell
5. Scott Gray
6. Alan Szabo
7. Jamie Robertson
8. Daniel Jetschin
9. JaeHong Lee
10. Jason Krause
XXFFCC 2008 Top 10
September 2008 21
lighting and helicopters with LEDs on the
fuselage and rotors that looked great in the
air. A Giant Scale airplane had lights on the
wing and stabilizer tips that illuminated the
entire model as if it were carrying its own
sunlight.
The Night Fly winner put together a
show of cutting ribbons, fireworks, and
something that involved removing part of
the aft of the airplane with a collision with
ribbon supports (I think; it was dark),
which was unplanned but interesting.
Following the Night Fly, we were
treated to a great fireworks show that
would have made the trip worthwhile on its
own. It was a wonderful end to a good day.
Sunday morning was beautiful and clear,
but the wind increased throughout the day.
The top 10 qualifiers in each discipline
started from scratch, and the flight order
was determined by chance. There would be
five airplane flights alternating with five
helicopter flights. The overall grouping
would perform Known maneuvers in the
Jason Noll makes a low-speed roll across show center. His smooth piloting results from
18 years of flying with all kinds of models. In a squeaker of a finish (separated by 2 points
out of 1,000), he finished second. Jason used Futaba FASST equipment.
Marcus Kim and Danny Szabo entered the Team competition. They flew as if their
models were locked together. Their routine was very impressive, considering the rate of
maneuvering.
Not all Team competitors used dual
helicopters. Jason Danhakl flew an airplane
and Nick Maxwell piloted a helicopter. The
models’ size difference is apparent.
Left: If you needed help, others were
willing to lend a hand. The knowledge base
at this kind of event is outstanding! The
author didn’t intrude on this helicopter
repair effort.
22 MODEL AVIATION
Dominik Haegele took first place in helicopters home to Germany. He flew his
prototype Hirobo Turbulence. Dominik is a 17-year-old student and has been flying
for four years. There seems to be a trend toward youth flying helicopters.
Terry Hahn flew the limbo in one direction and then came back into show center. Then flying
the airplane in knife edge, he cut both sets of ribbons from the center.
Five pilots participated in the moonless night-flight
competition. The audience determined the winner, and
technical achievement had a strong influence on the
crowd. Terry Hahn took the title. Fadely photo.
September 2008 23
morning, followed by Unknown maneuvers.
The pilots pulled out all the stops. To
make things more challenging, the wind
varied enough to play a large part in the
final results, but top pilots tend to overcome
those kinds of obstacles.
An overall impression of the airplane
flying included extremely low-level knifeedge
flying, elegantly presented hovering,
rolls that varied from one during a large
horizontal circle to dozens in a small circle,
a slow roll so low and straight that the
organizers had to have prestrung a track to
fly on, and maneuvers that started and
stopped with total precision.
An overall impression of the helicopter
flying included the same maneuvers.
However, I would include something that
happens when the helicopter goes insane
approximately 3 feet off the ground; it is
impossible to describe in words. Come next
year and watch for yourself.
If you are older than 18, you might be out
of your prime helicopter competition years.
The generations of pilots brought up with
Game Boys and Xboxes are flying now.
It would be nice if the helicopter
designers came up with full-fuselage
machines instead of the pod-and-boom
types. They would look so much better, and
they would still be competitive if everyone
had to use them.
The awards ceremony was held Sunday
afternoon at the field. It is sad to tell
competitors that they didn’t win the XFC,
but they should keep in mind that they have
a couple things the rest of us don’t: a plaque
to show that they competed in the contest
and their fellow pilots’ respect.
The top three in airplanes and helicopters
are shown in a photo accompanying this
article. I watched them fly during several
days and photographed each of their
flights. I agree with the judges’
decisions (not that they are worried
about that), with the caveat that on
any day at any contest the pilots’
order might change. They are that
consistent and good, but they can’t
control the weather.
I have a couple suggestions for all
pilots who might consider flying in
this kind of event, in which music
and flying are presented as a
package to a judge. I saw some
good and some bad
performances at the XFC.
Pilots should take time in the
winter months to watch an iceskating
competition. The skater’s coach is
After one of the many rain showers
on Friday, Nick Maxwell (R) gets
ready to fly his aircraft. At times,
Mother Nature allowed only a couple
flights before she deemed necessary a
thorough washing of the runway.
24 MODEL AVIATION
Triple the Extreme:
Interview With Nick Maxwell
Nick Maxwell is a nice young man; he always seems to be smiling and to have a
great attitude. With his skills, he should be.
He is from Fort Wayne, Indiana, and at the age of 18 is still a high school
student. He is going to attend IPFW, an Indiana University/Purdue University
extension, and study mechanical engineering. The school is going to be roughly five
minutes from his flying field, so he hopes to keep his skills sharp.
The first year Nick participated in the XFC, two years ago, he finished last. For
the 2008 contest—his third—he started practicing fairly seriously several months
ago, every day, putting in three to four flights a day. He said that if he flew more, he
tended to get stale and the practice was unproductive.
This year Nick finished third in helicopter and ninth in airplane, and he flew a
helicopter in the team event, which he entered with Jason Danhakl. Nick flew using
aircraft he didn’t have much time on. His airplane was a 38% Great Planes Extra 330
ARF, and he built it per the instructions. Nick said it seemed to be rigid and flew
well.
His helicopter was a prototype Excel 90, and his backup machine was the new
Bandit 50. Nick felt that the 90 was light and precise, which made the response nice
and made it easier on his thumbs.
Nick thanks Futaba, Miniature Aircraft USA, FlightPower, V-Blades, and
Dietrich Aircraft. He specifically thanks his parents; without them, he wouldn’t be
able to participate in the XFC and his modeling activities. MA
—Ben Lanterman
like a pilot because they have the same
problem: making their skater/airplane
perform in front of judges.
The coaches have the same kinds of
challenges pilots have. They need
changes in the tempo of presentation, the
correlation of presentation with music,
and the blending of the music itself.
Watch them and evaluate what you are
doing.
I recommend that enthusiasts mark
their calendars for the dates of the 2009
XFC event and stop by that weekend. The
audience will surely be rewarded with
some of the finest and most extreme
flying entertainment our sport has seen.
More of the hundreds of photos I took
during the XFC will be posted on my
photo Web site. Sit down with a cold
beverage and watch them in “Slideshow”
mode; many of them are sequenced to be
viewed in that manner.
There are also several videos on
YouTube. One truly conveys how much
of a party the night-flying event really
was. MA
Ben Lanterman
[email protected]
Sources:
More photos by Ben Lanterman
http://public.fotki.com/benlanterman/
