The Greatest Show in RC

Author: Mark Fadely

Edition: Model Aviation - 2010/10
Page Numbers: 18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26

by Mark Fadely

If you thought you had seen everything in RC, think again. The Futaba International Extreme Flight Championships (XFC), a three-day contest and air show, unveiled some never-before-seen events this year. It was held June 11–13 at the AMA’s International Aeromodeling Center (IAC) in Muncie, Indiana.

Nine years ago the XFC was formulated during a brainstorming session between Frank Noll, Wendell Adkins, and Bill Kline. The experienced RCers wanted to create a top-level contest for both airplane and helicopter pilots, and they wanted a show that would entertain spectators who knew nothing about RC. The founders’ vision has played out successfully each year since inception. Audiences have been treated to flights by the top airplane and helicopter pilots in the world, plus full-scale demonstrations, hot-air balloon displays, fireworks shows, and special-session acts.

This year Frank Noll tried something others said couldn’t be done: add Giant Scale RC slalom-style pylon racing to the event lineup. Many details had to be worked out — course layout, pilot position, crowd safety, and pylon construction. The first round of racing was challenging, with several airplanes lost to crashes. None of the pilots had ever flown their Giant Scale aircraft on a pylon course before; once they acclimated to the format, the fun began.

There was clear enthusiasm on the pilots’ faces after each race. The new competition category was a real winner. AeroWorks sponsored it, so it earned the title of the “AeroWorks Challenge.” Manuel “Lightning McQueen” Santos won the 50cc pylon event, and Terry Hahn edged out Jason Noll to win the 100cc class. It was super-exciting to watch large-scale aircraft turn a tight course at full throttle — those big models pull 22 Gs through the first turn, and the top course time was under 29 seconds. Expect to see more racing like this and variations for indoor venues.

International competition for RC airplane and helicopter pilots

The main attraction at XFC is the top-shelf pilots who are invited to attend. RCers from around the world gather at the IAC to duke it out. Although XFC is an invitational, a few open positions are filled during a flyoff the day before the event — officially called “last-chance qualifiers.” The field is set by Thursday afternoon; many nervous pilots try to get some sleep before the event kicks off Friday morning.

There is a drawing to determine pilots’ flight order, and a coin toss decides whether helicopters or airplanes fly first. Factors such as sun position, wind direction, and pilot placement are considered when arranging the schedule; conditions often change during the day. A couple of pilots zeroed on rounds because they crossed the no-fly line after being pushed by wind or sun.

Overall the weather was poor this year: several rain delays and many flights flown in light mist. The XFC committee kept things moving and still finished the contest a few hours early on Sunday afternoon.

The talent among the 2010 XFC competitors was astounding. Each year the bar is raised for skill level and maneuver sophistication — outrageous flying is the norm. More local spectators are attending each year as word of the event spreads through the Muncie community. The constant change from helicopters to airplanes keeps crowd interest high. Greg Poppel and Darrell Bell returned to add color commentary — Greg poking fun at helicopters while Darrell shot back about airplanes — keeping a light, fun atmosphere for spectators. But once pilots cross the line to the flying area, the mood gets serious quickly; the tension on the flightline is easy to see.

Airplane fliers set an extremely high standard this year. Jason Noll flew his usual technical style, but John Glezellis clawed his way to the top and won the Airplane event with help from his caller, Jessica. They kissed after each landing — Hollywood ending, indeed. Jason Noll finished second, and Gabriel Altuz finished third; Gabriel also won the “Crowd Favorite” award thanks to his extreme flying and the loud cheering from his entourage. Manuel Santos was also a crowd favorite, showing up in real racing suits and helmets for the pylon event.

Helicopter competition was emotional and dramatic. Nick Maxwell came out strong and stunned judges with Day One flying, sitting solidly in first after Day Two. But mechanical problems in the finals forced Nick to zero out some Known rounds, dropping him to the bottom of the finalists and opening the door for young Kyle Dahl to win his first XFC. Kyle’s flying was consistent and highly technical. Bobby Watts flew to second and defending champion Jamie Robertson finished third. This year featured the best 3-D helicopter flying at any XFC so far.

The XFC Night Fly competition has become a highlight. Bobby Watts outdid himself with a pyrotechnic-choreographed LED helicopter routine set to music, backed by fireworks and theatrical flame effects timed to the soundtrack. Hats off to all Night Fly pilots: outfitting aircraft with lighting and effects takes a lot of work, and they put on a fantastic show.

Thanks to the XFC Committee for putting on this show. The event may get television exposure soon, which will help show off the hobby to the public. If you have the chance to see XFC in person, do it — most RC enthusiasts will appreciate it. Congratulations to all contestants, staff, and volunteers.

Go Team Orange!

Terry Hahn has competed at XFC several times and returned this year for the new pylon competition. He’s one of those all-around great guys people gather around — wherever Terry is, you know there will be fun. His passion for RC aviation is part of his personality: he’s interested in anything that flies and genuinely wants everyone to learn and have a great time. His zeal is contagious.

During XFC I asked Terry a few questions.

MF: Tell us how you got into the hobby. TH: My dad started flying when he was young, and his dad helped him with the hobby as well. I can remember flying planes before I was in preschool, and now I'm 28 years old. I flew my dad's Gentle Lady gliders quite a bit as a young boy. Those nonpowered experiences helped me gain a knowledge of flight and how the air currents affect a model. My first big advancement in powered RC came by flying a Sig Seniorita. Then I stepped up to a little bigger trainer, and finally on to a 1/4-scale Sukhoi. Now I actually fly RC aircraft for a living — I work for a company that contracts with the military flying drones.

MF: Cool story, Terry. I see you Team Futaba guys always have the "GTO" orange shirts on. What's that mean? TH: GTO stands for "Go Team Orange." It originated in 1998 when a friend and I wore orange shirts to the Toledo convention in Ohio so we could find each other in the crowd. Someone asked if we were "Team Orange" and it kind of stuck. We have been Team Orange ever since.

MF: What keeps your motivation high? TH: I love the challenge of visualizing something and following through with a project from start to finish. As long as it involves flight, then I can get excited about it. Last year we re-created the "Masters of Disaster" air show with a Jimmy Franklin replica WACO at XFC 2009. For a brief instant I felt like I was really inside that WACO performing for the crowd and flying free as a bird. That's what it's all about for me.

Terry went on to win the 100cc-class pylon race at XFC 2010. His Pilot-RC 35% Extra 260 was modified with a shortened wing, taped hinge points, and a few other secret changes. Congratulations, Terry — hope to see you back at XFC 2011.

MA — Mark Fadely