The Limited Pennyplane Pro-Am Competition
Jay Smith
I have mentioned on more than one occasion that I have an appreciation for all things that fly. It doesn't matter which discipline it is within our hobby, they all require skill and draw passionate people who are typically eager to share their hobby with others.
One facet I haven't had much exposure to is Indoor Free Flight. I've dabbled with Outdoor FF models, and combined with my experience in flying RC indoors, I marveled at how these carefully built and trimmed models that are weighed in grams could stay aloft longer than an episode of the Simpsons, depending on the class. Now that is impressive!
When it was announced that this year's Indoor Nats would be held at the Armory at the University of Illinois in Champaign, Illinois, I planned to attend. It is slightly more than three hours from Muncie, Indiana, and I have been there several times for E-Fest.
I originally planned to attend, take some photos, and show some support, but I remembered that MA columnist, John Kagan, had previously mentioned in his column an unofficial event that helps newcomers to Indoor Free Flight compete at the Nats.
Limited Pennyplane Pro-Am pairs newcomers with experienced fliers. The Pro constructs the aircraft and imparts knowledge and insight on how to be successful. Brett Sanborn assisted me while John coached MA Managing Editor Liz Helms. I had the opportunity to wind, launch, and tweak my 3.5-gram airplane and experience the thrill of Indoor Free Flight—by competing!
Flying the Pennyplane afforded me something I have never experienced. I could launch my airplane and actually take photos of it in flight! In fact, with times in the 11- to 12-minute range, I could take several photos, converse with my fellow pilots, and take in some liquid refreshment.
Competing in Indoor Free Flight was a fun-filled, informative experience. Brett and John shared their afternoon with us and seemed to enjoy the competition as much as we did.
If you have interest in Indoor FF and have not previously competed in it at the Nats, I highly recommend the Limited Pennyplane Pro-Am competition!
If you have an interest in Indoor FF and have not previously competed in it at the Nats, I highly recommend the Limited Pennyplane Pro-Am competition!
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
