World
Champion
Interview With a
BY BRIAN CLEMMONS
Quique Somenzini
expresses his joy after
winning the 2007 F3A
World Championships
individual Gold Medal.
MODEL AVIATION, December 1987,
Volume 13, Number 12: Ron Chidgey
reported from Avignon, France, about the 15th
F3A World Championships.
Team USA was Tony Frackowiac; Chip
Hyde, who was on the team for the first time;
Steve Helms, aka “Mr. Futaba” (who you can
see on page 119 of the January 2008 MA,
flying a helicopter with a Futaba spread
spectrum radio); and Dave Brown, AMA’s
president from 1996 to 2007, as manager.
Among others, Dean Pappas, MA’s “If It Flies
... ” columnist—attended.
The US team flew to a fourth-place finish
that year. Hanno Prettner won the individual
title with an early JR PCM radio.
In the article Ron included a picture of
24th-placing Quique Somenzini. The caption
read, “ ... Watch this talented flier. Chidgey
predicts he will place much higher in future
championships ... ”
Ron, you were right! In November 2007,
the US F3A team competed in the World
Championships held in Santa Fe, Argentina.
Quique received the FAI F3A
individual championship trophy,
with his name already engraved
on it, at the closing ceremony.
A world-class pilot uses
teamwork, training, and airplane
design to bring back the Gold
May 2008 33
05sig2.QXD 3/24/08 1:27 PM Page 33
34 MODEL AVIATION
The 2007 F3A World Championships individual medal winners (LR):
Christophe Paysant-Le Roux, Silver; Quique Somenzini, Gold;
Tetsuo Onda, Bronze.
Each pilot is allowed a primary and a backup model. The Oxai
Euphoria suited the contest requirements and conditions in
Argentina.
Team USA pilots (L-R): Jason Shulman with his CARF Integral, Quique with his Euphoria, and Andrew Jesky with his CARF Integral.
The team brought home the Silver Medal
for a second-place finish and the
individual Gold Medal for Quique
Somenzini.
The US team consisted of Quique, Jason
Shulman, and Andrew Jesky. Jason has been
a member of the past five teams, two of
which have won and three of which have
finished in second place. He has quite a
collection of Medals!
This was young Andrew Jesky’s first time
to represent the US, and he did so
respectably. Many of us have been watching
him closely and with much enthusiasm.
Last year was the first year Quique was
eligible to represent the US, although he, as
has Jason, has won the AMA Pattern Nats
three times. Natural-born citizens shouldn’t
feel bad, though; Quique has won Pattern
Nationals in four other countries as well!
I interviewed Quique about his F3A
World Championships win, looking to
answer a few questions that might be of
interest to competitive pilots. His comments
might also present sport fliers with some
insights so they can improve their flying. One
thing I will ask Quique about is the fact that
he won this contest using a spread spectrumtechnology
radio.
F3A, or RC Aerobatics, is commonly
called Pattern. MA features a bimonthly
column that covers this discipline, written by
Eric Henderson, which is all about exhibiting
control over the model.
Rules limit each airplane to a 2-meter
wingspan and length, as well as an 11-pound
weight. Some pilots fly their aircraft with
motors, but most fly with glow engines.
Snaps, Spins, Rolls, and Loops are
components of a list of maneuvers that each
pilot flies in competition. A panel of judges
from around the world watches to declare
who does it all the best at a World
Championships.
Quique is a humble and engaging
modeler. He was extremely gracious in
agreeing to do this interview. I presented the
following questions to him via E-mail.
BC: First of all, let me offer you my personal
congratulations on your winning the
individual F3A World Championship. Well
done!
The most remarkable thing in capturing
the championship was the fact that you did it
without winning a single round, which is
something that has never been done before.
Can you tell us about the consistently high
level of competitiveness this required?
QS: Thank you very much. I am very happy
05sig2.QXD 3/24/08 1:37 PM Page 34
May 2008 35
The two biplanes in competition helped their pilots earn spots on the individual podium. Notice that some monoplanes used an SFG
(side force generator) on top of the fuselage.
Standing for their national anthem (L-R): US Assistant Team Manager Raiko Potter,
Manager Albert Glenn, Quique, Andrew Jesky, Team Captain Jason Shulman.
to reach a life goal. F3A is my passion and the
foundation of my flying. I do not know if it
was the most remarkable thing but for sure it
was a unique way to win. It could be more
remarkable to win every round! Flying in
Argentina was superlative by all finalists and
without a question consistency was the key to
reaching the top.
To be honest with you I never thought a
world championships could be won without
winning a single round, but I knew the only
way to do it was by being steady and scoring
consistently high. Fantastic flyers like my
teammate Jason Shulman, Frenchman
Christophe Paysant-Le Roux or Japanese pilot
Tetsuo Onda all won a round but I was very
close to the 1000 points in some rounds and
the important rounds like the final’s rounds.
That was the key to get this result.
The bottom line was to reach what I sought
for so many years and, on top of that, I got
something unique making me smile even more!
BC: What was it like, for you personally,
winning in Argentina?
QS: It was a dream that came true. This was
my first time on the USA team and I am very
happy and honored how we all worked
together, united with a common target.
Without a question this environment did help
each of us to perform at our best.
Personally, I felt extraordinary support
from my teammates. We had great practice
together before the contest, a true team
Photos provided by friends of Quique Somenzini
practice. All this teamwork was reflected later
on during the contest not only as a team
performance, it was also individually. As I
said, I felt strong support from my team and
feel they were true supporters of my
individual win. To all of them go my very
special thanks.
As a team result we were very close to
winning, we were first after raw scores, and 8
points back in second place after TBL; a very
good result and without a question we will be
a contender for first place in 2009!
As you know Argentina is my home
country. Going back, competing and winning
was a very special feeling as well. I must
thank all of my Argentinean friends for the
extraordinary support they gave me during the
contest, it was magic and special.
05sig2.QXD 3/25/08 8:50 AM Page 35
Christophe Paysant-Le Roux—the 2003 and 2005 F3A World
Champion—with his son and Quique with his two boys.
Quique with his caller, Ryan Smith. It takes more than being a
great pilot to do well at the World Championships.
A group of friends provided outstanding facilities at which to
practice. A small town called Camilo Aldao hosted the US team.
Each airplane must pass a sound check before every takeoff at the World Championships. A loose part on the model will
dramatically change the noise reading.
I was very proud to represent USA and to bring back home a
trophy with so much meaning and prestige. I would like every
American modeler to feel part of this championship; I feel that way
and thank you all for your tremendous support. Thank you!
BC: Tell us about the biplane; how does it compare to the
monoplanes you’ve flown in the past? Is it something you would
recommend to the average Pattern competitor?
QS: The Euphoria was designed for me and manufactured by Oxai
models. Wayne Ulery did help me making the nose plug and detailing
my drawings. I truly believe a proper designed biplane has advantages
over the monoplanes. My years of experience flying mono and
biplanes tell me that.
It took me a while to come out with the proper biplane, and the
Euphoria is close to what I’ve always been looking for. Always there
is room to improve the designs, but the Euphoria’s concept is what I
really like. A winner concept.
Biplanes are known for great, unique, attractive presentations and
at the same time are known for being a challenge to set up. I will say
both of these things are correct. But I see another strong point of the
36 MODEL AVIATION
05sig2.QXD 3/24/08 1:44 PM Page 36
BC: You mentioned a specially modified APC
propeller; what were the modifications, and
how many other propeller setups were you
prepared to use in Argentina? What
conditions were the other propellers designed
to perform under?
QS: Wayne based his prop on an APC
15.5x12 4-blade prop. He took it up to
16.2x13 by using fiberglass and carbon fiber.
We tested all kinds of props but the 4 blade
outflew all the 2 and 3 blades.
We took to Argentina 4 props all the
same kind and that was all. That tells you
how happy I was with that prop!
BC: What advice can you give the younger
pilots aspiring to make the United States
F3A team in the future, to help them
prepare for the world stage?
QS: Practice and practice, but practice
smart. I believe managing well the time is a
key factor to get practice done and solid.
Like practicing with all kinds of weather
conditions, and practicing all kinds of
maneuvers to get ready for the Unknowns.
Practice the known P and F to eliminate
every little mistake. Try different set ups.
As any other sport, your desire and the
power of your soul will take you to where
you want along with discipline, being open to
criticism, having an open mind to set up, your
perseverance and being a good sportsman.
BC: With this goal achieved, what are your
next goals as a Pattern pilot?
QS: Keep flying and enjoying F3A. I do not
think reaching my goal will change much
how I feel and enjoy flying precision
aerobatics. Designing airplanes is my other
passion and that is something I want to keep
doing as well in F3A. Every season is
something new to do, to try and that is what I
enjoy so much with F3A.
Another goal will be supporting young
talents coming up and try to help them to one
day be in the position that I am today. If I can
be part of a project like that I will be very
proud too.
Quique, thank you for sharing your
thoughts. I am excited about and proud of
your win here in the US, and I am looking
forward to your leadership for Team USA in
the future.
In Ron Chidgey’s 1987 article he outlined
the direction that he felt F3A needed to go in
the US for our teams to be competitive. He
outlined five points.
1) “Get yourself a coach and do your
serious practicing with him or her.
2) “Read the rule book. Better still, study
the rule book.
3) “Don’t let yourself get into the habit of
just grinding out flight after flight ...
4) “Be humble when you win and graceful
when you don’t.
5) “Fly your own design, or at least one
you can be closely identified with ... ”
The 2007 US F3A team did a great job
of following the advice Ron gave 20 years
ago. His intent was to guide the US back
to preeminence in the world Pattern
scene—which has been done, in large part.
This past year the National Society of
Radio Controlled Aerobatics (NSRCA)
adopted the US F3A team for fund-raising
purposes, establishing a year-round
program that Rusty Dose currently chairs.
Visit the Web site for information.
The NSRCA is the AMA’s SIG for RC
Aerobatics and runs the Pattern Nats these
days. It also hosts the Team Selection
Finals, which is usually held in
conjunction with the Nats. For now the
organization’s gaze has shifted to Portugal
in 2009, where Quique and the next three
F3A team members will compete in the
World Championships.
Congratulations to the 2007 team, and
best wishes to those pilots who are hoping
to win their own place in history and a
spot on the team in 2008! MA
Brian Clemmons
[email protected]
Sources:
NSRCA
http://nsrca.us/
Oxai
(480) 664-1560
www.oxai-rc.com
42 MODEL AVIATION
www.modelaircraft.org www.masportaviator.com
ClickOn!
Grab Your
Dream Gift!
The AMA’s Cloud 9
Museum Store and Web
site are selling the book
A Gift of Dreams by Bob
Benjamin. It was
featured on page 14 of
the March MA.
For more information about the book and to
purchase it, go to www.modelaircraft.org/
shopama/, click on the “Shop AMA” tab in
the upper right corner, and then click on
“Browse our Catalog.”
While you’re on the site, check the closeout
section for many great bargains. ®
Dem’s the Rules!
The 2008 AMA Membership Manual is now
available online at www.modelaircraft.org/PDFfiles/
memanual.pdf. It contains a summary of AMA
insurance, the AMA Bylaws and standing rules, and
recommended RC flyingsite
suggestions and layouts.
The Membership
Manual includes contact
information for AMA
programs and brief
descriptions of many of
the services. CDs will find
useful guidelines for
events and sanctioning
information, and there is a
listing of AMA SIGs and
their contact information.
Check out this handy reference guide to see
what programs your organization offers; you may
find some you didn’t know existed! ®
05sig2.QXD 3/24/08 1:48 PM Page 42
40 MODEL AVIATION
technology. I truly believe an electric has an
equal chance to win. But, as I said before, you
have to match the design with the power plant
to fly.
Finally another aspect of my personal
decision is the excitement that the sound and
operation of the YS gives me. I get more
excited being around a glow engine and I feel
more connected to my flying!
[I’ve been watching the new spread
spectrum radios in the pages of MA. Imagine
no more frequency pins, no more getting shot
down, and no more radio impounds!
Several years ago my radio was
accidentally dropped in the Nats impound and
refused to turn on when the starter gave me
permission to do so. I had 20 minutes to effect
repairs or scratch the flight. (The repair was
successful.) I was in second place after that
round, but this would not have happened in a
spread spectrum world. No impound would
have been necessary.
Even so, Pattern pilots demand the utmost
out of their aircraft and radios, and I have
been suspicious of the new radios. Quique has
definitively addressed my suspicions; this
technology works!
Competitive and sport pilots alike can
gain confidence with the newer radios with
Quique’s win in Argentina. He flew the best
he could find, and he chose spread spectrum.
Guess what my next radio will be!]
BC: This was the first year you were eligible
to fly for the United States; how do you see
the level of competition in the United States
compared to that in other countries? Are
there any younger pilots here who excite you
with their potential?
QS: United States has a very good level. The
competition here in US is top class. The US
Nats, our premier contest, is very similar to
the level of competition that we see at a
World Championships. The quality of flying
during Nats final and semi-finals, for
example, is very close to what we see during
a WC.
I will say that the USA, Japan and France
are the 3 countries with highest level of
National competition. In the US, we have
probably a larger number of top world type
pilots.
This is my first time representing USA
and was an enormous experience for me and
very different. I felt part of a real team and a
very strong team.
I enjoyed the contest but I equally enjoyed
the practice. Every day we practiced together
before the WC, which was truly most exciting
for me and was an incredible opportunity to
learn and improve my flying. You know
when I practice at home, most of the time I do
it with Wayne or by myself. In Argentina
practicing, I had the whole team looking as
we did with Jason or Andrew flying. To me it
was one of the nicest challenges I went
through.
I truly believe that if our team in the future
works united and with the same goals, we
could have a team that can set the standards
of world F3A competition. Young fliers are
already showing incredible talent and
achievement.
One of them is Andrew Jesky, who did a
remarkable job and probably is one of the best
world F3A pilots. Brett Wickiser is another
young and very talented pilot who also
showed us his talent at the last Nats.
[In MA’s coverage of the 2005 World
Championships, I mentioned Andrew and
Brett as pilots to watch.]
I am excited to see young fliers like them
and I think we all should be, as they are our
future. From my end, I will keep supporting
the younger pilots as much as I can. I will go
back to the World Championships in Portugal
in 2009 as an individual competitor to give
the opportunity for a 4th person from the US
to be part of the US team, and will continue
flying and competing in F3A as long I feel I
am still enjoying it.
BC: The F3A World Championships is, in
essence, the top honor conferred on any
powered, fixed-wing-aircraft, RC pilot in the
world. Bearing in mind your involvement with
many other disciplines of RC, such as IMAC
[International Miniature Aerobatic Club] and
E-flight, what is your personal favorite type of
model aircraft? What do you fly for fun? Does
your son fly yet?
QS: My passion is precision aerobatics. No
matter what airplane type I fly I like to fly
aerobatics. But I like aerobatic with control,
showing control. To me that has a direct
relationship with precision. Precision is the
foundation of all type of aerobatics. No matter
if it is 3D, F3A, IMAC, or E Flight, all have
the same kind of feeling and foundation. F3A
in my opinion is the most pure expression of
precision, finesse and style.
My son does not fly yet but if he likes and
if he chooses to fly pattern I will be a happy
Dad!
BC: Quique, you are now the undisputed top
precision aerobatics pilot in the world. What
can you tell us about your practice schedule
in the year leading up to the World
Championships in Argentina?
QS: 2007 was an intensive F3A year and
more than what has been for the last 5 or 6
years. I got my new Euphoria flying early ’07,
learned the airplane and the best set up. Later
we had the Nats/Team Trials. After that the
WC.
My preparation mainly was working on
the airplanes. I took 3 airplanes to Argentina
so I spent a great amount of time trying to get
all airplanes flying as similar as was possible.
Wayne and I spent many hours together
working on props. We learned at the
Nationals a few things and we used that
experience to get better tuned up for the WC.
We had 3 months after the Nationals to
prepare for the WC, and I took a break with
my flying and worked at the shop. I finished
my #4 Euphoria. By the middle of September,
I started to fly and kept working on setting up
and matching the airplanes.
I flew about 5 to 6 flights every day except
weekends and flew most of the day then. The
wind did not stop me because I knew the
conditions waiting for us in Argentina. I flew
the P programs, F programs and Unknown
maneuvers every day. With the help of
Wayne calling me and coaching we flew till I
left for Argentina.
In Argentina I was able to contact a very
nice group of friends and they provided us
with exclusive and outstanding facilities to
practice, in a very small town called Camilo
Aldao where the US team practiced hard for 5
days. I felt that practice we did together was
very important for our team and the individual
result.
05sig2.QXD 3/24/08 1:46 PM Page 40
Edition: Model Aviation - 2008/05
Page Numbers: 33,34,35,36,40,42
Edition: Model Aviation - 2008/05
Page Numbers: 33,34,35,36,40,42
World
Champion
Interview With a
BY BRIAN CLEMMONS
Quique Somenzini
expresses his joy after
winning the 2007 F3A
World Championships
individual Gold Medal.
MODEL AVIATION, December 1987,
Volume 13, Number 12: Ron Chidgey
reported from Avignon, France, about the 15th
F3A World Championships.
Team USA was Tony Frackowiac; Chip
Hyde, who was on the team for the first time;
Steve Helms, aka “Mr. Futaba” (who you can
see on page 119 of the January 2008 MA,
flying a helicopter with a Futaba spread
spectrum radio); and Dave Brown, AMA’s
president from 1996 to 2007, as manager.
Among others, Dean Pappas, MA’s “If It Flies
... ” columnist—attended.
The US team flew to a fourth-place finish
that year. Hanno Prettner won the individual
title with an early JR PCM radio.
In the article Ron included a picture of
24th-placing Quique Somenzini. The caption
read, “ ... Watch this talented flier. Chidgey
predicts he will place much higher in future
championships ... ”
Ron, you were right! In November 2007,
the US F3A team competed in the World
Championships held in Santa Fe, Argentina.
Quique received the FAI F3A
individual championship trophy,
with his name already engraved
on it, at the closing ceremony.
A world-class pilot uses
teamwork, training, and airplane
design to bring back the Gold
May 2008 33
05sig2.QXD 3/24/08 1:27 PM Page 33
34 MODEL AVIATION
The 2007 F3A World Championships individual medal winners (LR):
Christophe Paysant-Le Roux, Silver; Quique Somenzini, Gold;
Tetsuo Onda, Bronze.
Each pilot is allowed a primary and a backup model. The Oxai
Euphoria suited the contest requirements and conditions in
Argentina.
Team USA pilots (L-R): Jason Shulman with his CARF Integral, Quique with his Euphoria, and Andrew Jesky with his CARF Integral.
The team brought home the Silver Medal
for a second-place finish and the
individual Gold Medal for Quique
Somenzini.
The US team consisted of Quique, Jason
Shulman, and Andrew Jesky. Jason has been
a member of the past five teams, two of
which have won and three of which have
finished in second place. He has quite a
collection of Medals!
This was young Andrew Jesky’s first time
to represent the US, and he did so
respectably. Many of us have been watching
him closely and with much enthusiasm.
Last year was the first year Quique was
eligible to represent the US, although he, as
has Jason, has won the AMA Pattern Nats
three times. Natural-born citizens shouldn’t
feel bad, though; Quique has won Pattern
Nationals in four other countries as well!
I interviewed Quique about his F3A
World Championships win, looking to
answer a few questions that might be of
interest to competitive pilots. His comments
might also present sport fliers with some
insights so they can improve their flying. One
thing I will ask Quique about is the fact that
he won this contest using a spread spectrumtechnology
radio.
F3A, or RC Aerobatics, is commonly
called Pattern. MA features a bimonthly
column that covers this discipline, written by
Eric Henderson, which is all about exhibiting
control over the model.
Rules limit each airplane to a 2-meter
wingspan and length, as well as an 11-pound
weight. Some pilots fly their aircraft with
motors, but most fly with glow engines.
Snaps, Spins, Rolls, and Loops are
components of a list of maneuvers that each
pilot flies in competition. A panel of judges
from around the world watches to declare
who does it all the best at a World
Championships.
Quique is a humble and engaging
modeler. He was extremely gracious in
agreeing to do this interview. I presented the
following questions to him via E-mail.
BC: First of all, let me offer you my personal
congratulations on your winning the
individual F3A World Championship. Well
done!
The most remarkable thing in capturing
the championship was the fact that you did it
without winning a single round, which is
something that has never been done before.
Can you tell us about the consistently high
level of competitiveness this required?
QS: Thank you very much. I am very happy
05sig2.QXD 3/24/08 1:37 PM Page 34
May 2008 35
The two biplanes in competition helped their pilots earn spots on the individual podium. Notice that some monoplanes used an SFG
(side force generator) on top of the fuselage.
Standing for their national anthem (L-R): US Assistant Team Manager Raiko Potter,
Manager Albert Glenn, Quique, Andrew Jesky, Team Captain Jason Shulman.
to reach a life goal. F3A is my passion and the
foundation of my flying. I do not know if it
was the most remarkable thing but for sure it
was a unique way to win. It could be more
remarkable to win every round! Flying in
Argentina was superlative by all finalists and
without a question consistency was the key to
reaching the top.
To be honest with you I never thought a
world championships could be won without
winning a single round, but I knew the only
way to do it was by being steady and scoring
consistently high. Fantastic flyers like my
teammate Jason Shulman, Frenchman
Christophe Paysant-Le Roux or Japanese pilot
Tetsuo Onda all won a round but I was very
close to the 1000 points in some rounds and
the important rounds like the final’s rounds.
That was the key to get this result.
The bottom line was to reach what I sought
for so many years and, on top of that, I got
something unique making me smile even more!
BC: What was it like, for you personally,
winning in Argentina?
QS: It was a dream that came true. This was
my first time on the USA team and I am very
happy and honored how we all worked
together, united with a common target.
Without a question this environment did help
each of us to perform at our best.
Personally, I felt extraordinary support
from my teammates. We had great practice
together before the contest, a true team
Photos provided by friends of Quique Somenzini
practice. All this teamwork was reflected later
on during the contest not only as a team
performance, it was also individually. As I
said, I felt strong support from my team and
feel they were true supporters of my
individual win. To all of them go my very
special thanks.
As a team result we were very close to
winning, we were first after raw scores, and 8
points back in second place after TBL; a very
good result and without a question we will be
a contender for first place in 2009!
As you know Argentina is my home
country. Going back, competing and winning
was a very special feeling as well. I must
thank all of my Argentinean friends for the
extraordinary support they gave me during the
contest, it was magic and special.
05sig2.QXD 3/25/08 8:50 AM Page 35
Christophe Paysant-Le Roux—the 2003 and 2005 F3A World
Champion—with his son and Quique with his two boys.
Quique with his caller, Ryan Smith. It takes more than being a
great pilot to do well at the World Championships.
A group of friends provided outstanding facilities at which to
practice. A small town called Camilo Aldao hosted the US team.
Each airplane must pass a sound check before every takeoff at the World Championships. A loose part on the model will
dramatically change the noise reading.
I was very proud to represent USA and to bring back home a
trophy with so much meaning and prestige. I would like every
American modeler to feel part of this championship; I feel that way
and thank you all for your tremendous support. Thank you!
BC: Tell us about the biplane; how does it compare to the
monoplanes you’ve flown in the past? Is it something you would
recommend to the average Pattern competitor?
QS: The Euphoria was designed for me and manufactured by Oxai
models. Wayne Ulery did help me making the nose plug and detailing
my drawings. I truly believe a proper designed biplane has advantages
over the monoplanes. My years of experience flying mono and
biplanes tell me that.
It took me a while to come out with the proper biplane, and the
Euphoria is close to what I’ve always been looking for. Always there
is room to improve the designs, but the Euphoria’s concept is what I
really like. A winner concept.
Biplanes are known for great, unique, attractive presentations and
at the same time are known for being a challenge to set up. I will say
both of these things are correct. But I see another strong point of the
36 MODEL AVIATION
05sig2.QXD 3/24/08 1:44 PM Page 36
BC: You mentioned a specially modified APC
propeller; what were the modifications, and
how many other propeller setups were you
prepared to use in Argentina? What
conditions were the other propellers designed
to perform under?
QS: Wayne based his prop on an APC
15.5x12 4-blade prop. He took it up to
16.2x13 by using fiberglass and carbon fiber.
We tested all kinds of props but the 4 blade
outflew all the 2 and 3 blades.
We took to Argentina 4 props all the
same kind and that was all. That tells you
how happy I was with that prop!
BC: What advice can you give the younger
pilots aspiring to make the United States
F3A team in the future, to help them
prepare for the world stage?
QS: Practice and practice, but practice
smart. I believe managing well the time is a
key factor to get practice done and solid.
Like practicing with all kinds of weather
conditions, and practicing all kinds of
maneuvers to get ready for the Unknowns.
Practice the known P and F to eliminate
every little mistake. Try different set ups.
As any other sport, your desire and the
power of your soul will take you to where
you want along with discipline, being open to
criticism, having an open mind to set up, your
perseverance and being a good sportsman.
BC: With this goal achieved, what are your
next goals as a Pattern pilot?
QS: Keep flying and enjoying F3A. I do not
think reaching my goal will change much
how I feel and enjoy flying precision
aerobatics. Designing airplanes is my other
passion and that is something I want to keep
doing as well in F3A. Every season is
something new to do, to try and that is what I
enjoy so much with F3A.
Another goal will be supporting young
talents coming up and try to help them to one
day be in the position that I am today. If I can
be part of a project like that I will be very
proud too.
Quique, thank you for sharing your
thoughts. I am excited about and proud of
your win here in the US, and I am looking
forward to your leadership for Team USA in
the future.
In Ron Chidgey’s 1987 article he outlined
the direction that he felt F3A needed to go in
the US for our teams to be competitive. He
outlined five points.
1) “Get yourself a coach and do your
serious practicing with him or her.
2) “Read the rule book. Better still, study
the rule book.
3) “Don’t let yourself get into the habit of
just grinding out flight after flight ...
4) “Be humble when you win and graceful
when you don’t.
5) “Fly your own design, or at least one
you can be closely identified with ... ”
The 2007 US F3A team did a great job
of following the advice Ron gave 20 years
ago. His intent was to guide the US back
to preeminence in the world Pattern
scene—which has been done, in large part.
This past year the National Society of
Radio Controlled Aerobatics (NSRCA)
adopted the US F3A team for fund-raising
purposes, establishing a year-round
program that Rusty Dose currently chairs.
Visit the Web site for information.
The NSRCA is the AMA’s SIG for RC
Aerobatics and runs the Pattern Nats these
days. It also hosts the Team Selection
Finals, which is usually held in
conjunction with the Nats. For now the
organization’s gaze has shifted to Portugal
in 2009, where Quique and the next three
F3A team members will compete in the
World Championships.
Congratulations to the 2007 team, and
best wishes to those pilots who are hoping
to win their own place in history and a
spot on the team in 2008! MA
Brian Clemmons
[email protected]
Sources:
NSRCA
http://nsrca.us/
Oxai
(480) 664-1560
www.oxai-rc.com
42 MODEL AVIATION
www.modelaircraft.org www.masportaviator.com
ClickOn!
Grab Your
Dream Gift!
The AMA’s Cloud 9
Museum Store and Web
site are selling the book
A Gift of Dreams by Bob
Benjamin. It was
featured on page 14 of
the March MA.
For more information about the book and to
purchase it, go to www.modelaircraft.org/
shopama/, click on the “Shop AMA” tab in
the upper right corner, and then click on
“Browse our Catalog.”
While you’re on the site, check the closeout
section for many great bargains. ®
Dem’s the Rules!
The 2008 AMA Membership Manual is now
available online at www.modelaircraft.org/PDFfiles/
memanual.pdf. It contains a summary of AMA
insurance, the AMA Bylaws and standing rules, and
recommended RC flyingsite
suggestions and layouts.
The Membership
Manual includes contact
information for AMA
programs and brief
descriptions of many of
the services. CDs will find
useful guidelines for
events and sanctioning
information, and there is a
listing of AMA SIGs and
their contact information.
Check out this handy reference guide to see
what programs your organization offers; you may
find some you didn’t know existed! ®
05sig2.QXD 3/24/08 1:48 PM Page 42
40 MODEL AVIATION
technology. I truly believe an electric has an
equal chance to win. But, as I said before, you
have to match the design with the power plant
to fly.
Finally another aspect of my personal
decision is the excitement that the sound and
operation of the YS gives me. I get more
excited being around a glow engine and I feel
more connected to my flying!
[I’ve been watching the new spread
spectrum radios in the pages of MA. Imagine
no more frequency pins, no more getting shot
down, and no more radio impounds!
Several years ago my radio was
accidentally dropped in the Nats impound and
refused to turn on when the starter gave me
permission to do so. I had 20 minutes to effect
repairs or scratch the flight. (The repair was
successful.) I was in second place after that
round, but this would not have happened in a
spread spectrum world. No impound would
have been necessary.
Even so, Pattern pilots demand the utmost
out of their aircraft and radios, and I have
been suspicious of the new radios. Quique has
definitively addressed my suspicions; this
technology works!
Competitive and sport pilots alike can
gain confidence with the newer radios with
Quique’s win in Argentina. He flew the best
he could find, and he chose spread spectrum.
Guess what my next radio will be!]
BC: This was the first year you were eligible
to fly for the United States; how do you see
the level of competition in the United States
compared to that in other countries? Are
there any younger pilots here who excite you
with their potential?
QS: United States has a very good level. The
competition here in US is top class. The US
Nats, our premier contest, is very similar to
the level of competition that we see at a
World Championships. The quality of flying
during Nats final and semi-finals, for
example, is very close to what we see during
a WC.
I will say that the USA, Japan and France
are the 3 countries with highest level of
National competition. In the US, we have
probably a larger number of top world type
pilots.
This is my first time representing USA
and was an enormous experience for me and
very different. I felt part of a real team and a
very strong team.
I enjoyed the contest but I equally enjoyed
the practice. Every day we practiced together
before the WC, which was truly most exciting
for me and was an incredible opportunity to
learn and improve my flying. You know
when I practice at home, most of the time I do
it with Wayne or by myself. In Argentina
practicing, I had the whole team looking as
we did with Jason or Andrew flying. To me it
was one of the nicest challenges I went
through.
I truly believe that if our team in the future
works united and with the same goals, we
could have a team that can set the standards
of world F3A competition. Young fliers are
already showing incredible talent and
achievement.
One of them is Andrew Jesky, who did a
remarkable job and probably is one of the best
world F3A pilots. Brett Wickiser is another
young and very talented pilot who also
showed us his talent at the last Nats.
[In MA’s coverage of the 2005 World
Championships, I mentioned Andrew and
Brett as pilots to watch.]
I am excited to see young fliers like them
and I think we all should be, as they are our
future. From my end, I will keep supporting
the younger pilots as much as I can. I will go
back to the World Championships in Portugal
in 2009 as an individual competitor to give
the opportunity for a 4th person from the US
to be part of the US team, and will continue
flying and competing in F3A as long I feel I
am still enjoying it.
BC: The F3A World Championships is, in
essence, the top honor conferred on any
powered, fixed-wing-aircraft, RC pilot in the
world. Bearing in mind your involvement with
many other disciplines of RC, such as IMAC
[International Miniature Aerobatic Club] and
E-flight, what is your personal favorite type of
model aircraft? What do you fly for fun? Does
your son fly yet?
QS: My passion is precision aerobatics. No
matter what airplane type I fly I like to fly
aerobatics. But I like aerobatic with control,
showing control. To me that has a direct
relationship with precision. Precision is the
foundation of all type of aerobatics. No matter
if it is 3D, F3A, IMAC, or E Flight, all have
the same kind of feeling and foundation. F3A
in my opinion is the most pure expression of
precision, finesse and style.
My son does not fly yet but if he likes and
if he chooses to fly pattern I will be a happy
Dad!
BC: Quique, you are now the undisputed top
precision aerobatics pilot in the world. What
can you tell us about your practice schedule
in the year leading up to the World
Championships in Argentina?
QS: 2007 was an intensive F3A year and
more than what has been for the last 5 or 6
years. I got my new Euphoria flying early ’07,
learned the airplane and the best set up. Later
we had the Nats/Team Trials. After that the
WC.
My preparation mainly was working on
the airplanes. I took 3 airplanes to Argentina
so I spent a great amount of time trying to get
all airplanes flying as similar as was possible.
Wayne and I spent many hours together
working on props. We learned at the
Nationals a few things and we used that
experience to get better tuned up for the WC.
We had 3 months after the Nationals to
prepare for the WC, and I took a break with
my flying and worked at the shop. I finished
my #4 Euphoria. By the middle of September,
I started to fly and kept working on setting up
and matching the airplanes.
I flew about 5 to 6 flights every day except
weekends and flew most of the day then. The
wind did not stop me because I knew the
conditions waiting for us in Argentina. I flew
the P programs, F programs and Unknown
maneuvers every day. With the help of
Wayne calling me and coaching we flew till I
left for Argentina.
In Argentina I was able to contact a very
nice group of friends and they provided us
with exclusive and outstanding facilities to
practice, in a very small town called Camilo
Aldao where the US team practiced hard for 5
days. I felt that practice we did together was
very important for our team and the individual
result.
05sig2.QXD 3/24/08 1:46 PM Page 40
Edition: Model Aviation - 2008/05
Page Numbers: 33,34,35,36,40,42
World
Champion
Interview With a
BY BRIAN CLEMMONS
Quique Somenzini
expresses his joy after
winning the 2007 F3A
World Championships
individual Gold Medal.
MODEL AVIATION, December 1987,
Volume 13, Number 12: Ron Chidgey
reported from Avignon, France, about the 15th
F3A World Championships.
Team USA was Tony Frackowiac; Chip
Hyde, who was on the team for the first time;
Steve Helms, aka “Mr. Futaba” (who you can
see on page 119 of the January 2008 MA,
flying a helicopter with a Futaba spread
spectrum radio); and Dave Brown, AMA’s
president from 1996 to 2007, as manager.
Among others, Dean Pappas, MA’s “If It Flies
... ” columnist—attended.
The US team flew to a fourth-place finish
that year. Hanno Prettner won the individual
title with an early JR PCM radio.
In the article Ron included a picture of
24th-placing Quique Somenzini. The caption
read, “ ... Watch this talented flier. Chidgey
predicts he will place much higher in future
championships ... ”
Ron, you were right! In November 2007,
the US F3A team competed in the World
Championships held in Santa Fe, Argentina.
Quique received the FAI F3A
individual championship trophy,
with his name already engraved
on it, at the closing ceremony.
A world-class pilot uses
teamwork, training, and airplane
design to bring back the Gold
May 2008 33
05sig2.QXD 3/24/08 1:27 PM Page 33
34 MODEL AVIATION
The 2007 F3A World Championships individual medal winners (LR):
Christophe Paysant-Le Roux, Silver; Quique Somenzini, Gold;
Tetsuo Onda, Bronze.
Each pilot is allowed a primary and a backup model. The Oxai
Euphoria suited the contest requirements and conditions in
Argentina.
Team USA pilots (L-R): Jason Shulman with his CARF Integral, Quique with his Euphoria, and Andrew Jesky with his CARF Integral.
The team brought home the Silver Medal
for a second-place finish and the
individual Gold Medal for Quique
Somenzini.
The US team consisted of Quique, Jason
Shulman, and Andrew Jesky. Jason has been
a member of the past five teams, two of
which have won and three of which have
finished in second place. He has quite a
collection of Medals!
This was young Andrew Jesky’s first time
to represent the US, and he did so
respectably. Many of us have been watching
him closely and with much enthusiasm.
Last year was the first year Quique was
eligible to represent the US, although he, as
has Jason, has won the AMA Pattern Nats
three times. Natural-born citizens shouldn’t
feel bad, though; Quique has won Pattern
Nationals in four other countries as well!
I interviewed Quique about his F3A
World Championships win, looking to
answer a few questions that might be of
interest to competitive pilots. His comments
might also present sport fliers with some
insights so they can improve their flying. One
thing I will ask Quique about is the fact that
he won this contest using a spread spectrumtechnology
radio.
F3A, or RC Aerobatics, is commonly
called Pattern. MA features a bimonthly
column that covers this discipline, written by
Eric Henderson, which is all about exhibiting
control over the model.
Rules limit each airplane to a 2-meter
wingspan and length, as well as an 11-pound
weight. Some pilots fly their aircraft with
motors, but most fly with glow engines.
Snaps, Spins, Rolls, and Loops are
components of a list of maneuvers that each
pilot flies in competition. A panel of judges
from around the world watches to declare
who does it all the best at a World
Championships.
Quique is a humble and engaging
modeler. He was extremely gracious in
agreeing to do this interview. I presented the
following questions to him via E-mail.
BC: First of all, let me offer you my personal
congratulations on your winning the
individual F3A World Championship. Well
done!
The most remarkable thing in capturing
the championship was the fact that you did it
without winning a single round, which is
something that has never been done before.
Can you tell us about the consistently high
level of competitiveness this required?
QS: Thank you very much. I am very happy
05sig2.QXD 3/24/08 1:37 PM Page 34
May 2008 35
The two biplanes in competition helped their pilots earn spots on the individual podium. Notice that some monoplanes used an SFG
(side force generator) on top of the fuselage.
Standing for their national anthem (L-R): US Assistant Team Manager Raiko Potter,
Manager Albert Glenn, Quique, Andrew Jesky, Team Captain Jason Shulman.
to reach a life goal. F3A is my passion and the
foundation of my flying. I do not know if it
was the most remarkable thing but for sure it
was a unique way to win. It could be more
remarkable to win every round! Flying in
Argentina was superlative by all finalists and
without a question consistency was the key to
reaching the top.
To be honest with you I never thought a
world championships could be won without
winning a single round, but I knew the only
way to do it was by being steady and scoring
consistently high. Fantastic flyers like my
teammate Jason Shulman, Frenchman
Christophe Paysant-Le Roux or Japanese pilot
Tetsuo Onda all won a round but I was very
close to the 1000 points in some rounds and
the important rounds like the final’s rounds.
That was the key to get this result.
The bottom line was to reach what I sought
for so many years and, on top of that, I got
something unique making me smile even more!
BC: What was it like, for you personally,
winning in Argentina?
QS: It was a dream that came true. This was
my first time on the USA team and I am very
happy and honored how we all worked
together, united with a common target.
Without a question this environment did help
each of us to perform at our best.
Personally, I felt extraordinary support
from my teammates. We had great practice
together before the contest, a true team
Photos provided by friends of Quique Somenzini
practice. All this teamwork was reflected later
on during the contest not only as a team
performance, it was also individually. As I
said, I felt strong support from my team and
feel they were true supporters of my
individual win. To all of them go my very
special thanks.
As a team result we were very close to
winning, we were first after raw scores, and 8
points back in second place after TBL; a very
good result and without a question we will be
a contender for first place in 2009!
As you know Argentina is my home
country. Going back, competing and winning
was a very special feeling as well. I must
thank all of my Argentinean friends for the
extraordinary support they gave me during the
contest, it was magic and special.
05sig2.QXD 3/25/08 8:50 AM Page 35
Christophe Paysant-Le Roux—the 2003 and 2005 F3A World
Champion—with his son and Quique with his two boys.
Quique with his caller, Ryan Smith. It takes more than being a
great pilot to do well at the World Championships.
A group of friends provided outstanding facilities at which to
practice. A small town called Camilo Aldao hosted the US team.
Each airplane must pass a sound check before every takeoff at the World Championships. A loose part on the model will
dramatically change the noise reading.
I was very proud to represent USA and to bring back home a
trophy with so much meaning and prestige. I would like every
American modeler to feel part of this championship; I feel that way
and thank you all for your tremendous support. Thank you!
BC: Tell us about the biplane; how does it compare to the
monoplanes you’ve flown in the past? Is it something you would
recommend to the average Pattern competitor?
QS: The Euphoria was designed for me and manufactured by Oxai
models. Wayne Ulery did help me making the nose plug and detailing
my drawings. I truly believe a proper designed biplane has advantages
over the monoplanes. My years of experience flying mono and
biplanes tell me that.
It took me a while to come out with the proper biplane, and the
Euphoria is close to what I’ve always been looking for. Always there
is room to improve the designs, but the Euphoria’s concept is what I
really like. A winner concept.
Biplanes are known for great, unique, attractive presentations and
at the same time are known for being a challenge to set up. I will say
both of these things are correct. But I see another strong point of the
36 MODEL AVIATION
05sig2.QXD 3/24/08 1:44 PM Page 36
BC: You mentioned a specially modified APC
propeller; what were the modifications, and
how many other propeller setups were you
prepared to use in Argentina? What
conditions were the other propellers designed
to perform under?
QS: Wayne based his prop on an APC
15.5x12 4-blade prop. He took it up to
16.2x13 by using fiberglass and carbon fiber.
We tested all kinds of props but the 4 blade
outflew all the 2 and 3 blades.
We took to Argentina 4 props all the
same kind and that was all. That tells you
how happy I was with that prop!
BC: What advice can you give the younger
pilots aspiring to make the United States
F3A team in the future, to help them
prepare for the world stage?
QS: Practice and practice, but practice
smart. I believe managing well the time is a
key factor to get practice done and solid.
Like practicing with all kinds of weather
conditions, and practicing all kinds of
maneuvers to get ready for the Unknowns.
Practice the known P and F to eliminate
every little mistake. Try different set ups.
As any other sport, your desire and the
power of your soul will take you to where
you want along with discipline, being open to
criticism, having an open mind to set up, your
perseverance and being a good sportsman.
BC: With this goal achieved, what are your
next goals as a Pattern pilot?
QS: Keep flying and enjoying F3A. I do not
think reaching my goal will change much
how I feel and enjoy flying precision
aerobatics. Designing airplanes is my other
passion and that is something I want to keep
doing as well in F3A. Every season is
something new to do, to try and that is what I
enjoy so much with F3A.
Another goal will be supporting young
talents coming up and try to help them to one
day be in the position that I am today. If I can
be part of a project like that I will be very
proud too.
Quique, thank you for sharing your
thoughts. I am excited about and proud of
your win here in the US, and I am looking
forward to your leadership for Team USA in
the future.
In Ron Chidgey’s 1987 article he outlined
the direction that he felt F3A needed to go in
the US for our teams to be competitive. He
outlined five points.
1) “Get yourself a coach and do your
serious practicing with him or her.
2) “Read the rule book. Better still, study
the rule book.
3) “Don’t let yourself get into the habit of
just grinding out flight after flight ...
4) “Be humble when you win and graceful
when you don’t.
5) “Fly your own design, or at least one
you can be closely identified with ... ”
The 2007 US F3A team did a great job
of following the advice Ron gave 20 years
ago. His intent was to guide the US back
to preeminence in the world Pattern
scene—which has been done, in large part.
This past year the National Society of
Radio Controlled Aerobatics (NSRCA)
adopted the US F3A team for fund-raising
purposes, establishing a year-round
program that Rusty Dose currently chairs.
Visit the Web site for information.
The NSRCA is the AMA’s SIG for RC
Aerobatics and runs the Pattern Nats these
days. It also hosts the Team Selection
Finals, which is usually held in
conjunction with the Nats. For now the
organization’s gaze has shifted to Portugal
in 2009, where Quique and the next three
F3A team members will compete in the
World Championships.
Congratulations to the 2007 team, and
best wishes to those pilots who are hoping
to win their own place in history and a
spot on the team in 2008! MA
Brian Clemmons
[email protected]
Sources:
NSRCA
http://nsrca.us/
Oxai
(480) 664-1560
www.oxai-rc.com
42 MODEL AVIATION
www.modelaircraft.org www.masportaviator.com
ClickOn!
Grab Your
Dream Gift!
The AMA’s Cloud 9
Museum Store and Web
site are selling the book
A Gift of Dreams by Bob
Benjamin. It was
featured on page 14 of
the March MA.
For more information about the book and to
purchase it, go to www.modelaircraft.org/
shopama/, click on the “Shop AMA” tab in
the upper right corner, and then click on
“Browse our Catalog.”
While you’re on the site, check the closeout
section for many great bargains. ®
Dem’s the Rules!
The 2008 AMA Membership Manual is now
available online at www.modelaircraft.org/PDFfiles/
memanual.pdf. It contains a summary of AMA
insurance, the AMA Bylaws and standing rules, and
recommended RC flyingsite
suggestions and layouts.
The Membership
Manual includes contact
information for AMA
programs and brief
descriptions of many of
the services. CDs will find
useful guidelines for
events and sanctioning
information, and there is a
listing of AMA SIGs and
their contact information.
Check out this handy reference guide to see
what programs your organization offers; you may
find some you didn’t know existed! ®
05sig2.QXD 3/24/08 1:48 PM Page 42
40 MODEL AVIATION
technology. I truly believe an electric has an
equal chance to win. But, as I said before, you
have to match the design with the power plant
to fly.
Finally another aspect of my personal
decision is the excitement that the sound and
operation of the YS gives me. I get more
excited being around a glow engine and I feel
more connected to my flying!
[I’ve been watching the new spread
spectrum radios in the pages of MA. Imagine
no more frequency pins, no more getting shot
down, and no more radio impounds!
Several years ago my radio was
accidentally dropped in the Nats impound and
refused to turn on when the starter gave me
permission to do so. I had 20 minutes to effect
repairs or scratch the flight. (The repair was
successful.) I was in second place after that
round, but this would not have happened in a
spread spectrum world. No impound would
have been necessary.
Even so, Pattern pilots demand the utmost
out of their aircraft and radios, and I have
been suspicious of the new radios. Quique has
definitively addressed my suspicions; this
technology works!
Competitive and sport pilots alike can
gain confidence with the newer radios with
Quique’s win in Argentina. He flew the best
he could find, and he chose spread spectrum.
Guess what my next radio will be!]
BC: This was the first year you were eligible
to fly for the United States; how do you see
the level of competition in the United States
compared to that in other countries? Are
there any younger pilots here who excite you
with their potential?
QS: United States has a very good level. The
competition here in US is top class. The US
Nats, our premier contest, is very similar to
the level of competition that we see at a
World Championships. The quality of flying
during Nats final and semi-finals, for
example, is very close to what we see during
a WC.
I will say that the USA, Japan and France
are the 3 countries with highest level of
National competition. In the US, we have
probably a larger number of top world type
pilots.
This is my first time representing USA
and was an enormous experience for me and
very different. I felt part of a real team and a
very strong team.
I enjoyed the contest but I equally enjoyed
the practice. Every day we practiced together
before the WC, which was truly most exciting
for me and was an incredible opportunity to
learn and improve my flying. You know
when I practice at home, most of the time I do
it with Wayne or by myself. In Argentina
practicing, I had the whole team looking as
we did with Jason or Andrew flying. To me it
was one of the nicest challenges I went
through.
I truly believe that if our team in the future
works united and with the same goals, we
could have a team that can set the standards
of world F3A competition. Young fliers are
already showing incredible talent and
achievement.
One of them is Andrew Jesky, who did a
remarkable job and probably is one of the best
world F3A pilots. Brett Wickiser is another
young and very talented pilot who also
showed us his talent at the last Nats.
[In MA’s coverage of the 2005 World
Championships, I mentioned Andrew and
Brett as pilots to watch.]
I am excited to see young fliers like them
and I think we all should be, as they are our
future. From my end, I will keep supporting
the younger pilots as much as I can. I will go
back to the World Championships in Portugal
in 2009 as an individual competitor to give
the opportunity for a 4th person from the US
to be part of the US team, and will continue
flying and competing in F3A as long I feel I
am still enjoying it.
BC: The F3A World Championships is, in
essence, the top honor conferred on any
powered, fixed-wing-aircraft, RC pilot in the
world. Bearing in mind your involvement with
many other disciplines of RC, such as IMAC
[International Miniature Aerobatic Club] and
E-flight, what is your personal favorite type of
model aircraft? What do you fly for fun? Does
your son fly yet?
QS: My passion is precision aerobatics. No
matter what airplane type I fly I like to fly
aerobatics. But I like aerobatic with control,
showing control. To me that has a direct
relationship with precision. Precision is the
foundation of all type of aerobatics. No matter
if it is 3D, F3A, IMAC, or E Flight, all have
the same kind of feeling and foundation. F3A
in my opinion is the most pure expression of
precision, finesse and style.
My son does not fly yet but if he likes and
if he chooses to fly pattern I will be a happy
Dad!
BC: Quique, you are now the undisputed top
precision aerobatics pilot in the world. What
can you tell us about your practice schedule
in the year leading up to the World
Championships in Argentina?
QS: 2007 was an intensive F3A year and
more than what has been for the last 5 or 6
years. I got my new Euphoria flying early ’07,
learned the airplane and the best set up. Later
we had the Nats/Team Trials. After that the
WC.
My preparation mainly was working on
the airplanes. I took 3 airplanes to Argentina
so I spent a great amount of time trying to get
all airplanes flying as similar as was possible.
Wayne and I spent many hours together
working on props. We learned at the
Nationals a few things and we used that
experience to get better tuned up for the WC.
We had 3 months after the Nationals to
prepare for the WC, and I took a break with
my flying and worked at the shop. I finished
my #4 Euphoria. By the middle of September,
I started to fly and kept working on setting up
and matching the airplanes.
I flew about 5 to 6 flights every day except
weekends and flew most of the day then. The
wind did not stop me because I knew the
conditions waiting for us in Argentina. I flew
the P programs, F programs and Unknown
maneuvers every day. With the help of
Wayne calling me and coaching we flew till I
left for Argentina.
In Argentina I was able to contact a very
nice group of friends and they provided us
with exclusive and outstanding facilities to
practice, in a very small town called Camilo
Aldao where the US team practiced hard for 5
days. I felt that practice we did together was
very important for our team and the individual
result.
05sig2.QXD 3/24/08 1:46 PM Page 40
Edition: Model Aviation - 2008/05
Page Numbers: 33,34,35,36,40,42
World
Champion
Interview With a
BY BRIAN CLEMMONS
Quique Somenzini
expresses his joy after
winning the 2007 F3A
World Championships
individual Gold Medal.
MODEL AVIATION, December 1987,
Volume 13, Number 12: Ron Chidgey
reported from Avignon, France, about the 15th
F3A World Championships.
Team USA was Tony Frackowiac; Chip
Hyde, who was on the team for the first time;
Steve Helms, aka “Mr. Futaba” (who you can
see on page 119 of the January 2008 MA,
flying a helicopter with a Futaba spread
spectrum radio); and Dave Brown, AMA’s
president from 1996 to 2007, as manager.
Among others, Dean Pappas, MA’s “If It Flies
... ” columnist—attended.
The US team flew to a fourth-place finish
that year. Hanno Prettner won the individual
title with an early JR PCM radio.
In the article Ron included a picture of
24th-placing Quique Somenzini. The caption
read, “ ... Watch this talented flier. Chidgey
predicts he will place much higher in future
championships ... ”
Ron, you were right! In November 2007,
the US F3A team competed in the World
Championships held in Santa Fe, Argentina.
Quique received the FAI F3A
individual championship trophy,
with his name already engraved
on it, at the closing ceremony.
A world-class pilot uses
teamwork, training, and airplane
design to bring back the Gold
May 2008 33
05sig2.QXD 3/24/08 1:27 PM Page 33
34 MODEL AVIATION
The 2007 F3A World Championships individual medal winners (LR):
Christophe Paysant-Le Roux, Silver; Quique Somenzini, Gold;
Tetsuo Onda, Bronze.
Each pilot is allowed a primary and a backup model. The Oxai
Euphoria suited the contest requirements and conditions in
Argentina.
Team USA pilots (L-R): Jason Shulman with his CARF Integral, Quique with his Euphoria, and Andrew Jesky with his CARF Integral.
The team brought home the Silver Medal
for a second-place finish and the
individual Gold Medal for Quique
Somenzini.
The US team consisted of Quique, Jason
Shulman, and Andrew Jesky. Jason has been
a member of the past five teams, two of
which have won and three of which have
finished in second place. He has quite a
collection of Medals!
This was young Andrew Jesky’s first time
to represent the US, and he did so
respectably. Many of us have been watching
him closely and with much enthusiasm.
Last year was the first year Quique was
eligible to represent the US, although he, as
has Jason, has won the AMA Pattern Nats
three times. Natural-born citizens shouldn’t
feel bad, though; Quique has won Pattern
Nationals in four other countries as well!
I interviewed Quique about his F3A
World Championships win, looking to
answer a few questions that might be of
interest to competitive pilots. His comments
might also present sport fliers with some
insights so they can improve their flying. One
thing I will ask Quique about is the fact that
he won this contest using a spread spectrumtechnology
radio.
F3A, or RC Aerobatics, is commonly
called Pattern. MA features a bimonthly
column that covers this discipline, written by
Eric Henderson, which is all about exhibiting
control over the model.
Rules limit each airplane to a 2-meter
wingspan and length, as well as an 11-pound
weight. Some pilots fly their aircraft with
motors, but most fly with glow engines.
Snaps, Spins, Rolls, and Loops are
components of a list of maneuvers that each
pilot flies in competition. A panel of judges
from around the world watches to declare
who does it all the best at a World
Championships.
Quique is a humble and engaging
modeler. He was extremely gracious in
agreeing to do this interview. I presented the
following questions to him via E-mail.
BC: First of all, let me offer you my personal
congratulations on your winning the
individual F3A World Championship. Well
done!
The most remarkable thing in capturing
the championship was the fact that you did it
without winning a single round, which is
something that has never been done before.
Can you tell us about the consistently high
level of competitiveness this required?
QS: Thank you very much. I am very happy
05sig2.QXD 3/24/08 1:37 PM Page 34
May 2008 35
The two biplanes in competition helped their pilots earn spots on the individual podium. Notice that some monoplanes used an SFG
(side force generator) on top of the fuselage.
Standing for their national anthem (L-R): US Assistant Team Manager Raiko Potter,
Manager Albert Glenn, Quique, Andrew Jesky, Team Captain Jason Shulman.
to reach a life goal. F3A is my passion and the
foundation of my flying. I do not know if it
was the most remarkable thing but for sure it
was a unique way to win. It could be more
remarkable to win every round! Flying in
Argentina was superlative by all finalists and
without a question consistency was the key to
reaching the top.
To be honest with you I never thought a
world championships could be won without
winning a single round, but I knew the only
way to do it was by being steady and scoring
consistently high. Fantastic flyers like my
teammate Jason Shulman, Frenchman
Christophe Paysant-Le Roux or Japanese pilot
Tetsuo Onda all won a round but I was very
close to the 1000 points in some rounds and
the important rounds like the final’s rounds.
That was the key to get this result.
The bottom line was to reach what I sought
for so many years and, on top of that, I got
something unique making me smile even more!
BC: What was it like, for you personally,
winning in Argentina?
QS: It was a dream that came true. This was
my first time on the USA team and I am very
happy and honored how we all worked
together, united with a common target.
Without a question this environment did help
each of us to perform at our best.
Personally, I felt extraordinary support
from my teammates. We had great practice
together before the contest, a true team
Photos provided by friends of Quique Somenzini
practice. All this teamwork was reflected later
on during the contest not only as a team
performance, it was also individually. As I
said, I felt strong support from my team and
feel they were true supporters of my
individual win. To all of them go my very
special thanks.
As a team result we were very close to
winning, we were first after raw scores, and 8
points back in second place after TBL; a very
good result and without a question we will be
a contender for first place in 2009!
As you know Argentina is my home
country. Going back, competing and winning
was a very special feeling as well. I must
thank all of my Argentinean friends for the
extraordinary support they gave me during the
contest, it was magic and special.
05sig2.QXD 3/25/08 8:50 AM Page 35
Christophe Paysant-Le Roux—the 2003 and 2005 F3A World
Champion—with his son and Quique with his two boys.
Quique with his caller, Ryan Smith. It takes more than being a
great pilot to do well at the World Championships.
A group of friends provided outstanding facilities at which to
practice. A small town called Camilo Aldao hosted the US team.
Each airplane must pass a sound check before every takeoff at the World Championships. A loose part on the model will
dramatically change the noise reading.
I was very proud to represent USA and to bring back home a
trophy with so much meaning and prestige. I would like every
American modeler to feel part of this championship; I feel that way
and thank you all for your tremendous support. Thank you!
BC: Tell us about the biplane; how does it compare to the
monoplanes you’ve flown in the past? Is it something you would
recommend to the average Pattern competitor?
QS: The Euphoria was designed for me and manufactured by Oxai
models. Wayne Ulery did help me making the nose plug and detailing
my drawings. I truly believe a proper designed biplane has advantages
over the monoplanes. My years of experience flying mono and
biplanes tell me that.
It took me a while to come out with the proper biplane, and the
Euphoria is close to what I’ve always been looking for. Always there
is room to improve the designs, but the Euphoria’s concept is what I
really like. A winner concept.
Biplanes are known for great, unique, attractive presentations and
at the same time are known for being a challenge to set up. I will say
both of these things are correct. But I see another strong point of the
36 MODEL AVIATION
05sig2.QXD 3/24/08 1:44 PM Page 36
BC: You mentioned a specially modified APC
propeller; what were the modifications, and
how many other propeller setups were you
prepared to use in Argentina? What
conditions were the other propellers designed
to perform under?
QS: Wayne based his prop on an APC
15.5x12 4-blade prop. He took it up to
16.2x13 by using fiberglass and carbon fiber.
We tested all kinds of props but the 4 blade
outflew all the 2 and 3 blades.
We took to Argentina 4 props all the
same kind and that was all. That tells you
how happy I was with that prop!
BC: What advice can you give the younger
pilots aspiring to make the United States
F3A team in the future, to help them
prepare for the world stage?
QS: Practice and practice, but practice
smart. I believe managing well the time is a
key factor to get practice done and solid.
Like practicing with all kinds of weather
conditions, and practicing all kinds of
maneuvers to get ready for the Unknowns.
Practice the known P and F to eliminate
every little mistake. Try different set ups.
As any other sport, your desire and the
power of your soul will take you to where
you want along with discipline, being open to
criticism, having an open mind to set up, your
perseverance and being a good sportsman.
BC: With this goal achieved, what are your
next goals as a Pattern pilot?
QS: Keep flying and enjoying F3A. I do not
think reaching my goal will change much
how I feel and enjoy flying precision
aerobatics. Designing airplanes is my other
passion and that is something I want to keep
doing as well in F3A. Every season is
something new to do, to try and that is what I
enjoy so much with F3A.
Another goal will be supporting young
talents coming up and try to help them to one
day be in the position that I am today. If I can
be part of a project like that I will be very
proud too.
Quique, thank you for sharing your
thoughts. I am excited about and proud of
your win here in the US, and I am looking
forward to your leadership for Team USA in
the future.
In Ron Chidgey’s 1987 article he outlined
the direction that he felt F3A needed to go in
the US for our teams to be competitive. He
outlined five points.
1) “Get yourself a coach and do your
serious practicing with him or her.
2) “Read the rule book. Better still, study
the rule book.
3) “Don’t let yourself get into the habit of
just grinding out flight after flight ...
4) “Be humble when you win and graceful
when you don’t.
5) “Fly your own design, or at least one
you can be closely identified with ... ”
The 2007 US F3A team did a great job
of following the advice Ron gave 20 years
ago. His intent was to guide the US back
to preeminence in the world Pattern
scene—which has been done, in large part.
This past year the National Society of
Radio Controlled Aerobatics (NSRCA)
adopted the US F3A team for fund-raising
purposes, establishing a year-round
program that Rusty Dose currently chairs.
Visit the Web site for information.
The NSRCA is the AMA’s SIG for RC
Aerobatics and runs the Pattern Nats these
days. It also hosts the Team Selection
Finals, which is usually held in
conjunction with the Nats. For now the
organization’s gaze has shifted to Portugal
in 2009, where Quique and the next three
F3A team members will compete in the
World Championships.
Congratulations to the 2007 team, and
best wishes to those pilots who are hoping
to win their own place in history and a
spot on the team in 2008! MA
Brian Clemmons
[email protected]
Sources:
NSRCA
http://nsrca.us/
Oxai
(480) 664-1560
www.oxai-rc.com
42 MODEL AVIATION
www.modelaircraft.org www.masportaviator.com
ClickOn!
Grab Your
Dream Gift!
The AMA’s Cloud 9
Museum Store and Web
site are selling the book
A Gift of Dreams by Bob
Benjamin. It was
featured on page 14 of
the March MA.
For more information about the book and to
purchase it, go to www.modelaircraft.org/
shopama/, click on the “Shop AMA” tab in
the upper right corner, and then click on
“Browse our Catalog.”
While you’re on the site, check the closeout
section for many great bargains. ®
Dem’s the Rules!
The 2008 AMA Membership Manual is now
available online at www.modelaircraft.org/PDFfiles/
memanual.pdf. It contains a summary of AMA
insurance, the AMA Bylaws and standing rules, and
recommended RC flyingsite
suggestions and layouts.
The Membership
Manual includes contact
information for AMA
programs and brief
descriptions of many of
the services. CDs will find
useful guidelines for
events and sanctioning
information, and there is a
listing of AMA SIGs and
their contact information.
Check out this handy reference guide to see
what programs your organization offers; you may
find some you didn’t know existed! ®
05sig2.QXD 3/24/08 1:48 PM Page 42
40 MODEL AVIATION
technology. I truly believe an electric has an
equal chance to win. But, as I said before, you
have to match the design with the power plant
to fly.
Finally another aspect of my personal
decision is the excitement that the sound and
operation of the YS gives me. I get more
excited being around a glow engine and I feel
more connected to my flying!
[I’ve been watching the new spread
spectrum radios in the pages of MA. Imagine
no more frequency pins, no more getting shot
down, and no more radio impounds!
Several years ago my radio was
accidentally dropped in the Nats impound and
refused to turn on when the starter gave me
permission to do so. I had 20 minutes to effect
repairs or scratch the flight. (The repair was
successful.) I was in second place after that
round, but this would not have happened in a
spread spectrum world. No impound would
have been necessary.
Even so, Pattern pilots demand the utmost
out of their aircraft and radios, and I have
been suspicious of the new radios. Quique has
definitively addressed my suspicions; this
technology works!
Competitive and sport pilots alike can
gain confidence with the newer radios with
Quique’s win in Argentina. He flew the best
he could find, and he chose spread spectrum.
Guess what my next radio will be!]
BC: This was the first year you were eligible
to fly for the United States; how do you see
the level of competition in the United States
compared to that in other countries? Are
there any younger pilots here who excite you
with their potential?
QS: United States has a very good level. The
competition here in US is top class. The US
Nats, our premier contest, is very similar to
the level of competition that we see at a
World Championships. The quality of flying
during Nats final and semi-finals, for
example, is very close to what we see during
a WC.
I will say that the USA, Japan and France
are the 3 countries with highest level of
National competition. In the US, we have
probably a larger number of top world type
pilots.
This is my first time representing USA
and was an enormous experience for me and
very different. I felt part of a real team and a
very strong team.
I enjoyed the contest but I equally enjoyed
the practice. Every day we practiced together
before the WC, which was truly most exciting
for me and was an incredible opportunity to
learn and improve my flying. You know
when I practice at home, most of the time I do
it with Wayne or by myself. In Argentina
practicing, I had the whole team looking as
we did with Jason or Andrew flying. To me it
was one of the nicest challenges I went
through.
I truly believe that if our team in the future
works united and with the same goals, we
could have a team that can set the standards
of world F3A competition. Young fliers are
already showing incredible talent and
achievement.
One of them is Andrew Jesky, who did a
remarkable job and probably is one of the best
world F3A pilots. Brett Wickiser is another
young and very talented pilot who also
showed us his talent at the last Nats.
[In MA’s coverage of the 2005 World
Championships, I mentioned Andrew and
Brett as pilots to watch.]
I am excited to see young fliers like them
and I think we all should be, as they are our
future. From my end, I will keep supporting
the younger pilots as much as I can. I will go
back to the World Championships in Portugal
in 2009 as an individual competitor to give
the opportunity for a 4th person from the US
to be part of the US team, and will continue
flying and competing in F3A as long I feel I
am still enjoying it.
BC: The F3A World Championships is, in
essence, the top honor conferred on any
powered, fixed-wing-aircraft, RC pilot in the
world. Bearing in mind your involvement with
many other disciplines of RC, such as IMAC
[International Miniature Aerobatic Club] and
E-flight, what is your personal favorite type of
model aircraft? What do you fly for fun? Does
your son fly yet?
QS: My passion is precision aerobatics. No
matter what airplane type I fly I like to fly
aerobatics. But I like aerobatic with control,
showing control. To me that has a direct
relationship with precision. Precision is the
foundation of all type of aerobatics. No matter
if it is 3D, F3A, IMAC, or E Flight, all have
the same kind of feeling and foundation. F3A
in my opinion is the most pure expression of
precision, finesse and style.
My son does not fly yet but if he likes and
if he chooses to fly pattern I will be a happy
Dad!
BC: Quique, you are now the undisputed top
precision aerobatics pilot in the world. What
can you tell us about your practice schedule
in the year leading up to the World
Championships in Argentina?
QS: 2007 was an intensive F3A year and
more than what has been for the last 5 or 6
years. I got my new Euphoria flying early ’07,
learned the airplane and the best set up. Later
we had the Nats/Team Trials. After that the
WC.
My preparation mainly was working on
the airplanes. I took 3 airplanes to Argentina
so I spent a great amount of time trying to get
all airplanes flying as similar as was possible.
Wayne and I spent many hours together
working on props. We learned at the
Nationals a few things and we used that
experience to get better tuned up for the WC.
We had 3 months after the Nationals to
prepare for the WC, and I took a break with
my flying and worked at the shop. I finished
my #4 Euphoria. By the middle of September,
I started to fly and kept working on setting up
and matching the airplanes.
I flew about 5 to 6 flights every day except
weekends and flew most of the day then. The
wind did not stop me because I knew the
conditions waiting for us in Argentina. I flew
the P programs, F programs and Unknown
maneuvers every day. With the help of
Wayne calling me and coaching we flew till I
left for Argentina.
In Argentina I was able to contact a very
nice group of friends and they provided us
with exclusive and outstanding facilities to
practice, in a very small town called Camilo
Aldao where the US team practiced hard for 5
days. I felt that practice we did together was
very important for our team and the individual
result.
05sig2.QXD 3/24/08 1:46 PM Page 40
Edition: Model Aviation - 2008/05
Page Numbers: 33,34,35,36,40,42
World
Champion
Interview With a
BY BRIAN CLEMMONS
Quique Somenzini
expresses his joy after
winning the 2007 F3A
World Championships
individual Gold Medal.
MODEL AVIATION, December 1987,
Volume 13, Number 12: Ron Chidgey
reported from Avignon, France, about the 15th
F3A World Championships.
Team USA was Tony Frackowiac; Chip
Hyde, who was on the team for the first time;
Steve Helms, aka “Mr. Futaba” (who you can
see on page 119 of the January 2008 MA,
flying a helicopter with a Futaba spread
spectrum radio); and Dave Brown, AMA’s
president from 1996 to 2007, as manager.
Among others, Dean Pappas, MA’s “If It Flies
... ” columnist—attended.
The US team flew to a fourth-place finish
that year. Hanno Prettner won the individual
title with an early JR PCM radio.
In the article Ron included a picture of
24th-placing Quique Somenzini. The caption
read, “ ... Watch this talented flier. Chidgey
predicts he will place much higher in future
championships ... ”
Ron, you were right! In November 2007,
the US F3A team competed in the World
Championships held in Santa Fe, Argentina.
Quique received the FAI F3A
individual championship trophy,
with his name already engraved
on it, at the closing ceremony.
A world-class pilot uses
teamwork, training, and airplane
design to bring back the Gold
May 2008 33
05sig2.QXD 3/24/08 1:27 PM Page 33
34 MODEL AVIATION
The 2007 F3A World Championships individual medal winners (LR):
Christophe Paysant-Le Roux, Silver; Quique Somenzini, Gold;
Tetsuo Onda, Bronze.
Each pilot is allowed a primary and a backup model. The Oxai
Euphoria suited the contest requirements and conditions in
Argentina.
Team USA pilots (L-R): Jason Shulman with his CARF Integral, Quique with his Euphoria, and Andrew Jesky with his CARF Integral.
The team brought home the Silver Medal
for a second-place finish and the
individual Gold Medal for Quique
Somenzini.
The US team consisted of Quique, Jason
Shulman, and Andrew Jesky. Jason has been
a member of the past five teams, two of
which have won and three of which have
finished in second place. He has quite a
collection of Medals!
This was young Andrew Jesky’s first time
to represent the US, and he did so
respectably. Many of us have been watching
him closely and with much enthusiasm.
Last year was the first year Quique was
eligible to represent the US, although he, as
has Jason, has won the AMA Pattern Nats
three times. Natural-born citizens shouldn’t
feel bad, though; Quique has won Pattern
Nationals in four other countries as well!
I interviewed Quique about his F3A
World Championships win, looking to
answer a few questions that might be of
interest to competitive pilots. His comments
might also present sport fliers with some
insights so they can improve their flying. One
thing I will ask Quique about is the fact that
he won this contest using a spread spectrumtechnology
radio.
F3A, or RC Aerobatics, is commonly
called Pattern. MA features a bimonthly
column that covers this discipline, written by
Eric Henderson, which is all about exhibiting
control over the model.
Rules limit each airplane to a 2-meter
wingspan and length, as well as an 11-pound
weight. Some pilots fly their aircraft with
motors, but most fly with glow engines.
Snaps, Spins, Rolls, and Loops are
components of a list of maneuvers that each
pilot flies in competition. A panel of judges
from around the world watches to declare
who does it all the best at a World
Championships.
Quique is a humble and engaging
modeler. He was extremely gracious in
agreeing to do this interview. I presented the
following questions to him via E-mail.
BC: First of all, let me offer you my personal
congratulations on your winning the
individual F3A World Championship. Well
done!
The most remarkable thing in capturing
the championship was the fact that you did it
without winning a single round, which is
something that has never been done before.
Can you tell us about the consistently high
level of competitiveness this required?
QS: Thank you very much. I am very happy
05sig2.QXD 3/24/08 1:37 PM Page 34
May 2008 35
The two biplanes in competition helped their pilots earn spots on the individual podium. Notice that some monoplanes used an SFG
(side force generator) on top of the fuselage.
Standing for their national anthem (L-R): US Assistant Team Manager Raiko Potter,
Manager Albert Glenn, Quique, Andrew Jesky, Team Captain Jason Shulman.
to reach a life goal. F3A is my passion and the
foundation of my flying. I do not know if it
was the most remarkable thing but for sure it
was a unique way to win. It could be more
remarkable to win every round! Flying in
Argentina was superlative by all finalists and
without a question consistency was the key to
reaching the top.
To be honest with you I never thought a
world championships could be won without
winning a single round, but I knew the only
way to do it was by being steady and scoring
consistently high. Fantastic flyers like my
teammate Jason Shulman, Frenchman
Christophe Paysant-Le Roux or Japanese pilot
Tetsuo Onda all won a round but I was very
close to the 1000 points in some rounds and
the important rounds like the final’s rounds.
That was the key to get this result.
The bottom line was to reach what I sought
for so many years and, on top of that, I got
something unique making me smile even more!
BC: What was it like, for you personally,
winning in Argentina?
QS: It was a dream that came true. This was
my first time on the USA team and I am very
happy and honored how we all worked
together, united with a common target.
Without a question this environment did help
each of us to perform at our best.
Personally, I felt extraordinary support
from my teammates. We had great practice
together before the contest, a true team
Photos provided by friends of Quique Somenzini
practice. All this teamwork was reflected later
on during the contest not only as a team
performance, it was also individually. As I
said, I felt strong support from my team and
feel they were true supporters of my
individual win. To all of them go my very
special thanks.
As a team result we were very close to
winning, we were first after raw scores, and 8
points back in second place after TBL; a very
good result and without a question we will be
a contender for first place in 2009!
As you know Argentina is my home
country. Going back, competing and winning
was a very special feeling as well. I must
thank all of my Argentinean friends for the
extraordinary support they gave me during the
contest, it was magic and special.
05sig2.QXD 3/25/08 8:50 AM Page 35
Christophe Paysant-Le Roux—the 2003 and 2005 F3A World
Champion—with his son and Quique with his two boys.
Quique with his caller, Ryan Smith. It takes more than being a
great pilot to do well at the World Championships.
A group of friends provided outstanding facilities at which to
practice. A small town called Camilo Aldao hosted the US team.
Each airplane must pass a sound check before every takeoff at the World Championships. A loose part on the model will
dramatically change the noise reading.
I was very proud to represent USA and to bring back home a
trophy with so much meaning and prestige. I would like every
American modeler to feel part of this championship; I feel that way
and thank you all for your tremendous support. Thank you!
BC: Tell us about the biplane; how does it compare to the
monoplanes you’ve flown in the past? Is it something you would
recommend to the average Pattern competitor?
QS: The Euphoria was designed for me and manufactured by Oxai
models. Wayne Ulery did help me making the nose plug and detailing
my drawings. I truly believe a proper designed biplane has advantages
over the monoplanes. My years of experience flying mono and
biplanes tell me that.
It took me a while to come out with the proper biplane, and the
Euphoria is close to what I’ve always been looking for. Always there
is room to improve the designs, but the Euphoria’s concept is what I
really like. A winner concept.
Biplanes are known for great, unique, attractive presentations and
at the same time are known for being a challenge to set up. I will say
both of these things are correct. But I see another strong point of the
36 MODEL AVIATION
05sig2.QXD 3/24/08 1:44 PM Page 36
BC: You mentioned a specially modified APC
propeller; what were the modifications, and
how many other propeller setups were you
prepared to use in Argentina? What
conditions were the other propellers designed
to perform under?
QS: Wayne based his prop on an APC
15.5x12 4-blade prop. He took it up to
16.2x13 by using fiberglass and carbon fiber.
We tested all kinds of props but the 4 blade
outflew all the 2 and 3 blades.
We took to Argentina 4 props all the
same kind and that was all. That tells you
how happy I was with that prop!
BC: What advice can you give the younger
pilots aspiring to make the United States
F3A team in the future, to help them
prepare for the world stage?
QS: Practice and practice, but practice
smart. I believe managing well the time is a
key factor to get practice done and solid.
Like practicing with all kinds of weather
conditions, and practicing all kinds of
maneuvers to get ready for the Unknowns.
Practice the known P and F to eliminate
every little mistake. Try different set ups.
As any other sport, your desire and the
power of your soul will take you to where
you want along with discipline, being open to
criticism, having an open mind to set up, your
perseverance and being a good sportsman.
BC: With this goal achieved, what are your
next goals as a Pattern pilot?
QS: Keep flying and enjoying F3A. I do not
think reaching my goal will change much
how I feel and enjoy flying precision
aerobatics. Designing airplanes is my other
passion and that is something I want to keep
doing as well in F3A. Every season is
something new to do, to try and that is what I
enjoy so much with F3A.
Another goal will be supporting young
talents coming up and try to help them to one
day be in the position that I am today. If I can
be part of a project like that I will be very
proud too.
Quique, thank you for sharing your
thoughts. I am excited about and proud of
your win here in the US, and I am looking
forward to your leadership for Team USA in
the future.
In Ron Chidgey’s 1987 article he outlined
the direction that he felt F3A needed to go in
the US for our teams to be competitive. He
outlined five points.
1) “Get yourself a coach and do your
serious practicing with him or her.
2) “Read the rule book. Better still, study
the rule book.
3) “Don’t let yourself get into the habit of
just grinding out flight after flight ...
4) “Be humble when you win and graceful
when you don’t.
5) “Fly your own design, or at least one
you can be closely identified with ... ”
The 2007 US F3A team did a great job
of following the advice Ron gave 20 years
ago. His intent was to guide the US back
to preeminence in the world Pattern
scene—which has been done, in large part.
This past year the National Society of
Radio Controlled Aerobatics (NSRCA)
adopted the US F3A team for fund-raising
purposes, establishing a year-round
program that Rusty Dose currently chairs.
Visit the Web site for information.
The NSRCA is the AMA’s SIG for RC
Aerobatics and runs the Pattern Nats these
days. It also hosts the Team Selection
Finals, which is usually held in
conjunction with the Nats. For now the
organization’s gaze has shifted to Portugal
in 2009, where Quique and the next three
F3A team members will compete in the
World Championships.
Congratulations to the 2007 team, and
best wishes to those pilots who are hoping
to win their own place in history and a
spot on the team in 2008! MA
Brian Clemmons
[email protected]
Sources:
NSRCA
http://nsrca.us/
Oxai
(480) 664-1560
www.oxai-rc.com
42 MODEL AVIATION
www.modelaircraft.org www.masportaviator.com
ClickOn!
Grab Your
Dream Gift!
The AMA’s Cloud 9
Museum Store and Web
site are selling the book
A Gift of Dreams by Bob
Benjamin. It was
featured on page 14 of
the March MA.
For more information about the book and to
purchase it, go to www.modelaircraft.org/
shopama/, click on the “Shop AMA” tab in
the upper right corner, and then click on
“Browse our Catalog.”
While you’re on the site, check the closeout
section for many great bargains. ®
Dem’s the Rules!
The 2008 AMA Membership Manual is now
available online at www.modelaircraft.org/PDFfiles/
memanual.pdf. It contains a summary of AMA
insurance, the AMA Bylaws and standing rules, and
recommended RC flyingsite
suggestions and layouts.
The Membership
Manual includes contact
information for AMA
programs and brief
descriptions of many of
the services. CDs will find
useful guidelines for
events and sanctioning
information, and there is a
listing of AMA SIGs and
their contact information.
Check out this handy reference guide to see
what programs your organization offers; you may
find some you didn’t know existed! ®
05sig2.QXD 3/24/08 1:48 PM Page 42
40 MODEL AVIATION
technology. I truly believe an electric has an
equal chance to win. But, as I said before, you
have to match the design with the power plant
to fly.
Finally another aspect of my personal
decision is the excitement that the sound and
operation of the YS gives me. I get more
excited being around a glow engine and I feel
more connected to my flying!
[I’ve been watching the new spread
spectrum radios in the pages of MA. Imagine
no more frequency pins, no more getting shot
down, and no more radio impounds!
Several years ago my radio was
accidentally dropped in the Nats impound and
refused to turn on when the starter gave me
permission to do so. I had 20 minutes to effect
repairs or scratch the flight. (The repair was
successful.) I was in second place after that
round, but this would not have happened in a
spread spectrum world. No impound would
have been necessary.
Even so, Pattern pilots demand the utmost
out of their aircraft and radios, and I have
been suspicious of the new radios. Quique has
definitively addressed my suspicions; this
technology works!
Competitive and sport pilots alike can
gain confidence with the newer radios with
Quique’s win in Argentina. He flew the best
he could find, and he chose spread spectrum.
Guess what my next radio will be!]
BC: This was the first year you were eligible
to fly for the United States; how do you see
the level of competition in the United States
compared to that in other countries? Are
there any younger pilots here who excite you
with their potential?
QS: United States has a very good level. The
competition here in US is top class. The US
Nats, our premier contest, is very similar to
the level of competition that we see at a
World Championships. The quality of flying
during Nats final and semi-finals, for
example, is very close to what we see during
a WC.
I will say that the USA, Japan and France
are the 3 countries with highest level of
National competition. In the US, we have
probably a larger number of top world type
pilots.
This is my first time representing USA
and was an enormous experience for me and
very different. I felt part of a real team and a
very strong team.
I enjoyed the contest but I equally enjoyed
the practice. Every day we practiced together
before the WC, which was truly most exciting
for me and was an incredible opportunity to
learn and improve my flying. You know
when I practice at home, most of the time I do
it with Wayne or by myself. In Argentina
practicing, I had the whole team looking as
we did with Jason or Andrew flying. To me it
was one of the nicest challenges I went
through.
I truly believe that if our team in the future
works united and with the same goals, we
could have a team that can set the standards
of world F3A competition. Young fliers are
already showing incredible talent and
achievement.
One of them is Andrew Jesky, who did a
remarkable job and probably is one of the best
world F3A pilots. Brett Wickiser is another
young and very talented pilot who also
showed us his talent at the last Nats.
[In MA’s coverage of the 2005 World
Championships, I mentioned Andrew and
Brett as pilots to watch.]
I am excited to see young fliers like them
and I think we all should be, as they are our
future. From my end, I will keep supporting
the younger pilots as much as I can. I will go
back to the World Championships in Portugal
in 2009 as an individual competitor to give
the opportunity for a 4th person from the US
to be part of the US team, and will continue
flying and competing in F3A as long I feel I
am still enjoying it.
BC: The F3A World Championships is, in
essence, the top honor conferred on any
powered, fixed-wing-aircraft, RC pilot in the
world. Bearing in mind your involvement with
many other disciplines of RC, such as IMAC
[International Miniature Aerobatic Club] and
E-flight, what is your personal favorite type of
model aircraft? What do you fly for fun? Does
your son fly yet?
QS: My passion is precision aerobatics. No
matter what airplane type I fly I like to fly
aerobatics. But I like aerobatic with control,
showing control. To me that has a direct
relationship with precision. Precision is the
foundation of all type of aerobatics. No matter
if it is 3D, F3A, IMAC, or E Flight, all have
the same kind of feeling and foundation. F3A
in my opinion is the most pure expression of
precision, finesse and style.
My son does not fly yet but if he likes and
if he chooses to fly pattern I will be a happy
Dad!
BC: Quique, you are now the undisputed top
precision aerobatics pilot in the world. What
can you tell us about your practice schedule
in the year leading up to the World
Championships in Argentina?
QS: 2007 was an intensive F3A year and
more than what has been for the last 5 or 6
years. I got my new Euphoria flying early ’07,
learned the airplane and the best set up. Later
we had the Nats/Team Trials. After that the
WC.
My preparation mainly was working on
the airplanes. I took 3 airplanes to Argentina
so I spent a great amount of time trying to get
all airplanes flying as similar as was possible.
Wayne and I spent many hours together
working on props. We learned at the
Nationals a few things and we used that
experience to get better tuned up for the WC.
We had 3 months after the Nationals to
prepare for the WC, and I took a break with
my flying and worked at the shop. I finished
my #4 Euphoria. By the middle of September,
I started to fly and kept working on setting up
and matching the airplanes.
I flew about 5 to 6 flights every day except
weekends and flew most of the day then. The
wind did not stop me because I knew the
conditions waiting for us in Argentina. I flew
the P programs, F programs and Unknown
maneuvers every day. With the help of
Wayne calling me and coaching we flew till I
left for Argentina.
In Argentina I was able to contact a very
nice group of friends and they provided us
with exclusive and outstanding facilities to
practice, in a very small town called Camilo
Aldao where the US team practiced hard for 5
days. I felt that practice we did together was
very important for our team and the individual
result.
05sig2.QXD 3/24/08 1:46 PM Page 40
Edition: Model Aviation - 2008/05
Page Numbers: 33,34,35,36,40,42
World
Champion
Interview With a
BY BRIAN CLEMMONS
Quique Somenzini
expresses his joy after
winning the 2007 F3A
World Championships
individual Gold Medal.
MODEL AVIATION, December 1987,
Volume 13, Number 12: Ron Chidgey
reported from Avignon, France, about the 15th
F3A World Championships.
Team USA was Tony Frackowiac; Chip
Hyde, who was on the team for the first time;
Steve Helms, aka “Mr. Futaba” (who you can
see on page 119 of the January 2008 MA,
flying a helicopter with a Futaba spread
spectrum radio); and Dave Brown, AMA’s
president from 1996 to 2007, as manager.
Among others, Dean Pappas, MA’s “If It Flies
... ” columnist—attended.
The US team flew to a fourth-place finish
that year. Hanno Prettner won the individual
title with an early JR PCM radio.
In the article Ron included a picture of
24th-placing Quique Somenzini. The caption
read, “ ... Watch this talented flier. Chidgey
predicts he will place much higher in future
championships ... ”
Ron, you were right! In November 2007,
the US F3A team competed in the World
Championships held in Santa Fe, Argentina.
Quique received the FAI F3A
individual championship trophy,
with his name already engraved
on it, at the closing ceremony.
A world-class pilot uses
teamwork, training, and airplane
design to bring back the Gold
May 2008 33
05sig2.QXD 3/24/08 1:27 PM Page 33
34 MODEL AVIATION
The 2007 F3A World Championships individual medal winners (LR):
Christophe Paysant-Le Roux, Silver; Quique Somenzini, Gold;
Tetsuo Onda, Bronze.
Each pilot is allowed a primary and a backup model. The Oxai
Euphoria suited the contest requirements and conditions in
Argentina.
Team USA pilots (L-R): Jason Shulman with his CARF Integral, Quique with his Euphoria, and Andrew Jesky with his CARF Integral.
The team brought home the Silver Medal
for a second-place finish and the
individual Gold Medal for Quique
Somenzini.
The US team consisted of Quique, Jason
Shulman, and Andrew Jesky. Jason has been
a member of the past five teams, two of
which have won and three of which have
finished in second place. He has quite a
collection of Medals!
This was young Andrew Jesky’s first time
to represent the US, and he did so
respectably. Many of us have been watching
him closely and with much enthusiasm.
Last year was the first year Quique was
eligible to represent the US, although he, as
has Jason, has won the AMA Pattern Nats
three times. Natural-born citizens shouldn’t
feel bad, though; Quique has won Pattern
Nationals in four other countries as well!
I interviewed Quique about his F3A
World Championships win, looking to
answer a few questions that might be of
interest to competitive pilots. His comments
might also present sport fliers with some
insights so they can improve their flying. One
thing I will ask Quique about is the fact that
he won this contest using a spread spectrumtechnology
radio.
F3A, or RC Aerobatics, is commonly
called Pattern. MA features a bimonthly
column that covers this discipline, written by
Eric Henderson, which is all about exhibiting
control over the model.
Rules limit each airplane to a 2-meter
wingspan and length, as well as an 11-pound
weight. Some pilots fly their aircraft with
motors, but most fly with glow engines.
Snaps, Spins, Rolls, and Loops are
components of a list of maneuvers that each
pilot flies in competition. A panel of judges
from around the world watches to declare
who does it all the best at a World
Championships.
Quique is a humble and engaging
modeler. He was extremely gracious in
agreeing to do this interview. I presented the
following questions to him via E-mail.
BC: First of all, let me offer you my personal
congratulations on your winning the
individual F3A World Championship. Well
done!
The most remarkable thing in capturing
the championship was the fact that you did it
without winning a single round, which is
something that has never been done before.
Can you tell us about the consistently high
level of competitiveness this required?
QS: Thank you very much. I am very happy
05sig2.QXD 3/24/08 1:37 PM Page 34
May 2008 35
The two biplanes in competition helped their pilots earn spots on the individual podium. Notice that some monoplanes used an SFG
(side force generator) on top of the fuselage.
Standing for their national anthem (L-R): US Assistant Team Manager Raiko Potter,
Manager Albert Glenn, Quique, Andrew Jesky, Team Captain Jason Shulman.
to reach a life goal. F3A is my passion and the
foundation of my flying. I do not know if it
was the most remarkable thing but for sure it
was a unique way to win. It could be more
remarkable to win every round! Flying in
Argentina was superlative by all finalists and
without a question consistency was the key to
reaching the top.
To be honest with you I never thought a
world championships could be won without
winning a single round, but I knew the only
way to do it was by being steady and scoring
consistently high. Fantastic flyers like my
teammate Jason Shulman, Frenchman
Christophe Paysant-Le Roux or Japanese pilot
Tetsuo Onda all won a round but I was very
close to the 1000 points in some rounds and
the important rounds like the final’s rounds.
That was the key to get this result.
The bottom line was to reach what I sought
for so many years and, on top of that, I got
something unique making me smile even more!
BC: What was it like, for you personally,
winning in Argentina?
QS: It was a dream that came true. This was
my first time on the USA team and I am very
happy and honored how we all worked
together, united with a common target.
Without a question this environment did help
each of us to perform at our best.
Personally, I felt extraordinary support
from my teammates. We had great practice
together before the contest, a true team
Photos provided by friends of Quique Somenzini
practice. All this teamwork was reflected later
on during the contest not only as a team
performance, it was also individually. As I
said, I felt strong support from my team and
feel they were true supporters of my
individual win. To all of them go my very
special thanks.
As a team result we were very close to
winning, we were first after raw scores, and 8
points back in second place after TBL; a very
good result and without a question we will be
a contender for first place in 2009!
As you know Argentina is my home
country. Going back, competing and winning
was a very special feeling as well. I must
thank all of my Argentinean friends for the
extraordinary support they gave me during the
contest, it was magic and special.
05sig2.QXD 3/25/08 8:50 AM Page 35
Christophe Paysant-Le Roux—the 2003 and 2005 F3A World
Champion—with his son and Quique with his two boys.
Quique with his caller, Ryan Smith. It takes more than being a
great pilot to do well at the World Championships.
A group of friends provided outstanding facilities at which to
practice. A small town called Camilo Aldao hosted the US team.
Each airplane must pass a sound check before every takeoff at the World Championships. A loose part on the model will
dramatically change the noise reading.
I was very proud to represent USA and to bring back home a
trophy with so much meaning and prestige. I would like every
American modeler to feel part of this championship; I feel that way
and thank you all for your tremendous support. Thank you!
BC: Tell us about the biplane; how does it compare to the
monoplanes you’ve flown in the past? Is it something you would
recommend to the average Pattern competitor?
QS: The Euphoria was designed for me and manufactured by Oxai
models. Wayne Ulery did help me making the nose plug and detailing
my drawings. I truly believe a proper designed biplane has advantages
over the monoplanes. My years of experience flying mono and
biplanes tell me that.
It took me a while to come out with the proper biplane, and the
Euphoria is close to what I’ve always been looking for. Always there
is room to improve the designs, but the Euphoria’s concept is what I
really like. A winner concept.
Biplanes are known for great, unique, attractive presentations and
at the same time are known for being a challenge to set up. I will say
both of these things are correct. But I see another strong point of the
36 MODEL AVIATION
05sig2.QXD 3/24/08 1:44 PM Page 36
BC: You mentioned a specially modified APC
propeller; what were the modifications, and
how many other propeller setups were you
prepared to use in Argentina? What
conditions were the other propellers designed
to perform under?
QS: Wayne based his prop on an APC
15.5x12 4-blade prop. He took it up to
16.2x13 by using fiberglass and carbon fiber.
We tested all kinds of props but the 4 blade
outflew all the 2 and 3 blades.
We took to Argentina 4 props all the
same kind and that was all. That tells you
how happy I was with that prop!
BC: What advice can you give the younger
pilots aspiring to make the United States
F3A team in the future, to help them
prepare for the world stage?
QS: Practice and practice, but practice
smart. I believe managing well the time is a
key factor to get practice done and solid.
Like practicing with all kinds of weather
conditions, and practicing all kinds of
maneuvers to get ready for the Unknowns.
Practice the known P and F to eliminate
every little mistake. Try different set ups.
As any other sport, your desire and the
power of your soul will take you to where
you want along with discipline, being open to
criticism, having an open mind to set up, your
perseverance and being a good sportsman.
BC: With this goal achieved, what are your
next goals as a Pattern pilot?
QS: Keep flying and enjoying F3A. I do not
think reaching my goal will change much
how I feel and enjoy flying precision
aerobatics. Designing airplanes is my other
passion and that is something I want to keep
doing as well in F3A. Every season is
something new to do, to try and that is what I
enjoy so much with F3A.
Another goal will be supporting young
talents coming up and try to help them to one
day be in the position that I am today. If I can
be part of a project like that I will be very
proud too.
Quique, thank you for sharing your
thoughts. I am excited about and proud of
your win here in the US, and I am looking
forward to your leadership for Team USA in
the future.
In Ron Chidgey’s 1987 article he outlined
the direction that he felt F3A needed to go in
the US for our teams to be competitive. He
outlined five points.
1) “Get yourself a coach and do your
serious practicing with him or her.
2) “Read the rule book. Better still, study
the rule book.
3) “Don’t let yourself get into the habit of
just grinding out flight after flight ...
4) “Be humble when you win and graceful
when you don’t.
5) “Fly your own design, or at least one
you can be closely identified with ... ”
The 2007 US F3A team did a great job
of following the advice Ron gave 20 years
ago. His intent was to guide the US back
to preeminence in the world Pattern
scene—which has been done, in large part.
This past year the National Society of
Radio Controlled Aerobatics (NSRCA)
adopted the US F3A team for fund-raising
purposes, establishing a year-round
program that Rusty Dose currently chairs.
Visit the Web site for information.
The NSRCA is the AMA’s SIG for RC
Aerobatics and runs the Pattern Nats these
days. It also hosts the Team Selection
Finals, which is usually held in
conjunction with the Nats. For now the
organization’s gaze has shifted to Portugal
in 2009, where Quique and the next three
F3A team members will compete in the
World Championships.
Congratulations to the 2007 team, and
best wishes to those pilots who are hoping
to win their own place in history and a
spot on the team in 2008! MA
Brian Clemmons
[email protected]
Sources:
NSRCA
http://nsrca.us/
Oxai
(480) 664-1560
www.oxai-rc.com
42 MODEL AVIATION
www.modelaircraft.org www.masportaviator.com
ClickOn!
Grab Your
Dream Gift!
The AMA’s Cloud 9
Museum Store and Web
site are selling the book
A Gift of Dreams by Bob
Benjamin. It was
featured on page 14 of
the March MA.
For more information about the book and to
purchase it, go to www.modelaircraft.org/
shopama/, click on the “Shop AMA” tab in
the upper right corner, and then click on
“Browse our Catalog.”
While you’re on the site, check the closeout
section for many great bargains. ®
Dem’s the Rules!
The 2008 AMA Membership Manual is now
available online at www.modelaircraft.org/PDFfiles/
memanual.pdf. It contains a summary of AMA
insurance, the AMA Bylaws and standing rules, and
recommended RC flyingsite
suggestions and layouts.
The Membership
Manual includes contact
information for AMA
programs and brief
descriptions of many of
the services. CDs will find
useful guidelines for
events and sanctioning
information, and there is a
listing of AMA SIGs and
their contact information.
Check out this handy reference guide to see
what programs your organization offers; you may
find some you didn’t know existed! ®
05sig2.QXD 3/24/08 1:48 PM Page 42
40 MODEL AVIATION
technology. I truly believe an electric has an
equal chance to win. But, as I said before, you
have to match the design with the power plant
to fly.
Finally another aspect of my personal
decision is the excitement that the sound and
operation of the YS gives me. I get more
excited being around a glow engine and I feel
more connected to my flying!
[I’ve been watching the new spread
spectrum radios in the pages of MA. Imagine
no more frequency pins, no more getting shot
down, and no more radio impounds!
Several years ago my radio was
accidentally dropped in the Nats impound and
refused to turn on when the starter gave me
permission to do so. I had 20 minutes to effect
repairs or scratch the flight. (The repair was
successful.) I was in second place after that
round, but this would not have happened in a
spread spectrum world. No impound would
have been necessary.
Even so, Pattern pilots demand the utmost
out of their aircraft and radios, and I have
been suspicious of the new radios. Quique has
definitively addressed my suspicions; this
technology works!
Competitive and sport pilots alike can
gain confidence with the newer radios with
Quique’s win in Argentina. He flew the best
he could find, and he chose spread spectrum.
Guess what my next radio will be!]
BC: This was the first year you were eligible
to fly for the United States; how do you see
the level of competition in the United States
compared to that in other countries? Are
there any younger pilots here who excite you
with their potential?
QS: United States has a very good level. The
competition here in US is top class. The US
Nats, our premier contest, is very similar to
the level of competition that we see at a
World Championships. The quality of flying
during Nats final and semi-finals, for
example, is very close to what we see during
a WC.
I will say that the USA, Japan and France
are the 3 countries with highest level of
National competition. In the US, we have
probably a larger number of top world type
pilots.
This is my first time representing USA
and was an enormous experience for me and
very different. I felt part of a real team and a
very strong team.
I enjoyed the contest but I equally enjoyed
the practice. Every day we practiced together
before the WC, which was truly most exciting
for me and was an incredible opportunity to
learn and improve my flying. You know
when I practice at home, most of the time I do
it with Wayne or by myself. In Argentina
practicing, I had the whole team looking as
we did with Jason or Andrew flying. To me it
was one of the nicest challenges I went
through.
I truly believe that if our team in the future
works united and with the same goals, we
could have a team that can set the standards
of world F3A competition. Young fliers are
already showing incredible talent and
achievement.
One of them is Andrew Jesky, who did a
remarkable job and probably is one of the best
world F3A pilots. Brett Wickiser is another
young and very talented pilot who also
showed us his talent at the last Nats.
[In MA’s coverage of the 2005 World
Championships, I mentioned Andrew and
Brett as pilots to watch.]
I am excited to see young fliers like them
and I think we all should be, as they are our
future. From my end, I will keep supporting
the younger pilots as much as I can. I will go
back to the World Championships in Portugal
in 2009 as an individual competitor to give
the opportunity for a 4th person from the US
to be part of the US team, and will continue
flying and competing in F3A as long I feel I
am still enjoying it.
BC: The F3A World Championships is, in
essence, the top honor conferred on any
powered, fixed-wing-aircraft, RC pilot in the
world. Bearing in mind your involvement with
many other disciplines of RC, such as IMAC
[International Miniature Aerobatic Club] and
E-flight, what is your personal favorite type of
model aircraft? What do you fly for fun? Does
your son fly yet?
QS: My passion is precision aerobatics. No
matter what airplane type I fly I like to fly
aerobatics. But I like aerobatic with control,
showing control. To me that has a direct
relationship with precision. Precision is the
foundation of all type of aerobatics. No matter
if it is 3D, F3A, IMAC, or E Flight, all have
the same kind of feeling and foundation. F3A
in my opinion is the most pure expression of
precision, finesse and style.
My son does not fly yet but if he likes and
if he chooses to fly pattern I will be a happy
Dad!
BC: Quique, you are now the undisputed top
precision aerobatics pilot in the world. What
can you tell us about your practice schedule
in the year leading up to the World
Championships in Argentina?
QS: 2007 was an intensive F3A year and
more than what has been for the last 5 or 6
years. I got my new Euphoria flying early ’07,
learned the airplane and the best set up. Later
we had the Nats/Team Trials. After that the
WC.
My preparation mainly was working on
the airplanes. I took 3 airplanes to Argentina
so I spent a great amount of time trying to get
all airplanes flying as similar as was possible.
Wayne and I spent many hours together
working on props. We learned at the
Nationals a few things and we used that
experience to get better tuned up for the WC.
We had 3 months after the Nationals to
prepare for the WC, and I took a break with
my flying and worked at the shop. I finished
my #4 Euphoria. By the middle of September,
I started to fly and kept working on setting up
and matching the airplanes.
I flew about 5 to 6 flights every day except
weekends and flew most of the day then. The
wind did not stop me because I knew the
conditions waiting for us in Argentina. I flew
the P programs, F programs and Unknown
maneuvers every day. With the help of
Wayne calling me and coaching we flew till I
left for Argentina.
In Argentina I was able to contact a very
nice group of friends and they provided us
with exclusive and outstanding facilities to
practice, in a very small town called Camilo
Aldao where the US team practiced hard for 5
days. I felt that practice we did together was
very important for our team and the individual
result.
05sig2.QXD 3/24/08 1:46 PM Page 40