IRCHA Jammin' - 2009/12
by Mark Fadely
Close to 1,000 pilots celebrate 20 years of helicopter fun
Overview
Some things in life have to be experienced to be fully appreciated. That was never more true than at this year's IRCHA (International Radio Controlled Helicopter) Jamboree. RC rotary-wing fanatics swarmed the AMA's International Aeromodeling Center — hundreds of dignified, courteous helicopter pilots attended the event (well, maybe that’s a bad word choice).
The queen bee of the fly-in — IRCHA President Dave Millner — had the logistics running like a well-oiled machine. That’s no surprise, since most helicopter types own several oily machines anyway.
Attendance and records
Speculation earlier in the year had many believing the crowd might be a bit thin. This marked the 20th anniversary of IRCHA, an AMA SIG, and the economy was down. The organizers waited with fingers crossed during the last few days before the fly-in got underway, and the good news prevailed: the final pilot count looked to have shattered previous records, with a total of 954 registered pilots.
Dave Millner shook hands and kissed babies when the number leaked out Saturday afternoon. That information is typically revealed at the Saturday-evening awards ceremony.
The news of the Jamboree’s record attendance came just days after the Joe Nall Fly-In — a premier airplane event — had been deemed the “world’s largest RC event,” with 810 registered pilots. (The Joe Nall event included helicopters and airplanes this year, while IRCHA was a helicopter-only gathering.)
Fields, schedule, and facilities
The 1,000-acre AMA flying field was split into three areas during the Jamboree to accommodate various helicopter types and flying styles. Signage guided pilots to the appropriate areas during the week.
- Red Field: main location for most activities.
- White Field: hosted FAI-style flying, FAI seminars, and set-up clinics; also an area for hovering only, with buddy-box flying and novice set-up clinics.
- Blue Field: allocated for the last two days of F3C (FAI RC helicopter) World Championship flying.
A day was added to the Jamboree this year; the event officially started Wednesday, August 12, and ran through Sunday, August 16.
Getting around the massive facility on foot is daunting. The IRCHA staff teamed with the AMA to provide a shuttle service that whisked pilots to points of interest. A 15-passenger van stopped at designated points around the site and ran constantly during the Jamboree.
International participation and camaraderie
Pilots from around the globe added a rich flavor to this year’s event. Many internationals who competed in the F3C contest stuck around to enjoy Jamboree week. The camaraderie between pilots with a common interest broke language barriers and kindled new friendships.
Never had so much international talent been concentrated on one flying field; everyone was treated to unique flying styles from lands far away. Pilots shared ideas and techniques they could introduce to fliers in their home countries.
P.J. Harte, from Ireland’s west coast, made his third trip across the pond for IRCHA. He explained what inspires him and his friends to make the long journey:
“I started flying RC airplanes about six and a half years ago. I enjoyed it, but when I saw an RC heli fly, I knew I had to have one. I’ve been flying helis exclusively for the last four years. I love 3‑D flying and have helped organize 3DX Ireland, the premier 3‑D contest in Ireland, in recent years.
“Three years ago, a friend asked if I wanted to travel with him to the USA to see IRCHA. I said yes, and after I experienced IRCHA once, I knew I would come back. I love to compete, but I also love to just hang out with my buddies and fly helis in a relaxed, no‑pressure atmosphere. That's what IRCHA is all about for me.”
Flight boxes, demos, and exhibitors
The Jamboree venue featured ten 200-foot-wide flight boxes at the main (Red) field. The center-stage flight station was reserved for manufacturers' demonstrations and the popular noon exhibitions.
The IRCHA committee invited midday demo pilots who put on a spectacular show. The best fliers in the world performed consecutively for this special display — a great place to pick up new and innovative maneuvers.
A few 90-size electric-powered helicopters debuted at the Jamboree, along with many new machines and accessories. The Avant team put one of its Aurora EPs up for grabs as a grand prize in the pilot raffle. Daniel Jetschin flew the electric Aurora in the noon demos; it looked fantastic and delivered plenty of smokeless power for aggressive flying. Electric power has been extremely popular for smaller models, though battery limitations have kept it from dominating the largest 3‑D helicopters.
Empire Hobby Amateur Nationals (IAN) and Casino Night
Empire Hobby sponsored the second annual IRCHA Amateur Nationals (IAN) during the Jamboree. This competition gives unsponsored pilots the opportunity to earn recognition, with both a one-year Empire sponsorship and a potential invite to the prestigious XFC. Eager pilots lined up to fly choreographed four-minute flights to music.
Jack Burnside of Empire Hobby organized the IAN. Young Brandon Fiorante won after flying against the other finalists at show center on Saturday. All of this year's contestants put in amazing 3‑D flights.
Jack explained the IAN: “Every 3‑D pilot wants to be sponsored, and they constantly ask, ‘How do I get sponsored?’ The IAN competition we developed is one way for them to do that. We take applications for around four months prior to the IRCHA Jamboree. Pilots are required to send in a video flown to music with their application. Then we hold the competition at IRCHA. We try to find a spot on the flightline that is not too busy, but once we get started, a crowd always forms to watch these pilots throw down their best 3‑D. Empire provides a one‑year sponsorship for the winner, and the XFC committee gives consideration for the next year's contest.”
Empire Hobby also sponsored a “Casino Night.” Real gaming tables were brought in and the Gaui girls helped run the event. No real money was exchanged; winnings were tracked and then donated to multiple sclerosis (MS). The Jamboree also included a catered dinner on Saturday evening.
Autorotation contest
Ray Stacy of Rockford, Connecticut, organized an autorotation contest for this Jamboree. The rules were changed to try a duration autorotation: machines were allowed to climb for 15 seconds, and the unpowered descent was timed. Those guidelines were somewhat controversial, but many enjoyed the new twist.
J.C. Zankl won the event with an amazing one‑minute autorotation — and he did it using a borrowed helicopter he had never flown before.
Scale and vintage
Scale and vintage helicopter aficionados had a lot to be excited about. Two large tents were erected on the flightline to house both types of models near stage center, so everyone could check out the machines without walking far.
The vintage tent held roughly 50 vintage helicopters; Kirk Nelson took and flew 27 of them. Several of the world's top builders and pilots were in these tents and were approachable, sharing their passion for constructing and flying these models. It was amazing to see 30‑year‑old machines on display.
Seminars, contests, and safety
Curtis Youngblood, a champion pilot, held a seminar covering aspects of F3C contest flying (F3C is governed by the FAI). The F3C World Championship preceded the Jamboree at the AMA site, with competitors from many countries. A minicontest for beginner pilots followed Curtis’s seminar.
It is a testament to IRCHA, the AMA, and the volunteers that this megaevent ran smoothly and, most important, safely. There were no accidents this year. The IRCHA staff gave gentle reminders to people who put themselves in risky positions.
Conclusion
When the Jamboree ended Sunday evening, there were scores of sunburnt, worn‑out pilots. The gathering was a total success, and it was fun to be a part of it. Make sure you attend next year!
Mark Fadely [email protected]
Sources
- IRCHA
- www.ircha.org
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
