54 MODEL AVIATION
Junior Free Flight
The Junior team (L-R): Eddy Avallone, Ryan Jones, Dallas
Parker, Ben Coussens, Team Manager Brian VanNest, Austin
Gunder, Michael Avallone, Taylor Gunder, John Lorbiecki.
Repeating Junior F1J Champion Austin Gunder (L) and John
Lorbiecki—runner-up in that category—with their airplanes.
AFTER EXPERIENCING delayed flights and other transportation
problems, the eight-man team of the Junior World Championships
Free Flight team met up in Lucenec, Slovakia, for the contest held
August 14-17.
The town offered friendly people, gentle rolling hills, and a lot of
rain. Something known as the 500-year flood occurred during our
stay, and Prague in the Czech Republic, located six hours away,
evacuated 2.5 million people. We had rain at least every night or
day, and the worst was on F1A day. Tennis shoes never really dried
out before we put them on for the next day of flying.
A total of 17 countries participated, which included Korea for the
first time. The contest site was in Blokvoice, on a small flying field
approximately 10 minutes from our hotel in Lucenec.
We (Janna and Team Manager Brian) traveled with supporters
Bob and Connie Piserchio of San Diego, California, and arrived
four days before the contest. We found the flying field, market,
Internet café, bank, gas station, and a few choice restaurants.
We located all the major shops, which was a good idea since a
saw was needed to get a model out of a tree on practice day.
The saw was needed again on the last flight that brought
Austin Gunder to his hall of fame.
F1A Day: Rain was expected throughout the day.
Team members Michael Avallone (Grand Rapids
MI), Dallas Parker (North Hills CA), and Ben
Coussens (Valencia CA) were battling for the
number-one position out of 47 fliers.
The first round was a four-minute
super max flown in light rains. Michael
had somewhat of a squeaker but made the
max. Dallas had a line tangle and
reflew with a max. By the end of the
round, Ben had slightly heavier rain
and dropped seven seconds. Only
Ryan Jones (Avon Lake OH) launches
his F1B model for an official flight.
■ Brian and Janna VanNest
02sig2.QXD 11.21.02 2:22 pm Page 54
February 2003 55
14 fliers made that super-max round.
Into the second round with steady rain and 5 mph winds, Dallas
made one circle tow and launched. Ben launched with less than three
minutes until the end of the round, but the line didn’t release from
the airplane. With a quick scramble for the line, he launched again
and maxed. Only seven fliers maxed after this round.
In the third round Michael was on to his third max, Dallas had a
great launch but needed the help of the flappers and dropped to 161
seconds, and Ben dropped with 87 seconds.
In Round Four, Michael in tow brought his airplane around and
barely cleared the ground then went on to max. A little nervous with
another towline over his, Dallas launched and dropped at 147
seconds. Ben had a flight of 161 seconds.
Round Five continued with steady rain. Michael’s first attempt
landed into the airstrip. Dallas made a 70-second flight, and Ben’s
model ended up in the tree with a score of 151 seconds.
After a two-hour lunch break and a run into town to get dry
clothes and rain gear, we were back for the next round in continued
rain. Michael was the
only one clean, and it
had been a miserable
day of flying with
turbulent air and the
steady rain. He
launched one minute
after a group of seven
fliers launched. He
got the best of the air
for a max, but the
model didn’t
dethermalize (DT)
for another six
minutes because of a
mechanical problem.
Dallas dropped
one second, and Ben
had a first attempt
then 143 seconds.
Round Seven was
somewhat tense with
Michael maxed out;
he dropped with a
disappointing score of
94 seconds.
Our pole line was situated near a grove of trees, and we had some
unusual gusts. For some reason a Radio Control flier decided to fly
his airplane by our pole position and into Dallas’s flight area. Austin
Gunder asked him to stop, but he ignored all requests until supporter
Connie Piserchio had a discussion with him with the aid of a
translator. She did get him to stop. Dallas dropped to 161 seconds.
Michael placed seventh, Ben finished 19th, and Dallas was 21st.
Total team points won the trio a well-deserved Silver Medal.
F1B team members Eddy Avallone (Grand Rapids MI), Ryan Jones
(Avon Lake OH), and Taylor Gunder (Red Lion PA) flew with 30
fliers under cloudy and overcast skies with light winds and a
promise of no rain.
Round One was a five-minute super max in light winds of 2-5
mph and a temperature of 75°. Eddy went first with a score of 351
seconds, Ryan had 163 seconds, and Taylor dropped eight seconds.
Only three fliers made the super max.
Round Two was made with perfect maxes.
In Round Three, Ryan’s propeller folded on the wing and he
Taylor Gunder (Red Lion PA) waits
patiently for a thermal while his brother
Austin scans the skies for evidence of
one.
John Lorbiecki (Hubertus WI) starts his F1J entry using an
electric starter. He flew consistently well to finish second.
Michael Avallone (Grand Rapids MI) prepares his Towline Glider
for an official flight as his brother Eddy looks on.
Taylor Gunder winds his F1B model while Austin watches
intently.
World Championships
02sig2.QXD 11.21.02 2:23 pm Page 55
made 123 seconds. Wind direction changed, and the line was
moved.
Round Four saw a little team flapping for Ryan, but all made
maxes.
It began to get a little cloudier in Round Five, but still no rain.
The temperature was at 85° with only 4 mph winds. No team
member had launched 30 minutes into the round, putting the last
flier in a bind for time. Eddy maxed, Taylor dropped 131 seconds,
and Ryan had to hustle with less than one minute to launch. He had
great air but ended with 145 seconds for the round because of early
DT.
After a two-hour lunch break, the wind direction changed and
we moved the flightline one more time. Not one flier had
launched 15 minutes into the round, and the wind shifted
direction and the line moved once more.
The United States F1A team (L-R) Dallas Parker, Michael
Avallone, and Ben Coussens receive their Silver Medals.
Team Manager Brian VanNest (L) discusses flight strategy with
Taylor Gunder. Brian was an excellent team leader.
Austin Gunder hoists the award for the F1J Junior Free Flight
World Champion. This could become habit-forming!
2002 Junior Free Flight World Championships Results
Individual Standings
F1A
1. Csaba Nagy Hungary
2. Lennart Bajorat Germany
3. Tomas Sedlacek Slovakia
4. Jan Chudoba Czech Republic
5. Edgar Bernard France
19. Ben Coussens United States
21. Dallas Parker United States
F1B
1. Alexei Burdov Russia
2. Ohad Weisflener Israel
3. Laurynas Gircys Lithuania
4. Eddy Avallone United States
5. Artem Yarotskius Ukraine
15. Taylor Gunder United States
21. Ryan Jones United States
F1J
1. Austin Gunder United States
2. John Lorbiecki United States
3. Pavel Tamazin Russia
4. Dmytro Stakhanov Ukraine
5. Aidar Chigapov Russia
Team Standings
F1A
1. France
2. United States
3. Czech Republic
4. Germany
5. Israel
F1B
1. Israel
2. Ukraine
3. France
4. United States
5. Lithuania
F1J
1. Russia
2. Ukraine
3. Poland
4. United States
5. Korea
56 MODEL AVIATION
02sig2.QXD 11.21.02 2:23 pm Page 56
In Round Six our pole position was
located in the same place as that of the last
round of F1A fliers, and the team members
had problems getting accurate thermal
readings. However, 30 minutes into the
round all maxes were made.
In Round Seven the temperature rose to
91°, and all our fliers maxed—even Ryan,
whose model’s propeller folded on the wing.
Eddy placed seventh, Taylor earned 15th
place, and Ryan finished 21st.
F1J Day: The pair of US competitors
proudly represented our country, but they
were one member short of a full team.
Defending champion Austin Gunder (Red
Lion PA) and John Lorbiecki (Hubertus WI)
flew with 15 fliers representing six
countries. It had rained throughout the night,
and the day brought overcast skies.
The first round was a five-minute max.
Only five fliers had maxes at the end of the
round, two of which were on the US team.
The winds were light at 5 mph for the
starting round, and they increased to 11-14
mph by the end of the fifth round.
Austin had an overrun in the fifth round.
All timers were experienced, but Austin’s
airplane is unlike other competitors’ and has
a pinch-off, run-down engine. Even though
the engine stops, there’s a sputtering sound
which can be detected and unfortunately
heard.
With a new strategy planned, the day
ended with perfect scores and five fliers in
the flyoff: the two US competitors, two
Russians, and one Ukrainian.
The first flyoff round, flown in light
winds and a temperature of 91°, left four
fliers remaining with one Russian who
dropped. The second flyoff was a fourminute
max with winds at 5-6 mph. John’s
airplane stalled, but it did pull out for a max.
The third flyoff at 7:10 p.m. was a fiveminute
max for the remaining four fliers.
The results of that round were that two more
fliers dropped, which left John and Austin to
compete against each other.
The fourth flyoff took place during
sunset, with decreased visibility. John and
Austin made their six-minute maxes. Thanks
to the chase crew’s help and Michael and
Eddy Avallone’s cross-country skills, we
were able to get the models retrieved within
the 30-minute rounds. The next flight was
set for the following morning.
The next morning at 7 a.m., many teams
ventured out to support and encourage the
two Americans who would compete against
each other for the title of F1J World
Champion. At that point many of us felt that
the winners were already on the field, but
there was a small technicality: there could
only be one champion.
With a light breeze over the hangars, the
two airplanes launched and Austin went
first. His airplane appeared to be stalling,
and his pacing (Austin is normally calm and
collected) gave us the impression that this
was not his best flight. On the other hand,
John had a great launch and flight.
However, Austin pulled out of the stall
and ended with an impressive six-minute,
10-second flight. John had a four-minute,
44-second flight. Austin’s airplane did land
in the tree, but the team saw that it was
retrieved without being damaged.
This will be the last year for F1J; the F1P
event will be its replacement. Whether this
change will be an advantage or disadvantage
is anyone’s guess.
Not enough can be said for the help of the
supporters otherwise known as the chase
crew: Jim Parker, Tom Coussens, Anthony
Avallone, Craig Gunder, Charley Jones,
John Lorbiecki Sr., Kyle Jones, Martha
Gunder, and Jerilyn Jones. This group
helped retrieve airplanes in soggy tennis
shoes, wet clothes, muddy fields, and 10-
foot-high cornfields. Special thanks to Bob
Piserchio for his help with the frontline crew
and Connie Piserchio for being our team
nurse.
This Junior World Championships would
not have been possible without the
organizers’ hard work and dedication. The
US contingent would like to thank Stefan
Hubert and his crew for doing a super job.
The next Junior Free Flight World Champs
will be held in France in 2004. Junior fliers
who are interested in entering the next
program should call Brian VanNest at (760)
873-5073 or E-mail [email protected]. MA
Brian and Janna VanNest
2346 Cheyenne Dr.
Bishop CA 93514
Edition: Model Aviation - 2003/02
Page Numbers: 54,55,56,57
Edition: Model Aviation - 2003/02
Page Numbers: 54,55,56,57
54 MODEL AVIATION
Junior Free Flight
The Junior team (L-R): Eddy Avallone, Ryan Jones, Dallas
Parker, Ben Coussens, Team Manager Brian VanNest, Austin
Gunder, Michael Avallone, Taylor Gunder, John Lorbiecki.
Repeating Junior F1J Champion Austin Gunder (L) and John
Lorbiecki—runner-up in that category—with their airplanes.
AFTER EXPERIENCING delayed flights and other transportation
problems, the eight-man team of the Junior World Championships
Free Flight team met up in Lucenec, Slovakia, for the contest held
August 14-17.
The town offered friendly people, gentle rolling hills, and a lot of
rain. Something known as the 500-year flood occurred during our
stay, and Prague in the Czech Republic, located six hours away,
evacuated 2.5 million people. We had rain at least every night or
day, and the worst was on F1A day. Tennis shoes never really dried
out before we put them on for the next day of flying.
A total of 17 countries participated, which included Korea for the
first time. The contest site was in Blokvoice, on a small flying field
approximately 10 minutes from our hotel in Lucenec.
We (Janna and Team Manager Brian) traveled with supporters
Bob and Connie Piserchio of San Diego, California, and arrived
four days before the contest. We found the flying field, market,
Internet café, bank, gas station, and a few choice restaurants.
We located all the major shops, which was a good idea since a
saw was needed to get a model out of a tree on practice day.
The saw was needed again on the last flight that brought
Austin Gunder to his hall of fame.
F1A Day: Rain was expected throughout the day.
Team members Michael Avallone (Grand Rapids
MI), Dallas Parker (North Hills CA), and Ben
Coussens (Valencia CA) were battling for the
number-one position out of 47 fliers.
The first round was a four-minute
super max flown in light rains. Michael
had somewhat of a squeaker but made the
max. Dallas had a line tangle and
reflew with a max. By the end of the
round, Ben had slightly heavier rain
and dropped seven seconds. Only
Ryan Jones (Avon Lake OH) launches
his F1B model for an official flight.
■ Brian and Janna VanNest
02sig2.QXD 11.21.02 2:22 pm Page 54
February 2003 55
14 fliers made that super-max round.
Into the second round with steady rain and 5 mph winds, Dallas
made one circle tow and launched. Ben launched with less than three
minutes until the end of the round, but the line didn’t release from
the airplane. With a quick scramble for the line, he launched again
and maxed. Only seven fliers maxed after this round.
In the third round Michael was on to his third max, Dallas had a
great launch but needed the help of the flappers and dropped to 161
seconds, and Ben dropped with 87 seconds.
In Round Four, Michael in tow brought his airplane around and
barely cleared the ground then went on to max. A little nervous with
another towline over his, Dallas launched and dropped at 147
seconds. Ben had a flight of 161 seconds.
Round Five continued with steady rain. Michael’s first attempt
landed into the airstrip. Dallas made a 70-second flight, and Ben’s
model ended up in the tree with a score of 151 seconds.
After a two-hour lunch break and a run into town to get dry
clothes and rain gear, we were back for the next round in continued
rain. Michael was the
only one clean, and it
had been a miserable
day of flying with
turbulent air and the
steady rain. He
launched one minute
after a group of seven
fliers launched. He
got the best of the air
for a max, but the
model didn’t
dethermalize (DT)
for another six
minutes because of a
mechanical problem.
Dallas dropped
one second, and Ben
had a first attempt
then 143 seconds.
Round Seven was
somewhat tense with
Michael maxed out;
he dropped with a
disappointing score of
94 seconds.
Our pole line was situated near a grove of trees, and we had some
unusual gusts. For some reason a Radio Control flier decided to fly
his airplane by our pole position and into Dallas’s flight area. Austin
Gunder asked him to stop, but he ignored all requests until supporter
Connie Piserchio had a discussion with him with the aid of a
translator. She did get him to stop. Dallas dropped to 161 seconds.
Michael placed seventh, Ben finished 19th, and Dallas was 21st.
Total team points won the trio a well-deserved Silver Medal.
F1B team members Eddy Avallone (Grand Rapids MI), Ryan Jones
(Avon Lake OH), and Taylor Gunder (Red Lion PA) flew with 30
fliers under cloudy and overcast skies with light winds and a
promise of no rain.
Round One was a five-minute super max in light winds of 2-5
mph and a temperature of 75°. Eddy went first with a score of 351
seconds, Ryan had 163 seconds, and Taylor dropped eight seconds.
Only three fliers made the super max.
Round Two was made with perfect maxes.
In Round Three, Ryan’s propeller folded on the wing and he
Taylor Gunder (Red Lion PA) waits
patiently for a thermal while his brother
Austin scans the skies for evidence of
one.
John Lorbiecki (Hubertus WI) starts his F1J entry using an
electric starter. He flew consistently well to finish second.
Michael Avallone (Grand Rapids MI) prepares his Towline Glider
for an official flight as his brother Eddy looks on.
Taylor Gunder winds his F1B model while Austin watches
intently.
World Championships
02sig2.QXD 11.21.02 2:23 pm Page 55
made 123 seconds. Wind direction changed, and the line was
moved.
Round Four saw a little team flapping for Ryan, but all made
maxes.
It began to get a little cloudier in Round Five, but still no rain.
The temperature was at 85° with only 4 mph winds. No team
member had launched 30 minutes into the round, putting the last
flier in a bind for time. Eddy maxed, Taylor dropped 131 seconds,
and Ryan had to hustle with less than one minute to launch. He had
great air but ended with 145 seconds for the round because of early
DT.
After a two-hour lunch break, the wind direction changed and
we moved the flightline one more time. Not one flier had
launched 15 minutes into the round, and the wind shifted
direction and the line moved once more.
The United States F1A team (L-R) Dallas Parker, Michael
Avallone, and Ben Coussens receive their Silver Medals.
Team Manager Brian VanNest (L) discusses flight strategy with
Taylor Gunder. Brian was an excellent team leader.
Austin Gunder hoists the award for the F1J Junior Free Flight
World Champion. This could become habit-forming!
2002 Junior Free Flight World Championships Results
Individual Standings
F1A
1. Csaba Nagy Hungary
2. Lennart Bajorat Germany
3. Tomas Sedlacek Slovakia
4. Jan Chudoba Czech Republic
5. Edgar Bernard France
19. Ben Coussens United States
21. Dallas Parker United States
F1B
1. Alexei Burdov Russia
2. Ohad Weisflener Israel
3. Laurynas Gircys Lithuania
4. Eddy Avallone United States
5. Artem Yarotskius Ukraine
15. Taylor Gunder United States
21. Ryan Jones United States
F1J
1. Austin Gunder United States
2. John Lorbiecki United States
3. Pavel Tamazin Russia
4. Dmytro Stakhanov Ukraine
5. Aidar Chigapov Russia
Team Standings
F1A
1. France
2. United States
3. Czech Republic
4. Germany
5. Israel
F1B
1. Israel
2. Ukraine
3. France
4. United States
5. Lithuania
F1J
1. Russia
2. Ukraine
3. Poland
4. United States
5. Korea
56 MODEL AVIATION
02sig2.QXD 11.21.02 2:23 pm Page 56
In Round Six our pole position was
located in the same place as that of the last
round of F1A fliers, and the team members
had problems getting accurate thermal
readings. However, 30 minutes into the
round all maxes were made.
In Round Seven the temperature rose to
91°, and all our fliers maxed—even Ryan,
whose model’s propeller folded on the wing.
Eddy placed seventh, Taylor earned 15th
place, and Ryan finished 21st.
F1J Day: The pair of US competitors
proudly represented our country, but they
were one member short of a full team.
Defending champion Austin Gunder (Red
Lion PA) and John Lorbiecki (Hubertus WI)
flew with 15 fliers representing six
countries. It had rained throughout the night,
and the day brought overcast skies.
The first round was a five-minute max.
Only five fliers had maxes at the end of the
round, two of which were on the US team.
The winds were light at 5 mph for the
starting round, and they increased to 11-14
mph by the end of the fifth round.
Austin had an overrun in the fifth round.
All timers were experienced, but Austin’s
airplane is unlike other competitors’ and has
a pinch-off, run-down engine. Even though
the engine stops, there’s a sputtering sound
which can be detected and unfortunately
heard.
With a new strategy planned, the day
ended with perfect scores and five fliers in
the flyoff: the two US competitors, two
Russians, and one Ukrainian.
The first flyoff round, flown in light
winds and a temperature of 91°, left four
fliers remaining with one Russian who
dropped. The second flyoff was a fourminute
max with winds at 5-6 mph. John’s
airplane stalled, but it did pull out for a max.
The third flyoff at 7:10 p.m. was a fiveminute
max for the remaining four fliers.
The results of that round were that two more
fliers dropped, which left John and Austin to
compete against each other.
The fourth flyoff took place during
sunset, with decreased visibility. John and
Austin made their six-minute maxes. Thanks
to the chase crew’s help and Michael and
Eddy Avallone’s cross-country skills, we
were able to get the models retrieved within
the 30-minute rounds. The next flight was
set for the following morning.
The next morning at 7 a.m., many teams
ventured out to support and encourage the
two Americans who would compete against
each other for the title of F1J World
Champion. At that point many of us felt that
the winners were already on the field, but
there was a small technicality: there could
only be one champion.
With a light breeze over the hangars, the
two airplanes launched and Austin went
first. His airplane appeared to be stalling,
and his pacing (Austin is normally calm and
collected) gave us the impression that this
was not his best flight. On the other hand,
John had a great launch and flight.
However, Austin pulled out of the stall
and ended with an impressive six-minute,
10-second flight. John had a four-minute,
44-second flight. Austin’s airplane did land
in the tree, but the team saw that it was
retrieved without being damaged.
This will be the last year for F1J; the F1P
event will be its replacement. Whether this
change will be an advantage or disadvantage
is anyone’s guess.
Not enough can be said for the help of the
supporters otherwise known as the chase
crew: Jim Parker, Tom Coussens, Anthony
Avallone, Craig Gunder, Charley Jones,
John Lorbiecki Sr., Kyle Jones, Martha
Gunder, and Jerilyn Jones. This group
helped retrieve airplanes in soggy tennis
shoes, wet clothes, muddy fields, and 10-
foot-high cornfields. Special thanks to Bob
Piserchio for his help with the frontline crew
and Connie Piserchio for being our team
nurse.
This Junior World Championships would
not have been possible without the
organizers’ hard work and dedication. The
US contingent would like to thank Stefan
Hubert and his crew for doing a super job.
The next Junior Free Flight World Champs
will be held in France in 2004. Junior fliers
who are interested in entering the next
program should call Brian VanNest at (760)
873-5073 or E-mail [email protected]. MA
Brian and Janna VanNest
2346 Cheyenne Dr.
Bishop CA 93514
Edition: Model Aviation - 2003/02
Page Numbers: 54,55,56,57
54 MODEL AVIATION
Junior Free Flight
The Junior team (L-R): Eddy Avallone, Ryan Jones, Dallas
Parker, Ben Coussens, Team Manager Brian VanNest, Austin
Gunder, Michael Avallone, Taylor Gunder, John Lorbiecki.
Repeating Junior F1J Champion Austin Gunder (L) and John
Lorbiecki—runner-up in that category—with their airplanes.
AFTER EXPERIENCING delayed flights and other transportation
problems, the eight-man team of the Junior World Championships
Free Flight team met up in Lucenec, Slovakia, for the contest held
August 14-17.
The town offered friendly people, gentle rolling hills, and a lot of
rain. Something known as the 500-year flood occurred during our
stay, and Prague in the Czech Republic, located six hours away,
evacuated 2.5 million people. We had rain at least every night or
day, and the worst was on F1A day. Tennis shoes never really dried
out before we put them on for the next day of flying.
A total of 17 countries participated, which included Korea for the
first time. The contest site was in Blokvoice, on a small flying field
approximately 10 minutes from our hotel in Lucenec.
We (Janna and Team Manager Brian) traveled with supporters
Bob and Connie Piserchio of San Diego, California, and arrived
four days before the contest. We found the flying field, market,
Internet café, bank, gas station, and a few choice restaurants.
We located all the major shops, which was a good idea since a
saw was needed to get a model out of a tree on practice day.
The saw was needed again on the last flight that brought
Austin Gunder to his hall of fame.
F1A Day: Rain was expected throughout the day.
Team members Michael Avallone (Grand Rapids
MI), Dallas Parker (North Hills CA), and Ben
Coussens (Valencia CA) were battling for the
number-one position out of 47 fliers.
The first round was a four-minute
super max flown in light rains. Michael
had somewhat of a squeaker but made the
max. Dallas had a line tangle and
reflew with a max. By the end of the
round, Ben had slightly heavier rain
and dropped seven seconds. Only
Ryan Jones (Avon Lake OH) launches
his F1B model for an official flight.
■ Brian and Janna VanNest
02sig2.QXD 11.21.02 2:22 pm Page 54
February 2003 55
14 fliers made that super-max round.
Into the second round with steady rain and 5 mph winds, Dallas
made one circle tow and launched. Ben launched with less than three
minutes until the end of the round, but the line didn’t release from
the airplane. With a quick scramble for the line, he launched again
and maxed. Only seven fliers maxed after this round.
In the third round Michael was on to his third max, Dallas had a
great launch but needed the help of the flappers and dropped to 161
seconds, and Ben dropped with 87 seconds.
In Round Four, Michael in tow brought his airplane around and
barely cleared the ground then went on to max. A little nervous with
another towline over his, Dallas launched and dropped at 147
seconds. Ben had a flight of 161 seconds.
Round Five continued with steady rain. Michael’s first attempt
landed into the airstrip. Dallas made a 70-second flight, and Ben’s
model ended up in the tree with a score of 151 seconds.
After a two-hour lunch break and a run into town to get dry
clothes and rain gear, we were back for the next round in continued
rain. Michael was the
only one clean, and it
had been a miserable
day of flying with
turbulent air and the
steady rain. He
launched one minute
after a group of seven
fliers launched. He
got the best of the air
for a max, but the
model didn’t
dethermalize (DT)
for another six
minutes because of a
mechanical problem.
Dallas dropped
one second, and Ben
had a first attempt
then 143 seconds.
Round Seven was
somewhat tense with
Michael maxed out;
he dropped with a
disappointing score of
94 seconds.
Our pole line was situated near a grove of trees, and we had some
unusual gusts. For some reason a Radio Control flier decided to fly
his airplane by our pole position and into Dallas’s flight area. Austin
Gunder asked him to stop, but he ignored all requests until supporter
Connie Piserchio had a discussion with him with the aid of a
translator. She did get him to stop. Dallas dropped to 161 seconds.
Michael placed seventh, Ben finished 19th, and Dallas was 21st.
Total team points won the trio a well-deserved Silver Medal.
F1B team members Eddy Avallone (Grand Rapids MI), Ryan Jones
(Avon Lake OH), and Taylor Gunder (Red Lion PA) flew with 30
fliers under cloudy and overcast skies with light winds and a
promise of no rain.
Round One was a five-minute super max in light winds of 2-5
mph and a temperature of 75°. Eddy went first with a score of 351
seconds, Ryan had 163 seconds, and Taylor dropped eight seconds.
Only three fliers made the super max.
Round Two was made with perfect maxes.
In Round Three, Ryan’s propeller folded on the wing and he
Taylor Gunder (Red Lion PA) waits
patiently for a thermal while his brother
Austin scans the skies for evidence of
one.
John Lorbiecki (Hubertus WI) starts his F1J entry using an
electric starter. He flew consistently well to finish second.
Michael Avallone (Grand Rapids MI) prepares his Towline Glider
for an official flight as his brother Eddy looks on.
Taylor Gunder winds his F1B model while Austin watches
intently.
World Championships
02sig2.QXD 11.21.02 2:23 pm Page 55
made 123 seconds. Wind direction changed, and the line was
moved.
Round Four saw a little team flapping for Ryan, but all made
maxes.
It began to get a little cloudier in Round Five, but still no rain.
The temperature was at 85° with only 4 mph winds. No team
member had launched 30 minutes into the round, putting the last
flier in a bind for time. Eddy maxed, Taylor dropped 131 seconds,
and Ryan had to hustle with less than one minute to launch. He had
great air but ended with 145 seconds for the round because of early
DT.
After a two-hour lunch break, the wind direction changed and
we moved the flightline one more time. Not one flier had
launched 15 minutes into the round, and the wind shifted
direction and the line moved once more.
The United States F1A team (L-R) Dallas Parker, Michael
Avallone, and Ben Coussens receive their Silver Medals.
Team Manager Brian VanNest (L) discusses flight strategy with
Taylor Gunder. Brian was an excellent team leader.
Austin Gunder hoists the award for the F1J Junior Free Flight
World Champion. This could become habit-forming!
2002 Junior Free Flight World Championships Results
Individual Standings
F1A
1. Csaba Nagy Hungary
2. Lennart Bajorat Germany
3. Tomas Sedlacek Slovakia
4. Jan Chudoba Czech Republic
5. Edgar Bernard France
19. Ben Coussens United States
21. Dallas Parker United States
F1B
1. Alexei Burdov Russia
2. Ohad Weisflener Israel
3. Laurynas Gircys Lithuania
4. Eddy Avallone United States
5. Artem Yarotskius Ukraine
15. Taylor Gunder United States
21. Ryan Jones United States
F1J
1. Austin Gunder United States
2. John Lorbiecki United States
3. Pavel Tamazin Russia
4. Dmytro Stakhanov Ukraine
5. Aidar Chigapov Russia
Team Standings
F1A
1. France
2. United States
3. Czech Republic
4. Germany
5. Israel
F1B
1. Israel
2. Ukraine
3. France
4. United States
5. Lithuania
F1J
1. Russia
2. Ukraine
3. Poland
4. United States
5. Korea
56 MODEL AVIATION
02sig2.QXD 11.21.02 2:23 pm Page 56
In Round Six our pole position was
located in the same place as that of the last
round of F1A fliers, and the team members
had problems getting accurate thermal
readings. However, 30 minutes into the
round all maxes were made.
In Round Seven the temperature rose to
91°, and all our fliers maxed—even Ryan,
whose model’s propeller folded on the wing.
Eddy placed seventh, Taylor earned 15th
place, and Ryan finished 21st.
F1J Day: The pair of US competitors
proudly represented our country, but they
were one member short of a full team.
Defending champion Austin Gunder (Red
Lion PA) and John Lorbiecki (Hubertus WI)
flew with 15 fliers representing six
countries. It had rained throughout the night,
and the day brought overcast skies.
The first round was a five-minute max.
Only five fliers had maxes at the end of the
round, two of which were on the US team.
The winds were light at 5 mph for the
starting round, and they increased to 11-14
mph by the end of the fifth round.
Austin had an overrun in the fifth round.
All timers were experienced, but Austin’s
airplane is unlike other competitors’ and has
a pinch-off, run-down engine. Even though
the engine stops, there’s a sputtering sound
which can be detected and unfortunately
heard.
With a new strategy planned, the day
ended with perfect scores and five fliers in
the flyoff: the two US competitors, two
Russians, and one Ukrainian.
The first flyoff round, flown in light
winds and a temperature of 91°, left four
fliers remaining with one Russian who
dropped. The second flyoff was a fourminute
max with winds at 5-6 mph. John’s
airplane stalled, but it did pull out for a max.
The third flyoff at 7:10 p.m. was a fiveminute
max for the remaining four fliers.
The results of that round were that two more
fliers dropped, which left John and Austin to
compete against each other.
The fourth flyoff took place during
sunset, with decreased visibility. John and
Austin made their six-minute maxes. Thanks
to the chase crew’s help and Michael and
Eddy Avallone’s cross-country skills, we
were able to get the models retrieved within
the 30-minute rounds. The next flight was
set for the following morning.
The next morning at 7 a.m., many teams
ventured out to support and encourage the
two Americans who would compete against
each other for the title of F1J World
Champion. At that point many of us felt that
the winners were already on the field, but
there was a small technicality: there could
only be one champion.
With a light breeze over the hangars, the
two airplanes launched and Austin went
first. His airplane appeared to be stalling,
and his pacing (Austin is normally calm and
collected) gave us the impression that this
was not his best flight. On the other hand,
John had a great launch and flight.
However, Austin pulled out of the stall
and ended with an impressive six-minute,
10-second flight. John had a four-minute,
44-second flight. Austin’s airplane did land
in the tree, but the team saw that it was
retrieved without being damaged.
This will be the last year for F1J; the F1P
event will be its replacement. Whether this
change will be an advantage or disadvantage
is anyone’s guess.
Not enough can be said for the help of the
supporters otherwise known as the chase
crew: Jim Parker, Tom Coussens, Anthony
Avallone, Craig Gunder, Charley Jones,
John Lorbiecki Sr., Kyle Jones, Martha
Gunder, and Jerilyn Jones. This group
helped retrieve airplanes in soggy tennis
shoes, wet clothes, muddy fields, and 10-
foot-high cornfields. Special thanks to Bob
Piserchio for his help with the frontline crew
and Connie Piserchio for being our team
nurse.
This Junior World Championships would
not have been possible without the
organizers’ hard work and dedication. The
US contingent would like to thank Stefan
Hubert and his crew for doing a super job.
The next Junior Free Flight World Champs
will be held in France in 2004. Junior fliers
who are interested in entering the next
program should call Brian VanNest at (760)
873-5073 or E-mail [email protected]. MA
Brian and Janna VanNest
2346 Cheyenne Dr.
Bishop CA 93514
Edition: Model Aviation - 2003/02
Page Numbers: 54,55,56,57
54 MODEL AVIATION
Junior Free Flight
The Junior team (L-R): Eddy Avallone, Ryan Jones, Dallas
Parker, Ben Coussens, Team Manager Brian VanNest, Austin
Gunder, Michael Avallone, Taylor Gunder, John Lorbiecki.
Repeating Junior F1J Champion Austin Gunder (L) and John
Lorbiecki—runner-up in that category—with their airplanes.
AFTER EXPERIENCING delayed flights and other transportation
problems, the eight-man team of the Junior World Championships
Free Flight team met up in Lucenec, Slovakia, for the contest held
August 14-17.
The town offered friendly people, gentle rolling hills, and a lot of
rain. Something known as the 500-year flood occurred during our
stay, and Prague in the Czech Republic, located six hours away,
evacuated 2.5 million people. We had rain at least every night or
day, and the worst was on F1A day. Tennis shoes never really dried
out before we put them on for the next day of flying.
A total of 17 countries participated, which included Korea for the
first time. The contest site was in Blokvoice, on a small flying field
approximately 10 minutes from our hotel in Lucenec.
We (Janna and Team Manager Brian) traveled with supporters
Bob and Connie Piserchio of San Diego, California, and arrived
four days before the contest. We found the flying field, market,
Internet café, bank, gas station, and a few choice restaurants.
We located all the major shops, which was a good idea since a
saw was needed to get a model out of a tree on practice day.
The saw was needed again on the last flight that brought
Austin Gunder to his hall of fame.
F1A Day: Rain was expected throughout the day.
Team members Michael Avallone (Grand Rapids
MI), Dallas Parker (North Hills CA), and Ben
Coussens (Valencia CA) were battling for the
number-one position out of 47 fliers.
The first round was a four-minute
super max flown in light rains. Michael
had somewhat of a squeaker but made the
max. Dallas had a line tangle and
reflew with a max. By the end of the
round, Ben had slightly heavier rain
and dropped seven seconds. Only
Ryan Jones (Avon Lake OH) launches
his F1B model for an official flight.
■ Brian and Janna VanNest
02sig2.QXD 11.21.02 2:22 pm Page 54
February 2003 55
14 fliers made that super-max round.
Into the second round with steady rain and 5 mph winds, Dallas
made one circle tow and launched. Ben launched with less than three
minutes until the end of the round, but the line didn’t release from
the airplane. With a quick scramble for the line, he launched again
and maxed. Only seven fliers maxed after this round.
In the third round Michael was on to his third max, Dallas had a
great launch but needed the help of the flappers and dropped to 161
seconds, and Ben dropped with 87 seconds.
In Round Four, Michael in tow brought his airplane around and
barely cleared the ground then went on to max. A little nervous with
another towline over his, Dallas launched and dropped at 147
seconds. Ben had a flight of 161 seconds.
Round Five continued with steady rain. Michael’s first attempt
landed into the airstrip. Dallas made a 70-second flight, and Ben’s
model ended up in the tree with a score of 151 seconds.
After a two-hour lunch break and a run into town to get dry
clothes and rain gear, we were back for the next round in continued
rain. Michael was the
only one clean, and it
had been a miserable
day of flying with
turbulent air and the
steady rain. He
launched one minute
after a group of seven
fliers launched. He
got the best of the air
for a max, but the
model didn’t
dethermalize (DT)
for another six
minutes because of a
mechanical problem.
Dallas dropped
one second, and Ben
had a first attempt
then 143 seconds.
Round Seven was
somewhat tense with
Michael maxed out;
he dropped with a
disappointing score of
94 seconds.
Our pole line was situated near a grove of trees, and we had some
unusual gusts. For some reason a Radio Control flier decided to fly
his airplane by our pole position and into Dallas’s flight area. Austin
Gunder asked him to stop, but he ignored all requests until supporter
Connie Piserchio had a discussion with him with the aid of a
translator. She did get him to stop. Dallas dropped to 161 seconds.
Michael placed seventh, Ben finished 19th, and Dallas was 21st.
Total team points won the trio a well-deserved Silver Medal.
F1B team members Eddy Avallone (Grand Rapids MI), Ryan Jones
(Avon Lake OH), and Taylor Gunder (Red Lion PA) flew with 30
fliers under cloudy and overcast skies with light winds and a
promise of no rain.
Round One was a five-minute super max in light winds of 2-5
mph and a temperature of 75°. Eddy went first with a score of 351
seconds, Ryan had 163 seconds, and Taylor dropped eight seconds.
Only three fliers made the super max.
Round Two was made with perfect maxes.
In Round Three, Ryan’s propeller folded on the wing and he
Taylor Gunder (Red Lion PA) waits
patiently for a thermal while his brother
Austin scans the skies for evidence of
one.
John Lorbiecki (Hubertus WI) starts his F1J entry using an
electric starter. He flew consistently well to finish second.
Michael Avallone (Grand Rapids MI) prepares his Towline Glider
for an official flight as his brother Eddy looks on.
Taylor Gunder winds his F1B model while Austin watches
intently.
World Championships
02sig2.QXD 11.21.02 2:23 pm Page 55
made 123 seconds. Wind direction changed, and the line was
moved.
Round Four saw a little team flapping for Ryan, but all made
maxes.
It began to get a little cloudier in Round Five, but still no rain.
The temperature was at 85° with only 4 mph winds. No team
member had launched 30 minutes into the round, putting the last
flier in a bind for time. Eddy maxed, Taylor dropped 131 seconds,
and Ryan had to hustle with less than one minute to launch. He had
great air but ended with 145 seconds for the round because of early
DT.
After a two-hour lunch break, the wind direction changed and
we moved the flightline one more time. Not one flier had
launched 15 minutes into the round, and the wind shifted
direction and the line moved once more.
The United States F1A team (L-R) Dallas Parker, Michael
Avallone, and Ben Coussens receive their Silver Medals.
Team Manager Brian VanNest (L) discusses flight strategy with
Taylor Gunder. Brian was an excellent team leader.
Austin Gunder hoists the award for the F1J Junior Free Flight
World Champion. This could become habit-forming!
2002 Junior Free Flight World Championships Results
Individual Standings
F1A
1. Csaba Nagy Hungary
2. Lennart Bajorat Germany
3. Tomas Sedlacek Slovakia
4. Jan Chudoba Czech Republic
5. Edgar Bernard France
19. Ben Coussens United States
21. Dallas Parker United States
F1B
1. Alexei Burdov Russia
2. Ohad Weisflener Israel
3. Laurynas Gircys Lithuania
4. Eddy Avallone United States
5. Artem Yarotskius Ukraine
15. Taylor Gunder United States
21. Ryan Jones United States
F1J
1. Austin Gunder United States
2. John Lorbiecki United States
3. Pavel Tamazin Russia
4. Dmytro Stakhanov Ukraine
5. Aidar Chigapov Russia
Team Standings
F1A
1. France
2. United States
3. Czech Republic
4. Germany
5. Israel
F1B
1. Israel
2. Ukraine
3. France
4. United States
5. Lithuania
F1J
1. Russia
2. Ukraine
3. Poland
4. United States
5. Korea
56 MODEL AVIATION
02sig2.QXD 11.21.02 2:23 pm Page 56
In Round Six our pole position was
located in the same place as that of the last
round of F1A fliers, and the team members
had problems getting accurate thermal
readings. However, 30 minutes into the
round all maxes were made.
In Round Seven the temperature rose to
91°, and all our fliers maxed—even Ryan,
whose model’s propeller folded on the wing.
Eddy placed seventh, Taylor earned 15th
place, and Ryan finished 21st.
F1J Day: The pair of US competitors
proudly represented our country, but they
were one member short of a full team.
Defending champion Austin Gunder (Red
Lion PA) and John Lorbiecki (Hubertus WI)
flew with 15 fliers representing six
countries. It had rained throughout the night,
and the day brought overcast skies.
The first round was a five-minute max.
Only five fliers had maxes at the end of the
round, two of which were on the US team.
The winds were light at 5 mph for the
starting round, and they increased to 11-14
mph by the end of the fifth round.
Austin had an overrun in the fifth round.
All timers were experienced, but Austin’s
airplane is unlike other competitors’ and has
a pinch-off, run-down engine. Even though
the engine stops, there’s a sputtering sound
which can be detected and unfortunately
heard.
With a new strategy planned, the day
ended with perfect scores and five fliers in
the flyoff: the two US competitors, two
Russians, and one Ukrainian.
The first flyoff round, flown in light
winds and a temperature of 91°, left four
fliers remaining with one Russian who
dropped. The second flyoff was a fourminute
max with winds at 5-6 mph. John’s
airplane stalled, but it did pull out for a max.
The third flyoff at 7:10 p.m. was a fiveminute
max for the remaining four fliers.
The results of that round were that two more
fliers dropped, which left John and Austin to
compete against each other.
The fourth flyoff took place during
sunset, with decreased visibility. John and
Austin made their six-minute maxes. Thanks
to the chase crew’s help and Michael and
Eddy Avallone’s cross-country skills, we
were able to get the models retrieved within
the 30-minute rounds. The next flight was
set for the following morning.
The next morning at 7 a.m., many teams
ventured out to support and encourage the
two Americans who would compete against
each other for the title of F1J World
Champion. At that point many of us felt that
the winners were already on the field, but
there was a small technicality: there could
only be one champion.
With a light breeze over the hangars, the
two airplanes launched and Austin went
first. His airplane appeared to be stalling,
and his pacing (Austin is normally calm and
collected) gave us the impression that this
was not his best flight. On the other hand,
John had a great launch and flight.
However, Austin pulled out of the stall
and ended with an impressive six-minute,
10-second flight. John had a four-minute,
44-second flight. Austin’s airplane did land
in the tree, but the team saw that it was
retrieved without being damaged.
This will be the last year for F1J; the F1P
event will be its replacement. Whether this
change will be an advantage or disadvantage
is anyone’s guess.
Not enough can be said for the help of the
supporters otherwise known as the chase
crew: Jim Parker, Tom Coussens, Anthony
Avallone, Craig Gunder, Charley Jones,
John Lorbiecki Sr., Kyle Jones, Martha
Gunder, and Jerilyn Jones. This group
helped retrieve airplanes in soggy tennis
shoes, wet clothes, muddy fields, and 10-
foot-high cornfields. Special thanks to Bob
Piserchio for his help with the frontline crew
and Connie Piserchio for being our team
nurse.
This Junior World Championships would
not have been possible without the
organizers’ hard work and dedication. The
US contingent would like to thank Stefan
Hubert and his crew for doing a super job.
The next Junior Free Flight World Champs
will be held in France in 2004. Junior fliers
who are interested in entering the next
program should call Brian VanNest at (760)
873-5073 or E-mail [email protected]. MA
Brian and Janna VanNest
2346 Cheyenne Dr.
Bishop CA 93514
