Control Line: Aerobatics
At this year's Nationals (Nats), PAMPA (Precision Aerobatics Model Pilots Association) will host an Intermediate event to be run in conjunction with Beginner. It will mark the first time for this spectrum of skill levels in competition. The emphasis will be on helping everyone learn; many "name" fliers have already volunteered to mentor the contestants. Everyone is invited to come, participate and enjoy, and be part of the future. As I write this column, the Winter Olympics is in full swing. Watching competitors in the various events is thrilling, but as individuals we can learn by observing the methods and mental exercises that contestants use to prepare themselves for their moment in the sun. Figure skaters work on their programs; then, prodded by their coaches, they come back and repeat the less-than-perfect parts. Speed skaters are observed in dry practice; that is, going through the precise form and body positions required in certain parts of the race. I saw several downhill skiers mentally going through the sequence of turns to get themselves set for their runs.
Control Line: Aerobatics
THE WEATHER IS changing, and I'm looking forward to a great flying season. Old airplanes are repaired and flyable, and the new one is awaiting trim colors. Propellers and lines, fuel and pipes are all ready to test; only one ingredient is not quite prepared, and that's me. Many of you probably spent the winter building, generally indoors, without getting much exercise, and there's the problem. Not until you get out and work hard in a long practice session do you realize that you need some preparation. Worse yet, with our models, we Aerobatics fliers may get tired and shorten practice, when we actually need more.
Control Line: Aerobatics
This month I'll talk about problems that can arise when checking out a new airplane or engine. I used the word or because you are looking for trouble if you attempt to do both at the same time. Sure, it's been done, and will be in the future, but it certainly isn't the most-desirable situation. Use an engine system (whatever one you like) -including an engine, propeller, tank, and exhaust unit (tuned or muffled) -that you know is checked out and working reliably! Having that baseline will prevent a situation from which you can't recover, such as the engine stopping in an attitude that will cause the untrimmed model to crash.
Control Line: Aerobatics
THIS WAS ONE OF THE BEST Nationals (Nats) ever! The quality of flying was superb; the number of entries was up; the Intermediate skill class was flown for the first time; and the weather was wonderful. The International Aeromodeling Center (Muncie IN) is one of the premier sites in the world, and through the constant effort of the AMA staff, continues to improve. However, the real story of any Nat is the people and their progress in the competition. For the US F2B Control Line (CL) Aerobatics team, the Nats served as a showcase and a tune-up for the upcoming world competition in Kiev, Russia. Early in the week, the team, including Junior member Dondi Garrison, showed that it was well-prepared, and alternate Ted Fancher flew as well as he has in several years.
Control Line: Aerobatics
With my latest project-to refinish Caudron 5-ongoing, I'm reminded of some covering procedures worth repeating. They fall in the realm of technique-subtle, but very important. I'm referring to getting the material that you are using to properly adhere to the surface of your pride-and-joy. A friend who was showing me his latest Stunter mentioned that he had problems with carbon veil rippling when he applied it to the fuselage. After we discussed how he had applied the material, I realized that point, and other covering materials techniques, could use revisiting. Since I introduced the covering techniques with carbon veil, I'll start there. The .2 ounce per yard is wonderful for covering sheeted/solid surfaces. One of its best properties is that it is inert and doesn't shrink, making it preferable to tissue in areas such as the vertical-stabilizer-to-fuselage joints, where tissue lifts.
