Control Line: Aerobatics
THE LATEST edition of the Vintage Stunt Championships was magnificent! Again, it was hosted by the Cholla Choppers Club of Tucson, Arizona, at Silverbell Park-an absolutely beautiful venue. This year it was several weeks later than previous editions, and the weather was beautiful. Many contestants came several days early to sightsee, fly a little, and generally enjoy the marvelous Tucson climate. As with previous Vintage Stunt Championships, the number of entries increased, this year reaching 68 in Old-Time and Nostalgia. Many individuals returned, bringing with them quite a few newcomers.
Control Line: Aerobatics
Way back in 1973, Al Rabe called to talk about a new organization that was discussed and formed during that year's NATS. Since I had been in school that summer, this was my first exposure to the Precision Aerobatics Model Pilots Association (PAMPA). I remember thinking that the name was lofty but the acronym was poor. I also remember thinking that Stunt really needed this vehicle to go beyond where it was.
Control Line: Aerobatics
THE HUGE SUCCESS of the continuing series of Vintage Stunt Championships has prompted its mentor, Mike Keville, to expand the format to three days for next year's contest. There were so many entries at the last contest that the trophies were awarded in the dark. The '94 event is scheduled for March 25-27, so mark your calendar. The new format will have Old Time and Ignition Old Time on Friday, with one round of Classic (formally called Nostalgia) on Saturday and one round on Sunday. Jo Ann Keville will be the contest director; Mike doesn't foresee being able to make it this time around.
Control Line: Aerobatics
THE 1993 Nationals was the 24th time that I participated in the world's largest and best model airplane contest. My first year was 1957-and what an experience that was. The Navy still hosted the contest at their facilities, and the thought of the acres of work tables in the main hangar, with hundreds of modelers working at all hours, still evokes many fond memories. In those days, the Navy provided flying officers as judges, and we had no set flying order. Gamesmanship for the best perceived flying order was a normal part of the competition. Flying stopped promptly at 5 p.m. and the trick was to get the last flight. This was always dicey, because the fliers signed up for flying order, estimating how close to the end they would be. Sometimes they missed and didn't get to fly. But the reward of a good call was sometimes a ballooning score, and a win.
Control Line: Aerobatics
RECENTLY, I've read some excellent articles on competition. In particular, Ted Fancher's outstanding series in recent PAMPA (Precision Aerobatic Model Pilots Association) newsletters have exceptional insight into what it takes to progress and win. I encourage everyone with an interest in Precision Aerobatics to read and reread this series because the many points that Ted makes are subtle, but truly significant. Contact PAMPA at 327 Pueble, Anniston, AL 36206 for copies.
