Control Line: Aerobatics
THE US Control Line Precision Aerobatics community has a new international F2B team. As has become customary, the members were selected at the International Aeromodeling Center, Muncie, Indiana, during Labor Day weekend. Operating according to published rules for team selection using AMA guidelines, the team selection committee chose the judges from a highly experienced cadre. Head Judge was Chief National Judge Gary McClellan, with previous Head Judge Dave Cook in attendance to assist in training and tabulating. Warren Tiahrt, Event Director and Nationals Event Director, ensured strict adherence to FAI (Federation Aeronautique Internationale) rules.
Control Line: Aerobatics
FOR SOME TIME I've wanted to do a column on practice, but I wasn't quite sure how I could put it together so it would benefit the broadest spectrum. While teaching the other day I ran across a video by musician Wynton Marsalis titled Tackling the Monster, wherein he discussed his method for practicing. I was immediately struck with how the methods paralled those that I have used in Precision Aerobatics over the years. The title in particular was both amusing and right on target. Practice is the monster that must be conquered in order to progress in Aerobatics. In previous columns I've talked about how important it is to find a good coach. Mr. Marsalis places such emphasis on it that he ranks this aspect as most important. If you consider how subjective Control Line Precision Aerobatics is, it's easier to understand this important point. You can only progress so far on you own knowledge and visualization of the pattern. Frequent sessions with a coach produce a framework on which to build.
Control Line: Aerobatics
Each year I review my competition season for "events" to see if I can analyze what happened and how I can prevent the unfortunate situations from recurring. It usually gives me much to write about, so that you don't have to go through the pains that I've suffered. As I share, you'll see that no matter how long you participate in this event, you still strive for perfection, but the road gets rocky along the way. There were a bunch of days this season when I wanted to cry rather than laugh, but I kept going. That's what has kept my interest in Stunt - you get out of it what you put in. Effort counts.
Control Line: Aerobatics
Congratulations to John Brodak on his inaugural Fly-In, held Father's Day weekend. For many years, John has been a supporter of Control Line modeling through his hobby shop and kit manufacturing. John's facility, located at Carmichaels, Pennsylvania, has long been a topic of conversation for many who have had the opportunity to visit. In addition to his manufacturing facility and shop area, he has developed a generous portion of his property into a superior flying field, with four circles. Set in the green, rolling Pennsylvania hills, it makes a marvelous host site for what could become the Eastern spring meet. Approximately 80 contestants were at the fly-in-a great turnout! Featured Stunt events were Old Time, Classic, Profile, and Precision Aerobatics. PAMPA (Precision Aerobatics Model Pilots Association) classes were run in all events, making for a very busy weekend. Noted Stunt personalities George Aldrich and Bob Hunt were in attendance, spinning stories about the old days.
Control Line: Precision Aerobatics
The sign at the front gate boldly read "71st National Model Airplane Championships," which set off a series of Nats memories and a great sense of anticipation. How would this edition be? It didn't take long to get the answer during the Control Line Aerobatics competition, held Monday, July 14 to Saturday, July 19. Bene Rodrigues, longtime international competitor from Brazil, was there early working to get his setup tuned to the site. It was to be a very hot Nats in more ways than one! Led by international competitor and former US resident Kaz Minato, the Japanese sent a strong, experienced team. In Open Precision Aerobatics, Masaru Hiki and Shoichiro Nosome placed eighth and ninth respectively to Kaz's strong seventh place showing. Mitsuru Yokoyama also showed well at 14th. This was a highly competitive Nationals; five of the US's guests placed in the Top 20.
