Radio Control: Sport Aerobatics
THE NEW AMA rule book contains an interesting change which I hadn't realized was to be included and which should affect the advancement of almost every Pattern flier. The change initially appears to be minor; consequently, many contestants and even Contest Directors probably haven't realized the impact the change will have. The winner in an event will earn advancement points equal to three times the number of people he beats. The second place finisher will get points equal to two times the number of people he beats. Everyone else is entitled to points equal to the number of people they beat. What a change! I can remember one year I finished fourth in four contests and didn't earn any advancement points. I even beat 21 other fliers in one contest, but three beat me, so I earned no points. If the same thing happens this year, I will earn 21 points.
Radio Control: Sport Aerobatics
IN THE June 1980 column, I asked Charlie Bair and Milt Sanders (co-designers of the Zonker RC canard airplane) to let me hear from them. Well, Milt Sanders called to let me know that he's stationed at England AFB in Louisiana, and Charlie Bair is stationed at Vance AFB in Oklahoma. Milt says that he has some of the Zonker kits for sale. The fuselage for the kit was fabricated by Ralph White at Fliteglas Models, so they are high quality fuselages. If anyone would like more information about getting a Zonker or details of Bair's and Sanders' experience with this unique airplane, write to Milt Sanders, 708 Fendler Parkway, Pineville, LA 71360.
RC Pattern
NO TWO Nats ever seem to be the same, and the 1980 Nats is no exception. The Wilmington, OH, site had a lot to offer, but it had its limitations, too. Unfortunately, many events like RC Soaring, RC Helicopters, and Free Flight were held at Wright Field on Wright-Patterson AFB, which was about 35 mi. away. However, many pattern fliers had the rare opportunity to watch CL Aerobatics and Speed competition, since the circles were only about 100 yards away from two of the three RC Pattern sites. Nevertheless, many competitors didn't consider it a "rare opportunity" when a Jet Speed job fired up as they were in the middle of a maneuver.
Radio Control: Sport Aerobatics
IT'S DIFFICULT to get back to the regular column after the Nats. The Nats is easy to cover because there are so many things going on to write about; the Nats article almost writes itself. Of course, getting all the pictures processed and the "top 40" matrix put together is no picnic, but the Nats article is still easier than a regular column. After the Nats article is turned in, most of the Pattern contests are over for the year, and the source of a lot of ideas and pictures is gone until the spring contests. Thank goodness for the letters people send me and for the periodic stacks of club newsletters I receive from the AMA! Otherwise, I'd be sitting at my desk with a blank piece of paper, a pen, and a head absolutely empty of ideas.
Radio Control: Sport Aerobatics
A SHORT WHILE ago I received a depressing letter which was often too close to the truth. I want to share it with you, because I don't think that the writer's situation is all that uncommon. However, since the writer might not appreciate having his name in print, I won't identify him. He writes, "Just a few thoughts on the `Agony of Defeat.' First, false propaganda: The RC business calls it a `hobby for people in all walks of life.' This is not true, because the average man with a family can't afford it. Second, products: manufacturers all claim to have easy starting and reliable engines. My $55 engine was not easy to start and wasn't reliable. It would take a half-hour and three oz. of fuel just to start it, if it ran at all. If it ran, about one or two minutes on the sticks and it would run out of fuel, and someone would have to `dead stick' it in.
