CL Aerobatics
LES McDONALD brought some of the wind and rain back with him from the World Championships to Wilmington, OH; he also brought back his outstanding skill, as he won the 1980 Nationals in CL Precision Aerobatics. His margin over Bob Hunt was a mere 16 points, and this was spread over two flights. This was the first Nats win for Les, who has been the World Champion twice and was the victor in the FAI tryouts in 1979. Bill Werwage maintained his 3rd place from the World Championships, as he was 2.5 points behind Hunt.
Control Line: Aerobatics
WHILE I was fortunate to be a member of the United States' FAI Precision Aerobatics team, and attempted to not open my big mouth too much, there were a number of items occuring which I feel need some comments. In addition, Mr. Zdenek Liska, the chief judge of Precision Aerobatics, asked that I supply him with some ideas on administration of the contest-along the lines that the Precision Aerobatics Model Pilots Association have used for the FAI tryouts and the Nationals since 1974. Taking the items in chronological order from the FAI Sporting Code, the first problem is from section 2.5.6(d) and (k) regarding the responsibility of the organizer to "provide at least one practice day prior to the competition," and "Provision of adequate practice areas shall be made before and during World Championships."
Control Line: Aerobatics
CONTINUING the engine craze that has been present for the last two or three years, the latest news is that the Enya .49 engine can be used for Stunt successfully. This big engine (12 oz.) has more power than the OS Max .45, according to Bill Simons who switched to it after his eighth place finish in the 1980 Nats. Bill Werwage is also experimenting with the Enya. "Simo" reported that he did not do anything to the engine except disassemble it to clean it out and check the ring gap-it was about .005-.006, which is a little loose, but seems to work. He then proceeded to put in a .280 venturi and a ST .60 needle valve assembly. After breaking the engine in with about a gallon of fuel, he went flying with a 13 3/4 × 6 prop. Using a uniflow tank on pressure and a Bobby Hunt-type muffler, the engine burned about 7 to 7 1/2 oz. of fuel to get through the pattern. He was using 12% nitro in a plane that weighed about 56 oz. and had 720 sq. in. of wing.
Control Line: Aerobatics
WHAT'S in a name? Are you trying to think up a name for your latest creation on the boards? Instead of calling it, "My red-white-blue Stunt ship," come up with a super creative name . . . something like "The Stunt Machine (Gene Schaffer's plane in early '70's). In this writer's never-ending battle to find time to write a complete history of Stunt, there is a whole folder with articles on Stunt ships and Precision Aerobatics going back to 1940. Throwing in some planes that never really appeared in construction articles but will ring a bell with some of the "Old Time Stunt" guys, let's run through a bibliography of Stunt planes from time zero. Oh yes, there are bound to be some left out-so keep those cards and letters coming.
Control Line: Aerobatics
TWO ITEMS of major interest to Stunt fliers lead off this month. First, the 1981 Nationals which will be held near San Antonio, TX needs volunteers to work our event. Event Director Bill Howe, 7769 Mary Lou Way, Sacramento, CA 95832, (916) 421-8866, is eagerly seeking judges, recorders, scorers, pit bosses, pull testers, site preparation persons, etc. to work at the Nationals. And, at this writing, he also needs an Assistant Event Director. All those people who have asked the writer what they can do for PAMPA can do something by volunteering to work at the Nationals! Call or write Bill. Second, John Poynter is still making foam wings. He moved up to a more demanding job (that is, a real job), but he insists that he will still be producing his fine wing, although a little slower than in the past. Contact John at 10261 Janice Lynn, Cypress, CA 90630 for information on sizes and prices.
