Control Line: Aerobatics
LET'S all go to the Nationals this year. You don't have to be a star to compete in precision aerobatics: for instance, every year there's at least one pilot who has someone read off the order of maneuvers out in the center of the circle! It is just a great experience to line up your airplane with the Stilettos, Genesis, Derringers, Genies, and the other tar paper specials in the pits. Besides, you're guaranteed at least four official flights in two days in Open stunt; that's more than Jack Sheeks practices all year! In case you're not familiar with the order of events at the Nationals, here is a rundown on what happens when. First, this year's event director, Lanny Shorts, will want some helpers out at the site on Saturday, August 9, and on Sunday to help mark off the circles, the pits, Bill Werwage's nervous pacing area, and to gather together tables, chairs, waste cans, Rolaids dispensers, etc. You can write Lanny at 661 Louie Avenue, Lodi, CA 95240, or call at (209) 368-9492 to volunteer for this fun part of the Nationals.
Control Line: Aerobatics
ANOTHER trimming question has been sent in, this time by Paul Barros, South Dartmouth, MA. He says that he is flying a stock Gieseke Nobler and that on any type of outside loops or outside corners the outboard wing pops up, the plane starts to float, the lines become slack and the plane goes over his head, and he loses control. This also happens in the upper right hand corner of the hourglass, the outside loops in the horizontal eight, the upper right hand corners of the outside square in the square eight, and in the outside loops of the vertical eight. My first comment is that we need to know what the plane does in level flight and what happens on inside maneuvers. Level flight should tell you if the wing is warped because of the attitude of the wing in level and inverted flight. Paul should also have told us how much tip weight he is using and if he has adjustable leadouts.
Control Line: Aerobatics
THAT old bugaboo-"My engine won't run right!"-came up again the other night when I got a call from Beaumont, TX regarding a kit-built Gieseke Nobler with a built-in tank that had the engine go lean every time the plane got into the air. So, let's go through the complete process of attempting to clear up this engine problem. Since adjusting the needle valve did not keep the plane from going lean in the air, the easiest thing to do first is substitute engines to see if the problem persists. If it does, then the problem can be tank, fuel, fuel line, or filter. For this article, let's assume that the problem still occurs, as it did with the Beaumont Nobler. Check the fuel line and filter for pinholes and check the filter for a leak or clogged screen. The easiest thing is to replace the fuel line entirely with new fuel line. Watch how you bend the fuel tubing, don't kink it.
Control Line: Aerobatics
NOW THAT THE NATIONALS and FAI tryouts are over, the 1982 FAI Team has been chosen, most of the contests are over, the eternal question, "What are those judges looking for?" has been put to sleep until next flying season, and many of us have been reintroduced to families, girl friends, and real jobs, it is time to figure out next year's airplane-"I've just got to build one that will really attract the judges' attention without resorting to twin engines, wing fences, retracts, 1,200 sq. in. of wing, or barber pole stripes."
Control Line: Aerobatics
WE control line enthusiasts must work together to preserve our events and insure an adequate supply of the many items needed to compete, as well as insure that there are sufficient quantities of the basic pieces of equipment for the beginner and novice. Yes, there are a good number of basic kits now available, but it appears to this writer that many accessories and vital supplies are hard to get. For instance, James Dulaney, Lubbock, TX, wrote in that he was unable to obtain a control line version of the OS Max 35. I suggested Orange Blossom Hobbies in Miami or The Hobby Market in Fort Worth. I am constantly getting requests for venturis, lead out guides, fuel tanks, and even such basic items as control horns and bellcranks. For instance, Philip Jacobs, West Islip, NY, wrote in stating, "I am unable to find a venturi, spray bar, or needle valve. Is there a source for said venturi set up; if so where is it?"
