First category up to give their best HAD to fly Tim’s Depron West EXTRA 300L.  The category enticed eight pilots to try the event without risking their own aircraft.  Tim’s DW supported aircraft was designed to fly precision but with rates turned up it was cranked up a notch to make swift turns.  The top pilot was able to make 8 circuits and touch down on the center circle 7 times out of eight for almost a  a perfect 150 points.  That pilot would be ultra-uber competitor Pedro Brantuas.  Ray Fulks scored seven touches and tallied 90 points which was good for second place.  Steven Dente only had 5 touches in 60 seconds but they were good for 80 points and third place.  Only five points behind Steve was Stelio Jackson with 75 points.  Also finishing the event in 5th through 8th were Jim Bonnerdel, Ralphi Houri, Dennis B. and Frank Gagliardi.  The landing gear was severely tested at times but the airplane from Mike Morgan returned to the hanger intact.

Next, we moved on to the NEWBIE Division.  This division was any aircraft with landing gear and pilots with limited experience, limited practice time and relatively new to events and or flying……NEWBIES.  Ryan Austin went up first and had four touches for 20 points.  Jim Bonnerdel followed with 6 touches for 70 points; this was eventually good for first place. Scott took second with 65 points and Terry and Tak both had wild and adventurous flights with a few touch and goes….and no one was hurt.

The OPEN class was described as any airplane with wheels and more experienced pilots.  Seven testosterone laced guys signed up for the battle.  Steve Dente threw down a 95 with 4 bull eyes in the six touches.  Stelio Jackson rolled out his P 38 twin foam airplane and ventured onto the course eventually touching the runway once and then dramatically crashing after a snap roll in a safe zone.  Ray came up next with his 12 year old Crackle and had 3 touches. Frank Gagliardi had his 8 oz Super Extra 330 and it floated so much in the wind that he only induced it to touch down 5 times for 30 points.  Pedro was up next with his indoor DW Foamie Yak and made 9 touches but repeatedly missed the center of the circle but still totaled 115 points for first place.  On landing he rolled it into a ball for total foam redo.  Ralphi made 3 touches for 20 points and SEFSD editor in chief Steve Belknap accumulated 35 points  in 6 touches of the ground.   So now the competition part was over and the winners were acclaimed for their prowess.  Okay…we took some pictures.  (Pics coming soon – Editor)

As the fun was coming to its conclusion Priscilla Eberle was prepping to serve all club members a superb lunch.  Headlining with the second best hot dog out there….. the Hebrew National….only Nathans hot dog is better, but only by a slight margin.  With Tim’s Weber Kettle topped up with charcoal we were ready to blast furnace these dogs into submission.  Three or four minutes of cooking was all it took and then 40 some club-members descended on the table with the buns, condiments, chips, cookies etc. and then rushed over to the cook to receive their dog(s).  It was an excellent sight with club-members enjoying the day scarfing up that great chow……coming back again and again.  It was all good!!!

One conclusion that a few club members voiced was that we should have more of these fun events.  This club event had good support, but we can do better.  You have ideas?   Share them with Tim Attaway or another board member.  The overall plan is to have general club meetings at the field more often and include an event plus food for everyone.  One idea would be to plan for the last Saturday of the month in even number months therefore the next event would be in six weeks at the end of April, then June, August, October.

Tim Attaway, event director and VP in charge of  fun this year.

Other Nearby Calendars:

www.wattflyer.com

    for Mini Ultra Stick: http://www.wattflyer.com/forums/showthread.php?t=60555

If anyone has not sent a petition it can be found on the AMA website at http://amagov.modelaircraft.org/4077

All you have to do is enter your zip code to get it addressed to the correct Senators and Representative and press Send to have it activated.

Below is the actual letter I received from Duncan Hunter. Senators Boxer and Feinstein merely sent form letters acknowledging receipt of my email letter.

Response from Duncan Hunter:

Dear Paul:

Thank you for contacting me with your thoughts regarding efforts to implement federal regulations for model airplanes. It’s good to hear from you.

I appreciate your making me aware of your support with the action taken in the U.S. Senate during its consideration of S. 223, the FAA Air Transportation Modernization and Safety Improvement Act, as it pertains to unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).  As you know, the Senate unanimously accepted an amendment offered by Senator Inhofe that denies the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) the authority to develop and establish new rules for the operation of UAS model airplanes. 

Like you, I believe it is necessary to curb unnecessary federal involvement in our daily lives and its regulation should only be implemented when absolutely necessary to ensure the public good. While in the past, UAS usage was primarily military or security in nature, new technology and development has brought about new opportunities for different interests, such as model building and flying and aerial photography. The FAA claims its main concern with UAS is safety, but I do not believe this goal warrants unnecessary involvement in activities that are primarily recreational.

It is my understanding that the FAA is expected to provide its proposed rule for public comment in June 2011.  In the meantime, the House will soon consider its version of the FAA Reauthorization measure. Please be assured that as a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I will keep your specific thoughts in mind as we continue to discuss this important issue.

Thank you again for contacting me. If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Sincerely,

Duncan Hunter
Member of Congress
Please visit my website at hunter.house.gov to sign up for my e-newsletter and receive electronic updates.

Another response from Duncan Hunter:

Dear Robert:

Thank you for contacting me with your thoughts regarding efforts to implement federal regulations for model airplanes.  It’s good to hear from you.

I appreciate your making me aware of your concerns with recent actions by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to develop and establish new rules for the operation of all unmanned aircraft systems (UAS).  Like you, I believe it is necessary to curb unnecessary federal involvement in our daily lives and its regulation should only be implemented when absolutely necessary to ensure the public good.  While in the past, UAS usage was primarily military or security in nature, new technology and development has brought about new opportunities for different interests, such as model building and flying and aerial photography.

The FAA claims its main concern with UAS is safety, but I do not believe this goal warrants unnecessary involvement in activities that are primarily recreational.  It is my understanding that the FAA is expected to provide its proposed rule for public comment in June 2011.  Please be assured that I will continue to monitor this situation with your specific thoughts in mind.

Thank you again for contacting me.  If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to let me know.

Sincerely,

Duncan Hunter
Member of Congress
Please visit my website at hunter.house.gov to sign up for my e-newsletter and receive electronic updates.

Response fron Brian Bilbray:

Dear Mr. Belknap:

Thank you for contacting me regarding your concerns about model aviation with respect to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reauthorization.  I appreciate hearing from you on this important issue.

As you know, the Senate has passed their version of the FAA reauthorization on February 17th and the House is expected to act soon on its version.  Among other things, the bill will address the FAA proposed regulations for model aircraft.  When the Senate passed their version, S. 223 by Senator Rockefeller (D-WV), an amendment was included to prohibit the FAA from regulating certain types of model aircraft.

San Diego is home to many model aviation enthusiasts.  I understand the fun and knowledge that can come from building your own aircraft and flying it.  While I respect the needs of the FAA to regulate certain unmanned aerial vehicles, like military drones, there needs to be a distinction made between those and very low flying model planes and helicopters.

Please be assured that as we continue to debate FAA reauthorization, I will keep your thoughts firmly in mind.  Again, thank you for contacting me.  If you have any questions, please feel free to call me or my office at (202) 225 0508.

Sincerely,

Brian Bilbray
Member of Congress

Please do not reply to this email, as messages sent to this email inbox cannot be answered. If you would like to contact Congressman Bilbray, please visit our website at http://bilbray.house.gov.

Response from the AMA:

AMA Works to Amend Reauthorization Bill Providing Relief for Model Aviation from sUAS Rules

M U N C I E, I N – Sen. James Inhofe, OK, successfully sponsored S.223 in the Senate yesterday with an amendment specifying a “Special Rule For Model Aircraft” that provides an exemption from regulation for model aircraft operating within the following parameters:

• Flown specifically for recreational, sport, competition, or academic purposes;
• Operated in accordance with a community-based set of safety guidelines within the programming of a nationwide community-based organization;
• Limited to 55 pounds or less unless certified through a design, construction, inspection, flight test, and operational safety program currently administered by a community-based organization.

“On behalf of our 140,000 members I want to thank Senator Inhofe, Chairman Jay Rockefeller and Ranking Republican Kay Bailey Hutchinson for their leadership in shepherding the FAA reauthorization bill through the U.S. Senate,” said Academy of Model Aeronautics President Dave Mathewson. “Aeromodeling is an exceptional family recreational and education activity that has traditionally been a stepping stone for our children to careers in aviation and aerospace. With the Senators’ help we hope model aviation will continue to help provide that impetus for future generations of engineers,
pilots and astronauts.”   The bill now moves to the House of Representatives, which is expected to rule on the matter in the very near future.

AMA has contended that the purpose and operation of model aircraft flown for recreational purposes is uniquely different from the operation of the growing number of commercial small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) for which the FAA is drafting regulation. Aeromodelers operating under AMA’s guidelines have earned a reputation of being one of the safest, if not the safest users of the National Airspace System. This exemplary safety record spans more than 75 years.

The Academy of Aeronautics, founded in 1936, charters 2,400 clubs across the country, sanctioning more than 2,000 events and competitions as a member of the National Aeronautic Association. It is dedicated to promoting aeromodeling as a recreational, competitive and academic pursuit.

Letter from Timothy Johnson, AMA District 10 AVP:

As many of you may know, the FAA is working to regulate Model Aviation.  One Senator Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma has attached an amendment to  Senate bill S.223  which is the FAA Reauthorization Bill.  The amendment attached by Senator Inhofe prevents the FAA from regulating our Hobby of Radio Control Model Aviation.  The bill passed in the Senate with very little issue.  The House of Representatives have a bill of their own, H.R.658.  This bill has been approved by the house with much controversy.  The Senate bill S.223 now needs to be voted on and approved by the House, and  House bill H.R.658 needs to be voted on and approved by the Senate then to be combined and delivered to the President for his signature.

We as Radio Control Aviation enthusiast need to contact our local Congress Representatives, urging the passing of S.223.  I do not need to go into detail about how important it is for all of us to send our representatives a letter.  The AMA (Academy of Model Aeronautics) have made it extremely easy for you to send a letter through their website. The letter is already composed for you, all you need to do is enter your name, address and email address.  Doing this will only take 2 minutes away from your busy schedule.  But it is very important for our hobby that you can take the time to fill out the short form to send the letter to your representatives.  Here is the link to the form: http://amagov.modelaircraft.org/4077/this-is-placeholder-call-to-action/

I hope you can take the time to do this.  Many of your peers, children, and grand children would like to continue to enjoy the Radio Control Model Aviation hobby without excessive regulation.  This is one liberty as many others that I would hate to lose.  Thank you for your time.

Kind Regards,
Timothy Johnson
AMA District 10 AVP
Scale Squadron of Southern California

First category up to give their best HAD to fly Tim’s Depron West EXTRA 300L.  The category enticed 
eight pilots to try the event without risking their own aircraft.  Tim’s DW supported aircraft was 
designed to fly precision but with rates turned up it was cranked up a notch to make swift turns.  The 
top pilot was able to make 8 circuits and touch down on the center circle 7 times out of eight for almost 
a  a perfect 150 points.  That pilot would be ultra -uber competitor Pedro Brantuas.  Ray Fulks scored 
seven touches and tallied 90 points which was good for second place.  Steven Dente only had 5 touches 
in 60 seconds but they were good for 80 points and third place.  Only five points behind Steve was Stelio 
Jackson with 75 points.  Also finishing the event in 5th through 8th were Jim Bonnerdel, Ralphi Houri, 
Dennis B and Frank Gagliardi.  The landing gear was severely tested at times but the airplane from Mike 
Morgan returned to the hanger intact. 

Next, we moved on to the NEWBIE Division.  This division was any aircraft with landing gear and pilots 
with limited experience, limited practice time and relatively new to events and or flying……NEWBIES.  
Ryan Austin went up first and had four touches for 20 points.  Jim Bonnerdel followed with 6 touches for 
70 points; this was eventually good for first place. Scott took second with 65 points and Terry and Tak 
both had wild and adventurous flights with a few touch and goes….and no one was hurt. 
The OPEN class was described as any airplane with wheels and more experienced pilots.  Seven 
testosterone laced guys signed up for the battle.  Steve Dente threw down a 95 with 4 bull eyes in the 
six touches.  Stelio Jackson rolled out his P 38 twin foam airplane and ventured onto the course 
eventually touching the runway once and then dramatically crashing after a snap roll in a safe zone.  Ray 
came up next with his 12 year old Crackle and had 3 touches. Frank Gagliardi had his 8 oz Super Extra 
330 and it floated so much in the wind that he only induced it to touch down 5 times for 30 points.  
Pedro was up next with his indoor DW Foamie Yak and made 9 touches but repeatedly missed the 
center of the circle but still totaled 115 points for first place.  On landing he rolled it into a ball for total 
foam redo.  Ralphi made 3 touches for 20 points and SEFSD editor in chief Steve Belknap accumulated 
35 points  in 6 touches of the ground.   So now the competition part was over and the winners were 
acclaimed for their prowess.  Okay…we took some pictures. 

As the fun was coming to its conclusion Priscilla Eberle was prepping to serve all club members a superb 
lunch.  Headlining with the second best hot dog out there….. the Hebrew National….only Nathans hot 
dog is better, but only by a slight margin.  With Tim’s Weber Kettle topped up with charcoal we were 
ready to blast furnace these dogs into submission.  Three or four minutes of cooking was all it took and
then 40 some club-members descended on the table with the buns, condiments, chips, cookies etc. and 
then rushed over to the cook to receive their dog (s).  It was an excellent sight with club-members 
enjoying the day scarfing up that great chow……coming back again and again.  It was all good!!! 
One conclusion that a few club members voiced was that we should have more of these fun events.  This 
club event had good support, but we can do better.  You have ideas?   Share them with Tim Attaway or 
another board member.  The overall plan is to have general club meetings at the field more often and 
include an event plus food for everyone.  One idea would be to plan for the last Saturday of the month 
in even number months therefore the next event would be in six weeks at the end of April, then June, 
August, October. 

Tim Attaway, event director and VP in charge of  fun this year.

Gentlemen,
Last Sunday a group of us got together at the field, flew gliders, measuring their altitude with some fairly hi-tech instruments and consensus was reached that we could continue the Electroglide, keeping within the  Clubs policy of a 400 foot limit (that is, until the Board comes to some agreement with the Lindbergh tower, possibly getting a temporary waver for the one hour of the Electroglide each month).

So……….. here are the new rules and regulations for a week from next Saturday, the 19th:
15 second motor runs (longer for Easy Stars  —   possibly 30?)
10 minute max for each launch
4 launches make up the contest

We’ll give this a try and we’ll use the honor system to keep below 400 ft if we have a good thermal day.  Your suggestions and/or comments are certainly welcome, but come out, bring your latest creations and join us on the 19th…..9:30 first toss, as usual.

I’ve also done a single sheet that will work for all the classes.  Take a look at it and let me know what’s missing.
See you a week from Saturday.

Don

A map to the Chollas Field has been added to the website here.

See the results of the March 5th race here.

Jim Bonnardel has created a MUStick thread on Wattflyer here.

As an adjunt to MUStick racing you can buy a T-28 here.

5.  There were no minutes taken at the February Meeting.  You can however see what you missed.  Bob Bandhauer took several pictures of the presentation by Hitec. 

6.  If you are a member and you need a key to the Mission Bay Field gate, see Chuck Grim or Don Griffin

7.  For the EMAC participants, your 2011 schedule is here.

8.  The SEFSD website has places where we would like to see you add information about you and your planes.  Specifically: F5B/D, Electroglide, EMAC, MUStick Pylon, & Indoor Flying.  Please email the editor at: editor@sefsd.org or use the article submission page on this website.

9.  We have added another weather website for your convenience.

10.  For those interrested in the new Spektrum radio upgrades, check out this video.

11.  Please download the excellent the AMA District X newsletter.  Check out previous issues here.

12.  The Harbor Soaring Society has a wonderful newsletter here.

13.  Tim Attaway has created a very useful calendar of sanctioned Southern California RC events.

14.  The San Diego Electroglide section has been updated with a new scoresheet and rules.

15.  The Weedwacker Aerosquadron is having a Swap Meet on April 2nd.

Weather.com

Aviation Weather Report for San Diego International, California

http://www.usairnet.com/cgi-bin/launch/code.cgi?Submit=Go&sta=KSAN&state=CA

MesoWest San Diego Sea World CA US SGXWFO, San Diego

http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/getForecast?query=92138&sp=MSDSWD

So Cal Events Calendar  Updated May 5, 2011

Coming soon.

INDOOR FLYING AT ALLIANT SPORTS HALL

See here for maps.

Flying Rules     

1.   Membership in AMA and SEFSD is required for all RC pilots
2.   Only rubber soled shoes like Tennis and Court shoes are allowed.
3.   No food, gum, GLUE or drink is allowed on the courts.
4.   Stay away from all walls and fixtures, any planes caught in the overhead will be removed by the Maintenance Dept, when they get around to it!
5.   Indoor models shall weigh less than 16 oz, and be capable of slow flight.
6.   All charging must be in a fireproof container like a LiPoSack or metal container.

Results coming soon

Mandatory Technical Inspection of  Team Selection Equipment shall take place Friday, September 23rd , at 6PM at Steve Neu’s, home, 4981 Armin Way, San Diego, 92115, (619) 318-8301.  Conduct of the contest (except for SEFSD Field Specific Rules below) and equipment shall be per the requirements of FAI Sporting Code, Section 4C – Aeromodelling, Volume F5, 2011 Edition with changes approved at April, 2011 CIAM Plenary session and listed herein.

5.5.4.1 Definition

b) Model Aircraft Specifications :
Minimum weight without battery ……….1000g
Minimum Surface Area ………………….26.66 dm^2
Type of battery …………………………..Lithium Polymer
Maximum number of equivalent  cells in series :.6 10
(cells in parallel are not permitted)
Minimum weight of battery pack……… 450 g
Maximum weight of battery pack……….600 g
Limitation of energy by an electronic
limiter that stops the motor………………1750 watt-minute (maximum)

5.5.4.2 Course Layout and Organization

a) …The sighting device for the safety plane is placed at a distance of a
minimum of 20 m from Base A or B outside of the course (if possible).

5.5.4.4 Launching

d) After the aircraft is hand launched and the stopwatch is started, no
further launching is allowed and flight is being considered as official, the
model aircraft being airborne or not.

5.5.4.5 Distance Task

e)…must remain at Base A on the safe side of the safety plane until the
distance…

g) The flight is annulled if the duration and landing task has not been
started and also the landing does not occur on the designated flying side
of the safety plane and within 100 m from the intersection of that line with
Base A or B.

h) If the model aircraft shows technical problems (i.e. motor stop, radio
problems etc.) and/or flies in a unsafe manner during the distance task,
scoring will stop competitor must land the model immediately. The flight is
given a score of zero (0) for the round. Unsafe flying includes crossing of
the safety line as defined in 5.5.4.2. Erratic flying may also be considered
unsafe and the flight stopped at the discretion of the contest director or his
designated official.

5.5.4.6 Duration and Landing

h) Flying through or close to the distance course in a manner that
interferes with another competitors distance task flight will result in a
penalty of 100 points from the pilots score of this round.  This penalty can
be applied by the CD or a designated official.

SEFSD Field Specific Rules

Organization of Starts. Flight order for the first round will be by random draw Friday Evening.  The first flight will be at 11:00 AM Saturday morning. We plan to complete 4 rounds on Saturday, and 4 rounds on Sunday. There will be one throw out score. Due to use of lithium batteries and allowance of 1 battery pack per 2 rounds per competitor, the contestants are expected to be able to fly consecutively without delays for battery charging.

Course Layout and Organization. SEFSD Club field cannot accommodate simultaneous and uninterruptible Distance and Duration flight tasks. Therefore, we will strive to have at most (2) models on Duration or (1) model on Distance and (1) model on Duration with  4:00 to 7:00 minute spacing.  There will be (2) sets of landing circles provided : one at the West end of the field and one adjoining the Distance Course.  The first pilot in the air shall use the West set and the 2nd pilot either the West or Distance set. There should be no landings occurring during a Distance task if the Duration contestant seeks maximum points. In the event of an emergency on Duration, the Administrators shall reserve the right to abort the Distance flight to allow the Duration Contestant to safely land.

Altitude Restriction. SEFSD Club field has a 400ft altitude restriction enforceable during proximity of full scale aircraft . Interference during Distance will be judged by the Base A official, the pilot directed to land immediately and be granted a reflight. Interference during Duration will be judged by the timing official; the pilot may be directed to change course and/or lower altitude and may be granted a reflight if interference is judged detrimental to flight and not collateral to circumstances within the control of the pilot such as running out of battery energy. The pilot is expected to honestly communicate his circumstances with the official timer.

Distance Safety Plane. SEFSD Club has an East-West fence adjoining the pit area. The Base A and Base B sighting devices will be aligned with that fence. Pilots are expected to fly from the South side of the fence, behind the sighting devices. The safe flying area is nominally 5 m North of the fence and not South of the fence in any case.

Entry fees for the Team Selection Trials will be $75 USD. Entry fees will include lunch, and drinks at the field each day.  Lunch will be available to non-contestants for $15. San Diego weather in late September ranges from 65 to 85 degrees f. The event will be held at our field at the South Shores Park in Mission Bay, San Diego, CA.

F-5B Team Selection entries must be received by September 11th 2011. Entry shall consist of E-mail to the Contest Director containing Contestant’s name, address, phone #, AMA #. Payment of entry fees is expected prior to or at Equipment Check in.  F5B Team Trial entrants must separately meet AMA’s deadlines, FAI Program entry fees and FAI program eligibility requirements.  No attempt will be made to vet eligibility prior to or during the competition. The unofficial contest results will be forwarded to AMA with 2012 Romania Team comprised of the top 3 placing eligible competitors. The FAI program contact at AMA is Ms. Colleen Pierce (800) 435-9262 x252 or cpierce@modelaircraft.org . Any entrants needing certification as Qualified to Fly FAI F5B Team Trials may do so at our monthly club practice sessions (appointments in advance are required), here in San Diego, or contact AMA for other methods to attain eligibility.

Further information may be had by contacting Steve Manganelli, smanganelli@earthlink.net (619) 534-1383 or 119 W. Walnut Ave. #9, San Diego, CA 92103-4842.

Best of luck to all entrants and please feel free to pass this information on to anyone interested in joining the competition.

Steve Manganelli
Member, Silent Electric Flyers of San Diego
Contest Director

 Crowded Target

                     Electroglide results for August

It was an overcast and windy morning for the August Electroglide. Lindbergh Field was reporting North West winds of 8 mph at 9:00 am, but it felt a bit stronger at our flying field.

We had a good turnout of nine pilots, most of whom were flying Radians. Jon Graber flew an Easy Star 2 and Brian McCune flew a big, pretty Multiplex Heron in the open class.

 Off & Running

The first launch looked great, with all nine aircraft charging up into a now westerly breeze. After “motors off “, most pilots headed west looking for the lift coming from Sea World’s parking lot. The wind made it tricky to stay in the lift however, with only Bob Stinson and Roger Ball staying aloft beyond 5 minutes. Bob had the longest flight of 5 min. 13 seconds and topped that with a 30-point landing.

The second launch was similar in flight times and conditions, but the landings for extra credit became really fun. Take a look at the enclosed pictures, that’s three of us parked in the bullseye and a forth aircraft halfway in. That round had three 30 point landings, two 20 point landings and two 10 point landings. Roger Ball had the longest flight of 5:10 and one of the 10 point landings. Really good flying guys.

Concentration

The third launch found the wind a bit stronger and the flight times were mostly in the mid 3 minutes. Only Scott Vance and Brian McCune had times above 4 minutes. Scott had a 4:30 aloft and Brian had his Multiplex Heron working well for a winning time of 6:37.

The fourth and final launch had short flight times as well, the lift being hard to find. Scott Vance and Brian McCune again had the longest flights. Scott had 4:04 aloft and Brian had 5:14. Most of us managed to land on the runway, but only Scott (20 pt.) and Rich (10 pt.) made the target circles.

More Concentration

Placing first for the day is Scott Vance at 216 points. Second place goes to Bob Stinson at 170 points and third place goes to Brian McCune with 150 points.

Bob Stinson and I noted that, as far as we can remember, no one has scored four 30 point landings in one Electroglide competition. Scott Vance had three last Saturday, his final landing coming close with 20 points.

For those of you who do not know the rules for an Electroglide, we only allow 20 seconds of motor run time. During those 20 seconds we have to get our aircraft high enough (max of 400 ft.), so it can glide to where we think the lift will be. If we find some lift that’s great, because each minute aloft is worth six points and every ten seconds is worth 1 point.

We set the maximum flight time per launch at 10 minutes. If we fly beyond that, no score is awarded. If we land off the runway, again, no score is awarded. Extra points come from landing in the target circles, (30, 20 and 10 points). The first aircraft that lands on the runway gets a “Lucky Dog “award, which means the time aloft is doubled.

Remember, all this flying is done “Dead Stick”, the motor is turned off after the first 20 seconds. Like the other contests the club organizes, this kind of flying teaches you to pay close attention to your aircraft and that translates to good flying skills for any pilot.

Want to try? This is challenging and fun. The next Electroglide is scheduled for September 17^th at 9:30.

Until then,

Jeff Struthers

EMAC Results for 2017 coming soon. . .

  EMAC Has Been Cancelled by order of the SEFSD BOD, 7/2017.

2017 EMAC RULES

      ?    1. Six practices and best four will be used for the final standings.?
    ?    2. Anyone can move to adifferent class if they wish, no restriction.?
    ?    3. 4 classes will be flown: Basic, Sportsman, Intermediate, Advanced.?
    ?    4. All participants are encouraged to be prepared to fly two sequences each round.?
    ?    5. All sequences will be from the IMAC 2017 schedule.?
    ?    6. Judging rules will be from IMAC.?
    ?    7. Schedule to be announced and records kept on the SEFSD site or linked.?
    ?    8. Awards given at the year’s end. At least first, second, third in each class.?
    ?    9. All SEFSD field rules shall apply.?

    •    See Tim’s EMAC Flying & Judging Seminar

 RC-Airplane-World has a nice website with good information to get started in aerobatics.

2017 EMAC EVENTS

Feb 19: Aircraft Trim Clinic and EMAC Demonstration.  See Calendar for 2017 EMAC dates.

2017 EMAC ROUTINES

Basic

Sportsman

Intermediate

Advanced

Sources explaining Aresti symbolls:

IAC.org

Slopeaerobatics.com

Sunriseaviation.com

Wardaviation.com Video

Learning Aresti Symbols Video

CLINIC….WHAT’S A CLINIC…
GETTING READY FOR PRECISION AEROBATICS

Assuming that you now have an airplane suitabe for basic aerobatic operation AND you have installed a good power system and have several battery packs (one is really not enough)… AND you have the best servos that your pocket book can stand….. AND you have zero slop in all flying surfaces…then you are ready to proceed down the road to precision aerobatics.

Trust me that if you go cheap on any of the aforementioned you risk distress and head scratching which will slow down your progress.

Setting up your aircraft is next and you maybe asking “what do I do next?”

Next step is…..fly the aircraft and watch what it is doing. Hopefully it will stay straight and level with power on and power off. Pull to upline vertical and go 300 to 400 feet up without correction from you. If it fails to do these reasonable well then you must adjust:

1. 1. 1. Center of gravity
      2. Engine thrust
      3. Decalogue of wing or stab

Two tests that I suggest for CG, assuming that you have set it at manufacturer’s recommendations, are…..Test # 1. get up high and fly downwind and roll to inverted and fly for 200 or so feet and watch to see how much down elevator is required to keep it in level flight. It should require a little bit. If it climbs or falls substantially then you must adjust the CG until it does what I described.   Test # 2. pull to a 45 degree upline and roll to inverted again and watch how much it drops the nose. Without down elevator it should just gradually begin to arc toward the ground……very slight arc….the longer that line goes without arcing the closer it is to being right. Down wind test may arc a little less than upwind.

Keep your adjustments small until you achieve this balance because it is essential to get this right. Fudge toward the aircraft being a little nose heavy as it is easier to land and will not be as pitch sensitive and it will stay on heading a little better that way.

If power on power off shows the airplane to climb and or dive then the thrust line is in need of adjustment. If you are carrying up trim in your elevator to get it to fly straight and level at full power than you have too much down thrust in the set up. If the airplane stays straight on horizontal flight when you power up and power down than move on.

If this is in the bag then begin to look at how the top of a vertical line ends up. Does the aircraft go left, right, to the wheels or to the canopy? Small adjustments to the motor thrust line will pay dividends and keep it straight a little longer. A small washer here or there will usually do what you want to get that line a bit longer.

Your ultimate goal is to have an aircraft that is in a groove in horizontal and vertical flight…….NOT BUSY….. as in requiring constant corrections to keep it in a straight line.   If your airplane is busy than your thumbs will be busy and that is definitely not a good thing.

If your aircraft is flying straight then be happy, burn electrons, and bring the aircraft and fully charged batteries to the first clinic for more advanced setup tests and modifications.

February 19 at 10am.   Pedro Brantuas, Ray Fulks and I will be there to consult with you and fly your aircraft and make further adjustments to: Exponential, amount of throw, differential, and small mixing programs that will make your thumbs relax even more.

Tim Attaway

AEROBATICS-FLYING SMOOTHLY AND ACCURATELY

By Tim Attaway

            One of the first things one must ask oneself is do you like a challenge. Precision aerobatics is a challenge that will infect you with a desire to learn to fly straight and loop beautifully and then expand on these two essentials. When asked what to practice first my standard reply is learn to fly wings level and do loops that maintain constant radius and stay on heading. Sound simple enough? The neat thing about getting into this is that any aircraft that is straight and set up correctly will allow you to practice these things anytime you want, adding little things to your repertoire until you are able to do a number of really nice looking figures. The basic figures that comprise the beginner level are really simply horizontal lines, vertical lines, 45 degree lines, simple axial rolls, and then spins and stall turns to provide a bit of spice.

            When you have soloed and you have moved up to more challenging aircraft…perhaps a low wing tail dragger. Take offs and landings are in the bag so to speak and you are looking for new things to try then pilots frequently are caught rolling and looping and keeping good control of the aircraft all of the time and they begin to watch what others are doing with their aircraft. Often times you will be impressed by someone who seems to be disciplined and is trying new things. You want to go there too but you do not know how to get on that road.

            The road begins with watching the action at the field and picking out certain aircraft that you like the look of and can afford…both time and moneywise and talk to those that are flying these aircraft. Many new aerobatic planes exist on the market and asking questions about them is a terrific idea. One club member that comes to my mind is Craig Hunter who approached me repeatedly when I was flying a Fliton Extra 330 and plied me with questions about this and that and took pictures and asked how I liked the plane. This went on for quite a while and I was wondering if it would come together and sure enough I know that he is successfully using that very good airplane to practice precision aerobatics.

            Once an aircraft has your fancy and you think it will fly straight then the next thing you must do is put it together correctly with the best servos and dependable power system that you can afford and begin to fly it and watch what it is doing when you try to fly straight lines of all types. Here’s the thing: light weight means a light wing loading…..a very good thing…., you must then get the center of gravity correct, you must get the thrust lines correct, and you must get the control throws correct.   When these are achieved you will be amazed at how much pleasure you will get from flying that aircraft. Small airplanes are at a disadvantage because they tend to jump around a bit and seem to flit around instead of groove through aerobatic maneuvers. The larger the aircraft the more solid it feels through turbulence because of the higher Reynolds Numbers. RN is the laminar flow principles that air produces as it flows through or around an object.

Google it if you would like to find out more about RN.

            This installment, as you noticed, is all about the important questions…..do you want to fly smoothly and do you have the right tool for the job?   Once you get past these two in the affirmative then the next stage in development is to try to trim the aircraft to fly straight and level without touching the sticks….(once in level flight). There is so much to learn in setting up a good aircraft but when you do have one set up and you like the feel of it in flight then you are ready to try loops that have constant radius throughout and slow rolls that require small inputs on rudder and elevator to hold the heading and roll rate constant. Think about flying the nose of the aircraft and making your rudder and elevator guide the nose at all times by pressurizing those two surfaces. There is nothing more excellent and exciting then to see a brilliantly performed slow roll from one end of the field to the other. Once you learn to do them then rolling loops and circles are just around the corner.

Tim

Mini Ultra Stick and T-28 Racing Results.

Race results from September 15th:

Scoring:

1 st Place = 10 points

2nd = 8

3rd = 6

4th = 4

5th = 2

Each cut = -2

Mini Stick Racing Rules:

Piolt/Caller Score sheet

Airframe

(1) Airframe limited to E-Flite Ultra Mini Stick or plans built equivalent. Approved plans by Dave Katagiri available for cost of printing.

(2) Re-Covering of ARF version is encouraged.

(3) Minimum wheel size (Mains) 2”

(4) Flaps are optional on both.

Motor

(1) A brushless outrunner of 890KV or less.

(2) KV specs MUST be labeled by the manufacturer on the motor.

Battery

(1) A 3s LiPo with a maximum capacity of 2500 mah.

Propeller

(1) Any commercially available 2 or 3 blade non-folding unit. No restriction on pitch or diameter.

General

(1) All pilots have been or will be assigned a pilot #.

(2) This # will be affixed to the port/left wing upper surface. This is to aid the turn marshals. #’s will be supplied. DO NOT create your own. Mike Morgan will supply them.

(3) It was agreed that a $5.00 entry fee would be levied and the funds to be used for awards at the end of the racing year in Nov.

Race rules are still being discussed, but plan on 5 laps of a 300’ course. Counter-clockwise direction with an air start for heat races and 10 laps for the finals.

Parkzone T-28 Rules:

T-28’s use the stock motor and prop and fixed gear, 3s 2500 max. As with the Sticks, individual colors recommended. Same racing rules as the Stick class.

See:  http://www.parkzone.com/Products/Default.aspx?ProdID=PKZ4400

A minimum of 6 races are planned for 2011. Mission Bay and Miramar have been secured with Lakeside, Chula Vista and Palomar as possible future sites.

or call Frank @ 858-271-4430 (H) 619-723-1422 ( C )

Map to Miramar Field:

Map to Weedwackers Field:

Map to Chollas Field:

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