SCAT Electronic News 18 February 1999
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SCAT Electronic News 18 February 1999
Table of Contents
=================
Bob White's F1G
THE Pole [ Markcos, Kerger and CIAM FF Sub Commitee]
Editorial comments on FAI Rules Change Proposals
Bob White's F1G
===============
Roger,
Thanks for the results of the MaxMen Competition. I saw with great
interest that the old master, Bob White won the Coupe d'Hiver
competition. Can you provide some description of the type of plane he is
actually flying? Is it based on the old "twin-fin" design he campaigned
for so long, entirely devoid of auto surfaces, or has he modified his
traditional approach?
Sergio Montes
Hobart, Tasmania
[Reply .. Bob White has built a number of new Coupes of late, however
none fly as well as his 'old' Beau Coupe .. so he flys that quite often.
None of the models have auto surfaces. I think some of the new ones
have Montreal hubs. He had tried a very large number of props.
As you may have figured in the F1G category of the America's Cup,
Bob is the man to beat. Incidently Bob does not consider
his design is old. He is all for the technology
because he thinks it makes it easier for him to beat
the other guys. they get too tied up in the technology and forget
the fundementals.]
THE Pole
========
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-----------------------------------
Hi Roger,
The rule regarding devices in the launch area is apparently in the organizers
guide for international contests, not to be found in the FAI rule book given to
us ordinary competitors. Rich's pole may be placed outside of the defined
launch area, usually the flight line +/- 50 meters as I understand the guide.
We, on the Team Selection Committee, were not able to find this guideline since
none had access to the "organizers guide" so it was deleted fromt TS document.
I hope that the pole was not damaged when I placed it down as gently as my
stength and the pole's leverage would allow. A collision with the pole was the
last thing that I wanted to spoil my clean score up to that point in the
contest. I have had a collision with that famous pole in a previous contest and
was told by Rich that he felt it was his right to place the pole anywhere he
wanted and that we would just have to take our chances. As far as repairs and
costs: I was flying a model which would take longer to repair and cost more
than the pole. In fact, considering my expenses into the equation, the cost of
spoiling that one flight and a possible max-out would run into hundreds of
dollars beyond the mere repair costs.
Chuck Markos
From: "Kerger, Terry"
-----------------------------------------
I hope that Rich does not make good on his promise to not set up his
tall pole again. Have you tried to select air without the streamer pole
information. It is just about impossible except if you are flying a F1A.
I hope the issue with the contest director and Rich can be resolved. I
checked my 1989 FAI sporting code ( amazingly I have participated in
this sport for over 10 years ) section 4.3.8 covering " thermal creation
and detection " It states " Ground or tethered thermal detection is
permitted as long as it does not interfere with the conduct of the
competition as determined by the FAI jury. " If this section has not
been revised then Rich is entitled to construct the tallest pole
possible and I will help him. TERRY
From
A GUIDE FOR THE ORGANISERS OF CONTESTS IN THE OUTDOOR FAI FREE FLIGHT CLASSES
=============================================================================
by
CIAM FREE FLIGHT SUB-COMMITTEE
Launching Area
--------------
There should be clear markings to keep spectators at least 25m away
from the starting line (2.2.2.a) in the directions upwind, downwind and
across wind from each end of the line. In the case of F1A the upwind limit
should be at 75m to allow for the towline length. No substantial fixed
structures should be permitted within this area, neither those erected
by the competitors nor the organisers, and anything higher than
2 metres should be quickly collapsible. Competitors should place
their model boxes, winding supports, starters, etc, at least 10m from
the line (downwind of the line for F1A, or upwind of the line for F1B
and F1C). An official should be designated by the contest director to
monitor obstructions and the number of people in the launch area. Under
rules 3.1.10, 3.2.10, 3.3.10 a competitor is allowed one helper at
the launching pole, plus the team manager.
Editorial comments on FAI Rules Change Proposals
================================================
1. Italian to drastically change rules
against
because
1. not in line with active sportsman
2. restricting technology is not in spirit of premier class
3. restricting rubber weight removes challenge of controlling power
4. would obselete virtually all existing models
2. Russian proposal to shorten F1A towline
against - no real need
Performance is not really a propblem in F1A - except perhaps
in thermal conditions when changing line will do nothing
3. Any proposal to reduce F1B rubber weight
against
1. reducing rubber weight removes some of the challenge in controlling power
2. rubber supply always very risky
3. reducing the rubber weight does not decrease the glide and thermal
performance. .. increasing the model weight would.
German proposal to simplify for Juniors
Against
A older junior is capable of flying the same kind of model
as a open modeller - this is the age when the junior
has the most distractions - why make it a children's
game for him and cause him to lose interest.
Younger flyers can start with simpler models like the Vivchar's
Ultra simple or look at Dallas Parker's efforts in F1A where
he is leading older flyers with more sophisticated models in the
team selection stakes.
Proposal to change junior age to 21
Against
Would not make significant differnce as the person can compete
as a senior .. and would discourage people at the young end.
Proposal to restrict adult help in junior world champs
for
Note the the recent Junior World Champs the help the Yugoslav team got
has received the most adverse publicity, perhaps because of the
impression created by the Team 'Sponsor'. However they were not the only team
getting significant adult help. The Russian F1B team for example had
one of their best air pikers up wind who radioed help to the flight line.
Their sucess in the flyoff and team prize was born out by this effort.
General comment
It is apparant that the changes are not being proposed by the active flyers.
Most active flyers are happy with the current rules. It is not 'right'
for those who are not active to destroy the event for those who
currently support it. Particpation at a high level in FAI FF requires a
high level of dedication changing the rules will not bestow this on
those who do not currently participate.
Changes that obselete existing models will affect those who build
their own models rather than those who buy them because those
who build there own model put in things more valuable than money -
their time and spirit.
There are a number of problems with the current state of Free Flight.
None of the changes model specification appear to remedy the situation,
rather they make it worse. Other efforts are required to increase
participation and interest. [I believe that a better inter-change
of information is one, that why I do this]
..............
Roger Morrell
