SEN 97-20 - 13 Oct 1997
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News and Reports - 1997 Issue 97-20
SCAT Electronic News 13 October 1997 - Livotto Report
California FAI Invitational a.k.a. Livotto Contest
Summary of Results
F1A
Randy Weiler
Brian Van Nest
Andrew Barron
Tom Coussens
Steven Coussens
Conditions were breezy at times, without being a blown away. A number
of the top guns got a zero in one of the rounds for two attempts. A little
cooler than we expect for this contest with a high of less than 80 degrees.
Randy was the only person to max out. Tom Coussens only beat his son
Steven by a few seconds. Watch it Tom .. when Steven gets that plane he
was looking at .. !
F1C
Dave Sugden
Bob Waterman
John Warren
Ken Oliver
Charlie Stiles
There was a flyoff in this event, held the next [Sunday] morning. Dave did
about 8 minutes to win. Very good for a 5 second engine run. It good to see
different names in the results list. [ Yes most of the people normally at the
top were there including the 1997 US Team].
F1B
Eric Ryan
Ralph Cooney
Jerry McGlashan
George Batiuk
Blake Jensen
This event was flown on Sunday, when it was a little less windy but still
some what challenging. 7 sportsmen made the fly off with it going to the 9
minute round to determine the winner. Bob Waterman and Doug Joyce
were seen at the F1B flight line 'advising' all in sundry in particular F1C
defector Ralph Cooney. Quote of the day from Waterman on being
congratulated for picking a good piece of air for Tom Laird , was "Every
pig has to get some acorns" . Bob - you can bring your acorns over to the
F1B line any time.
Great contest organized by Juan Livotto with his trusty side kick Craig
Cusick. Also helping on the score card was Juan's grand daughter. The
wind was a bit tough at times but it was probably good for us all not to
wimp out and fly in different conditions. After the event was over Zella
produced her usual sumptous spread.
Mean while .. hidden out of Juan's sight, Hector and Susana Diez were
running the mini events.
F1H
Brian Van Nest
David Ellis
Martyn Cowley
Bob Norton
Mike Fedor
This was the first max that Martyn has dropped a flight in F1H this year.
.. Martyn those others are getting closer, this event is no
longer your exclusive domain.
F1G
Bob White
Chuck Marcos
Bob Critchlow
Roger Morrell
Dick Strang
Coupe was flown on the Saturday when it was a little windier. Really too
windy for the small airplanes. Chuck Marcos did well because he was
flying in F1A at the same and retriveing on a mountain bike.
F1J
Jim Haught
Jeff Kidwell
Wes Funk
The turnout was little disappointing for Jim Haught [editor of Model
Aviation] who came all the way from Muncie for this event. Jim [a.k.a.
Ramrod250] was hoping to look at some the top guys in this event to get
ideas for his new F1J ship that is on the building board.
Social Carnet
Saturday we corralled the wagon in true Western style and had a
barbeque. We celebrated a significant birthday for Tom Laird and a
significant wedding anniversary for Pierre and Sylvia Brun.
In Californai any wedding anniversary is significant, espaecially where
modellers are involved !? Vladi
Andriukov finally managed to get his parents there to a suprise Welcome
to USA , house warming shower. Alexander and Tanya ; Vladi has a head
start on you with American customs and lots of friends here so sometimes
you need to listen to what he is saying ! Fortunately there was still cake
left so while Alex and Tanya were opening their gifts Vladi was able to
get something to eat. Thanks to Janna Van Nest for orchestrating the
proceedings and bringing her friend Carol.
Technology
Neat technology seen was the 6" span [yes that is inches] electric r/c plane
that Aerovironment is working on. The on board computer they use is from
the same family that is being used in most electronic timers. I liked the
small electic motors that are used to control the surfaces. I guess they
must be about 1/8 inches in diameter and 3/8 inch long. The shaft is
supported on ball races. They are commerically available and cost over
$100 each.
Rubber
John Clapp was there with October 97 rubber. Initial impression is that
it is not as good as the July 97, but better than average as regards energy
return. It is much more robust than the July 97.
Max Men 14 Rounder and Isaccson Winter Classic
Bob White was handing out flyers for next year's event. The dates are 7
and 8 February for the Winter Classic and 13 through 16 for the Max Men.
The Mini Events will be held on Fri 13 , the contest on 14 and 15 with the
16 being the rain day. The Max Men 14 Rounder is the biggest FAI event
in the US. It is a World and America's Cup event with an increasing
number of visitors from outside the US. In recent years Lee Hines has
CD'd the event and flown in F1A. It's no longer practical to do that, so
seeing Lee wants to keep flying in this contest, George Batiuk has agreed
to be CD. A usual Bob and Jean White will be doing all the behind the
scenes work that really make this event a sucess.
Email addresses are Norm Furutani for the Isaccson Winter Classic at
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and George Batiuk This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for the Max Men.
Lost Hills Hotels
The Economy Inn is now a Budget Inn and about to become as Day's Inn.
Expect a slight price increase after redecorating. But worse news is that
contestants at the nearby Buttonwillow Auto [and Bike] race track have
discovered 'our' motels. The above mentioned motel was full this
weekend. They have a big event the same week end as the Patterson ..so if
you have not booked call them right away.
Roger Morrell
