SCAT Electronic News May 19, 1998
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SCAT Electronic News May 19, 1998
Further Electronic Timer comments.
From Bill Shailor
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By way of a response to the discussion concerning electronic controls in
Free Flight... By heading down this road, we are clearly running the risk of
losing the identity and spirit of the last of the truly unique. Who needs or
wants another version of R/C sailplanes that use 35 grams of wound
rubber to get them in the air? The technology is not that far away and to
pass it off as not feasible is naieve. Time was, the individual who built the
best model and flew it to its maximum potential tended to win. Now, with
the availability of "store-bought" models, the only challenge is to try to fly
it better than the other guy who bought the same model. Let's not take this
away too.
Bill Shailor
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I really think that the proposal of George's is just a little
bit too premature and should really be left until some of the smoke
clears.
[biographical comment]
To my knowledge the only people to have actually flown an 'electronic
F1B' in an actual F1B competition are John Malkin, Norm Furutani and
Roger Morrell. The Bill Turner and the late Jim Quinn have also flown
them extensively but I do not believe in a F1B competition. John is the
only person to have flown one in a World Cup Contest. He is a traditional
builder of the model type of flyer. John is not involved in the development
of the electronics but did design and build his own mechanical components
to go with a Black Magic timer.
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Subject : F1 Rules Change (Creating more old timer events)
I Disagree with any rules that stop progress in FAI Free Flight models.
I am sure the same Spirit of Free Flight argument was used when they
created all the other old time events. "Lets stop progress so I can fly
the same old models I have built for the last ten years in competition."
That should be the first line of any proposal of this type. If we are
going to fly the best models that can be designed and built there should
not be any rules that restrict the technology that can be used. I
personally fly F1A because of the constant challenge to build a better
model than the last. This proposal stops that potential for progress in a
very powerful technology.
We might as well rule out all designs except one and fly the same kit so
there is no technology advantage for anyone. Many times I have seen
model events restricted to very limited design possibilities, the events
work as local club events for a few seasons but never approach the world
wide popularity that F1 model flying has enjoyed. I think this change
would simply move up the Dooms Day of Free Flight.
The way I read the proposed change All circle tow hooks and wing
wigglers commonly used on F1A models should also be banned. Because
they are not in the spirit of Free Flight. After all they are a close loop
control of the model. We could go back to straight tow while we are make
this an old timer event.
If the USA chooses to submit this proposal, I can only hope that the rest
of the world has the inelegance and foresight to vote it down. We don't
need FAI old timer events.
Very Sincerely
Matt Gewain
[editorial correction]
George Xenakis' proposal was not on behalf of the US. As Peter Allnutt
keeps beating into me George is an American on the CIAM FF Sub
commitee. In fact George's proposal was on behalf of the FF Sub
Commitee itself. The views of the US flyer's are represented at the CIAM
by our National Aero Club, the AMA. One of the AMA's ways of
collecting input on the rules changes proposals is through our Team
Selection Committee. Bob Waterman who is currently the Chairman of that
TEAM Selection Commitee is on this mailing list .
................................................................................
Roger Morrell
