Competition Newsletter
1984 ANNUAL FAI/CIAM MEETING REPORTS
AMA President — John C. Grigg
In my "President's Corner" column in the AMA News section, I touched on the problems related to the hosting of the 1985 World Championships. This report continues that discussion, covering the general items dealt with by the Plenary session. Category-specific items will be discussed by the AMA representative to each category. We did gain one subcommittee chairman, Bob Brown in F3D Pylon, while retaining those chairmanships we held previously.
The first general item, of great importance to those interested in rules-making procedures within the FAI/CIAM environment, was approval to swap dates between the Plenary meeting and the Bureau meeting. With this change, the next Plenary session will not occur until April 1986, while the Bureau will meet twice in 1985. The impact of this change is to provide us with a much greater period to study the agenda for the Plenary meeting and obtain input from our membership on the proposed changes. The Bureau will assemble agenda items in early December for distribution to national aero clubs in early January, thereby providing nearly three months for distribution and response from our interested parties. Much better!
A proposal to change the World Championships cycle from two years to three years was overcome by a motion to retain the two-year cycle; the motion passed 20 in favor with eight countries opposed. There was considerable reason for the three-year cycle, principally the cost to various countries sending teams to each WC, the upward-spiralling costs of hosting events, and the increasing entry fees being asked. Yet it was decided that by combining certain World Championships economies could be realized. We already have F1 events combined, CL events combined likewise. The Canadian hosts will be combining Helicopter and Pylon, and the future possibility of combining RC Aerobatics and RC Sailplanes does exist. Add the probability of combining three Electric categories into a single WC and we have a quite workable situation.
While on the subject of World Championships, it should be noted that Switzerland will most likely soon be offering to host the first-ever WC for F3E—electric-powered models—during 1986. The proposed classes for World Champion status are expected to be Soaring, Pylon, and Aerobatics. Get your act together, gentle people, and try out for the team. I might give it a try myself.
A Netherlands proposal to allow four-stroke engines with displacements up to twice that permitted for two-stroke engines, covering most powered competition classes, was referred to the respective subcommittees for study. This was much appreciated since attempting to vote on such an all-encompassing proposal might lead to controversy. If you Power folks have anything to say on the matter, write to your respective subcommittee member. I just cannot visualize using a 5cc four-stroke engine on a CL Combat model—gads, that sounds awesome!
The U.S. proposal to allow proxy flying in F2A (CL Speed) was referred to the subcommittee for study. Many countries do not want proxy flying at all, yet they recognize the possibility of a disabled person wanting to compete and do not want to exclude him completely. The subcommittee is going to draft wording to permit team entries in this event when one of the contestants is disabled. We have no assurance this concept will pass a floor vote, but expectations for its passage are good.
The other representatives from the AMA to the Plenary session will have much to say about technical rule modifications made at this year's meeting. I urge you to read all of them, which follow.
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Highlights of the 1984 CIAM (FAI) Meetings — John Worth
December 6–7, Paris
1985
- World Championships approved for RC Helicopters and Pylon Racing; both in Canada (London, Ontario) July 14–19.
- Free Flight and RC Aerobatics World Championships in doubt due to FAI rejection of high entry fees.
- FF: Yugoslavia must confirm a lower minimum entry fee ($100) by year end or a French location may be substituted.
- RC: Holland's offer to host may be substituted for Belgium, or another country may offer lower fees by year end.
- RC Soaring World Championships approved for Australia.
- Scale World Championships approved for Norway. Hungary may host Control Line World Championships.
- No host yet approved for Indoor World Championships.
1986
- Scale World Championships approved for Norway.
- Hungary may host Control Line World Championships.
In the annual CIAM elections, all current U.S. officer positions were retained, and one new position resulted: Bob Brown (Bradford, PA) is now chairman of the RC Pylon Racing Subcommittee, succeeding Dave Day of Great Britain. Other subcommittee chairmen positions are: Laird Jackson, Control Line; Ron Chidgey, RC Aerobatics; Dan Pruus, RC Soaring; Howard Kuhn, Space-models (Rocketry); Don Lindley, Noise Abatement. Also, John Worth was re-elected as CIAM Secretary.
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Special Note Regarding Entry Fees
Early in the CIAM meeting, a proposal to require organizers of World Championships to charge not more than $50 for a basic entry fee was rejected. Such a fee would be for entering the contest only—no other benefits need be provided. Later in the meeting, a proposal by Yugoslavia (subject to confirmation by their National Aero Club) to require a minimum entry fee of $100 was approved. As a result, it is expected that most future World Championships will incorporate this minimum fee, plus other, higher-cost options for meals, lodging, and other items. By rejecting Holland's offer to host a World Championship, which included a high-option entry fee of $500, the CIAM has effectively established a $100 to (perhaps) $400 range for entry fees.
Ironically, by rejecting the $50 maximum low-end entry fee, the CIAM has, for practical purposes, established a higher low-end fee of twice that. On the other hand, these actions recognize that national aero clubs must be encouraged to host World Championships and that they cannot be expected to do so if they are not permitted to charge fees adequate to cover basic expenses necessary to run such events.
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Special RC Soaring Winch "Clarification"
Noting that the current rules for F3B (FAI) Soaring are inadequate to prevent the use of attachment devices which can greatly increase the power available for launch, and that most countries prefer winch systems that are essentially "standard" in launching power, the CIAM approved the following wording to be used with the current winch rule:
- "With the exception of towline stretching, only electrical energy is permitted for launching. Transfer of energy between or among any parts of the winch system is permitted only during the actual time of launch. No stored energy other than that which is within the battery used to operate the winch motor."
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Conclusion
The above are major items resulting from the 1984 CIAM Plenary meeting. Details of other changes are covered in various subcommittee member reports that follow.
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Observation on the CIAM Meeting — Howard Crispin, Jr., AMA VP, District IV (Observer)
As a first-time attendee at a CIAM meeting, I appreciated the opportunity to learn how things are done at the international level. The CIAM must operate with a much greater diversity of personalities and interests than we do at home.
One disturbing aspect is the apartheid policy relative to the Republic of South Africa. This has prevented modelers there from competing at some World Championships; it is truly wrong to prevent sport activities because of national policies.
The CIAM, in one respect, has an easier time than our AMA Executive Council. Almost everything before the Executive Council has a dollar value attached; the CIAM has no such direct accountability for funds, though they do concern themselves with fees charged for competitors. Along the lines of competition costs, some were getting out of hand; this meeting set a $100 minimum fee, and this could cause difficulty for some events.
The operating method works well. The U.S. contingent holds a session the day prior to the CIAM meeting to go over all agenda items and give the voting delegate insight on expected votes. Subcommittees meet the first day to decide changes; when there is agreement, floor voting passes smoothly.
National representatives generally work well together—this is, after all, a miniature UN. At this meeting there were 30 countries represented. The United States fares well: our representatives hold prominent positions (Secretary and several subcommittee chairmanships). We should feel proud of our contribution toward international aeromodeling.
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CIAM REPORTS
F1A, F1B, F1C, F1H: Free Flight — Nordic A-2 Glider, Wakefield Rubber, Power, and Nordic A-1 Glider
G. Xenakis, Subcommittee Member
No 1985 FF World Champs—at least, not at Livno! The CIAM had voted not to accept the Yugoslavian offer initially due to fee issues. Fortunately, the problems were worked out and the FF World Champs is expected to be held in Yugoslavia August 11–18, 1985.
The Yugoslav offer had initially set a fee at $300 for all (participants and supporters), with no split for supporters—this violated the FAI Sporting Code. The fee was to cover everything: participation, program, food, transportation, etc. In addition, they had stated no camping would be available. The CIAM Bureau worked with the host country to resolve these matters; the Yugoslavs were responsive to most suggestions but the fee split they first offered ($70, including participation, banquet, camping, and transportation) was unacceptable.
At the FF subcommittee technical meeting, the Yugoslav delegate was told Europeans couldn't afford to attend at those fees and was urged to adjust them. After CIAM initially turned down the offer, the Yugoslavs presented a revised split: $100 for participants and team managers only, covering participation only. This offer was accepted and the Livno WC was back on.
A word of caution to supporters: if unchanged, the $170 split still stands for those who would like to camp. Organizers in past contests have reserved all hotels in the contest area; before you go, ensure you have a bona fide arrangement through an official agency if not taking an organizer's package.
Except for fees, organizers had good WC arrangements and the flying field is outstanding.
Keep in mind that, except as noted, none of the approved items below will go into effect until 1989 and thus remain subject to change. Approved/decided items include:
- Three-year World Championship cycle—Defeated. WCs will remain on a two-year cycle.
- Allow four-stroke-cycle engines with displacement up to two times two-cycle displacement—Referred to subcommittees.
- Require previous World Champions (1st–3rd) to attend next WC—Defeated by a narrow margin.
- Flying order at WC to be F1A, F1B, F1C—Accepted (to allow more time for F1C flyoffs). Applied at 1985 WC under a local-rule option.
- Number of models unlimited—Defeated. Only four models allowed.
- Organizers' guide—Accepted.
- Three timers for flyoff—Accepted.
- Use of 8–10 power binoculars—Modified to at least seven-power and accepted.
- Line pull of 5 kg instead of 2 kg—Accepted.
- Castor oil as U.S. F1C fuel lubricant—Accepted (was used at next WC under local rules).
- Six-second motor run for F1C—Withdrawn.
- Four-minute first flight for F1C—Accepted.
Thanks to those who provided input prior to the meeting; their responses helped form the basis for votes cast by the U.S. delegate, George Buso.
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F2A, F2B, F2C, F2D: Control Line — Speed, Aerobatics, Team Race, and Combat
Laird Jackson, Subcommittee Chairman
The Control Line portion of the 1984 CIAM Plenary Meeting didn't contain many items for discussion. Recent European and World Championship experience shows present rules are adequate for most events. The technical committee discussed clarification of Combat rules and writing a jury guide for Combat; Mr. Harwood (U.K.) and Mr. Michels (Belgium) will review these matters.
The representative of the People's Republic of China suggested two improvements for F2B Aerobatics judging:
- Restrict line length to 18 m or 19 m, ±0.5 m, to standardize flying heights for tops of 45° maneuvers for judges.
- Place a downwind marking pole at which point all maneuvers would be centered.
These changes were discussed at a recent U.S.–China meeting and met with general approval; other comments are welcome.
Agenda actions taken:
- The date of the annual Plenary Meeting was changed to April to allow more time to consider proposals. Submission dates were unchanged.
- The two-year schedule of World Championships was retained.
- The concept of a round-robin European Control Line Championships series was referred to the subcommittee.
- Four-stroke engine limits for Control Line were not changed.
- The option of a team entry for registered permanently-disabled persons was referred to the subcommittee for drafting proper wording.
- Castor oil is specified as the lubricant in F2A and only 0.8% nitro fuel is allowed.
- Hand-starting of F2B engines is reinforced in the rule book.
- No change in F2C Team Race line sizes.
- Combat lines were increased to 0.385 mm with no minimum tolerance; no line splicing is allowed. This rule is official immediately.
- No change in the F2D starting procedure was made.
- A change in scoring for F2B Aerobatics finalists was again delayed on a technicality despite prior approval; it is favored by judges and competitors and should be instituted as soon as possible.
- Dr. Rudi Beck of Hungary has made a tentative offer for the 1986 Control Line World Championships.
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F3B: RC Soaring
Not a member present would consider organizer-supplied winches, mainly because Country A doesn't trust Country B's system. Some countries agreed to some form of standardization, starting with a basic motor and drum design (suggested back in 1976).
The F3B proposals took 35 minutes to cover, but when the Australian delegate asked for a clarification on the winch definition, debate extended for 40 minutes. There was discussion about flywheel winches as well. The U.S.A. supported its team and its stand. When the vote on the clarification was taken, the final count was 20 in favor, 0 against, with two abstentions and six countries not voting.
The voted clarification stated:
- "With the exception of line-stretching, only electrical energy is permitted for launching. Transfer of energy between or among any parts of the winch is permitted only during the actual time of the launch. No stored energy is permitted other than that which is within the battery."
New winch wording may still contain loopholes; time will tell.
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F3D: RC Pylon Racing
Bob Brown, Subcommittee Chairman
The site for the first World Championship for FAI Pylon (F3D) is finalized. The Model Aeronautic Association of Canada will host the championship at London, Ontario during the week of July 14–19, 1985. Organizers are experienced and have produced many top-quality meets, including Canadian Nationals. This being the first FAI World Championship, it will be the premiere Racing event for 1985.
Major topics at the CIAM meeting:
- Lubricant for racing fuel: a proposal to limit lubricant to castor oil only was discussed. The technical meeting referred the decision to the subcommittee for further study. If any U.S. pylon flier has suggestions, contact the subcommittee representative.
- Use of four-strokes in Pylon: a proposal to allow a 1.3 cc four-stroke was defeated due to size, weight, and possible power concerns.
Pylon activity has increased in Europe. The OPS Challenge Cup in Milan drew 42 contestants from seven countries; times were in the 1:20s, indicating strong competition for U.S. entrants. Photographs suggest some concerns about adherence to scale fidelity rules, with ingenuity in hiding tuned pipes within airframes.
Over six years of U.S. subcommittee representation, important changes occurred in FAI Pylon rules: reduction in aircraft size (allowing FAI Pylon at U.S. Nationals) and recognition of FAI Pylon as a World-class event. These changes were possible with AMA representation at Paris.
The future for FAI Pylon looks positive. The San Luis Obispo club plans to hold team selection with their Formula I race in May. U.S. contestants interested in making the team might consult Ron Schorr or Gary Horne.
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F3E: RC Electrolight
Cal Ettel, Subcommittee Member
This was my second CIAM meeting representing the interests of electric flight enthusiasts in the U.S. The meeting is valuable to meet representatives of other countries and discuss rules, plans, and progress. Switzerland tentatively announced hosting a World Championship for F3E in 1986, probably at Pfäffikon near Zurich. Planned events include static tests and contests of World Championship status as well as local-spec competitions (e.g., 1–4 cell aerobatics and seven-cell sailplane type). The F3E events would be:
- (5.5.3) Motor Gliders
- (5.5.4) Aerobatics
- (5.5.5) Pylon Racing
Clarification is needed on whether each contest will produce its own World Champion and whether competitors can enter any or all events. Due to translation issues, it is unclear whether pylon racing will allow unlimited motors/batteries or be limited to seven-cell events; clarification is forthcoming.
There were no changes to F3E regulations due to the current "rule-change moratorium." I hope this is lifted soon; there is much to accomplish. For now, U.S. work should include selecting a team to represent the U.S. at the 1986 World Championships.
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F4B, F4C: CL & RC Scale
Bob Wiescher, Subcommittee Member
With FAI rules frozen until January 1, 1985, there will be no immediate change in the controversial complexity bonus system; only clarifications or safety items can be applied before that date. The U.S. proposal (also from South Africa) to require all engines of a multi-engine model to run until completion of the Figure Eight to retain bonus points was withdrawn in favor of a more general substitute: award bonus if all engines continue to operate until the model is airborne. This clarification becomes effective January 1, 1985.
Other clarifications effective January 1, 1985:
- Modern multi-motored aircraft are not to be considered as having undercarriage for bonus purposes.
- Pre-1914 actual subject aircraft must have been flown before that date to qualify. South Africa had asked that the pre-1914 rule be deleted, arguing no quantum leap occurred in 1914. The proposal was defeated.
Other actions:
- Three-view drawings should now be submitted in duplicate for static judging (second drawing may be black-and-white).
- If the original drawing is in color, maximum wingspan of the three-view is now 1/24 scale or 500 mm (19.69 in.). Minimum remains unchanged at 1/24 scale.
- Organizers must use duplicate score sheets for static and flight judging, with one copy given to team managers (was not done at Le Bourget).
- Control line contestants will be expected to call out start and finish of maneuvers rather than signal with a raised hand.
- For RC, the Procedure Turn is to be performed so that after the first 90° turn, the model is flying directly away from the judges, keeping the maneuver near the judges.
- In static judging, the model will be viewed from a distance of one meter (39 in.) from its nearest part during scoring for surface texture, craftsmanship, and scale detail (at Le Bourget it was considered one meter from the model's center).
It was voted to retain the two-year cycle between World Championships to preserve continuity, and it was suggested events be combined to reduce costs. The 1986 Scale World Championships were awarded to Norway.
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Information and Education
Travis McGinnis, Subcommittee Member
What is FAI? The Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), founded in 1905, furthers aeronautical and astronautical activities worldwide. The FAI establishes regulations to evaluate and compare performances of aircraft and space vehicles, controls and certifies world records, and establishes regulations of aeronautical events. Through its members, the FAI promotes skill, proficiency, and safety and confers awards to contributors.
The CIAM is the Committee of International Aeromodelling within FAI. The CIAM meets once a year (usually at FAI headquarters in Paris) for a formal planning session. Work is passed to operational and technical committees, then to the FAI Council, and finally ratified at the General Conference. In between meetings, detailed work continues in working groups or by delegates. Responsible for day-to-day FAI operations is a headquarters staff in Paris headed by a Director General.
You are encouraged to read the CIAM reports from the 1984 technical meetings (held December 6–7).
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Information and Education Subcommittee Report
Mr. Martin Dilly (New Zealand) chaired the meeting, with members from Yugoslavia and the United States attending (Travis McGinnis attended for the U.S.). Observers from the U.S. were Howard Crispin and Greg Geyer. Minutes from the 1983 meeting were reviewed, as was a list of many of the world's model flying publications (available on request with a SASE). A questionnaire on information and education activities was given to each country's delegate to indicate successful efforts for beginners.
Positive responses included provision of name tags for meeting attendees and handouts provided by the AMA on flying sites. The FAI was asked to invite model press editors to attend CIAM meetings as observers. The FAI's technical counsellor was asked to circulate information regarding newly-set records to the I&E committee and the model press. National Aero Clubs were asked to contact domestic kit manufacturers about initiating events and models suitable for beginners and forward that information to the I&E committee member from their country.
Regrettably, many National Aero Clubs had not acted to share information on their I&E activities, raising questions about NACs' concern for recruiting young people. Local clubs are encouraged to consider programs such as "Adopt a School" (contact Geoff Styles at AMA HQ for youth and beginners' involvement ideas).
Though ideas flowed at the meeting, there was lacking a sense of direction and goal-setting for committee work this year. With only three countries participating out of 28 present, I&E is not seen as a high priority by delegates. Either complacency has set in regarding educating newcomers, or efforts at this level are still considered adequate. When we focus only on sophistication/complexity of the sport to the exclusion of recruiting newcomers, participation will decline. There are terrific efforts worldwide—please forward them to the I&E committee so they can be disseminated and used by others.
Your ideas and comments are solicited. Contact Travis McGinnis, 8027 W. 81st Circle, Arvada, CO 80005.
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General News
Combat Team — New Junior/Senior Award Program, 1985
Paul M. Smith, chairman of the 1986 FAI Combat Team Selection Committee, announced a new incentive program. Junior/Senior AMA members will accompany the 1986 U.S. CL team to the World Championships with guaranteed minimum funding of $600. The Junior/Senior contestant who wins matches in the combat team selection finals (held sometime in 1985) will be awarded the right to accompany the U.S. team to the World Championships as an official team supporter, wearing the official team uniform. Duties include assisting the U.S. combat team (pitting, equipment setup, repairs, flying practice matches). The prize is financed by program entry fees.
For more information on the regular Combat team selection program or this Junior/Senior incentive program, contact Micheline Madison at AMA HQ or Paul M. Smith, Team Selection Committee chairman.
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RC Pattern Fliers: Clarifying the Point-Accumulation Method for Mandatory Pattern-Class Advancement
Paul W. Carlson (Chandler, AZ) checked with RC Aerobatics Contest Board chairman Joe Friend about the point-accumulation method (AMA rule book, page 42, paragraph 39.8.2) for promotion to higher classes. The rule states the number of points a competitor gains in a contest is based on the number of other contestants in the same class that the flier beats; one point per contestant beaten (who makes an official flight). First- and second-place winners have their points multiplied by three or two, respectively. When 100 points are accumulated, the flier is advanced.
A common misunderstanding is that points are only earned by those placing fifth or higher; in fact, every flier except the one placing dead last earns points according to the formula.
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RC Soaring World Championships News
The 1985 FAI RC Soaring (F3B) World Championships will be held April 13–20, 1985 in Waikerie, South Australia (approximately 175 km northeast of Adelaide). Modelers interested in attending as spectators and who want accommodations with the U.S. team should write to the contest organizers and declare interest in being supporters. Supporter fees range from $135 (A) to $375 (A). The lowest price includes no lodging but includes field lunches and a banquet ticket. The most expensive includes double-occupancy hotel/motel accommodations plus breakfast and dinner. Intermediate prices exist for triple-occupancy cabins or caravans. Fees must arrive before January 31, 1985 or be subject to late charge.
All correspondence should be sent to Richard Tapp, 38 Currie Street, Adelaide S.A. 5000, Australia.
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RC Pylon Racing and RC Helicopter World Championships — London, Ontario, Canada
In an unusual arrangement, London, Ontario will host two separate World Championships on the same dates (two flying sites; same housing). Contest dates: Sunday, July 14 through Friday, July 19, 1985. Registration, meetings, and practice flying occupy the early week; official competitions begin Wednesday, July 17.
- Helicopters (F3C) will fly at London City Airport (approx. 8 miles east of city center).
- Pylon Racers (F3D) will fly at Saint Thomas Airport (approx. 15 miles south of city center).
- Contestant/supporter housing will be at Medway Hall, University of Western Ontario (approx. 30 minutes from London City Airport). Housing cost: $300 (Cdn) per person for single rooms (including breakfast and dinner); $260 (Cdn) per person for double occupancy.
- Camping facilities available at Fanshawe Lake (approx. 20 minutes from either site). Camping fees to be set.
At press time, the contest contact person had not been identified. For later information, contact Micheline Madison at AMA HQ.
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Indoor Championships 1985
Want to enter what could be the world's largest indoor contest? Send entry before April 24, 1985. The fourth U.S. Indoor Championships dates: June 18–20, 1985. Site: Niagara Falls International Convention Center Arena, Niagara Falls, NY. Building characteristics: Category III ceiling, 70 ft high.
Events scheduled include: Hand-Launched Glider; FAI Stick; FAI CL; AMA Stick; Manhattan Cabin; Bostonian; Ornithopter; Autogiro; Pennyplane Novice; Pennyplane ROG; Cabin Unlimited; Speed; Peanut Speed; Easy-B; Paper Stick; Peanut Scale; AMA Scale; Mid-America Peanut Grand Prix.
Note: insufficient entries by the April 24 deadline will result in cancellation. For contest details, send a large stamped self-addressed envelope to Al Italiano, 1655 Revere Dr., Brookfield, WI 53005.
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CL Combat Team — Junior/Senior Incentive Summary
- Junior/Senior AMA members can win a guaranteed minimum of $600 to accompany the 1986 U.S. CL team to the World Championships.
- The winner will be an official team supporter with duties including pitting, repairing models, and flying practice matches.
- In case of a tie in team selection finals, there will be a flyoff to determine the winner.
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End of Report
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
