Edition: Model Aviation - 1978/11
Page Numbers: 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,
,

Competition Newsletter

1978 NATS Results

Succeeding pages show all the event winners and top placers. Below are the special award winners at the 1978 National Contest:

  • Sterling Models Memorial Award (most scale static points of any category, qualifying by official flight): Dave Platt, Plantation, FL — Douglas SBD-3 Dauntless.
  • Jim Walker Trophy (winner of JSO CL Precision Aerobatics flyoff, excluding appearance points): Bob Whitely, Fountain Valley, CA.
  • McNeill Cup (high time regardless of age, FAI Power): Richard Swenson, Milwaukee, WI.
  • Mulvihill Trophy (high time regardless of age, Unlimited Rubber): Joseph Kubina, Warren, MI.
  • Tulsa Glue Dobbers Trophy (high time regardless of age, Outdoor HL Glider): Bob Boyer, San Diego, CA.
  • Stout Indoor Trophy (high time regardless of age, Indoor Cabin): Dan Domina, East Windsor, NJ.
  • Stout Commercial Trophy (high time regardless of age, AMA or FAI Indoor Stick): Dan Domina, East Windsor, NJ.
  • Dick Black Trophy (high time regardless of age, Coupe d'Hiver): Fred Pearce, Houston, TX.
  • Air Force Assn. Award (best military scale model): Ralph White, Neoga, IL — P-51D Mustang.

U.S. & Great Britain Win Indoor World Champs

Results phoned in by Ray Harlan, U.S. team manager, indicate:

  • Jim Richmond, Davidson, NC — with a two-flight total of 84:42 is the 1978 Indoor Individual World Champion. His best flight was 42:53.
  • Bud Romak, Moraga, CA (1976 World Champ, competing as an individual) — second, 81:22.
  • Ron Higgs, Canada — third, 76:29.
  • Dieter Siebenmann, Switzerland — fourth, 74:53.
  • Laurie Barr, Great Britain — fifth, 73:57.

Other U.S. placings: Bill Hulbert, Akron, OH — 16th (69:17); Dan Domina, Hightstown, NJ — 30th (60:26).

Team results: Great Britain — first (218:27); U.S. — second (214:25); Canada — third (212:52).

Fourteen countries competed in the Indoor World Championships at Cardington, England, August 26–28. Air conditions were reported excellent, reflected by flight times.

CL World Champs

The 1978 Control Line World Championships (Speed, Aerobatics, Team Racing and Combat) were held in England at the same time and place as the RC Scale World Championships. The following is a summary of results.

#### CL Aerobatics — U.S. Wins

  • Bob Hunt, Bound Brook, NJ — World Champion.
  • Al Rabe, Irving, TX — second.
  • Compostella, Italy — third.
  • Les McDonald, Miami, FL — fourth (competing as an individual).
  • Bob Gieseke, Irving, TX — fifth.

The combined scores of Hunt, Rabe and Gieseke clinched the Team World Championship for the U.S. Italy and France placed second and third as teams.

#### CL Speed

  • Individual: Lenzen (Germany) first; Bilat (Switzerland) second.
  • U.S. placings included Bob Spahr, Santa Ana, CA — 3rd; Charles Lieber, Moorestown, NJ — 5th; Chuck Schuette, Lakewood, CA — 38th.
  • Team results: France — Team World Champion; Germany second; Switzerland third. U.S. team placed eighth.

#### CL Combat

  • Top individuals: Tiernau (U.K.) first; Wood (U.K.) second; Fraisse (France) third.
  • U.S. competitors included Chuck Rudner, Cleveland Heights, OH and Gary Frost, Florissant, MO (both reached the ninth level of the pyramid); George Cleveland, Kenner, LA — 17th level.
  • Team results: United Kingdom — Team World Champion; U.S. — fifth.

#### CL Team Race

  • Top U.S. team pairings: Dodge/Nelson — 13th; Albritton/Joy — 14th; Jolly/Kusik — 23rd.
  • Individual World Champions: Metkemeyer/Metkemeyer (Holland) — first; Geschwendtner/Mau (Denmark) — second; Heaton/Ross (Great Britain) — third.
  • Team results: Great Britain — first; Austria — second; Holland — third; U.S. — sixth.

Note: The Control Line Scale Championship was cancelled (see notes in Scale World Champs section).

Scale World Champs

Report by George Buso, U.S. Team Manager

  1. U.S. team members arrived early and held several meetings to improve presentation — it paid off, as static scores indicate.
  2. The U.K. CL Scale event had been cancelled; U.S. CL Scale team members were advised accordingly. Some thought an international (non-World) contest would be held, so team members took models expecting competition or display.
  3. U.S. CL team displayed models; models were not judged — good U.S. display.
  4. Roland Baltes stayed to assist the RC team through the end. Dan Osdoba and Ray Smith left early to vacation in Britain and Europe.
  5. Excellent team spirit; everyone was helpful. The U.S. CL Scale Team was disappointed but thankful to be part of the U.S. delegation — a good education in scale airplanes.
  6. Field facilities were good, but wind changed frequently and it was gusty.
  7. Living facilities at Liverpool University were good — plenty of food in a cafeteria-style dining hall.
  8. Steve Sauger crashed on takeoff on his third flight. With four hours of help from Andy Sheber and Roland Baltes repairing stabilizer, cowl, wing, etc., he flew a terrific last flight that helped put the U.S. RC Scale Team in second place (an "attempt" had been called after the crash).
  9. Judging was very fair in both static and flight; Dennis Thompson as head judge did a thorough job.
  10. The weather was extremely bad until the last day (rain, wind, mud and standing water) — perhaps the wettest, coldest World Championships ever.
  11. Ottawa, Canada, is expected to host the 1980 World Championships for RC Scale (and possibly Control Line Scale). The Canadians are predicted to do a superb job.
  12. Overall: extremely pleased with the U.S. Team — excellent craftsmanship and flying; teamwork and socializing among teams were good. The British performed admirably under adverse weather.

Report by Steve Sauger, U.S. Team Member (9th Place)

  • Aside from unseasonably cold weather, unfavorable flying conditions and the usual communication problems at a large event, the cordial, friendly atmosphere and the courtesies of British modelers pre-empted any unpleasantness.
  • Scale modeling is very strong in Europe; local talent in Sport Scale in the Liverpool area was impressive.
  • Attempting to coordinate Control Line with RC Scale at one event resulted in lack of total harmony, communications and planning. Local officials did well under the circumstances.

(Report continued in related sections.)

Report by Roland Baltes, U.S. CL Team Member (No competition)

  • The Control Line Scale event was cancelled shortly prior to departure due to lack of sufficient entries required for World Championship status (five required). Some eastern bloc countries backed out for alleged political reasons. Even the free (RC?) event could not muster five teams — disappointing for an event held in England.
  • Despite cancellation, the team attended Woodvale. Last-minute attempts to organize a competition failed; the team displayed their models and flew as spectators. The English CL team did not appear; the U.S. team performed display flying on the last day.
  • The fairground atmosphere (tents, kiddy rides, classic cars, etc.) made the event feel like a fun fair; vendors and suppliers were active. Display flying was in demand and the RC models were impressive in speed.
  • Key points: U.S. CL team displayed models (good display); Roland Baltes assisted RC team; living and field facilities were good; Steve Sauger crashed and team assisted in repairs.

Rules, Proposals and Flight Maneuvers (Selected Extracts)

  • SC-00-12 — Sport Scale, Judging Distance. Proposal by John D. Preston to eliminate paragraph 48.6.3 and instead increase static judging distance from 150 feet to one of several suggested distances (125 ft, 150 ft, or 20 ft with corresponding circle diameters). Rationale: judges see detail and distance should be adjusted to balance Sport Scale and Precision Scale visibility.
  • SC-80-13 — Sport Scale, Craftsmanship Judging. Proposal by John D. Preston to add instructions for awarding craftsmanship points based on both quality and quantity of contestant work. Contestants would list on registration those major components provided as kits, ARFs, or commercially purchased parts so judges can assess contribution by contestants and discourage semi-prebuilt dominance.

Selected Flight Operations and Demonstrations (excerpts adapted for clarity):

  • Flaps: For maximum points, flap action should resemble the prototype (split, Fowler, slotted, etc.). Flap use must be appropriate for takeoff and landing; judges may request a taxi demonstration to reveal flap motion. Errors include failure to operate flaps when required or flap action grossly different from prototype.
  • Bomb Drops: Bombs carried internally should be released from open bomb bay doors for maximum points; externally carried bombs should be secure with no oscillation. Errors: incorrect carry method, inappropriate release, tumbling bombs (except napalm-type exceptions).
  • Torpedo Drop: Should be part of a torpedo run at low altitude, released in level flight followed by a rapid climb. Errors: release too high or non-prototypical release.
  • Parachute Drop: Parachute or ejection performed as prototype; cargo or crew must be deployed in a manner typical of the aircraft. Errors: parachute fails to open or clear the aircraft.
  • Other Optional Demonstrations: Any prototype-typical operation may be performed with prior clearance and explanation to judges.

Obligatory Flight Maneuvers (summarized):

  • Unassisted ROG: Model remains still on runway with engine running after helper release or taxi. Takeoff should be straight ground roll and gentle scale climb. Errors: held at release, excessive climb angle, aerobatics during takeoff, stall on initial lift-off.
  • Figure Eight: Performed over the runway centerline; lower flight at intersection passes in front of judges; symmetry and constant altitude required. Errors: off-center entry, unequal turns, altitude variation.
  • Fly-Past: Straight along runway for minimum 300 ft or at least 3 seconds, altitude 10–20 ft, must pass in front of judges. Errors: wrong altitude, unauthorized maneuvers.
  • Return in Flight: Realism judged on how well the model duplicates prototype flight, circuit, touch-and-go, landing and taxiing. Errors: unrealistic approach, landing or taxi behavior.

Optional Maneuvers (selection):

  • Taxi (to be performed prior to takeoff if chosen).
  • Straight Flight Out (must be followed by a procedure turn) and Straight Flight Back (must be preceded by a straight out and procedure turn).
  • Inside/Outside Loop, Immelmann Turn, Stall Turn, Wingover, Split S, Rolls, Snap Roll, Slow Roll, Spin (3 turns preferred), Cuban Eight, Touch-and-Go, Traffic Pattern, Overhead, Stall Turn in Rectangular Circuit (non-aerobatic aircraft), Flight in a Straight Line with Engine Imitation, and other maneuvers typical of the prototype.
  • Any optional maneuver not listed may be performed if within prototype capabilities and cleared in advance by the Contest Director.

NATS Free Flight Results

FF A Gas

Junior (sponsored by Cox Hobbies, Inc.)

  1. J. C. Hornbeck, Dallas, TX — 396
  2. David Rooke, Mountaintop, PA — 378
  3. Charles Carney, Jacksonville, FL — 300
  4. Melinda Anderson, Goshen, IN — 282
  5. Mike Wineland, Boulder, CO — 257

Senior (sponsored by Sig Mfg.)

  1. Mark Woodrey, Burleson, TX — 468
  2. Bryan Nix, Smithtown, NY — 390
  3. Andrew Barron, Annandale, VA — 382
  4. Peter Brown, Stone Mt., GA — 376
  5. Joseph Kubina, Warren, MI — 372

Open (sponsored by DA Enterprises (1st–5th); Progress Mfg. (6th–12th); AMA (13th))

  1. Gilbert Morris, Columbus, OH — 880
  2. Randy Archer, Phoenix, AZ — 825
  3. Rudy Kilbuer, Lakewood, OH — 826
  4. Jim Coen, Sand Springs, OK — 825
  5. Mark Valerius, Houston, TX — 663
  6. Sal Taibi, Lakewood, CA — 660
  7. Charles Marks, Deerfield, IL — 653
  8. Gene Simon, Houston, TX — 627
  9. Robert Mattes, St. Charles, MO — 596
  10. Charles Appenrod, Vineland, NJ — 575
  11. Greg Simon, Utica, MI — 500
  12. William Jenkins, Memphis, TN — 407
  13. Robert Schuettke, Lake Worth, FL — 369

FF B Gas

Junior (sponsored by Fox Mfg.)

  1. J. C. Hornbeck, Dallas, TX — 468
  2. Susan Brown, Stone Mt., GA — 376
  3. Charles Carney, Jacksonville, FL — 376
  4. Brian Seaver, Jacksonville, FL — 504
  5. David Barron, Annandale, VA — 496
  6. Mark Woodrey, Burleson, TX — 490
  7. Peter Brown, Stone Mt., GA — 439
  8. William Carson, Jacksonville, FL — 404

Open (sponsored by Ace Mfg. Co.; AMA (11th))

  1. Roland Anderson, Toledo, OH — 1255
  2. William Jenkins, Memphis, TN — 895
  3. Rudy Kilbuer, Lakewood, OH — 879
  4. Mark Heller, Arlington Hts., IL — 869
  5. Gilbert Morris, Columbus, OH — 826
  6. Jim Kilbuer, Gulf Breeze, FL — 825
  7. Bill Hale, Columbus, OH — 714
  8. Al Bissonette, Oklahoma City, OK — 711
  9. John Nix, Smithtown, NY — 701
  10. Guido Specky, Anderson, IN — 676
  11. Russell Snyder, Universal City, TX — 660
  12. Ronald Talley, Waterford, AL — 657
  13. Harry Murphy, Anderson, IN — 651
  14. Keith Fulmer, Mishawaka, IN — 629

FF C Gas

Junior (sponsored by AMA)

  1. Bradley Fulmer, Mishawaka, IN — 453
  2. John Brenner, Ft. Worth, TX — 392
  3. Charles Carney, Jacksonville, FL — 360

Senior (sponsored by AMA)

  1. William Canney, Jacksonville, FL — 595
  2. Mark Woodrey, Burleson, TX — 509
  3. Andrew Barron, Annandale, VA — 499

Open (sponsored by Carl Goldberg Models (1st–5th); Progress Mfg. Co. (6th–10th); AMA (11th))

  1. Robert Mattes, St. Charles, MO — 1394
  2. Sal Taibi, Lakewood, CA — 1010
  3. Roland Anderson, Toledo, OH — 993
  4. Mike Hallam, Marshall, TX — 900

FF D Gas

Senior (sponsored by AMA)

  1. David Morris, Sr., Muscatine, IA — 248
  2. Mark Smith, Ft. Worth, TX — 228
  3. Larry Hoffmann, Corpus Christi, TX — 227

Open (sponsored by World Engines (1st–5th); AMA (6th–8th))

  1. Dick Stubblefield, Houston, TX — 700
  2. Larry Driscoll, Amarillo, TX — 650
  3. George Cleveland, Kenner, LA — 630
  4. Marvin Denny, Wichita, KS — 600
  5. Mack Henry, Nashville, TN — 580
  6. John Frank, Chicago, IL — 568
  7. Michael Guthenson, Kingsbury, TX — 540
  8. Thomas Ransom, Muscatine, IA — 508

CL FAI Team Racing (J-S-O, sponsored by AMA)

  1. Mogel-Solly Team, Riverside, CA
  2. Sturwart Willoughby, Bensenville, IL
  3. Wallace-Wallace Team, Springfield, MO
  4. Walter Perkins, Ocala, FL
  5. Les Pardue, Albuquerque, NM

CL Navy Carrier I

Junior (sponsored by AMA)

  1. Jeff Wilson, Florissant, MO — 153.28

Senior (sponsored by AMA)

  1. Louis Matsutsuka, St. Louis, MO — 299.84

FF E FAI Power

Junior (sponsored by AMA)

  1. Carl Laustrom, Jacksonville, FL — 48

Open (sponsored by Model Aeronautics Publications (1st–5th); AMA (6th))

  1. Richard Swenson, Milwaukee, WI — 1339
  2. Ron Young, Santa Ana, CA — 1338
  3. Wallace Johnson, Montgomery, AL — 1298
  4. Robert Mattes, St. Charles, MO — 1290
  5. Richard McCleery, Birmingham, MI — 1280
  6. Tom McLaughlan, Pensacola, FL — 1204

FF Wakefield Rubber

Senior (sponsored by AMA)

  1. Herb Meares, Ann Arbor, MI — 1031
  2. Open (sponsored by Midwest Model Supply) — 1260
  3. Chris Mattson, St. John, MO — 1217
  4. Bob Isaacs, Houston, TX — 1197
  5. Frank Parmenter, Baton Rouge, LA — 1149
  6. Fred Pearce, Houston, TX — 1115
  7. Frank Ferriter, DeForest, WI — 1102
  8. Joseph Messy, Southfield, MI — 1102

FF Mulvihill Rubber

Junior (sponsored by Diverse Development)

  1. Kris Lane, Arlington, TX — 985
  2. Brian Schuetter, Lake Worth, FL — 416
  3. Brian Fulmer, Mishawaka, IN — 342
  4. Jim Watson, Indianapolis, IN — 322
  5. John Houser, West Palm Beach, FL — 296

Senior (sponsored by AMA)

  1. Joseph Kubina, Warren, MI — 1852
  2. Herb Meares, Ann Arbor, MI — 389
  3. Linda Brown, Stone Mt., GA — 293

Open (sponsored by Sullivan Products (1st–5th); AMA (10th–11th))

  1. Mark Valerius, Houston, TX — 1242
  2. Jim O’Reilly, Wichita, KS — 1242
  3. Jack Lewis, College Park, GA — 1060
  4. Kenneth Warriner, Hurst, TX — 1049
  5. Joseph McCrary, Smithfield, MI — 1020
  6. Jim McNeill, Bellingham, AL — 770
  7. George Perryman, Smyrna, GA — 770

FF Coupe d’Hiver Rubber

Junior (sponsored by AMA)

  1. Edward Marek, Evergreen Park, IL — 345
  2. Don Isaacks, Houston, TX — 336
  3. Bradley Fulmer, Mishawaka, IN — 330

Senior (sponsored by AMA)

  1. Joseph Kubina, Warren, MI — 490
  2. Herb Meares, Ann Arbor, MI — 476
  3. Fred Pearce, Houston, TX — 360

Open (sponsored by Sig Mfg. Co. (1st–5th); AMA (6th–7th))

  1. James Lewis, Stone Mt., GA — 574
  2. Brian Schuetter, Lake Worth, FL — 517
  3. Dan Tuggle, Mishawaka, IN — 504
  4. Jerry Perryman, Smyrna, GA — 482
  5. Mark Richardson, Dayton, OH — 460

FF AMA A-1 Towline

Junior (sponsored by Hobby Hideaway)

  1. Bill Rutledge, Lake Worth, FL — 468
  2. Brian Schuetter, Lake Worth, FL — 468
  3. Steve Wagner, Mansfield, TX — 362
  4. Brent Kuehl, Annapolis, MD — 289
  5. Peter Brown, Stone Mt., GA — 270

Senior (sponsored by AMA)

  1. Mark Valerius, Houston, TX — 1213
  2. Tom Watson, Ann Arbor, MI — 1123
  3. Andrew Barron, Annandale, VA — 1111
  4. Joseph Barron, Annandale, VA — 1110
  5. James Lewis, College Park, GA — 1078

FF A-2 Towline

Junior (sponsored by AMA)

  1. Jim Watson, Des Moines, IA — 1076
  2. Tom Watson, Ann Arbor, MI — 1060
  3. Robert Wilson, St. Louis, MO — 1050
  4. William Short, Dayton, OH — 1015
  5. Norman Swann, Birmingham, AL — 1000

(End of NATS Free Flight Results)

NATS Indoor Results

Indoor AMA Stick

Junior (sponsored by AMA)

  1. Dave Lindley, Naperville, IL — 11:50.6
  2. Mike Clem, Dallas, TX — 8:07.0
  3. Bradley Fulmer, Mishawaka, IN — 5:51.0

Senior (sponsored by AMA)

  1. Joseph Kubina, Warren, MI — 8:40.2
  2. Dan Domina, East Windsor, NJ — 16:35.0
  3. Don Dunham, Tulsa, OK — 18:09.0
  4. Greg Simon, Utica, MI — 14:02.0
  5. Robert Dunham, Tulsa, OK — 12:07.0
  6. Louis Sutter, Corpus Christi, TX — 9:13.0

Indoor Paper Stick

Junior (sponsored by AMA)

  1. Dave Lindley, Naperville, IL — 8:33.8
  2. Mike Clem, Dallas, TX — 7:22.0
  3. David Turgeon, National City, CA — 5:33.0

Senior (sponsored by AMA)

  1. Bob Boyer, San Diego, CA — 9:16.8
  2. Joseph Kubina, Warren, MI — 6:58.0
  3. Stan Chilton, Wichita, KS — 17:47.2
  4. Dan Domina, East Windsor, NJ — 11:23.5
  5. Daniel Belieff, Sykesville, MD — 14:56.8
  6. Richard Doig, Union Lake, MI — 14:37.6

Indoor Cabin

Junior (sponsored by AMA)

  1. Mike Clem, Dallas, TX — 3:23.1
  2. Bryan Fulmer, Mishawaka, IN — 2:49.6
  3. Carl Linstrum, Jacksonville, FL — 1:37.2

Indoor FAI Stick

Junior (sponsored by AMA)

  1. Carl Linstrum, Jacksonville, FL — 1:40.2

Senior No official flights

Indoor Pennyplane

Junior (sponsored by AMA)

  1. Mike Clem, Dallas, TX — 7:03.6
  2. Dave Lindley, Naperville, IL — 5:14.9
  3. John Benec, Ft. Worth, TX — 4:21.1

Senior (sponsored by AMA)

  1. Bob Boyer, San Diego, CA — 8:10.2
  2. Joseph Kubina, Warren, MI — 5:08.4
  3. Peter Brown, Stone Mt., GA — 4:02.0

Open (sponsored by AMA)

  1. Cezar Banks, La Mesa, CA — 10:10.2
  2. Louis Sutter, Corpus Christi, TX — 9:50.4
  3. Charlie Sotich, Chicago, IL — 9:25.1
  4. Wilbur Gregory, Potomac, MD — 9:02.2
  5. Richard Doig, Union Lake, MI — 8:49.7

Indoor Easy B

Junior (sponsored by AMA)

  1. Mike Clem, Dallas, TX — 8:22.0
  2. Bradley Fulmer, Mishawaka, IN — 7:43.0
  3. David Turgeon, National City, CA — 5:44.0
  4. Stephen Anderson, Goshen, IN — 4:59.3
  5. Kevin Lofter, Norman, OK — 4:42.5

Senior (sponsored by AMA)

  1. Bob Boyer, San Diego, CA — 9:54.4
  2. Peter Brown, Stone Mt., GA — 6:32.1
  3. Linda Brown, Stone Mt., GA — 4:16.5

Open (sponsored by AMA)

  1. Stan Chilton, Wichita, KS — 14:31.4
  2. Cezar Banks, La Mesa, CA — 13:44.5
  3. Clarence Mather, San Diego, CA — 12:37.2
  4. Earl Hoffman, Carpinteria, CA — 11:51.7
  5. Ronald Robertson, Norman, OK — 10:22.5

Indoor HL Glider

Junior (sponsored by AMA)

  1. David Turgeon, National City, CA — 1:24.7
  2. Mike Clem, Dallas, TX — 1:24.5
  3. William Langley, Plattsburgh, MO — 1:23.5
  4. Dave Lindley, Naperville, IL — 1:17.6
  5. Bryan Fulmer, Mishawaka, IN — 1:12.6

Senior (sponsored by AMA)

  1. Bob Boyer, San Diego, CA — 1:50.1
  2. Roy Larsen, Rusk, TX — 1:36.8
  3. Brian Petty, Pasadena, TX — 1:25.5

Open (sponsored by AMA)

  1. Paul Sholar, Detroit, MI — 2:16.2
  2. Dale Seigle, Wenatchee, WA — 2:11.8
  3. Stan Keene, Jacksonville, NJ — 2:03.2
  4. Robert Dunham, Tulsa, OK — 2:00.8
  5. Dan Domina, East Windsor, NJ — 1:59.2
  6. Frank Sharpton, Daytona Beach, FL — 1:58.9
  7. Rudy Kubber, Lakewood, OH — 1:57.6

1978 NATS Entries

  • Number of contestants: Jr. 83, Sr. 96, Open 731, Total 910
  • Number of mechanics: 204

Entries by Event (selected summaries)

Indoor — 108 Entrants

  • Stick: 3 Jr, 1 Sr, 14 Open — 18 total
  • Paper Stick: 3 Jr, 2 Sr, 13 Open — 18 total
  • Cabin: 3 Jr, 1 Sr, 10 Open — 14 total
  • FAI Stick: 1 Jr, 4 Sr, 7 Open — 12 total
  • Pennyplane: 7 Jr, 4 Sr, 14 Open — 25 total
  • Easy B: 10 Jr, 3 Sr, 17 Open — 30 total
  • H.L. Glider: 17 Jr, 10 Sr, 37 Open — 64 total
  • AMA Scale: 2 Jr, 2 Sr, 16 Open — 20 total
  • Peanut Scale: 2 Jr, 5 Sr, 19 Open — 26 total

Control Line — 259 Entrants (selected)

  • Scale Racing: 8 Jr, 3 Sr, 29 Open — 40 total
  • Rat Racing: 4 Jr, 3 Sr, 30 Open — 38 total
  • Aerobatics: 9 Jr, 7 Sr, 59 Open — 75 total
  • Combat: 6 Jr, 10 Sr, 57 Open — 73 total
  • FAI Combat: — Jr, 1 Sr, 20 Open — 21 total
  • FAI Team Racing: 3 Jr, 1 Sr, 5 Open — 9 total

Radio Control — 364 Entrants (selected)

  • Novice Pattern: 2 Jr, 16 Sr, 61 Open — 79 total
  • Advanced Pattern: — Jr, 5 Sr, 40 Open — 45 total
  • Expert Pattern: — Jr, 3 Sr, 18 Open — 21 total
  • Master Pattern: — Jr, — Sr, 47 Open — 47 total
  • Sport Scale: 1 Jr, 1 Sr, 51 Open — 53 total
  • Unlimited Sailplane: — Jr, 5 Sr, 41 Open — 46 total

Outdoor Free Flight — 270 Entrants (selected)

  • 1/2A Gas: 18 Jr, 16 Sr, 99 Open — 133 total
  • A Gas: 14 Jr, 15 Sr, 103 Open — 132 total
  • B Gas: 7 Jr, 6 Sr, 73 Open — 86 total
  • H.L. Glider: 32 Jr, 14 Sr, 68 Open — 114 total
  • Mulvihill Rubber: 13 Jr, 6 Sr, 38 Open — 57 total

Indoor Double Win (Cont.)

A CN note in the "Soapbox" (October issue) incorrectly stated that the U.S. team was the first to win both the Individual and Team World Championships in Indoor. In fact, this also happened in 1961 when Joe Biagri was the individual winner and the U.S. the team winner. The correction was noted by Tom Vallee. CN remains neutral on team selection methods.

Help Support the U.S. Indoor Team

Although the Indoor World Championships may be over before this issue is printed, you can assist U.S. team members by purchasing the 1978 U.S. Indoor Team decals from Ray Harlan, 15 Happy Hollow Road, Wayland, MA 01778. Price: $1.25 each or $1.00 each when three or more are ordered. The decals are multi-color on self-stick mylar; actual diameter is 3-3/16". Income beyond costs will help defray team members’ out-of-pocket travel expenses.

RC Aerobatics Team Program

Call for Team Finals Site Bids: Clubs interested in hosting the RC Masters Team Selection Finals (three-day period, late June 1979) should send written offers to AMA HQ by mid-November 1978. Offers will be distributed to finalists; finalists (who qualify through December 31) will vote on the site immediately after January 1. Documentation should include flying site adequacy, preferred dates (weekends of June 23–24 or June 30–July 1), weather statistics, available club personnel (at least a dozen), contest equipment, community backing, nearby housing, and other advantages. NSRCA will supply judges, contest jury and contest manager; Joe Bridi will be NSRCA coordinator.

W.C. Locale: Current information suggests the World Championships will be held in South Africa either September or October 1979.

Requirements for Paying Finals Fees: Finals entry fee of $150.00 (all qualified competitors who will compete in the Team Finals) should be sent to AMA HQ no later than 45 days in advance (approximately May 1, 1979), accompanied by a pre-registration form provided to finalists.

Show of Interest Sought for Pan‑American Champs

The Brazilian Association of Aeromodelling seeks to know how many U.S. modelers might be interested in a Pan‑American Championships in Brazil in April 1979. Contemplated FAI events include F1A Gliders, F1B Wakefield Rubber, F1C FAI Power, CL Speed, CL Aerobatics, CL Team Racing, CL Combat, RC Aerobatics (1975 FAI Pattern), and RC Thermal Soaring. Participants would arrange their own travel and expenses; AMA will serve as point of contact. Interested competitors should notify AMA HQ, Attn: Micheline Madison, by mid‑October (October 15 advisable).

Excerpt from a July 26 letter by Walter Nutini, President, Associacao Brasileira de Aeromodelismo:

  • The Pan‑American event is planned for Holy Week, April 1979. The Association invites American aeromodellers to participate. Six South American Championships have been held in Brazil successfully; now a Pan‑American contest is planned.
  • Team managers from Canada, Mexico, Argentina and the U.S. were contacted at the FAI World Championships in Roskilde, Denmark; only Canada and Argentina had sent official confirmation at the time of the letter.
  • National Aeroclubs usually assist travel costs only for World Championships; Pan‑American participation may be by non-official teams traveling at their own expense.
  • Entry fee: US $100 for competitors and supporters, covering food, lodging and local transportation for approximately one week.
  • Events to be held in accordance with FAI Sporting Code.

Scale WC / Sauger (continued)

  • The scale hangar, display flying and interaction with British modelers provided valuable experience. Attempts to coordinate CL and RC Scale at one event caused organizational difficulties. Display flying and exhibition attracted large crowds and provided opportunities to observe products and critique work. The RC models were particularly impressive for speed.

Competition Newsletter — Editorial Note

Competition News presents constructive and thought-provoking ideas or criticisms of AMA rules and policies affecting competitors. When two sides exist, CN will try to print all viewpoints submitted within space and taste limits. Views printed are those of the author and not necessarily those of AMA HQ, AMA officers or the publisher. Publication here does not imply the proposal has been presented to the Contest Board or Executive Council — that is the author's responsibility.

RC Contests That Are Not Testy

An "open flying order" format (after sign-up and pilot/rules meeting each contestant may fly the first event when ready) has smoothed contest running in Northwest clubs. Frequency control can be by impound or clothes-pin methods. This reduces delays and idle waiting; contests run quicker and more smoothly. (Reprinted from Airmailer, Benton County RC Club, Oregon.)

Scale Flight Speed

Dynamic speed claims for scale models often miss the point: a scale model should look like the full-size plane in the air. Flight speed should be proportional to scale — e.g., one-quarter size should fly about one-quarter the full-size speed. Many models fly faster than realistic. Example: a 1/8-size WW II fighter should fly under 40 mph level flight if scale-correct. (Reprinted from the Gold Coast Flyer, Gold Coast Radio Controllers of Florida.)

Can We — and Do We Want To — Win the FF World Champs?

By Rol Anderson, Chairman, AMA FAI Free Flight Committee

  • The committee’s objective: to send better teams capable of winning the World Championships while continuing and increasing participation. These goals can conflict. Improving team caliber (more levels of competition, pre-World team practice, etc.) tends to reduce participation by raising time and cost demands.
  • International competition often involves teams with greater centralized support and longer pre-event practice (example: North Korea practiced six weeks before a World Champs and won). To be competitive, the U.S. must consider requiring greater commitment and organization from team members after selection, including team meetings and practice at the World Champs site.
  • Funding strategies can be developed; some who make the team may not be able to meet new time/travel demands and would step down. The chairman supports fostering greater commitment to improve chances of bringing home hardware. He asks the community to consider whether they want to pay the price in time and resources to win the FAI World Championships.

(End of Competition Newsletter content contained on the provided page.)

Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.