Author: F. McMillan
Edition: Model Aviation - 1996/03
Page Numbers: 122, 123, 124
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CONTROL LINE AEROBATICS

Frank McMillan 12106 Gunter Grove, San Antonio, TX 78231

Introduction

Although many who read this column are not competition-oriented and fly for the sheer joy of feeling a good airplane perform, the suggestions below are just as relevant to the sport flier as to the up-and-coming competitor. The more one flies, the more one enjoys it, the better one flies, and the better the airplane performs—provided you can take advantage of the flying opportunities. Too often that opportunity is lost because you're simply too tired.

Physical conditioning

Get in better physical condition. The interface between you and your airplane is your hand and handle. How you move the handle determines how precisely the airplane follows. Stronger, conditioned muscles let you hold steadier control longer and practice more productively.

Try this simple test: attach your lines and reel to a handle, hold it extended for about six minutes and note when the hold starts to get shaky. Rest a few minutes, repeat, and notice how fatigue sets in sooner on subsequent attempts. This mirrors a practice session: without conditioning you will tire and your performance will degrade.

Exercise recommendations

  • Use light, repetitive exercises; they produce significant improvement without risk of strain.
  • Grip exerciser: a small device (the kind sold in music stores for guitar players with individual finger sections) used nightly while watching TV works the fingers, hand, forearm, and wrist.
  • Light weights: work the upper arm and shoulder muscles with a few repetitions, increasing slowly over time. Push just enough to feel you’re doing some work—avoid strains or sore muscles.
  • Aerobic exercise: complement strength work with a comfortable aerobic activity such as walking or jogging.
  • Routine: do the exercises at the same time every day; the full routine should take about five minutes.

Bottom line: better conditioning improves scores, allows longer and more productive practice, and helps you concentrate and perform well late in contests—often the difference in the final flight.

Modeling tools and accessories

  • Fuel filters: Always filter fuel going into the tank and between the tank and engine. In tight nose constructions it's been hard to fit filters. Foremost Products' plastic filter has been popular; a new machined aluminum filter from Jayson Products (4735 E. Redfield Rd., Phoenix, AZ 85032) with an O-ring seal is about 1/4" diameter and just over 1" long and is an excellent alternative. (Randy Smith also stocks similar filters.)
  • Sanding aids: T-bar sanders are invaluable for shaping wings and ribs. Great Planes' Easy Touch bar sander is an aluminum extrusion like a T-bar but with a wider vertical grip that reduces hand cramping during long sanding sessions.

Competition kits and designs

Anyone considering serious competition needs a first-rate design. Several strong kits and designs currently available:

  • Bill Werwage & Randy Smith series
  • Latest: Dreadnaught 95, follow-up to the SV series.
  • Features: modern P-47-based airfoil ideas, light built-up wing with laser-cut ribs for accurate, true wings; most parts laser-cut to ease building and avoid stress in larger balsa parts.
  • Contact: Randy Smith, 1880 Scenic Highway, Snellville, GA 30278; Tel.: (404) 979-2035.
  • Paul Walker’s Impact
  • Dave Tribble of Heartbeat Models produces an excellent kit, including a take-apart option used by Walker.
  • Also available: Kaz Minato’s Blue Max (an Impact derivative) and Ted Fancher’s Nationals winner Great Expectations, which should be available soon.
  • Contact: Dave Tribble, Heartbeat Models, 1508-10 Thomas, Grandview, MO 64030; Tel.: (816) 767-0989; Fax: (816) 765-6199.
  • Windy Urtnowski’s Cardinal
  • High-quality kits with Scott Smith foam wings and stabs and contest-grade balsa throughout.
  • Works well with standard .60 clones or piped .40 conversions. Plans include many construction tips and technology notes.
  • Windy also produces construction videotapes (recently the Spitfire/Pattern Master co-project with Joe Adamusco); recommended tape: canopy detailing.
  • Contact: Windy Urtnowski, PSP, 93 Elliott Place, Rutherford, NJ 07070; Tel.: (201) 896-8740.

Publications and organizations

  • Stunt News: edited by Tom Morris; a premier special-interest publication for model flying—highly recommended.
  • PAMPA (Precision Aerobatics Model Pilots Association): more than 1,400 members and growing.
  • Contact: PAMPA, 158 Flying Cloud Isle, Foster City, CA 94404.

Contests and photography

I traveled many miles this summer attending contests and taking pictures, but I can’t reach every event. Send pictures if you want to see yourself in print.

Closing note

Brian Taylor is one of England’s best scale designers. Unlike some plan services, Brian builds and flies his designs. He won 1st at the UK Nats with a Spitfire in 1974 and has had many wins over the last 20+ years. Brian, Mick, and Jim Reeves will be on the 1996 UK World Scale team.

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