Control Line: Aerobatics
Wynn Paul
LET'S all go to the Nationals this year. You don't have to be a star to compete in precision aerobatics; for instance, every year there's at least one pilot who has someone read off the order of maneuvers out in the center of the circle! It is just a great experience to line up your airplane with the Stilettos, Genesis, Derringers, Genies, and the other tar-paper specials in the pits. Besides, you're guaranteed at least four official flights in two days in Open stunt; that's more than Jack Sheeks practices all year!
Volunteers and pre-event help
First, this year's event director, Lanny Shorts, will want some helpers out at the site on Saturday, August 9, and on Sunday to help mark off the circles, the pits, Bill Werwage's nervous-pacing area, and to gather together tables, chairs, waste cans, Rolaids dispensers, etc. You can write Lanny at 661 Louie Avenue, Lodi, CA 95240, or call (209) 368-9492 to volunteer for this fun part of the Nationals.
The week at a glance
- Monday — Judges' school day
- Monday of Nats week is school day for the judges to practice judging under the watchful eye of the Event Director. This is the first of what is, for some, six days of watching little airplanes do tricks in the air. It's no wonder that some of the judges get a little glassy-eyed by Saturday. Of course, after the flying sessions there are those pool-side celebrations to refresh everyone with entertainment such as Bob Hunt's famous diving exhibition.
- Tuesday — Juniors, Seniors, and appearance judging
- All you Juniors and Seniors; don't shy away from the Nationals. There is plenty of room for everybody, and there are lots of profile models flying on Tuesday when the Juniors and Seniors fly on two separate circles. Remember, last year there were only three Juniors and six Seniors that competed! Get out your Banshee, Tutor, or Flight Streak and come to the Nationals. If you just finish the pattern you'll probably beat somebody. Besides, it's a great way to get practical experience in flying and lots of free advice to be had from all the stars there. All you have to do is have your plane able to fly for about 7–8 minutes; get in there and give it a try.
- On Tuesday night you have to get your plane processed and appearance judged. Everybody's plane is placed on the floor together and the appearance judges juggle them according to appearance point brackets. It's a fabulous display and even if you only have a six-point plane, it's fun to watch the judging take place. There's always a little gamesmanship when one of the "stars" waits until most of the airplanes are placed and then brings his eighteen-point beauty into the room to mix everything up again.
- Then we have that event so popular with pilots and officials—the Pilots' Meeting. Someone always brings up a question on the hand signal, how to land, or how to move the judges with the wind. About this time the fate of your flight position is determined by the bouncing ping-pong balls (otherwise known as the Byron Balls). Actually, it's a pretty good system for determining flight circle and order; it has to be done by chance, so what's the difference whether it's by ping-pong ball draw or by cutting a deck of cards?
- Wednesday & Thursday — Open flights (qualifying rounds)
- On Wednesday and Thursday the Open fliers get two official flights each day and pick the best one score from each day to qualify for the semi-finals on Friday. The fliers are spread over three or four circles with about 15 to 20 fliers in each circle. Again, if you're a novice or beginner, it's still fun to see who's on your circle—will it be former World Champ Bob Giesecke, or first-time competitor Joe Bellcrank like yourself? Alright, swallow your Rolaids, make certain your fly is zipped, fuel up the tank, connect the handle, then reconnect the handle right side up, tie your shoes. Wynn, ask yourself for the fortieth time, "Is this really just a hobby?" and go out there and fly your patterns.
- After each flight you wipe off your airplane and run to the scoreboard to see what you got. See, there's your name right between Ted Fancher and Al Rabe. Hot dog! You got within a hundred points of those guys; wait 'til next year. "Maybe if I switch to a Max .40 and try a different paint scheme..."
- Then the lucky ones see who the top five in each circle are. These fliers advance to the semi-finals. If you are there "for the experience," you can now sit back, open up a brew, and watch the rest of the fun from the sidelines and not have to worry.
- Friday — Semi-finals (Walker Cup qualifiers)
- Friday, the top twenty qualifiers fly on two circles, one flight each, and add the scores to determine the five finalists for the Walker Cup on Saturday and to decide the final standings for places six through twenty. This is a good day for pictures as most of the really outstanding planes and pilots are in action. In addition, Friday always brings out those three or four people who always walk right through the pits and over the lines.
- Saturday — Finals and awards
- By Saturday we've whittled it down (no pun, Norman) to the top five Open fliers, the Junior champ, and the Senior champ. Three flights in the morning and it's all over: a new National Open Champ and a new Walker Cup winner. Then there is usually some guest flying of others' airplanes, followed by a general cleanup of the area.
Other events
- Half-A stunt contest
- Don't forget that sometime during the week the Half-A stunt contest is held, usually on Tuesday afternoon. Even after five years of Nationals exposure, this event is still considered in the "fun category" with not much nail-biting and there are even a few smiles present. Some good-looking machines are flying and yes, there are some profiles here also. So bring your Half-A to the Nats.
- Old Time Stunt (OTS)
- Another informal event, if you can find it, is Old Time Stunt. This year, with John Mike in charge of the OTS, there will probably be a sign announcing when and where the event will be held—a departure from recent years.
Saturday night — PAMPA Nats Banquet
Saturday night is the annual PAMPA Nats Banquet, which is a good time for all and has been well attended every year. Bill Werwage puts on a clean T-shirt, Al Rabe dons another brightly colored Hawaiian shirt, Bob White puts on a shirt and takes off his sunglasses. Les McDonald tells stories, Dennis Harkai stops flexing, Jim Casale stops practicing, Bob Baron never stops, Hemstrought and Powell stop changing engines, Wynn manages to smile once, Gary McClellan keeps smiling. Norm tells more Air Force stories, Keith Trostle presides, and all the trophies are given out.
The Nationals are a great happening, whether you are an SSF (serious stunt flier) or a rank novice. Come on out this year and take part.
For information on stunt or PAMPA contact Wynn Paul, 1640 Maywick Dr., Lexington, KY 40504.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
