Control Line: Aerobatics
Wynn Paul
Supplies
Here's more information on supplies, since it is evident that Stunt fliers must find parts wherever they can. John Poynter is still making foam wings, but be prepared for a wait of up to two months—simply because he is snowed under and is trying to put out a good product. He has switched to using epoxy glue to adhere the balsa skins, and it takes from two to four hours per wing to finish the job. So, don't order in May and expect to have it ready for the Nationals! Write John at 10261 Janice Lynn, Cypress, CA 90630; tel. (213) 596-9053. For a while, John had some trouble with the skins lifting, but the use of epoxy glue has cured (no pun) this problem; John is a very conscientious person who wants his product to be well made and is willing to take the time to achieve that end.
Mufflers
The muffler selection has been somewhat depleted with the demise of Gene Martines' outstanding muffler. However, I sent off for—and quickly found in my mailbox—one of Jim Hunt's mufflers, designed and used for years by his son, Bob Hunt, on his famous Genesis airplanes. This little gem weighs in at a svelte 11.5 grams! These are made to fit the OS Max .40 and .45 FSR engines and the HP .40s; I hope that Jim will turn out some to fit the popular ST .46 in the future. Write him at JH Design and Sales Co., P.O. Box 599, Saddle Brook, NJ 07662-0599. The cost of the muffler is $15.00, plus $2.00 for postage and handling.
Contest Planning and PAMPA
Now is the time for you to be planning the contest calendar for next summer. Put in your two cents' worth at the local club meetings, and demand that PAMPA classes be incorporated into the contest for next season. Remember that there are four basic PAMPA classes:
- Expert (AMA scoring average at 500 and over)
- Advanced (scoring 400–499)
- Intermediate (300–399)
- Beginner (under 300)
Point out to the Contest Director that the addition of classes to the contest will most likely mean more contestants turning out, with the resultant increase in entry fees collected. Also, point out that the additional paperwork is minimal and easily taken care of by the event director. Mention that, in many instances, fliers in one class can judge other classes, which helps in securing workers for the contest. And, finally, point out that the PAMPA category system is now used in just about every "Big Time" contest around the U.S.
PAMPA Official Statement
Speaking of contests, there was this "Big Time" contest held last summer, called the Nats, and we had a couple of protests filed concerning qualifications, judges, etc. This has brought forth an official statement by Precision Aerobatics Model Pilots Association President Keith Trostle (who has since been succeeded by Arlie Preszler) which includes the following statements:
"PAMPA will initiate action through the Nats Executive Committee so that future Nats entry blanks will provide details which explain the Precision Aerobatics event procedures, including the qualifications and finals process.
"The PAMPA officers, as members of the Precision Aerobatics Advisory Committee to the Control Line Contest Board, will submit a change proposal during the new rules-change cycle starting in 1982 that will define Nats conduct of the PA event in the rule book. This proposal will be written in general terms, which will allow continuation of the evolutionary changes and adjustments that PAMPA has been making since it became responsible for running the Nats PA event in 1974.
"The solution to this matter, and the support we have for it now and in the future from all levels of the AMA, is a result of a good working relationship between PAMPA and the AMA which has evolved over the last eight years. The fact that PAMPA and the AMA are able to work this out despite considerable amounts of misinformation is a strong indication of the positive relationship between the two groups. It is only through this kind of relationship that the interests of the Precision Acrobatics enthusiast can best be served."
Tank and Fuel Protection
Use tubing underneath and rubber tubing over the tank wires for protection. The fuel filter may need frequent cleaning at first on a new tank.
Engines
The Fox Combat Special Mark III has been the standard engine for the Dragon. Future models will feature the Mark IV, which I have not yet had the opportunity to test. Supertigre G2s have been used with some loss of speed, and an OS .36 has been used with some success in local contests. The OS equals the Fox in speed, but adds too much weight for good maneuverability, in my opinion.
The Fox consistently pulls the Dragon at 92 to 94 mph on 15% nitro. One exceptional engine was able to break 100 several times on 30%. When they get under 90, something is wearing out.
My only modifications are to replace the rear bearing with a Hoover-NSK R8 78 and to use a Supertigre needle valve assembly. The venturi insert is wrapped in polyethylene plastic to form an air seal. The head clearance is set at .015 to .018 in. This is essential to good performance. Break-in is via bench running with a 9-6 prop cut to 8 in. Lapping is only required on certain very tight replacement pistons and sleeves. I like the Fox because it runs right out of the box and doesn't take my time away from more important things (like fuel tanks).
Flying
The completed airplane should weigh 26.5 ounces and balance at 25% of the chord, slightly outboard of the thrust line. The side-mounted engine, leadout position, and offset wing provide all the line tension necessary. I do not recommend tip weight, engine out-thrust, or rudder offset.
Make the initial test flight with the engine set on the rich side until you become familiar with needing an engine on the chicken hopper tank. Foamies can become warped in covering or assembly, so check it out, and use the iron or trim tabs to correct a warp. If the plane feels too sluggish, go to a more aft CG or more control. I've never had one come out tail-heavy yet. Top Flite 9-5s or 9-6s cut to 8-6 work well.
When you have four Dragons tested and trimmed out, you should be ready for any contest.
Contest Results and Categories
Bill Lindemann, Metuchen, NJ, wrote in to question how the results of the Winston-Salem CL Championships showed Novice/Beginner scores of 454, 442, and 431. Well, that's a good question and does show that voluntary placing, as we usually allow the contestants to seed themselves in the category of their choice, doesn't always work out in the numbers. However, let's also remember that what is a 454 in one region may not be that in another, because of judging differences, abilities of the competitors, etc. The scores are not shown for the Advanced and Expert categories. The results of the contest were not sent to this writer; however, I can surmise that the Experts probably scored 520 and over, with the Advanced falling somewhere between 450 and 500.
What this says is that the PAMPA categories don't always work right down the line, and since the contest management still refuses to have all four categories at the Winston-Salem meet, then there will necessarily be some place where the scores will be off the usual scale. This is one place where Richard Byron's records of pilots' scores would come in handy for the contest management as a reference guide. Perhaps we could get copies of the pilots' rankings sent to the major contests to be used as a cross-check for the categories?
One thing that this writer has seen at some contests has been that after the first round scores were posted, there was some shuffling of categories, usually resulting in fliers moving UP (not DOWN) into the next highest category. I do not have the latest listing of scoring averages from Dick Byron, but perhaps these three fliers with the scores in the 400s just got some generous judges, and all three proceeded to fly "out of their gourds." Anyway, in the overall picture, the PAMPA categories have been a tremendous help to the Stunt event. As to whether or not the PAMPA categories ever get into the Nationals (and let's not get into that discussion again right now), they certainly have helped bring up attendance and have promoted more competition in the last several years since the category system has been in use.
Remember, an instruction sheet for using PAMPA categories is available from the writer, as well as suggestions on how to run a local contest.
Contact
For further information on Stunt or PAMPA, write Wynn Paul, 1640 Maywick Dr., Lexington, KY 40504.
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
