Focus on Competition

FOCUS ON COMPETITION

A Note From the Technical Director

Bob Underwood

Seasons change. Stop lights change. Minds change—at least for some people. Most everything changes, however slightly. In fact, it is often stated that nothing is so consistent as change. Guess what! We have some changes to talk about this month.

For several years we have had a program for models that weigh between 55 and 100 pounds. By jumping through a few hoops, owners of such models could fly them, or have them flown, at sanctioned events for demonstration purposes. I'd love to say the program was a resounding success, but that would be stretching a point. If tallied, the actual number of models approved would use up the fingers and thumbs on two hands; a few were reapproved one or two times.

Recently, extensive changes have been made to the handbook and procedures involved with the program. I will not detail all the changes here, but several points should be noted since they may result in others desiring to qualify models. It should also be noted that the application process for modelers has been changed.

1. The wing-loading requirement has been increased from 48 ounces to 60 ounces per square foot. This change may result in more models able to qualify.
2. The number of flights required in the presence of an inspector has been reduced. Originally the document stated that 12 flights were required. Now the requirement is two flights.
3. Formerly, the Academy maintained a list of inspectors from each district appointed by the district vice presidents. A different procedure is now in place: individuals who wish to volunteer will apply to AMA Headquarters. If approved, the individual's name will be added to a pool of inspectors who may be called upon by Headquarters when someone requests an inspection.
4. If you have a model to be inspected or re-inspected, you need search no longer for an inspector. Just call Headquarters, and an inspector will be assigned from the pool.

If you wish to obtain a copy of the revised document, contact JoAnne Spampinato at Headquarters and request the Experimental Radio Control Inspector package, which contains the handbook and necessary forms.

Radio/FCC and Transmitter Issues

There always seems to be something changing in the radio control world. Of course, everyone is aware of the 92-235 wars, but there are other things as well.

As we reached toward June, the Academy asked legal counsel to check whether the FCC remembered that the Robinson Engineering waiver to place bridge cranes on model frequencies would expire in June. Robinson had requested permission to put equipment on our frequencies, but was refused because of objections from the Academy. Unfortunately, they had already accidentally put some in the field and requested a three-year waiver to move to legal frequencies. The Academy protested that timeframe as excessive, but we lost that battle.

At our request, the FCC issued a Public Notice informing users of Robinson Engineering equipment that the waiver period ended in June this year.

Are wideband transmitters legal? Yes—by FCC regulations they are legal until 1998. After that, continued use will be contrary to federal regulation. Will the AMA Safety Code be changed to reflect that legality? It would seem likely. Meanwhile, the AMA Safety Code presently requires a narrow-band transmitter for sanctioned events. Some clubs instituted a narrow-band requirement in January 1991 and have enjoyed smooth operation ever since; many others are now joining after becoming tired of interim plans that were only stopgaps.

A reminder: at the end of 1994, manufacturers of radio equipment and the Academy will drop the transmitter sticker program. As of March 1992, all new transmitters were required to be narrow band. The FCC granted a one-year period to clear out the sales pipeline, so after March of this year only narrow-band transmitters could be sold by manufacturers or dealers. In practice, all new transmitters have been narrow band for several years.

Clubs will ask, "How are we going to tell whether an unstickered transmitter is narrow band?" If it's new, no problem. If it's eight years old, next year's AMA Membership Manual will contain procedures that will make it possible for a club or an individual to determine whether a transmitter or receiver is narrow band.

The final vote for the 1994–95 rule proposals is in; you’ll find the results in the August issue. In about six months there will be more changes to the Competition Regulations. In a future column I'll editorialize a bit concerning what we've done with the rules. For now, the Contest Board chairpersons and I are hard at work trying to make certain the Competition Regulations get to you in a timely fashion.

Contact and Logistics

One more change: the Academy will have pretty much completed its move to Muncie by the time you read this. Paper in my file will start to accumulate rapidly. As you may recall, I will be operating on a part-time basis, since I have to be on the road several weeks each month in my home in St. Louis. That phone number does not exist at the time of this writing—in fact, the house does not exist yet! We will try to provide that information as soon as possible.

In the meantime you may be able to contact me at the AMA Headquarters building in Reston by calling (703) 435-6083. If that doesn't work, call Muncie and ask for JoAnne or Chip. They'll know how I can be reached or will take your number so I can call you back.

Keep in touch!

Noise Measurement Procedures

• Measurements should be made prior to each flight. If a concrete or macadam surface is not available, the measurement may be taken over bare earth or very short grass, in which case the maximum noise level will be 94 dB.
• In the case of multiengine models, the noise measurement will be taken at three meters from the closest engine to the noise meter; the maximum noise level will be the same as for single-engine models.
• If a model fails the noise test, no indication shall be given to the pilot, his team, or the judges. The model shall be impounded by the flight line official immediately following the flight. No modification or adjustment to the model shall be permitted (other than refueling).
• The model shall be retested by a second noise steward using a second noise meter; if the model fails the retest, the score for the preceding flight shall be zero.
• The flight time will be interrupted while the noise check is being made. The competitor shall not be delayed more than 30 seconds for the noise check.
• The sonometers will be of good quality with a test system (reference noise). Effective 1993.

RC Scale Rule Changes (Rule 6.3.1)

• Maximum surface area: 250 dm2.
• Maximum weight of the model without fuel, including any dummy pilot:
• Single-engine models: 7 kg
• Twin-engine models: 8 kg
• Models with more than two engines: 9 kg
• Motive power:
• Piston motor: 80 cm3
• Rocket or pulse jet: may not be used.
• Maximum thrust for turbine motor: 10 kg. Liquified gas fuels are excluded.
• Electric motors: maximum voltage of power source 42 volts (30 Ni-Cd cells in a row).

Note: This rules out the use of currently available turbine engines because their fuel is propane gas. Effective 1997.

Under noise measurement for RC Scale, in the case of multiengine models the noise measurement will be taken at three meters from the closest engine to the noise meter, and the maximum noise level will be the same as for single-engine models. Effective 1993.

Annex 6A — Judges Guide for Static Judging

• 6.1.10 Judging: Delete the words "who is not the contestant" from the first sentence. This allows the competitor to position the model himself if he desires.
• 6.1.10.2 Color: Amend the second paragraph to read: Consideration should be given to the greater effort involved in reproducing multicolored finishes or the more difficult shades to simulate polished metal, etc., compared to models that feature only one or two basic colors.
• 6.1.10.3 Markings: Delete the last sentence relating to complexity.
• 6.1.10.5 Craftsmanship: Amend to read: Models should be checked for quality of workmanship, with particular reference to filling of grain, clean sharp edges—especially trailing edges of wings and tail surfaces—correct gaps at hinge lines of control surfaces, close fit where wiring is attached to fuselage, and general fineness. Check for any components that have not been made by the contestant (see 6.1.9.4d) and adjust the mark awarded accordingly.

All Judges' Guide changes effective 1993. A number of these rule changes are effective immediately and will be used in our team trials at Muncie in August. Judges can now really scrutinize the model.

1994 Scale World Championships and Turbojet Fuel Ruling

The 1994 Scale World Championships will be held in The Netherlands in August at the air force base Deelen and the National Sports Center in Papendal (located in Arnhem, about 60 miles southeast of Amsterdam).

The F4 Scale Technical Subcommittee meeting was attended by representatives from 11 nations, with two from the U.S. Don Lowe attended and provided firsthand experience operating the French turbojet engine. There was a proposal that would have made its operation legal in a Scale contest; Don warned of the extreme fire hazard. The committee went on record to specify that "liquified gas fuels are excluded." Thus, the existing turbojet engine is excluded from use in Scale contests until a new rule book is published in 1997. A turbojet engine using safer fuels—which would be acceptable—may emerge before then.

CIAM '93 REPORT

by Terry Edmonds

Soaring Discipline and Organizational Changes

Rolf Girsberger, Soaring subcommittee chairman, announced he would be stepping down. Thomas Bartosky from the Czech Republic was elected as the new chairman.

The new 1993 FAI Sporting Code, which includes all past rules changes, has been printed and is available from AMA. Action was taken at the meeting on a few clarification proposals that have immediate effect.

F3B

• A proposal to better define when a competitor is allowed a new working time because the launch cable has been crossed or fouled by another competitor was adopted. The intent is to award a new working time if the competitor is hindered from launching.
• Rule 5.3.1,5.a: Page 68, paragraph 3 is amended to replace "prior to" with "at the point of." This clarification is effective immediately.
• Timekeeping: Because most digital stopwatches read in greater resolution than tenths of a second, timekeepers must round off times for recording. Rule 5.3.2.5.c is amended to read: "The flight time, in seconds, is recorded to at least two decimal places when in gliding flight the model..." This changes the recording method and is effective immediately.

F3J

Class F3J rules are in the 1993 Sporting Code. A proposal to define what happens if a model touches a pilot or helper on landing was adopted. Rule 5.6.5 was amended: "f) If the model touches either the pilot or his helpers during the landing maneuver, then no landing points will be given." This clarification is effective immediately.

F3I — Aero-Tow Gliders (Provisional)

Class F3I attained FAI provisional status a few years ago. France, originator of the event, proposed extensive changes; only a few countries are involved so there was no opposition. Changes (Supplement to the Sporting Code) include:

1. 5.6.1.2 — A round includes two tasks, each attempted after aero-tow release at 200 meters above ground level:

• One speed task: 1,000 meters distance flight performed on a 250-meter course.
• One duration task: flights with a maximum duration of eight minutes and a precision landing.
• Both tasks must be performed with the same glider without any change of parts (except in case of a collision with another model in flight).
• Reason: Increase number of rounds and discard the lowest round score for final results; balance between tasks improved.

1. 5.6.1.3 — Definition of the speed course: During the speed task, the timed flight shall take place to one side of the safety line while all judges/timekeepers remain on the other side. The side to be flown is chosen by the organisers. The flight is annulled if, when sighted by means of an optical aid, the safety line is crossed by part of the model. Reason: safety; similar to F3B speed task rule.

1. 5.6.4.4.a — Maximum flying weight 5 kg; loading on the St (maximum) 75 g/dm2. The mass must be identical for the two tasks in each round. Reason: Models with variable geometry or area are now allowed.

1. 5.6.2.4 Launching:

• 5.6.2.4.f: "The same type of measuring apparatus shall be used for all flights in the same task." Reason: Organisers may use several tow planes equipped with the same type of automatic altimeter.
• 5.6.2.4.g: Delete obsolete sentences regarding the official timer and the altitude of 200 m.

1. 5.6.2.5 Definition of an attempt:

• 5.6.2.5.d (new): For the speed task, after release from the tow line and before the model has crossed Base B, the competitor may signal his intention to relaunch (reflight) and ask for a second attempt. The pilot shall land his glider within 90 seconds after release from the tow line. Reason: Current rule was unfair when a model is released in bad conditions.

1. 5.6.3 Scoring:

• 5.6.3.c (duration task partial score): Ps = 1000 x Tc / Bt - PP where:
• Tc = competitor's partial points (Pc + Ep + Ec)
• Bt = partial points of the best competitor in the group = (Pc + Ep + Ec)
• Pc = points awarded to the competitor
• Ep = extra points for landing
• Ec = penalty points
• Reason: Penalty points must be "awarded" to a competitor even if he performs the best flight in his group; penalty for the partial score is limited to a loss of 200 points.

1. 5.6.3.c (Final Score): Amend to read: The final classification for each competitor is compiled by adding the scores of each round (round score: partial score for duration task plus partial score for speed per speed task) but the lowest round score is canceled. When less than four rounds are flown, all round scores are added to obtain the final score. Reason: see 5.6.1.2.

F3F and F3H

No proposals presented for these provisional events.

World Championships and Scheduling Issues

• The Aero Club of Israel will host the 1993 F3B World Championships, August 6–15. CD: Arick Sinai.
• A firm offer for a July 1994 F3J World Championships was made by Slovakia, but it was not considered at the Plenary because F3J cannot attain WC status until March 1994. It is uncertain whether Slovakia will make another offer given the short preparation time.
• If a 1994 F3J WC is not possible, then 1995 would be the next opportunity—the same year as the next F3B WC. Considerable debate continues about the desirability of two World Championships in one year.

In summary, FAI Soaring rules seem to be achieving stability. Only minor clarifications and one set of extensive changes for a provisional event were made. Remember, the purpose of provisional events is to try out new ideas.

CONTEST REPORT — Precision Duration (Annual Sailplane Contest)

Perkins, Dale Nutter (this year's Grand Champion), Mike Reagan, and many others participated. We can all benefit from the opportunity to watch and learn from these experts.

The second day of competition was devoted entirely to Precision Duration. The day began with a three-minute round in the early morning air, followed by a five-minute and a seven-minute round. The format worked, and the pilots were happy with the amount of flying time they were able to get in.

Prizes were handed out to the winners after the valiant efforts of our scorekeeper and his assistant. A bug in the scoring program caused embarrassment when it was discovered that several scores were not added into the totals for several pilots in the top 10 places. Ah, the wonders of computers—they will only do what you tell them to do, not what you want them to do!

The second day was rounded off with a raffle sponsored by the host club. Raffle items had been donated by major supporters of the sport: Airtronics, Futaba, Model Builder magazine, Sig, RC Soaring Digest, Hi-Tech R/C U.S.A., and local suppliers like Lyntronics.

We also thank those who assisted with partial donations: Tecoar, Larry Myrick, Lone Star Models, Aerospace Composites, Pony X Press, Tower Hobbies, Coverite, Pierce Aero Products, Greco Technologies, and Layne/Urwyler.

No contest of this size can be organized without many helpers. Special recognition goes to club equipment manager Dave Wenzlick; scorekeeper and treasurer Ed Parrish; and club newsletter editor and all-around administrative coordinator Chuck Woffendorff—without whom this contest would not have happened. Thanks, guys.

This contest is now a five-year tradition. It will continue to be the first major sailplane contest of the year, held annually on the first full weekend of February.

Y'all come next year.

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