Radio Control: Soaring
Dan Pruss
Almost F3B
Soaring enthusiasts—mention the classification F3B and it can strike terror into hearts and thumbs. Many fliers reminisce about the last wing they saw fold on tow. But please read on.
In the early 1970s a three-task concept for sailplane competition (Duration, Distance, Speed) was proposed and the ideas eventually became part of the AMA rule book. The Italian Aero Club modified those rules and proposed them to the FAI, which led to the modern F3B format.
F3B is not as easy to manage as a straight-duration event, but its three tasks generate interest and can attract new followers—if clubs can find ways to schedule events that let newcomers participate without being outclassed by the latest world-champ designs.
Skip Miller (two-time U.S. team member and 1977 World Champion) suggested a club-friendly scoring scheme for the Speed task:
- Speed cap: any speed run completed in 13 seconds or less = 1,000 points.
- Flights slower than 13 seconds receive reduced scores, stepping down to 800 points at 17 seconds.
- Any flight greater than 17 seconds is scored 700 points (this serves as a floor).
- Any flight that crosses the center-line safety line would receive 700 points rather than the customary zero.
This format requires a support flier to spot and enforce the center-line rule. The Duration task would remain unchanged, so an enthusiast flying an older model (for example an Oly II) could still be competitive.
At team selection finals last year, a group of us discussed ways to introduce newcomers to F3B. Speed was identified as the biggest barrier—many duration fliers feel they have nothing competitive for speed. One proposal is a series of contests with a gradual speed-cap progression:
- Start the first contest with a generous speed cap (for example 17 seconds).
- Reduce the speed cap by one second in each following contest.
This lets new competitors ease into F3B flying over a season. Such a series needs clubs or leagues with long summer schedules, for example:
- East Coast Soaring League
- Great Lakes Soaring League
- Northwest Soaring Society
- S.C.2 (which ran an effective series last year)
Final suggestion: run the regular Duration/landing contests as usual, and at the end of the contest day offer the F3B Speed task as a separate, optional event. Allow interested fliers three runs in succession (score options: average the three, take the best, etc.). Depending on time and turnout, three-flight rounds can be used. Score Speed separately from Duration awards—this gives interested fliers something meaningful to compete in and exposes bystanders to the Speed task, which often draws a few who want a new challenge.
Snow Fly
Detroit’s annual winter bash was held February 15—this was their 11th straight year. The event drew 57 fliers and was CD’ed by Warren Tiahrt, who joked that our summer contests should be so good.
Results highlights:
- Unlimited: 17 entries; Eric Tiahrt won with 1,208 out of a possible 1,395.
- Standard: 37 entries; Bob Scott scored 1,024 for the best Standard-class result.
- Jr.-Sr.: Chris Corven won with 736.
- Two-Meter entries could fly in Standard or Unlimited; the CD recorded a 914 for that class.
If cabin fever hits in early February, consider holding off a couple weeks and heading to Detroit—the contests are tougher, but the turnout is solid and the winter camaraderie is worth it.
Soarcraft
Soarcraft is back on the scene under new owner Ken Wardrip. Scale enthusiasts will find models such as:
- Glasflügel 604
- Diamant
- Libelle
All have glass fuselages and built-up wings and tails. The Magnum 12 (148 in., Unlimited class) is also being revived; it features an all-glass fuselage with built-up wing and tail.
For literature and prices: Ken Wardrip / Soarcraft 251-D E. Hacienda Ave. Campbell, CA 95008
Airtronics
Lee Renaud has Airtronics operating again and the much-sought Sagitta sailplane kit is available. He also supplies hard-to-find parts for earlier planes (for example the Aquila)—canopies, tow hooks, wing wires, and other kit parts.
Contact: Lee Renaud / Airtronics 12160 Woodruff Ave. Downey, CA 90241
Archaeopteryx
Archaeopteryx (Jim Ealy) specializes in Scale three-views, plans, and some kits. The catalog includes sailplanes from the 1920s to the present, representing gliders from about 18 countries. Most plans are 1/5-scale, blue-line, and usually two sheets.
Available kits include:
- SG-38 (primary glider)
- Grunau Baby II
- Monarch C
- Tandem Tutor
The catalog also offers miscellaneous hardware and non-scale kits.
Write for information: Jim Ealy / Archaeopteryx
Transcribed from original scans by AI. Minor OCR errors may remain.
