RAFMAA THERMAL SOARING COMPETITION
RAF SCAMPTON 25-26 JUL 09

1.    The initial response and entry list was quite promising however once again a very high percentage of “no shows” over the weekend somewhat blunted the effect of what was otherwise a highly enjoyable (for Colin and me) two days. Therefore as I believe that regardless of numbers you must always run an event so as not to disappoint those who did attend the competition went ahead with the results as shown below.

2.    Saturday 25 Jul 09. Weather-wise a beautiful day. Sunny, warm and a light westerly wind. Ideal conditions, except wind direction, for an open thermal event. This event was carried out under the old (pre F3J) open rules. However due to the lack of entrants it was not possible to implement the percentage slot soaring system and all entrants flew singularly. Three rounds were flown with all launches from the electric winches supplied. Due to the fact that RAF Scampton is located on the top of the Lincolnshire edge, those old and bold fellows amongst us risked punching out far upwind in search of possible slope lift generated by the westerly breeze. It worked. Rule number one always study a map of the intended competition site. Surprise of the event was Mike Mathias who after being nearly frog marched with model to the launching point returned the longest flight of the event.
 

ELECTRO-SLOT
Saturday

3.    The Electro-slot competition format has over the last few years been the subject of much change. Therefore so as to encourage people to enter it was decided to basically throw away all restrictions on model, motor and battery. For each round a competitor was allowed one motor run up to a maximum of one minute. The theory being that the rocket ship electric models would be out of visual range in twenty seconds whilst the lower powered (cheaper) models could basically achieve the same height in sixty seconds. Once the motor was switched off the goal was to fly for a total period of ten minutes with a landing bonus on offer. Whilst not perfect for all conditions, overall the format worked well with no great advantage being held by one model type over another. Unfortunately there were no serving members with electric models so the old and bold were left to fight between themselves. Following my personal demonstration of how not to let the “red mist” of competition fever get in the way of common sense I made a complete cock up in front of the entire assembly and was forced to retire. The more mature entrants continued for a total of three rounds with the results as shown.
 

4.    By the end of play the wind had dropped to almost nothing and had the call of food and alcohol not raised its ugly head then the free flight models would have been out of the car.

5.    Sunday 26 Jul 09. The weather Gods having been kind the previous decided to restore the status quo and delivered and overcast sky with a fresh southerly wind. Due to the threat of rain all the hardy power fliers decided that the conditions were not suitable and packed up. In the meantime the Glider guiders set out a electric winch and enjoyed some sport flying, including thermal activity, until 1500hrs whereupon their better halves arrived and took them home for tea and medals.

6.    In summary those that attended enjoyed good flying within the bounds of a competitive event. I am still at a loss to understand why the RAFMAA competition events are continuing to suffer from a extremely low attendance, working upon the theory that a bad day’s model flying is better than a good day at work. This malaise is not only confined to one disciple, but appears to affect the whole spectrum of model flying. Are we doing something wrong? Is your committee not delivering events in which you wish to enter? Should we just drop the idea of competitive events and concentrate purely upon various Fun Fly gatherings? However in order to address these questions and hopefully correct them your feed back is required. With regard to the glider events please contact me with your thoughts, positive and negative. What would you like to see happen? What events would you like to enter? Nobody is infallible however whilst I will always try to run interesting and varying events I need your opinions upon what would motivate you. The sad fact which I fear is fast becoming reality is that should this rate of decline continue we will soon be in the business of arranging model events purely for the purpose of reunions and a once prosperous and proud organisation will disappear forever.


Neil Tricker
Gliding Sec