Jul 12, 2024
Reported by Gerry Garing
Once again, we were greeted to a great morning at the field albeit the grass was still quite wet from yesterday’s storm, however, nothing delayed John Boyko’s 8:30 pilot meeting. The registration area was kept busy with those yet to register. In the meantime, static judging was under way handling the remaining half of the planes from yesterday. We had about an hour before round 1 was set to begin at 1:30.
This year’s NATS is using 4 flight lines. There are considerations which complicate what appears to be an easy task. For example, it is important that all pilots in one class are judged by the same sets of judges for consistency. The second consideration is some pilots are flying in two different classes. Therefore, their flights must be staggered to prevent flying at the same time. Only a few minutes were required to sort out the bugs.
Seems like a never-ending conversation is a need to attract new scale fliers, particularly young ones. 16-year-old Jack Satterfield, and his mother Linda, showed up this morning to compete in his first scale contest. Jack has been flying aerobatics and 3D maneuvers with his Extreme Flight 64” WS MXS.
He spent yesterday visiting the aeromodelling center to see the various events. At the end of the day, it was the RC Scale event that captured his interest. He went home to learn more through YouTube videos and returned today to register. John Boyko spent time explaining the appropriate class for him and what he would need to do during a flight. Others were eager to lend him advice after which he immediately flew a practice flight to put words into action.
When asked what attracted him to scale, I was surprised to hear him say the challenge. He said flying scale is not easy because it requires precision and discipline. His goal for this winter is to build a Kawasaki K-61 Tony kit for next year. How refreshing to see the interest in building!!
Before round 1, the 8 flight judges assembled to critique and discuss a demonstration flight by Will Berninger and his T-34. The goal is to bring agreement and consistency among judges. Round 1 began about 15 minutes later and wrapped up at 4:30 PM. Once all the scores were in and tabulated, pilots were given their static and 1st round flight scores. See the photos for the scores.
Just like yesterday, brief but heavy rain moved in at the end of the day not long after round 1 was concluded. Mike Barbee once again treated guests to a Friday evening pizza party. While the idea is to kick back and socialize, things get very quiet once the food arrives! It’s off for some much-needed rest until we are back at 8:30 tomorrow morning.
Contest Director John Boyko’s 8:30 AM Pilot meeting.
Tim Dickey, assisted by Jack Buckley, assembled the Romania-bound FAI F4C Waco, Cabin.
Larry Folk’s 1/3 Scale Cub lined up on final approach.
Royal Aircraft F.E.8 was designed, built, and flown by Keith Numbers breaking ground.
Which is rarer? Full-scale Curtis Pusher or a model Curtis Pusher? This model built by Larry Barr flies as good as it looks.
Jeff Pike’s B-24 was built from a Jack Stafford kit. Engine problems kept this good-looking model grounded for round 1. Let’s hope it gets sorted out for round 2.
Scores from Friday
Jul 12, 2024
Reported by Gerry Garing
The RC Scale NATS kicked off on a beautiful Thursday morning. Some pilots arrived the day before and were already set up while others began arriving this morning. Light winds, clear blue sky, and temps in the mid-70s were perfect for practice flying. A welcome change from Wednesday’s rain and 25 mph winds all courtesy of hurricane Beryl! The afternoon brought some warmer temps and higher humidity levels, but after all, it is mid-July.
Today was a set-up and practice day. The beauty of scale modeling is the variety of aircraft at a contest. This one is no different with subjects ranging from a pre-World War I pusher to several turbine-powered jet fighters. An outstanding Piper Cub, a designer scale Kraft Super-Fli, a Fly-Baby, and an Ercoupe are a few of the more unique airplanes entered this year. Registration remains open till noon tomorrow (Friday), so I’m anxious to see what’s yet to arrive.
Following nearly 2 years of preparation, the FAI team of Jack Buckley, Mike Barbee, Tim Dickey, and Team Manager Steve Eagle are on hand preparing for the World Championships next month in Romania. They are all flying practice airplanes at the NATS this year to avoid any mishaps that could jeopardize the team’s chances. Don’t be misled by the term “practice” airplane. These are competitive airplanes by any measure!
Static Judging began shortly after Noon. Airplanes entered in Sportsman Scale (both sport and expert), Designer Scale, Team Scale, and Open Scale require static judging. The Static Score is worth a maximum of 100 points. Each round of Flight is worth a maximum of 100 points. The pilot’s best 2 rounds of flying are averaged together for the final flight score which is then is added to the Static Score.
The official AMA rules are revised every 2 years. This is the first year that Fun Scale has been renamed Pro-AM. Pro-Am does not include static judging. The only requirement is that the model represents a full-scale aircraft. A picture is presented to the judges as proof after which the airplane is awarded 5 points. Additionally, the model does not need to be constructed by the pilot. Pro-Am is divided into a Sport category for novice pilots and a Pro category for those with experience flying scale contests. To level the competition, Pro-Am pro is further divided based on the aircraft’s performance. Jets and aerobatic vs. general aviation types for example.
Today’s activities were cut short at about 4:00 PM by an unexpected 30-minute heavy rainstorm. The rain let up after which some packed up for the day and headed out to dinner. Others remained on site and took advantage of the beautiful evening for additional flight time. Tomorrow’s weather outlook calls for partly sunny and light winds. However, the risk of a shower or thunderstorm can’t be ruled out.
Scheduled for tomorrow is an 8:30 AM pilot’s meeting. Registration and static judging will wrap up in the morning and Round 1 of flying will begin at Noon.
Larry Folk, assisted by his grandson, Nicholas Kelty assembling the 1/3 Scale Fly Baby.
A team effort is required to assemble Mike Wolvin’s (C) F9F Cougar.
Beautiful Kraft Super Fly, designed and built by Brian Peterson from Plattsmouth, NE. Dave made his molds for the cowl and wheel pants.
Steve Shurick’s Royal Aircraft SE5A is assembled and ready to go.
Scorekeeper Jan Merenberg’s job this weekend is just beginning as she adds registered pilot data into the scoring program.
Colorful Stearman of Tim Dickey on the table for static judging.
Larry Barr’s not often modeled Curtis Pusher.
Close-up the Pusher’s pilot and “cockpit”.
District 3 Vice President, Randy Adams with his 1/3 Scale Nieuport 17.
Close-up of the strut detail on Randy’s Nieuport.
Static Judges, Jim Martin (near) and Jeff Grant compare reviewing a model’s documentation. Looking on Juan Cruz who participated in the judging seminar recently held in Muncie.
Contest Director, John Boyko, pondering his options as heavy rain continues.
Jul 25, 2023
We have added the F4C (R/C Scale) to our teams for the 2024 FAI competition. If you would like to compete in this class please plan on attending the NASA Scale Classic. If you have any questions, please contact Allen Gooff at [email protected]
Apr 8, 2023
This is an overview of the event, not about the winners or losers but some of the competitors, aircraft in both F4C and F4H class as well as the pit area, and I believe a couple of shots of the runway and field area. In speaking to a friend who was there this past December, everything seemed about normal for Romania. The field is located on the outskirts of Ploiesti, which is still producing oil for Europe. This WC took place the last of July as I remember and I did take shots of one airplane in particular an Albatros DVa with electric power and an internal mounted O.S. 48 Surpass to generate sound, yea mounted inside the fuselage.
Also note the model boxes, as we need to check with the TSA or airlines to see what is allowed to fly now.
Note how team colors are worn to all official events. They are usually not worn on the “Nations night” held in the past on Wednesday night, where food, adult beverages and other bits are offered from all over the world. I would have brought Jack Daniels to the party but here in the USA we would have to buy it over there instead of being able to bring it from home.
Everyone dressed in official uniforms for the beginning, static judging, flights, and ending ceremony.
Hope you have questions and I’ll do my best to answer them.
Cheers, Stan Alexander
