RE: Atchafalaya Basin RC Pattern Championships (Baton Rouge, LA) May 18-19
Thanks, everybody that came to the contest, for supporting our club. Special people include Barney Miller's girlfriend Chris, who cooked the hamburgers and served concessions; Stacey Retherford who ran scores and filled in everywhere she could; Matt Frederick for running the scoring, and Bryan Hebert for handling the judging. Andy's Hobby Towne of Baton Rouge sponsored the trophies, in large measure, and we appreciate them as well. Andy's has sponsored many, many events in our area over the years, and has been a faithful source to modelers here. Thanks, Andy! We flew three days with no rain, but some wind; killed one buzzard with an aircraft, ate one hundred pounds of crawfish and almost thirty pounds of catfish in addition to seventy hamburgers over the three days. It was a great weekend, and I'm already planning to make next year even better. See everybody in Jetero next, or Muncie! Brian Clemmons
Posted on: 5/19/2013 6:27 PM by Author "protectedpilot" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11516530

RE: Atchafalaya Basin RC Pattern Championships (Baton Rouge, LA) May 18-19
Weekend forecast for the Atchafalaya Basin RC contest. Updated Friday morning at 10:00AM. Looks wonderful for pattern!
Posted on: 5/17/2013 8:08 AM by Author "protectedpilot" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11512851

RE: F3A Results - SPOILER
[/quote] Which setup ispreferrable is what makes for a good horse race My choice -is predicated on betting that batteries will keep improving. Right now it's nip n tuck on having batteries which will work for the time/load needed . Complicate the electricsetup (decrease efficiency) and the batteries have to supply more power -or be larger /heavier -or have greater capacity or C ratings If batteries get 20% better at the same weight - then the edge for electric wins going away My opinion. [/quote] We've been at odds several times, but I agree, with small reservations, with this statement. It is, indeed, nip tuck for the 7 to 8 minutes required. And I do believe we will cross that bridge one day, maybe tomorrow or the next day. Soon. And it made for a good horse race in Muncie last month. Exciting, even. And the electric won. But the IC made it a horse race. Enough so that there are several pilots at the top who are reconsidering their current choices. I think the real bear for electrics right now is the power falloff during the flight. IC pulls even better as the flight progresses, due to expended fuel making the plane lighter. There certainly is no power dropoff at the end of the tank, until fuel is expended completely. But MY choice is predicated on what I like; nothing wrong with that, either. There are advantages to either propulsion, but if we see more patterns like the Unknown 1 in Muncie, in similar winds..... advantage IC. I can appreciate the absolute viability of electric flight, however. One person that was not given enough credit in Muncie was AC Glenn. Last man up, winds absolutely howling by this time. Several of us judges were certain he would smoke a pack and force landing; but he didn't back off a single bit. I'd like to know the truth about how many pilots did smoke packs that day. AC certainly did, I'm sure Joseph did as well. All of them got the job done, but many of them paid for it later. The IC just had another day at the field. Said it before, sayin it again; WOW! those guys really did a great job this year. It was thrilling to see. Brian
Posted on: 8/7/2012 4:07 PM by Author "protectedpilot" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11184783

RE: F3A Results - SPOILER
Tony, you just aren't getting my point. Relax, let others talk. We don't need content police. I enjoy seeing the various points of view. I am glad some people had a good day in those hellish winds at the team trials. I think, at the less, IC proved it is still relevant. There is no need to take everything personally. Mike Hester once had a cute way of describing this, you know. He told Everatt that when the football team went to a huddle, he thought they were talking about HIM One thing for sure, there aren't many models out there designed specifically for IC. Maybe that will change. Hope so. Brian
Posted on: 8/7/2012 7:12 AM by Author "protectedpilot" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11184119

RE: F3A Results - SPOILER
[quote]ORIGINAL: TonyF You got me there. I forgot about Quique. I stand corrected. My apologies to Quique. I was just thinking about the last time you won the F3A WC. Still a great accomplishment. But according to Brian Clemmons it's no longer relevant. Sorry! [/quote] Not sure how, or even the necessity for, my name being included here. Ah, well. Still, it brings to mind, Chip has quite a few WC's medal from not only individual accomplishments, but Team medals as well. Some are even recent. I'll bet that Individual gold has the best memories, though ;) The Gold Team medal in 1999 is another I recall fairly well. I have a picture of that Team on my wall. You've given us more than one good memory, Chip! Brian
Posted on: 8/6/2012 10:23 PM by Author "protectedpilot" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11183798

RE: F3A Results - SPOILER
[quote]ORIGINAL: TonyF Now the beat down begins. I stand by the fact that what I have presented is correct in the science. Not everyone here can say that. Go back and read what Bryan Hebert has posted. He has been extremely insulting to me and anyone else who in the slightest disagrees with him. Some others the same. I was only trying to correct the errors and misconceptions about technical items posted here. Now Brian Clemmons piles on. Brian, you have twisted what I have posted here into something you ''think'' I have posted and then just outright lied about it. Shame on you. This thread started with congratulations to the winner and the Team and was diverted by Bryan talking up his model and powerplant and then claiming that everyone serious about F3A is going to have to switch or lose. I wasn't the first to start to object to that claim, but apparently I got the most attention. I also know that some have posted incorrect information to divert away from the facts. Shame on them too. I agree. Go by what the designers of the winning models are doing. And at this years Nats it was a large fuselage monoplane powered by an electric motor. 'nuff said. [/quote] Tony, I don't think I ever mentioned your name. Matter of fact, I know I didn't. Didn't mention any name at all, for that matter. Nor can you point to any statement of mine which can be construed as a 'lie'. I made not one single assertation of fact, purposely. Science? Dubious. Emperical data is probably best. That's why I listen to the guys that actually design airplanes, which win, currently. And I DID major in Engineering. It drives me nuts trying to apply it to models. That has never worked for me. Probably has something to do with Reynold's numbers, but I can't say. I also minored in Ancient Lit, so I do know how to present my words more or less appropriately. Please don't select generic statements of opinion and apply them where you will in any manner you choose and then hold me accountable for it. For what it is worth, the 'winners' flew an electric monoplane, an electric biplane, and an IC biplane. I was actually there. Front row seat, even. Shame on me? No, shame on you for acting the bully by playing at being a victim. Tony, you're a great pilot with an admirable rich history and have no need to push people around here. Bryan was happy about the finish Brett had using his design. Why tear that down? Can you let a fellow have a good day, and an opinion about IC without resorting to making claims you have been insulted? It is ok to have differing opinions, there is nothing sinister here. We all share our views and our experiences, (some of us don't actually fly pattern; not that it impedes the flow of opinion) hopefully to our collective betterment. I, too, FEEL that IC engines will make somewhat of a comeback, to a certain extent due to the success Brett had with Bryan's design. We will know the truth next summer. I still like cake more than pie, biplanes more than monoplanes and have yet to denigrate any particular individuals opinion in this thread, although I have been drawn into a statement of fact or two. Pray do not tempt me further ;) Brian
Posted on: 8/6/2012 9:56 PM by Author "protectedpilot" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11183781

RE: F3A Results - SPOILER
[quote]ORIGINAL: Passport1 Tuny, Alejandro, and Bryan I have known you guys for quite a while and although we have had differences in opiniouns I have always respected you. Please don't hold the rude comments that I read earlier in these posts against us here in the US. Most pattern flyers in this Country as well as world wide are great guys. The internet is a wonderful thing but like all great inventions it has its weak points. I am sure my grammer is not perfect, as well as my english but I hope that I am able to get my point across. These are things that work for me or ideas that I may be concidering. I am sure there are 1000 different ways to do this stuff and I hope that I am not insulting anyone, especially modelers of your stature. Sincerely Chip Hyde [/quote] Chip, I tell everybody what I told you in Muncie..."I never count Chip out. He can turn it on in a New York second." Your talent is your best feature, but you've really shown a lot of people how be gracious in defeat (if one can call Team alternate a defeat). Keep up the good work, I love to watch you fly. Always have. Brian
Posted on: 8/6/2012 8:17 PM by Author "protectedpilot" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11183683

RE: F3A Results - SPOILER
[quote]ORIGINAL: apereira This thread is really going in the wrong direction..... I just wonder how did this thread got to this? [/quote] As one that has been lurking, I'd like to answer this one.... I've read a bunch of stuff that I'd like to condense, perhaps paraphrase a bit..... "I know everything there is to know about airplanes because I USED to be somebody." Huh? "I know everything there is to know about model airplanes because I've worked where smart guys were" Osmosis? Libertarian "I know everything there is to know about model airplanes and if you don't believe me, you can ask me" Circular, Republican "You don't know anything about airplanes because your spelling/grammer/diction isn't perfect" I really LOVE that one! Shoot the messenger, kill the message, so very Democratic "I can make up facts more convincingly than anyone, it must be so" Nanner nanner, boo boo, Socialistic "Fixed gear have less drag than NO gear" (retracts retracted) WOW! This one defies any classification, just plain old dumb "listen to ME, I use aeronautical terms convincingly" Boring Folks, it seems simple to me..... listen to the guys that have current winning designs. They probably know what they are saying, regardless of how they say it, or how they learned it. It all boils down to that; who is designing planes that are winning contests today? Also, it matters who won contests last year and the year before. Five or ten years (even more) past are just that. Past. Great memories, but not relevant. AOA, downthrust, upline lift; nothing but smoke screen. I listen to the guys that design airplanes that win today. The rest is fluff. History, pride and ego. So now all of the wannabees can pile onto me, accusing me of disrespect, correcting my grammer/word choices/political affiliation/lack of having beat Hanno back in the day/halitosis or whatever. Me, I like glow power. Like. It is a subjective choice; I like the sound and I like flying more than eight minutes at a time. I also feel it performs a bit better in the wind, all things being equal. I like vanilla ice cream with fudge syrup, think that downthrust is weird (I mean, really; point the airplane one way and the motor a different direction? Really?) and vote exactly how I want to without once considering the drag coefficients of wings on up lines. My own personal airplane guru sets it up, and he's had his designs compete successfully in several WC's. Click 'Like' if you know who it is. That's all I need to know, it is enough. And I double dog dare anybody to disagree, logically, with a word of it. This thread has been like a train wreck; can't look away, but it is just awful. Brian
Posted on: 8/6/2012 7:59 PM by Author "protectedpilot" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11183661

RE: Great Team Trials!
One thing I'd like to mention, as one of the judges sitting in the chair during this flight: the WIND. All of the pilots had a tremendous wind to contend with. At one point, six large men laid hold to the tent we judges were under to hold it down. One contestant flew outside of the box backwards, having pulled a tad late for the knife edge cuban (unknowns) and being carried past the poles by forward momentum and the wind. Backwards. It was wild, and an awesome sight to behold, how the finalists handled the wind; three better than others, congratulations Andrew, Jason and Brett. Brian
Posted on: 7/29/2012 10:29 AM by Author "protectedpilot" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11173357

RE: Post your Nats Photos here!
[quote]ORIGINAL: mjfrederick Yeah, my buddy said he was looking for me... [:D] [/quote] If anybody sees him, let him know Matt and I are looking for him.
Posted on: 7/25/2012 8:30 PM by Author "protectedpilot" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11169552

RE: Post your Nats Photos here!
I hear everat carpentar is here in Muncie...... Anybody seen him?
Posted on: 7/25/2012 8:20 PM by Author "protectedpilot" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11169536

RE: Experimental pattern plane wing design
I am going to step out on a limb here and recommend you rule out a Clark Y air foil. After that, you need to figure out desired wing loading and planned speed envelope. Wing position and C/G will determine sweep. This is not an easy question, simply asking shows there is a lot more that needs to be learned. A simple air foil type, say, one of the NACA types, is just one of many decisions pertaining to wing design. There aren't a whole lot of successful designers, when you eliminate the copycats and kit bashers. There is a reason for that. Brian
Posted on: 7/16/2012 7:14 PM by Author "protectedpilot" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11158064

RE: F3a The Future
[quote]ORIGINAL: Silent-AV8R Beyond that, it appears that the consensus in the pattern community is that change is bad and change should only be made if it decreases costs or increases participation. There should be some consideration to doing things that seem logical, and weighing one type of plane without fuel and the other ready to fly makes no logical sense. There is also a clear precedent in FAI to make a change to address that logical inconsistency. The bottom line is that rules should make sense and be rooted in some kind of logic. [/quote] A consensus of one, perhaps. It does go without saying that changes should increase participation. And cost is a factor. Your argument about electric vs glow is flawed. The rule was written when electrics were not yet a viable alternative. The pattern community and the contest board are looking at rules, but have yet to reach a consensus. Just because YOU do not understand a rule, or because YOU cannot see the logic does not mean there is none. I'm not sure what direction we will take; but, I do know that the eventual consensus will include more than one mans opinion. As it should. This is a forum for discussion, but rather than taking potshots at the rulesmakers of the sport, why not get involved with the process and do something positive? The NSRCA here in the States is the pattern SIG within the AMA.... put your efforts there. Brian Clemmons
Posted on: 7/1/2012 7:48 PM by Author "protectedpilot" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11139300

RE: F3a The Future
[quote]ORIGINAL: ROOKIE PILOT Alejandro, I don't know you and I don't want to offend you, as you are probably a nice guy, but you are not understanding what we are talking about. we don't want bigger planes, we don't want bigger engines and most all we don't want planes that weigh over eleven pounds. I just don't want to be forced to spend extra time and money to stay under eleven if it is close. If someone can just buy any plane out there and all the latest and greatest equipment, I can see where this weight limit would be a non issue. It can be done fairly easy with the almighty dollar. Try designing and building it yourself with new ideas and things that will hopefully make it fly better and also try to make it look like a work of art, with light balsa getting harder to find now you have a problem. And your friend Bryan H. is also my friend and I promise you he works ten times as hard as he should on a new design, just to make weight. But hey, he enjoys it. Randy Hicks Team TALON extreme [/quote] Randy, the point I think everyone is missing is; we know the rule. Build lighter. If it can't be huge, then make it a tad smaller. I GUARANTEE I can build a pattern plane less than 11 pounds. Heck, I had one at 7 1/4 pounds once. BUT, we all want to push it as close to the limit as we can, and some of us get caught. Designers can only blame themselves for heavy planes; Bryan and I discuss it often. Guys buying ARF's overweight, shouldn't. BUT, most of them figure they are just a bit smarter, or better, and can make the airplane make weight. Some actually can, some cannot. I recently bought an overweight airplane, figuring I could get it down, and did. It was all on me. Also, I've heard the e-guys wanting glow planes to be weighed with fuel. Old, old, old crybaby stuff. I'll employ an equally idiotic response..... you can, within the rules, drain your batteries of their 'fuel' and weigh your plane. Brian Clemmons
Posted on: 6/30/2012 11:49 PM by Author "protectedpilot" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11138289

RE: F3a The Future
[quote]ORIGINAL: MTK [quote]ORIGINAL: protectedpilot [quote]ORIGINAL: robert No, not gas! PLEASE!!!! If they open it up to six kg, I really think that some smart ass is going to put a 50cc glow engine in there instead, which won't do much for the cost. [/quote] If you hadn't already posted this, I would have. Here in the USA, we see rules proposals every cycle to lift the weight limit
Posted on: 6/28/2012 3:44 PM by Author "protectedpilot" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11135590

RE: F3a The Future
[quote]ORIGINAL: robert No, not gas! PLEASE!!!! If they open it up to six kg, I really think that some smart ass is going to put a 50cc glow engine in there instead, which won't do much for the cost. [/quote] If you hadn't already posted this, I would have. Here in the USA, we see rules proposals every cycle to lift the weight limit, among others. Most people just do not realize that the people who beat you with a 5Kg rule will also beat you with a 6Kg rule. Wait for the technology to come to us, then we will use it. The current engine sizes are optimim for glow, however. Don't see gas taking over any time soon. My problem with electric is the eight minute limit. I am not in favor of increasing the size of the planes. Brian Clemmons
Posted on: 6/28/2012 12:38 AM by Author "protectedpilot" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11134790

RE: District 6 Points Standings
[quote]ORIGINAL: mjfrederick Well, this is what I get for opening my mouth... I guess I am the scorekeeper now. The spreadsheet for district points standings has been updated through the Turf Flyers' Contest. It is available on the [link=http://nsrca.us/index.php/districts/d6]District 6 Website[/link]. [/quote] That's right, he IS the scorekeeper. Watch him close, boys ;) Brian Clemmons, D6 VP
Posted on: 6/25/2012 7:59 PM by Author "protectedpilot" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11131905

RE: Just another day at the field
[quote]ORIGINAL: mjfrederick This was almost as much a social event as it was a practice day. We had a good lunch of hamburgers and potato salad, and spectators and pilots alike sat around chatting away. [/quote] Matt forgot to mention, it was a three day event. With two travel trailers onsite for the weekend, I am now planning to build permanent hookups for them to use in the future. After a few tough years with hurricanes, our club is well on the way to reclaiming its place in the pattern community. Most people remember us as Dixie RC, now renamed Atchafalaya Basin RC. We have hosted many, many contests dating back to the early eighties. Our club has members with multiple NATS awards, WC's awards and also several members that have been quite active in the NSRCA. We flew Friday, Saturday AND today. Friday was sausage poboys, Saturday night was white beans with rice, today was spaghetti. The eats were all great! Today, it got HOT, with the temp display in my SUV indicating 101 when I finally called UNCLE and went home. High points included the late Saturday night wine tasting social till 10:00, while watching Bryan Strachan do some night flying with his Extra 260 (I think) which was plumb lit up with a light kit. I was amazed. This morning started out with a small mishap, a plane got attacked by a tree. I have a scientific explanation, all true, but it winds up with .... trees suck. Then, we all had a piece of the Bryan Hebert Happy Birthday chocolate chip cookie. Two bipes in the air today, the Euphoria and the Alferma, also a Valiant, a Shinden, a Patriot 3D. Yesterday included two Integrals. Heck, several guys even flew control line yesterday. We were all betting... over or under. ( Whether or not the pilot would last over or under five seconds before crashing.) Jim Thompson and Bryan Strachan both went the distance! Jim also spent some time with the buddy box instructing his young grandson. Gee whiz, it was a fantastic weekend, thanks all that came, for making it what it was. We're gonna do this again. Brian Clemmons
Posted on: 6/24/2012 8:51 PM by Author "protectedpilot" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11130518

RE: Georgetown Event is NOT being moved!!!
[quote]ORIGINAL: nonstoprc Just a thought: maybe we swap the Georgetown meet with the upcoming one in New Berlin in Oct.? [/quote. There may be sanction issues to discuss with the AMA. Brian
Posted on: 6/19/2012 6:55 AM by Author "protectedpilot" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11123595

RE: Georgetown Event is NOT being moved!!!
[quote]ORIGINAL: RC_Pattern_Flyer Here are some ideas i am considering for the contest. 1) Takeoffs are scored accordingly... landings are given 10's regardless of position etc. Safety first. 2) In some cases, if a pilot is unsure or would prefer that a more experienced pilot land their plane, then that will be allowed. Safety first. Just thinking out loud. Chuck Hochhalter [/quote] I would continue to score T/O and Landings..... above Intermediate. Advanced and Masters should know how to handle this. My 2 cents. Brian Clemmons
Posted on: 6/18/2012 5:07 PM by Author "protectedpilot" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11122940

RE: Georgetown Event is NOT being moved!!!
[quote]ORIGINAL: mjfrederick [quote]ORIGINAL: RC_Pattern_Flyer Not sure whats wrong..please ask d6 pilots to post their preference. Chuck [/quote] I talked to Brian Clemmons last night, he's hoping y'all keep it. [/quote] I've flown out of far shorter fields surrounded by corn, in Muncie. Even flew off a county road surrounded by corn in Muncie. Flew out of sugar cane at our field, and at the Lafayette field. Searched for AC Glenn's canopy in a cornfield, for Chip's (I think) airplane in a cornfield in Muncie...... and 600 feet is a long runway. I'm not scared, keep it there! But I'm planning to go either way, my job permitting. ;) Brian Clemmons
Posted on: 6/18/2012 5:05 PM by Author "protectedpilot" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11122937

RE: Coupling question
[quote]ORIGINAL: DaveL322 I don't remember the year (Brian may remember), but some number of years ago, I flew with Bryan at a practice field at the NATS (I think it was Kokomo), and I got a flight on his plane. Trim condition on the plane was superb - straight KE, straight verticals, no bad behavior. Except.....I found the plane very touchy.....it was for me very tailheavy (but not unlike many setups I have and continue to see). I know since that time, Bryan has been setting up his planes with a more forward CG, and while I have not flown one of his planes recently, I am sure the forward CG setup is at least as good or better than the tailheavy setup (otherwise the tailheavy setup would still be used). [/quote] Well, Dave, it was 2003, if memory serves. Kokomo it was, Blue Angels airfield. You flew the Quest, I think, which was actually designed for artistic aerobatics, not pattern. It WAS one twitchy sonuvagun. You also flew my Patriot, as did your Dad. We had some good times that year, flew straight till dark-thirty! Memories like that are why I continue to fly pattern. Brian
Posted on: 6/5/2012 5:30 PM by Author "protectedpilot" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11107915

RE: Coupling question
Was very interested by the discussion, Bryan and Dave. (Two people I hjave a lot of respect for) And I, being a tech type, immediately searched the internet for spiral slipstream references. Saw a good video with smoke. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8nKzviskUM&feature=related This shows the smoke in flight, I don't see the spiral. Full scale pilots reported many times the oil and soot patterns on the fuse, indicating spiral, but it occurs equally and in the same direction for multi-engine planes with props counter rotating. Also interestingly, there is a shortage of actual data. Meaning, none. There was ONE report "Stick and Rudder" which simply made the assumption, without quantifying or proving the effect of spiral slip stream. Saw plenty of props in water, didn't seem relevant to me since there was no wing between the prop and spiral. Nor does slip stream theory hold up since similar effects are seen on pusher prop applications. "P" effect, however is greatly quantified. I don't know, me. Would like to see some actual data. Seems interesting, would justify the large expense for contra setups if proven. If not, then it's either "P" effect, wing tip deflection or just a fad. It would be nice to know for sure..... Brian Clemmons
Posted on: 6/4/2012 8:22 PM by Author "protectedpilot" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11106762

RE: Proposed 2013/2014 Sequences
[quote]ORIGINAL: danamania LOL, that's good feedback! What took so long? Cheers, Dana [/quote] Obviously, I was yankin your chain, and you're a good sport! What you meant was, that the sampling here on RCU is too small to reflect what the greater pattern population actually feels about sequences. And I agree with that.... some here just troll for a place to interact with someone, anyone, and are not pattern pilots at all. Or, not any more. I would love for people here to identify themselves by name, not screen name, and mention what class they fly in addition to whether or not they are active. Many times, we wind up arguing for the sake of argument. Those people just muddy the waters. On the other hand, we've had some good discussions. I like the inclusion of the eight sided loop, personally..... the committee is working hard for all of us, can't wait to see the final report to the Board. Brian Clemmons, currently flying Masters, last contest was May 5, 2012 (sorry Jetero, had the flu, see all in Georgetown?)
Posted on: 6/4/2012 7:29 PM by Author "protectedpilot" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11106685

RE: Proposed 2013/2014 Sequences
[quote]ORIGINAL: danamania All these anecdotes are interesting, and getting feedback from those engaged in an activity is always desirable to keep an activity aligned with participants' interests; however, are the numbers of pilots participating in pattern contests so low that the anecdotes themselves tend to loom large and perhaps overshadow any set objective criteria for what each class should contain, or the sequence assigned to the class?  A general question here for the group and not an observation of anyone's individual posts or discussions.  It's all good, but as a newcomer to the sport, I wonder if local concerns can be inadvertently amplified simply due to the very small size of our pattern contestant community? Any thoughts? Dana [/quote] While I agree in form and function as well in principle to the quoted text; yet, perhaps not being in total agteement much less acquiescence to many if not all of the salient points; it might behoove us to consider the possibility however remote that the actual participation of newly entered contestants possibly lend itself to more direct scrutiny, nay, even intense examination pursuant to assessing the pertinence of aforemention comments. This is not to say said issuance requires less than careful consideration, merely that the amassed experience could be somewhat overshadowed by the literary perspicacity of the fledgling participant. That probably wraps up my thoughts..... ;) Brian
Posted on: 6/4/2012 3:38 PM by Author "protectedpilot" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11106356

RE: Shinden Down
[quote]ORIGINAL: Jason Arnold [quote] Well, it's funny what goes through your mind at a time like that. First, the airplane was gone. Second, I was thinking that my SUV was about to burn as well. Somewhere about then, I realized that I was in said vehicle also, and I was worried about the vehicle burning! It all happened too fast to think clearly. FWIW, I used Febreze inside for the stink ;) The battery was a Duralite. I flew all day, and had recharged four flights earlier. I feel that it was a battery failure, but who knows? I know I had no control and had flown a lot. The plane had quite a few flights on it, it flew first just before the 2007 NATS. Bryan Hebert built it, he dated an internal part 7-04-07, still visible. It could have been crash damage that caused the battery to burn. There was enough energy left in it to cause a fire. The only good lesson I can take away is battery safety. After a crash, separate it quickly from the rest of the gear. B [/quote] Mmmmm, Duralite once again ignites..... Shame about the model but looks to be repairable. Cheers, Jason. [/quote] I was reluctant to blame the Duralite.... hence omitting it by name in the original post. I actually have a good opinion of the brand. In the battery's defense, it went in HARD. Brian
Posted on: 5/30/2012 8:43 PM by Author "protectedpilot" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11100725

RE: Shinden Down
[quote]ORIGINAL: grantb From the pic it looks like the wires leading from the pack have taken some heat. This may indicate that they were drawing a high load which could point to a stalled servo(s) Your description of the airplane snap rolling and spinning on its own would also point to a servo problem. My feeling is that if the pack merely self ignited then the wires leading from the pack would be largely undamaged. PS: Putting all that foam around the LiPo pack is also not exactly a great idea. According to this http://www.jerseycoastrcclub.org/The%20Six%20Deadly%20Myths%20of%20Lithium%20Batteries%20by%20Bob%20Burtis.htm source LiPo's self ignite at about 130deg Fahrenheit (55deg C) I would have thought it a bit higher. (We fly at an ambient of 95F 35C in summer, not much leeway there) Wrapping the pack in a 'jersey' will just help it to get to the point of self ignition. With electrics I don't know of anybody that still wraps the RX pack. I understand it was a glow model. Not sure what the answer is. [/quote] Well, all of the wires, battery and regulator were in a pile together after the crash, near the firewall. I think the battery burned due to crash damage, now, and am suspecting the wing bolt now. The servos check out, even though they are all going into the shop. Receiver too. It was around 95degF at the time, is frequently hotter here, in Louisiana. Not too sure about the article; have never seen a LiPo pack burn out at the field before. And I charge at the field often. Still, it will serve as a reminder for some time to keep an eye on Lithium type batteries. Thanks for the input!! Brian
Posted on: 5/30/2012 8:41 PM by Author "protectedpilot" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11100724

RE: Shinden Down
[quote]ORIGINAL: dbacque [quote]ORIGINAL: sps3172 [quote]ORIGINAL: protectedpilot The [b]XC90[/b] stinks now. LiPo batteries can really burn HOT!!! [/quote] I think it's funny that you took the time to make sure we all knew the make and model of your vehicle.... ....but not of the battery in question. ;) The crash isn't funny, however. Bummer. [/quote] Not funny at all. Those of us who
Posted on: 5/30/2012 8:35 PM by Author "protectedpilot" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11100718

RE: Shinden Down
...... and the backup is in the air! Jim Thompson built, modified by me. It got a carbon fiber canopy, custom Graph Tech landing gear, and some changes to radio gear inside. 3 1/2 oz under 11lbs. and flies great. Taking it to Jetero. Brian
Posted on: 5/29/2012 8:24 PM by Author "protectedpilot" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11099366

RE: Jetero Patern Contest 2012
Matt Fredericks and I are planning to come, if we get our backup airplane(s) flying.... two crashes in two weeks. Brian Clemmons
Posted on: 5/28/2012 7:29 PM by Author "protectedpilot" in the forum "RC Pattern Flying"
http://www.rcuniverse.com/forum/fb.asp?m=11097992