The 2010 season got off to a flying start on 31 January with the new Pattern Schedules being flown in NSW for the first time at Sutherland Shire Sports Flyers Association’s Garrawarra field.

We had 14 pre-entries and 1 late entry on the day from Garrawarra.  With 15 entries is was decided to use one flight line which meant we would have 3 flights for the day  This meant we would be short of pencillers, judgers and callers.  We were in for a busy day.

On arrival the weather was cloudy with rain in the distance with a north easterly. Perfect, straight down the flight line which was aligned parallel to the “Cross” runway facing south so no sun issues all day? Everybody arrived between 7.15 and 8.00 started set up gear and run their motors, a few of the electric guys got early flights and others flew practice flights between 8.30 and 9.00.

Just before 9.00 low clouds came rolling in and down came the rain. Everyone scattered to their planes, covered them over and retreated to shelter.  We all thought this is good time to catch up on the lasted news and Goss.  Brian Dooley had thought, “they’re all together let’s have the pilot briefing” so did and were all ready to go.

Just after 9.30 the rain disappeared as quickly as it arrived and it was all go. The plan was for 3 flights on one flight line and we would assess the finishing time and see if we could fit another flight in.  For the first contest of the year the whole group flew really well considering what turned out to be windy and turbulent weather.

Sportsman

Darryl O’Brien a seasoned Scale Aeros pilot flew his 90 ARF pattern plane powered by YS 110.  Darryl test flow his plane only the day before. Darryl flew extremely well in the conditions and scored consistently to get 1st first place.Tristan Berry has recently purchased Jason Arnold’s Pinnacle and has only a few flights with the model.  Tristan flew the plane smoothly and steadily to score second place.  I am sure Tristan will be scoring promotion points very soon; he only just missed out this time. Daniel Beresford flew his Extra in place of his pattern plane as the Chappell is currently undergoing repairs to its engine mounts. Built from scratch the Chapperell was completed last year and flies well powered by 140rx and tuned pipe. Daniel put in some good flying with the IMAC plane to gain third place. Richard Knox flew his Wind 110. Richard recently purchased a trailer which carries 2 of these models.  While landing after his second round in the rough conditions the undercarriage failed on landing. More case of Chinese “ARF” plywood that the quality of the landing!  Richard was able pull out his second (identical) model and finished the competition to gain forth place. Chris McCowage drove from Coonabarabran with his wife to spend some time in Sydney but with all the luggage and stuff could only fit a 40 size sports model. Chris flew well considering the small model and the windy conditions and had a lot fun flying in the comp. Chris got fifth place. Chris is sitting on two promotion points and should gain his third soon when he is back flying his 2m pattern model. Ian Boyd was our local entry he flew his 50cc Ultimate bi-plane, a large IMAC model. He had not practiced the schedule at all but, due to his IMAC experience he flew very well. Ian only had one flight and had to go back to work at his shop and was not keen to leave. No doubt he will be trying to get to Pittown

Advanced

Jason Arnold arrived with a new “secret weapon”, his new Krill Spark, a great looking Electric pattern model powered by an AXI motor. The model (and Jason) flew extremely well with smoothness and precision and although Jason had only flown the new schedule only few times he was still able to take first place. Joe Costa flew his CAmodel Eclipse powered by 140 RX, a great model which flies extremely well. Joe flew consistently in the first two rounds but on the third flight, a suspect a lean run, caused a flame out and on the landing approach Joe clipped a branch of a tree fortunley the plane was fairly low to ground (it wasn’t a tall tree!) and caused some damage to the engine cowling, He was very lucky to get off so lightly but repairs will be completed by the time you read this.

Expert

Shane Austin flew his Proline powered by a YS 160. After a few weeks of tuning issues the motor is once again running great allowing Shane to fly into first place. Tom Collinge has a brief encounter with the cloud base which lost a few points (if the judges can’t see how can they downgrade it?) on the first round came back to win the third round a took a hard fought second place. Doug Tebbit as always flew his old; it is now routinely shedding bits of covering, Hurricane and is slowly getting to grips with the new schedule.  After a slightly nervous start he flew well in the last two rounds for third place.

F3A

Dave Macca was in control from the start. He now flies an Oxai Beryl recently purchased from Gavin Dark as replacement for the trusty Trebuchet E which left this world in puff of smoke.  After a few trimming issues before to comp he really has it sorted and showed how it should be done in the conditions.  However even the best can have problems as. On his last landing approach of the day, the wind came up and blew his cap over his face producing a loud response of “BLOODLY HAT” or words to that effect.  Fortunately he managed to shake it off and safely land the plane!Chris swain flew a Cyclone this one is powered a Hacker C50. Chris flew on the Australian Team at last year’s World Championships in Portugal and it is expected this experience will show through as the year progresses.  Like most others he is taking some time to get to grips with the new pattern but on this occasion easily secured second place. Brian Dooley flew his YS 160 powered Comp-ARF Impact. Brian has got this model all trimmed out and flying well. The 4 Stroke power is certainly noticeable in the vertical Snap.  On a practice flight Brian went through some cloud, shades of Masters last year! Brian scored third place. The Master Tom Prosser flew His Prosser Special Number 3 designed and scratch built by Tom. It flew, as always, extremely well with the 140rx is working hard to get though the new schedule. Bill “More dead sticks than a glider pilot” Garrod,  has been having run of the dreaded YS issues.  After 75 trouble free and extremely impressive flights (these things have really got some power) Bill had been chasing problems with the YS 170 CDI misfiring and cutting out. To his credit and perseverance he traced the problems to the ignition.  In desperation Bill had refitted the YS to his Trebuchet and test flew the a few days before the comp.  He got three flights in and came in under power a bit an unusual sensation for Bill who mentioned he had forgotten what is was like!

Wash-up

So the first contest of the year over and good one at that. After the slow of start with the rain it was good to see everyone rip into it and get the flying done in the available time.  Everyone must have been doing some flying over the summer with some new models in evidence and new patterns being flown reasonably well in three of the classes in what at times were quite challenging conditions.

The host club members did a great job with canteen and were very hospitable. Thanks must also go to all who helped with the scoring entry duties, Brian McFarlane for directing the flight line and Jaynie for some excellent photography.

See you at Pitt Town.

JC