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aeajr
477 Posts |
 Posted - 07/25/2007 : 10:29:12 PM
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Eastern Soaring League Newsletter – July 2007
2007 OFFICERS AND STAFF
Tony Guide - President
David Beach - Secretary/Treasurer
Tom Kiesling - Contest Coordinator
Anker Berg-Sonne - Scoring Systems Coordinator
Jeff Steifel - Public Relations Coordinator
John Hauff - Clinic Coordinator
Phil Barnes – Winch Conditioning
Jose Bruzual – Web Master and Publisher
Ed Anderson – Web Site and Newsletter Content Editor
FROM THE EDITOR – ED ANDERSON
The soaring season is in full swing. To date we have about 50 pilots competing in one or more events. As more contests are run that number will increase. Let’s hope we set a new record for ESL participation.
Have you invited a new pilot to come fly with the ESL? Even if you don’t aggressively advertise Novice to the world, it is a great way to get the members of your own club involved. Just because they are flying electric airplanes doesn’t mean they would turn down a chance to learn to fly a sailplane, if only someone would offer to teach them. Let’s see if we can fill the sky with sailplanes.
On another note, I continue to watch the growth of the 2.4 GHz radio market with a watchful eye toward using this new technology in my own sailplanes. Initially the radios were short range, targeted at parkflyers and hand launched gliders. Then sets with full range and more functionality were introduced, but they were still not ideal sets for sailplanes.
Today you can order a JR 9303 with 2.4 GHz built in. Futaba and Spektrum also offer transmitters that are based on 2.4 GHz. In addition there are modules for the Futaba, Hitec and JR module based transmitters. Multiplex Evo and Airtronics modules are soon to be released. If you already own one of these brands, you can just pop the 72 MHz channel module out and pop in one from Futaba, Spektrum or XPS. Put one of their receivers in your plane and go fly on 2.4 GHz. Be sure to do a proper range check first.
Later in the newsletter I have provided a link to an article that takes a broad look at the 2.4 GHz market as well as discussions that follow the article. See if it is time for you to consider this new technology for your flying pleasure. They are even flying them at the NATs.
Speaking of the NATs, the soaring NATs are underway. I am told this is one of the greatest events a sailplane pilot can experience. I have provided links to the daily reports so be sure to take a look. Some of our ESL members are flying at the NATs. Good luck guys!
Clear skies and safe flying to everyone!
CONTEST REPORTS
Anyone can post a contest report in the ESL forums. If you were there, let us know how it went.
Photos are welcome too!
http://www.flyesl.org/forums/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=15
CRRC 5th Hand Launch Classic, July 14,15 2007
Report posted by Mark Drela Photo posted by Jose Bruzual
We had another successful HLG contest this year,
with 16 fliers on Saturday and 13 fliers on Sunday.
About a dozen spectators came by at various times
during the weekend, most of them because of the
article/announcement that Dick Williamson submitted
to the local newspaper.
The weather was sunny, low to mid 80's, and fairly
comfortable. But the thermal and wind conditions
varied wildly over the weekend.
Saturday was mostly calm, with shifty thermal-driven
winds. Some rounds had plenty of weak to moderate lift,
and some rounds had nearly dead air. After all 11 rounds,
the Saturday results for Expert and Sportsman classes
went as follows:
1st Ex: Phil Barnes. Wash.DC area
2nd Ex: John Erickson. California (!)
3rd Ex: Mark Drela. Cambridge, MA
1st Sp: Stuart Austin. Frederick, MD
2nd Sp: Frank Nisita. Long Island
3rd Sp: Felix Tang. Bethany, CT
Sunday started with about 10 mph SW wind in the morning,
with the wind gradually picking up speed close to 15 mph
by early afternoon, with some gusts over 20 mph. There
was massive lift as well as massive sink, all moving
fast past the field. The last two rounds after lunch
were especially wild, with many off-field landings.
The Sunday results after all 7 rounds went as follows:
1st Ex: Mark Drela.
2nd Ex: Phil Barnes.
3rd Ex: Shane Spickler. Smithburg, MD
1st Sp: Craig Killer. Stratford, CT
2nd Sp: Ed Byron. Fairfield, CT
3rd Sp: Stuart Austin.
Mark Drela won the coveted Weekend Champion beer mug trophy
based on the total weekend score.
As last year, we had sponsors generously providing raffle prizes:
Enduro Composite Models (Jose Bruzual)
Polecat Aero Works (Denny Maize)
Descriptions of the prizes and links to the sponsors are at
www.flyecm.com/crrc/ .
The CD Mark Drela had great help from Jose Bruzual
and Dave Walter, who provided tents, timing equipment
and coolers. Chris Schuch, Dick Willamson, Lincoln Ross,
and Alan Marshall also provided equipment and support.
A thread on RCGroups has a few pilot's reports:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=701089&page=3
AUGUST CONTEST SCHEDULE
http://www.flyesl.org/calendar.asp
LONG ISLAND HAND LAUNCH CLASSIC
8/4 – 8/5
Location: Syosset, NY
Sanctions: AMA and ESL
Registrar: Frank Nisita
Phone: 516-390-9108
Event: HLG contest - combined types - all types welcome (javelin, discus or limited span).
Max. span of 60 inches.
One pilot per channel - Contact Frank to handle frequency conflicts. No one will be turned away!
Map of the Field - We will be behind the ball fields. Follow the dirt road at the back of the parking lot to the back field.
Event Homepage: www.lisf.org
Awards: Expert, Sportsman and Novice categories, self-selected.
Awards for 1st to 3rd in each category.
Award for Top flier for the two days.
Max Entry: 1 Flyers per channel
Register before: 7/28/2007
One-day fee: $17.00
Two-day fee: $30.00
On field registration: No
Schedule: Check-in Time 8:00 a.m.
Pilots meeting 8:45 a.m.
First Flight 9:00 a.m.
Directions: at www.lisf.org
Comments: Five dollar lunch (heroes - last yr: Italian and Amer.) each day.
If you need a suggestion for local models, reply to the newsletter and I will send you a list.
CRRC SOAR-IN
8/11-8/12
Location: Sudbury, MA
Sanctions: AMA and ESL
Registrar: Anker Berg-Sonne
Phone: (978) 897-1750
Event: Man-on-man thermal duration with graduated spot landing. Tasks to be announced at the pilots meeting. One flyer per frequency. Please contact Anker Berg-Sonne if your frequency is already taken - your conflict may be able to switch.
Event Homepage: www.charlesriverrc.org
Awards: First to third in expert and sportsman and weekend champion. The prizes are stunning, engraved crystal mugs that are guaranteed to bring you joy, happiness and nostalgic memories as you drink a frosty refreshment out of them.
Max Entry: 1 Flyers per channel
Register before: 8/9/2007
One day fee: $20.00
Two day fee: $35.00
On field registration: No
Schedule: Check-in Time 8:00 a.m.
Pilots meeting 9:02 a.m.
First Flight 9:18 a.m.
Directions: Check the CRRC web site. Also check the CRRC site for hotel information.
Comments: CDs: David Walter and John Nilsson. Novice flyers are welcome and encouraged! Lunch is included. Limited donuts and coffee will be there early. Please register early to guarantee your frequency.
CASA – HLG
8-18-8/19
Location: Rockville, MD
Sanctions: AMA and ESL
Registrar: Phil Barnes
Phone: 301-916-9574
Event: Two days of hand launch competition. Man on man scoring within flight groups. We will fly F3K tasks.
Event Homepage: www.soarcasa.org
Awards: CASA mugs for top three finishers each day in sportsman and expert classes. Additional award for top two day total.
Max Entry: 2 Flyers per channel
Register before: 8/18/2007
One-day fee: $15.00
Two-day fee: $30.00
On field registration: Yes *Additional charges may apply, check "comments" for details.
Schedule: Check-in Time 8:00 a.m.
Pilots meeting 9:00 a.m.
First Flight 9:15 a.m.
Directions: The flying site is located at 600 East Gude Drive in Rockville, MD 20850. This is a closed landfill previously used by the DCRC power club. It is an excellent HL site. Driving directions: From I270, take Route 28 West exit (Montgomery Ave.). Turn right onto Research Blvd. Turn Right onto Gude Drive. Turn left directly across from Fischer Lumber. Follow gravel road to top of hill.
Comments: Lunch and soft drinks available on field for a nominal fee. Registration fee $30.00 for both days. Check or cash can be paid at the field the day of the event or by mail or Paypal in advance
SJSF – Marlton NJ – 8/25, 26 and 9/15-16 – Contests have been canceled
AMA/LSF SOARING NATIONALS
Muncie, IN 7/22-7/29
RC Soaring started Sunday 7/22
www.modelaircraft.org/events/nats/natsnews.aspx" target="_blank">http://www.modelaircraft.org/events/nats/natsnews.aspx
Monday’s report on Hand Launch
www.modelaircraft.org/events/nats/NatsNews07/0723.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.modelaircraft.org/events/nats/NatsNews07/0723.pdf
Tuesday’s report covers 2M and RES. ESL members David Beach and Mike Lachowski are featured in the report. Stewart Swanson and Paul Bell and perhaps other ESL members are also making us proud!
Take a look!
www.modelaircraft.org/events/nats/NatsNews07/0724.pdf" target="_blank">http://www.modelaircraft.org/events/nats/NatsNews07/0724.pdf
FUTURE 2007 EVENTS – September Forward
Consult the Web Site for Updates and Registration
www.flyesl.org/calendar.asp" target="_blank">http://www.flyesl.org/calendar.asp
Sep 8, 9 CASA Open
Sep 15, 16 SJSF HLG - Canceled
Sep 22, 23 LISF 2
Oct 6, 7 ESL EOS – Reading PA
Oct 20-21 East Coast HLG Festival - ESL HLG EOS - Wilson, NC
ESL LOGO ITEMS NOW AVAILABLE
The ESL is fortunate this year to have a wide selection of items that bear the ESL Logo. We have two suppliers, who are providing different items, so we have something for everyone.
Visit the ESL Store
www.flyesl.org/store/" target="_blank">http://www.flyesl.org/store/
We hope to have embroidered ESL T-shirts and hats at the LISF Hand Launch and Winch Launch events at special prices. If you would like one, let me know so I can be sure to have one in your size.
FROM THE INTERNET
SPREAD SPECTRUM - 2.4 GHz WATCH – A BROAD MARKET REVIEW.
www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=715589" target="_blank">http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=715589
THE LIFT ZONE – AN ONLINE MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO SOARING
www.liftzone.com/" target="_blank">http://www.liftzone.com/
RC SOARING DIGEST
www.rcsoaringdigest.com/highlights.html" target="_blank">http://www.rcsoaringdigest.com/highlights.html
BIG GLIDERS! - Just for fun!
www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyOSMllXn9s&NR=" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyOSMllXn9s&NR=
LEAGUE OF SILENT FLIGHT
LSF is the AMA Special interest group for the AMA. They also run a soaring achievement program. Take a look and learn more about who represents the soaring part of the RC Flying. You might consider signing up for the LSF challenge levels as a way to measure your development as a soaring pilot.
If you are flying in an ESL contest, many of these events qualify toward your LSF achievement levels. Some of the tasks may also help you meet some of your LSF requirements. Take a look and see if there are other LSF members in attendance to witness your achievements.
www.silentflight.org
HERE TO SERVE YOU
I hope you find value in the ESL Newsletter. Perhaps a piece of useful information that will help you this season.
If you have ideas or input for the next Newsletter, please feel free to write. Perhaps you have a quick tip to share. These little gems can make a big difference in competition. Why not pass them on.
Send your notes, comments, photos or complaints to Ed Anderson, ESL Newsletter and Web Site Content Editor, at aeajr@optonline.net
Best regards,
Ed Anderson
ESL Content Editor
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ESL Newsletter - July 2007
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