Epilogue

Cruising home at 38,000 feet on my 5 hour flight to Victoria has given me some time to reflect on this past weekends events. As I stated at the beginning of this blog, I was going to try and concentrate on my flying instead of my reporting. I have had a few emails about the lack of information... i.e. it suddenly stops. Well this is an issue I have had previously with Chad when he starts a blog and then it sort of fades away... now I know why.

There is lots going on at these events and my duties also include calling for other fellow flyers as well as judging assignments. Between these I also charge batteries and prep & debrief my flights in order to clean up any obvious trouble spots in my flying.. well that's the idea anyway. Couple this with less than stellar cell reception and the time to do updates is almost non existent. So I’ll apologize to those that didn’t get the usual up to the minute report that you have become accustomed to... it was what it was.

So here a few more tidbits of contest news/chatter that just never made it in previously....

Turns out that the night before Chad was heading to Ontario, Will asked about the departure time and flight number... mmm well that’s strange, same time but different flight??  Chad suddenly realized he had booked the 8 PM flight instead of the morning one! Yikes! On to the phone and after finally getting through to the airline was able to get the last seat available on the morning flight... can you say “rebooking fee” :-)

Michi and Liyan had a delayed flight into Toronto arriving at 01:00 AM and then almost missed the rental place as it was just closing. They headed to Cobourg and arrived at their hotel at around 4 am. The manager had to be woken up to get checked in :-)

Our practice day Friday was hot, so hot that a Ford F-150 was going up in flames just before the turn off to the field! No one was injured but the smell of melting interior was noticeable at the field. Conditions were less than ideal with very gusty winds that when coupled with topography, made the air very unstable even at higher altitudes. We did fly the afternoon but finally pulled the pin for fear of breaking a plane or perhaps gear on landing.

Saturday’s flying weather was better with light winds (flying left to right) but the midair put a bit of a damper on things. Hats off to both Colin and Scott for flying so well with their respective backups. 

Both Xavier and I struggled with some elements of our P rounds and I was getting pretty frustrated making uncharacteristic mistakes... (no not the Top Hat Mark... the spins now and some rollers... arghhh) Anyway I ground out the three rounds but gave up way to many points that first day. Everyone had some soft elements but Chad was obviously a notch above us all.

I got to meet and judge some familiar pilots as well as some new folks to the hobby and  really enjoyed the contest banter that seems to exist at these events.  

Michi had consistent flights and we worked on some center timing and line length issues together as his caller... he was constantly improving ever so slightly. It was kind of funny after his first flight I asked him why he brought his back up? He said just in case something bad happened. This is good but I told him he should have his backup right beside his primary at the start box... instead of at the end of the parking lot by his van:-) I sorted him out and he was ready the next time. Hey he’s new :-)

A little romance if you will...   Xavier’s girlfriend Lise had travelled four hours to Cobourg to surprise him with a visit. Turn’s out she had planned this for a while and had been in contact with Chad about the location of the field. Chad was a bit unsure if he should cause any disruption to Xavier’s “training regime” but who wants to stand in the way of such a nice gesture. Xavier was none the less very happy to see her and looked the happiest I’d seen him all weekend... he wore his game face mostly :-) 

Sunday’s flying was right to left and we finished off round 4 of P-13 . My flight was much better and after Michi and I “reviewed” correct stick inputs, I even got the spin right :-)  Will was putting in solid flights in Advanced and had locked up first place. He worked on some elements that I had noticed and was looking very good... time for Masters I think.

Harry spent quite a bit of time prepping the judges for the F-13 rounds and discussing various things to look for and make sure were executed properly. After the briefing Ivan took to the skies in the first F round of the day.  Ivan struggled slightly and did a very nice Figure Nine instead of the Figure Six.. hey I’m not the only one that’s done that now! The judges got their first Zero and that’s the only one I have ever seen Ivan fly.

The F-13 rounds went pretty well and it was obvious that some had been practicing this a little more than others. I had two pretty good rounds and was overall happy with my  three flights on the last day... just a little too late for this party I am afraid. Chad and I had some good conversations about hitting walls and trying to take the next step in improving your flying. This after what has been an uncharacteristic start to my flying this year as I feel I have gotten worse. I came away with a few idea’s going forward. Proof is in the pudding they say.

Colin had solid P scores and his carry in was pretty insurmountable for me. I did try to put some pressure on in F but the margin was just too big. His 13 year old son Ethan showed why he should be our representative Junior flyer. He flew very well and just needs to perfect that rolling figure 8 to complete his skills set. His coach/caller/dad was pretty happy and I am sure very proud.

Xavier tried his best to relax and mentally prepare but just never seemed to get into any kind of groove. His flying, like mine, seems to be stalled a bit. Richard was trying his best but I know from experience that his plane is his biggest handicap. He needs a plane (tool) that can do the elements and demonstrate the skills I know he has in him. He did fly Xavier’s Xigris a bit after the contest and maybe one is in his future.

I’ll end this blog update with a familiar theme... a big Thank You to the Pine Ridge Club and those special members that hosted the event, the judges that I know took time out on a busy weekend, those “behind the scenes” helpers that make it happen and of course both Rosemary and Harry Ells who once again allowed us to come and stay with them. I cannot tell you how much people like this mean to our sport.

Until next time safe flying & charging!

Dave

BTW I have added additional photos to the album.

Day 2

We awoke to sunny skies and light winds, a good sign for any pilot! After a bite of breakfast we headed out to the field and set up the planes. Michi and Liyan were already there and saved us some prime parking.

Harry had the FAI guys fly their final P-13 flight first thing in the morning. This got us caught up with the rest of the other classes. The Intermediate, Advanced and Masters then flew after us and once done we broke for lunch. 

The round three scores were also posted and then the fun began for the FAI guys. Harry took his judging panel and gave instructions on what to be looking for in the F-13 maneuvers. In particular the "opposite" type rolls that required a reversal immediately... "no hesitation" as Michi says in his Japanese accent:-)  After the judging review Ivan put up the first round of F and got things rolling along. Each plane was once again sound checked prior to each flight but there were no planes that had issues that I know of. 

The rounds continued under a slowly growing blow out winds until everyone had finished their flights. The crew quickly started to break down the flying site and return it to it's original condition.

Scores were calculated and the winners announced.

Overall National Results:

Intermediate

1) 4000 - Scott McNaught
2) 3898 - Doug Deyell
3) 3613 - Ted McNaught
4) 3591 - Gerard Baron
5) 3058 - Paul Brine

Advanced

1) 4000 - Will Gross
2) 3661 - James Eichenberg
3) 3572 - Ross Irwin
4) 3381 - Ken Hendry
5) 3281 - Albert Armstrong

Masters

1) 4000 - Steve Miller
2) 2962 - Jim Quinn

FAI

1) 2000 - Chad Northeast
2) 1788 - Ivan Kristensen
3) 1737 - Colin Chariandy
4) 1702 - Michi Akimoto
5) 1659 - Dave Reaville
6) 1626 - Ethan Chariandy
7) 1577 - Xavier Mouraux

FAI F3A Team Trials results as of July 2nd are :

1) Chad Northeast
2) Colin Chariandy
3) Michi Akimoto
4) Dave Reaville (Alternate)

FAI F3A Team Trials Junior results:

1) Ethan Chariandy

Ethan and the rest of the team will travel to South Africa to represent Canada at the 2013 World Championships next Summer. The team manager is TBA

Special thanks go out to those Pine Ridge Club members who helped put on a great Nationals and Team Trials this year. Well done!

Also a special thank you for Harry & Rosemary Ells for the great hospitality! They opened up the house to us and treated us like gold. Always great to visit the farm!

Day 1

For this years Canadian Nationals we have 21 competitors signed up with 5 Intermediate, 5 Advanced, 2 Masters and 9 FAI pilots. The field is in excellent shape and the contest details are well in hand by CD Harry Ells and his crew from the Pine Ridge Flyers club.

Weather was much nicer than Fridays practice session with light winds and sunny skies. In fact the direction of flight was left to right for most of the day. Later on in the afternoon the winds shifted and a few clouds moved in to provide some additional shade.

Pilots meeting was promptly held at the appointed time and Harry reviewed the usual flight order and judging assignment for the first rounds. Also no fly zones and the usual pilot meeting type stuff... like when’s lunch etc :-)

Everyone progress smoothly through the flight order as all planes were sound tested before each round. Fail safe setting were also check on the initial flights as well.

Round one unfortunately started off with a bang as Scott McNaught’s Typhoon and Colin Chariandy’s Xigris become floating debris after a midair. Both pilots had backups and were able to continue.

I witnessed some great flying with Chad setting the standard as per usual. Ivan just started practicing a couple weeks ago but still has that magic touch with a pattern plane.   Although suffering the loss of his primary plane Colin still put up good flights with Michi having consistent flights close behind. The biggest improvement I have seen is Colin’s son Ethan. This 13 year old is flying phenomenally and seems to be one with his plane. He has come a long way since I met him back in 2008 when I judged him in Sportsman.

We finished up with 3 rounds flown in FAI and the other classes all getting in 4 rounds I believe. A large group of us then headed into town for a nice dinner at a local restaurant.

Round two scores are posted in the picture album.

Practice Day

Up early (with the 3 hour time change for us West Coast types) but luckily we were greeted by this note on the kitchen counter.....

Wow is all I can say! It's no wonder we keep coming back:-)  Thanks Rosemary!

Harry was heading off to set up the field while we finished breakfast. His crew will be putting in the marker poles and box lines this morning so the field was closed until 11ish to get this accomplished.

We gathered our gear and headed out to the flying site.  A bit of tweaking on expos etc. due to the air density and some prop changes to find the feel we are accustomed too back home. Well at least that was the plan! Michi and I called for each other as we got in our practice rounds in very windy, bumpy cross wind (blow out) conditions. 

The rough ride & winds made for some interesting piloting work. Landings were also a bit of a chore but we all managed to put in 5 - 6 rounds of P-13 & F-13 without bending anything.

We headed back to the Ells farm for plane processing and a nice BBQ dinner awaited us thanks to Rosemary and in part, her mother Mary. It was a very laid back affair and a nice wind down for the day.

Harry did the official weigh in and dimension check and everyone made it through. These are the weights I recorded... not sure if Ethan is flying one of the Xigris's for the event.

Richard’s Adrenaline 4728
Xavier’s  #1 Xigris 4959
Xavier’s #2  Xigris 4938
Dave’s Xigris 4730
Michi’s #1 Xigris 4870
Michi.s #2 Xigris 4910
Chad’s Caelestia 4859
Colin’s #1 Xigris 4823
Colin’s #2 Xigris 4892
Ethan’s Integral 4993

I finished charging and we had a little pattern discussion on some rule interpretations and the contest format. Looks like a large contingent of flyers with 8 in FAI alone... I’ll  nail down the numbers tomorrow and publish them time permitting. Off to the rack.

A safe arrival!

I started writing this post at 39,000 feet above our country... just east of Thunder Bay. Just some short notes.... hey I am trying cut down :-0

Headed to the baggage area and picked up my bag & plane box then off to Avis for the rental pickup. I was unable to secure a minivan online (a prime choice of us fly-in types due to the folding seats) but managed to snag one on arrival in Toronto.  It has plenty of room for my needs as I’ll be by myself pretty much the whole trip out.

Headed to Cobourg and met Chad & Will at the local Wal-Mart for some juice and other snacks that will keep us hydrated and nourished over the coming days. I was going to pick up a folding chair but Harry advised me that the two chairs Mark and I left behind at the 2008 team trials are still in his garage! Proof positive that pattern folks never throw anything out!

Off to the Ells farm just north of the 401 on Jamieson Road.. what a beautiful area they live in... quiet and peaceful.  It was great to see both Rosemary and Harry again as I last saw them in Muncie at last year’s Worlds. Michi and Liyan stopped by to pick up his batteries and then Chad, Will and myself began putting planes together for the upcoming weekend.

Xavier is also staying with the Ells and Richard is camping at the flying site. Both of them flew up at the Pine Ridge flying site again today 

As planned, my power package arrived at Harry’s this afternoon and was ready for charging. We socialized and enjoyed the banter and camaraderie that makes up part of the human experience.

Planned practice at Pine Ridge tomorrow or perhaps a jaunt up to Kawartha Lakes flying site.  Not 100% sure what I’ll do.





As darkness fell Xavier showed us his special lighting modification.... Great idea!

Let the travelling begin....

I had just finished up work today and was surprised to find both Michi and Liyan in the Victoria Airport passenger holding area. They were about to get on the short flight over to Vancouver where they would connect to a late night flight to YYZ (Toronto's Pearson Airport) This is commonly called a "red eye".... and there is a reason for that :-) This was the cheapest route using points so the cost was very low..... and so was flexibility in flight choice. All of Michi's boxes were loaded and he's on his way to his first Team Trials as a competitor. He has worked very hard and it's nice to see his dream come true.

 Liyan was exhausted and they were just starting the trip!  The sacrifices the supporters make is incredible and she is a trooper considering that she is expecting. She has been a bit under the weather but is very excited about the trip and competition.

I put the finishing touches on my packing this afternoon and will head out in the early morning for the flight to YYZ. The excitement is starting to build and I am looking forward to seeing old friends and participating in the competition.

 

Everything fits inside nicely!

Preparation... it never ends!

Check your packing lists folks! Nothing like arriving at the field and remembering you left your wing tube on the work bench... 2200 miles away! ... don't worry mine is packed!

My sources tell me that Michi Akimoto and Liyan will depart Wednesday night on a Red Eye flight to Toronto with two planes in tow. They should arrive early Thursday morning and head towards Cobourg and his hotel. I believe he has a package at Harry's place that he will have to pick up sometime Thursday afternoon. Chad has packed up his plane according to pictures & posts on Facebook. He joins Will Gross and they depart Thursday morning from Calgary, AB.

I'll be doing the same except from Victoria and hope to arrive around 3:30 pm local time... grab the rental vehicle and head to Cobourg... yep at the start of rush hour....Welcome to Toronto! Now you'll notice I said "hope" as I travel on a standby basis with my airline discount. This can be a great thing... and a terrible thing depending on flight loads... I have some flexibility and may go through Vancouver but it's looking good right now. Fingers crossed :-)

If all goes well we should have a pretty good assembly session going in Harry's garage... this way I can take pictures of Chad's secret prop and longitudinal stabilization augmentation project :-)

I am sure Xavier, Paul and the other contestants are prepping their planes and gear for the upcoming weekend. Should be a great time and I am looking forward to seeing everyone again.  Off to bed.. up early tomorrow in Kamloops, BC for my last day of flying "big" planes :-)