Sean Oellermann and Michel Leusch putting modelling to productive use

Sean and Michel have teamed up and put a helluva lot of work in to a little sideline, using the model helicopters for film and photography use. The pics are max 200k and you just must click on and look at as the thumbs do no justice, quite stunning...... The Ushaka and Pearls pics blew me away. Their airreel web site will be up, shortly. Sean did the soaring Nats with his electric and Michel started as a Springfield groupie glider guider and now achieves amazing stuff in jets.

From Simon - KZN Speed!

Next Falcon Slope Race 8 December 2008
Please tell all the other guys

Please note;

SAMAA membership required and proof of same at the field.
No SAMAA - No FLYAA
Contact Bob Skinner to join at bobskinn@global.co.za or call your local model shop and or club, for membership forms.
SAMAA rules apply.
Due to the nature and numbers, the matrix will be done at the field on the day.
Venus to be decided on the day due to weather conditions.
This is STILL an informal and 'test' event, so be flexible.
No flight testing will be done during the 'comp'.
NOTE pilots when not competing will also be flagging and timing in rotation so waaa. Those bitching and complaining will be fetching off the cliff and car guarding!
Results will be recorded as per postals, wins and times over the year and into next year.
The pylon distance will be 100 meters.
Foamies will fly 4 at a time.
60 inch, 2 Meter and Open will fly 2 at a time.

The venues will be, Switchblade, or Derek's Dale. If it is to be held at Derek's Dale, we will meet at Tony Watsons Garage In Mount Edgecome.
Springfield will not be considered as a venue due to the size.

The Events;

Zagi 4 up
60 Inch 2 up
2 meter 2 up
Over 2 meter 2 up.

When, and indeed if, I am in a good mood, we the committee, will decide on the numbers if we shall run a class, i.e. if there are only 2 or 3 planes in entered in a class, we will decide if it is worth running for THAT DAY ONLY.
We may combine them for fun.
The committee does infact consist of old and rather large members (all of which could have played rugby for SA!!) and it would be wise to not interfere or assume you know better, as a clop on the head often offends.

The Race Rules
You will need to sign in yourself on the supplied forms what races you wish to compete in.
You will only be allowed to fly 3 out of 4 races. The CD will make exceptions if there are a lack of numbers.
TX control will be with a peg off system.
The distance between Base A and Base B will be 100 meters.
A race consists of 10 laps. One lap is the distance from Base A to Base B. Total distance is 1 Km.
4 flags of different colors will be at base A and a matching set will be at base B.
4 flag’s will be used for 4 up Zagi racing and 2 flag’s would be used for 2 up racing etc.
A competitor helper/ timer will with the flagman at base B identify his pilot with one color of the flags. The helper will also hold and use a flag during the race and will flag in the same manor as base B, so as to confirm to the flag men at base B that he has completed the turn at base A successfully. \
The helper will also time the flight time as and only when the model goes through base A correctly, regardless of the count down. I.e. the model will only be timed when the model has passed Base A on or after the buzzer has sounded. Cut not allowed and the competitor will be required to circle back to Base A to enter the race start correctly.
Launch shall be by hand, by either the competitor or his helper, from the launching area designated by the CD. The launching area shall be as close as is practicable to Base A.
At the end of the preparation period, the competitors shall be given the instruction that they have 1 minute to race start, may launch their models in this time to gain height
When the instruction to launch is given, a countdown of 1 minute to the start shall be clearly called to the competitors by an official, and or a buzzer. A count down every 15 seconds will be called then the last remaining 15 second’s such as; 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2 and 1 second remaining shall be called.
At the end of the countdown the official shall call START / GO A buzzer will sound at the final second or sound a whistle or any other such device, and the competitors may start the race by passing Base A in the direction of Base B.
All competitors planes must be OUTSIDE the course when the Start is called.
If a model is inside the course when START is called. E.g. because it passed Base A before the start) the CD and or his helper/timer shall clearly call a FALSE START. To notify the competitor that his model must still pass Base A in the correct direction before he will be considered to have started.
All turns with no exception must be done ‘AWAY ‘ from the slope edge.
The area behind an invisible line between base A & B will be regarded as a no fly area. You will be disqualified for this if you infringe this safety rule and asked to land. You may fly other races.
Flags at base B will be dropped and will stay down if the competitor turns inside the course, behind the bases, or any other dangerous flying.
Flags at both bases must be held up at all times and only dropped when the aircraft crossed the base correctly. After dropping the flag it will then be raised slowly.
Flags must never be dropped or waved if the aircraft ‘cuts ‘ the base. This is to show clearly that the model has not reached the turning point.
The competitors waiting the next race shall be given 2 minutes (Prep time) notice of the instruction to launch while a race is underway, but if all competitors agree, this period may be reduced. I.e. as a race is running the next race will be asked to ready themselves.
Pilots and timers will give due consideration to each other in regards to obstructions, flag waving and general blocking of sight to the other pilots and helpers while at Base A.
If you are the next competitor up to race you will be required to be in a ready box but NOT SWITCHED ON.
If, during the race the wind drops and the pilots are forced to land because of lack of lift. The proceedings must stop and re-start again once the CD is satisfied there is sufficient lift.
If when the wind drops, even one model stays flying and can complete the 10 laps then that race will be considered to have run it’s course and the other models that landed will be scored according to last man up.
All models may be checked for suitability to fly for safety reasons.

Please call me on 082 8227955 for the final time and venue.

Remember this is a test and fun event so come relaxed, that means you to Kobus.

Regards

The Zagi Model Rules (for Dion & Ziggy also one point for D. Greer)
Only 1.2 meter Flying Wings allowed in the shape and style of a Zagi.
The maximum weight allowed is 750 grams.
Only foam wings allowed. No built up sections.
Any section thickness may be used.
Spars are allowed, provided they are built into the wing and don’t create any hard points at the LE.
As this is a South African event, no Italian spars, hey Dave Greer ; )
Trailing edges from Correx or Balsa.
Ballast is allowed as long as it is carried internally in a tube or similar device and does not create any hard points near the LE.
Ballest MUST be secured or that model will be disqualified, yes that does mean you Ziggy.
No hard leading edges or skins. Only coverings of Parcel tape, Vinyl’s or Heat shrink film are allowed, or any other such soft coverings.
The CD has the right to check if Dions local goop will be allowed, for a small fee.
Wing tips are allowed as long as they do not increase the projected span and are not made from hard materials. Correx is the preferred material, but soft balsa is acceptable.

Simon NelsonShuttle Wash & Shop Pty. Ltd.Gateway

082 8227955 031 5662529

Dangers of walking the Dog

I often use "walking the dog" as an excuse to nip down to the gliding site. However a friend of mine warned me against this as he said he used to do the same, and sent me a pic of what happened........ ;-)