August 2006 Vol. 23, No. 8 – R/C - RCSoaring.com

In a thermal, always turn in the same
direction. Changing directions will
undoubtedly be detrimental as it means
finding the thermal center again.
Use rudder to make flat turns if the
thermal is light, as the wing will not have
to generate as much lift.
“Use only the lift you need to make your
time” (Joe Wurts), and tune your airplane
to the weather conditions of the day by
adding ballast.
Receiver performance is extremely
important in a contest environment. There
may be 15 or more transmitters operating
at the same time, you’ll be flying close to
other aircraft and transmitters, often with
multiple signals between you and your
plane.
At the start of a contest, the CD should
outline the field boundaries and any no-fly
zones. Tasks are usually predefined for
each round, with heats (a portion of the
entered pilots fly together), and rounds (all
pilots having flown one round before
starting another).
Adam had a portable PA system and a
specially made CD all set up, just as he
does at the local contests he CDs. He broke
clinic participants into two groups and had
the first group fly a heat with the second
group timing for them. The task was 10
one minute flights (60 seconds maximum)
in 10 minutes. This equates to the top ten
flights under one minute, as anything over
one minute doesn’t count. This means you
Adam and Phil showed how to predict where a thermal will be. Here Adam nonchalantly
catches his Encore after flying a good distance downwind to soar in a predicted thermal.
want to fly 57 to 58 seconds for each flight,
so you can catch your plane, and turn and
launch quickly for maximum flight time.
After the heat was over, the groups
switched roles. This sample round was
quite an education for everyone. The major
point learned was that being a timer for
someone else can be a better teacher than
flying yourself.
Russ McMillan is already talking about
having a similar PSSF RC-HLG Clinic next
year, with adequate lead time to post it on
the various regional events calendars. If
you live in the Pacific Northwest, check
out your local club message boards for
announcements.
P.S.: The barbecue was excellent!
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