I also build and fly free flight model aeroplanes, these are not controlled by anything and are trimmed to fly buy themselves.
There are lots of competitions world wide and each competition has many entrants which goes to show that free flight is not dead as many believe. Also free flight postal events are flown, which entails the entrant flies the aircraft to a set of rules and then sends the results to one person, who is usually the organizer, persons from all over the world enter the same event and in that way we can fly against each other without having to spend vast amounts in travelling costs.
Below are a few postal competitions which can be entered.
This years delta dart postal is the second year it will be held and I have decided to extend the time for which flights can be made.
The new dates will be from the 1st June until the 30th of November 2000 this allows for a better weather envelope and also runs at the same time as most other free flight postal events.
Last year I had a fair entry and I am hoping to get a better entry this year, I would have had a few more but George Car and his friends in Australia flew two months before the date and then was unable to set another time because of weather, another reason to extend the time.
The rules will be the same as last year which is a follows:
Wishing you the best thermal luck.
This Postal Competition was founded in 1992 to provide a basis of friendly competition between aeromodellers world-wide sharing an interest in various classes of Vintage/Old timer flying. In response to suggestions 1999 saw a cautious introduction of events for P30 and Catapult gliders, receiving sufficient support to encourage the formation of this 'Open' division to cater for those flying in classes outside the Vintage/OT field. Future continuation of any or all events is dependent upon level of support for same and suggestions for future expansion would be welcomed. Some classes are flown to varying rules in different countries and an effort has been made to provide practical rules hopefully acceptable by all.
Flights may be made outdoors between June 1st. 2000 and January 14th 2000 inclusive; it is not mandatory that all scores be made upon the saw day in multi-flight events but each is to be pre nominated to a timekeeper as an official flight. Unless otherwise specified flyoff flights will increase by 30 second increments until the model fails to reach the duration target for that flight, at which point the final score will be the total of all flights, recorded in seconds - the objective is to avoid unlimited flyoffs and the possibility of lost models. Flights under 20 seconds are 'attempts' other than in Catapult and HLG. Multiple entries with different models are permissible in all classes; in Catapult and HLG only, the saw model (s) my be entered more than once.
Please note: in Power classes engine runs are to be timed in accordance with North American rules i.e. to the last audible power (combustion)stroke; propellor rundown (the 'burble') is not considered as engine run time. The 'Stomper' postal class has been transferred from the Ladysmith Club, Australia who have organized several successful annual international events for this simple great-flying design, by George Fuller in the early '50s; plans (PET499) available from Nexus, England (further info. available from JM).
STOMPER Engines to be plain bearing diesels no larger than 1.5cc capacity. Three flights to 150 second maximum from an engine run no longer than 10 seconds; flyoff flights then increase by 30 second increments.
A full report will be mailed to each entrant; to assist in the compilation of same, a brief account of weather, site, flying anecdotes, photographs, etc. would be appreciated when scores are submitted, as would a small voluntary token donation towards postal expenses. Entries should be returned by January 31st. to:-
GOOD FLYING, GOOD LUCK and HAVE FUN!
The purpose of this postal competition is to encourage friendly participation between aeromodellers worldwide, with events for gliders and a wide variety of rubber powered designs, authenticated to have been flying outdoors prior to December 31st. 1950 even though plan publication my have been of a later date in any kit, commercial magazine, SAM publication, club newsletter or other source.
Flights may be made outdoors between June 14th 2000 and January 14th 2000, inclusive; it is not mandatory that all flights in any event be made upon the same day but each is to be pre-nominated to a timekeeper as an official contest flight. The format is for three or more flights, as required, to a specified maximum; after three maximums then further flyoff flights will be made with the maximum increasing by 30 second increments until the model fails to reach the duration target for that flight. Final score will be the total of all flights, recorded in seconds. Flights exceeding 20 seconds are 'official', other than in Catapult Glider. The 20" OT/Vintage rubber class is to encourage the flying of small models which may not be usually considered competitive against larger designs and 'Vintage Catapult' is for models originally published as HLG'S. Multiple entries with different models may be made in all classes but , Lanzo Cabin' flights may not be "doubled up" with another event - separate flights, please.
1933 LANZO CABIN The Lanzo competition will be to three flights of 120 secs. maximum followed by 30 second increments thereafter.
20" VINTAGE/OLDTIMER For designs not exceeding 20"/51cm span as measured on plan. Three flights to be made to a 60 second maximum, followed by 30 second increments thereafter.
30" VINTAGE/OLDTIMER For designs with spans greater than 20"/51cm but not exceeding 3011/76cm span as measured on plan. Three flights will be made to a 90 second maximum, followed by 30 second increments.
42" VINTAGE/OLDTIMER For designs with spans greater than 30"/76cm but not exceeding 42"/107cm span as measured on plan. Three flights will be made to a 120 second maximum, followed by 30 second increments.
SMALL VINTAGE GLIDER For designs with spans not exceeding 40"/102cm as measured on plan. Three flights will be made to a 90 seconds maximum, followed by 30 sec. increments thereafter. Maximum towline length is 164 feet (50 meters); high-start or pulley launching systems are permissible if the unstretched, or usable, length does not exceed 164' (50 meters).
LARGE VINTAGE GLIDER For designs with spans greater than 40"/102cm. Three flights will be made to a 120 seconds maximum, followed by 30 sec. increments thereafter. Towline length, etc., as per 'Small Vintage'.
VINTAGE CATAPULT GLIDER Best six of nine flights to 90 second maximum; if six maximums are scored, 30 sec. increments thereafter. Catapult to be a 9" loop of 1/4" flat rubber attached to a 6" handle. No minimum 'attempt' flights. In this event only, multiple entries are permissible with the same rnodel(s).
A full report will be mailed to each entrant; to assist in the compilation of same, a brief account of weather, site, flying anecdotes, photographs, etc. would be appreciated when scores are submitted, as would small voluntary token donation towards postal expenses. Entries should be returned by January 31st. to:-
GOOD FLYING, GOOD LUCK and HAVE FUN!