AOCC - Australian F3A Team Blog

2010-09-24T00:50:00.000-07:00

Final Placements GlennO, and Nutta (Aun) from Thailand will be flying a display of the unknown in the morning. This could pose significant disruptions to our entertainment plans.

Scores and flight order

2010-09-22T18:16:00.000-07:00


Flight order for finals


Placings

The Flying in general

2010-09-22T04:01:00.000-07:00

Flying Styles!!!!

The models where flown to the conditions, a little closer and slower in the calm, moving it out slightly and a little bigger when the wind got up. Distances where around the 150 to 175meters with a nice slow rolling in the maneuvers. With lots of throttle management. Speed control was paramount. This presented awesomely. Speed was very constant, with no noticeable zooming on down lines. I suppose having a dirty great paddle on the front helps. No aircraft was underpowered, with good reliability considering the extreme heat and humidity.

From memory YS 170 users where using the APC 20x10.5 prop, this gave a nice slow flight and slow down lines. Verticals where effortless, barely a wiff of smoke with their Cosmo low oil content fuels. They where using the YS170 non CDI. Weight???? I know Onda's Asyuler was a light 4600 grams, amazing.

In Suziki's MidRex we spied the OS200 but this time with a CDI attached, this too performed beautifully. The bi-planes do present very nicely (only two bipes present). They look they are on rails, rolling very axially. I also think they perform very good in the integrated rolling looping maneuvers.

The rest of the field was a mix of the typical YS and electric set-ups. Probably more Hacker C50-14XL's than anything else. Not a sole Plettenburg to be seen, don't know why.

Hatta was flying a Extreme Composite Pegasus. This was powered by the Hacker Q80 outrunner. What was unusual was the propeller selection, he used an own design wide bladed 19x13. Very interesting considering the Hacker has a low rpm/volt. Compared to other outrunners on the market.

One notable exception was Micheal Ramel(Germany) flying a Wind S. This was powered by his own designed contra rotating prop system. It uses the Hacker motor and that's about it. Micheal had a couple of unfortunate mishaps. One forgetting to strap his battery pack in, he managed to land the model safely, thank goodness. (the locals are probably worshipping this wonderful gift from the gods!!!) And secondly he suffered some sort of power plant gearbox failure, not too sure. Didn't sound too nice though.

The Wash Up

2010-09-22T03:53:00.000-07:00

Righto, Glenno finished 7th in the preliminaries, with Chris just missing the cut in 11th and Ron bringing us home in 17th position. All in all a pretty reasonable result.

Well now, the work starts for Glenno. Where sitting here having a beer or two discussing how we are going to charge, manage his batteries. With a bit of luck in tomorrows free practice he will get in four flights. Go Glenno!!!! We all know how hard Glenno has been practicing his F's, so it's all looking good.

Well, happy endings for Glenno

2010-09-22T03:21:00.000-07:00

Sorry for not posting in the last couple of days. We have had no internet connection for the last couple of days. GGGGRRRR everybody has been annoyed to say the least. Either way we are back. Anyway we'll do some quick catch ups.

Model processing went perfect for everybody, no issues at all. Definately pays to do your homework here.

Official practice went really well for everybody, no engine issues for Ron and Chris's speedy kept it's cool. And Glenno was cool taking it all in his stride.

The offical opening went off with lots of load banging literally, imagine half a dozen guys hitting the tops of 44 gallon drums, loud is an understatement. It all went well with lots of entertainment, ask Darren and Fossil, they kept us all amused. Definately a very sociable atmosphere, the locals have gone to great lengths to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Anyway now onto some proper flying.

Round one!!

Ron was up 3rd and put in a good soild flight in really good conditions. Ron was pretty chuffed. Glenno was up next straight after Onda, at least there was a break. Glenno wasn't too happy with his flight but we all thought it was still a soild flight, just what is needed. Chris was up later in the morning, by this time the wind had comeup some, not bad mind you. This was a pretty solid flight, with some room for improvement.

Round two, (Sounds like a boxing match)

First victim Glenno, wasn't too happy, flopped the stall turn at the end of the box. Not happy Jan!!!. This was the one to drop. Plenty of room to improve. Chris was up next, with a scrappy flight, bit messy, not one to keep. Ron was up next, with a very similar flight, but with some big fat zero's on the spins, Ron is still learning to count. There is still hope with two to go. hanh in there Ron.

Round three, (ding, ding)

Chris was up early this time, if you call 8:51 early that is. Unfortunately he was caught unware and unprepared.(was in the ready box but mentally not) Needless to say it wasn't pretty. Enough said. Ron was up next this time with two zero'd manuvers, not good. You can't afford any donuts at this level. Ron was definately trying hard enough. Glenno was up next with a really good solid flight, awesome stuff indeed.

Round four

After lunch it was Ron's turn again, what a disaster (not my words LOL) Ron's motor gave it's all but to no avail. Unfortunately it was Ron's worst flight. Glenno next, backing up his earlier efforts. Good stuff, looking good. Chris was lucky last and put in a solid flight, no major stuff-ups just a good solid flight.

NEWS FLASH!!!!!!

2010-09-19T07:35:00.001-07:00

Team manager proves to the locals he can indeed fly a model aircraft.

Extremely funny as he normally flies mode 1. All in all a pretty awesome effort. I don't think he will be converting to mode 2 anytime soon though. With some pretty exciting manouvers, with Darren being the only one that could identify what they really where. The range of a JR radio is simply amazing.

Team update slight set back

2010-09-19T06:45:00.000-07:00

During the afternoon we had the chance to check out the offical flying area, what an awesome spot. It doesn't get any better than this. How often do you see the centre and end pole mounted out in the ocean (sea). Talk about dedication( photos later) The turn around on the right hand side will be over the local villiage, mmmmm, MAAA eat your heart out. This is the mornings flight.

Then in the afternoon we have the pleasure of flying over Bacelod's main higway into town. You can cleary see this when arriving at the field, when you see a model decending vertically towards your car!. Definately takes some getting use to.

Engine not purring any more

All in all a pretty eventful day. With a bit of luck we will have Ron's motor purring once again. Time will tell, with the offical practice tomorrow morning. The Kiwi's where also having their fair share of engine dramas also. The climate is making it tricky, having a different blends of fuel is also tricky. With a bit of luck these guys will have it all sorted. The fuel is okay, we just have to get our heads around it.Ron is running 5% less nitro than at home and appears to have the same power.

Ron's model was extremely quiet when unofficially noise tested ( just because it wasn't running!!)

Chris has had his first ever electric dead stick, not good. Realised it was the speedy shutting down due to over temperature. Probably my fault anyway as i was on an extended flight. But boy is it hot here, and the humidity is through the roof. Pretty confident it won't happen again. Batteries here are working awesome, not need for the hot box here. Chris has never had this much power before, with the batteries showing extremely low resistances.

Glenno had two uneventful flights, and is happy with how things are shaping up.

Caught a glimpse of Hatta's Q80 hacker, boy what a monster, didn't realise how big it was. Heaps of power and wisper quiet. Need a huge airframe too contain this baby. Have got some photos to post later, just have to find away of getting them off Chris's camera.

We have caught some flying of Suzuki's Mid Rex biplane, very pretty indeed. Using OS200 for power it definately wasn't lacking.

Tomorrow morning we go out for our one and only official practice flight. Us Aussies are the first off the blocks. Then straight away we are off to model processing, not expecticing any problems here. We had the chance to use their scales and noise meters etc. Brilliant!!

It seems they are going to be rally tuff on the electrics, they want to see we have our failsafes set on the throttle. Makes sense, last thing you want is a runaway pattern model, just ask Painey.

Philippines

2010-09-18T20:15:00.000-07:00


GlennO at the Hanger at the field.

The Hanger

Wooo Hooo

Johnny our Driver he is a good driver as he has been driving since he was 13.

Just a local street...

One of the Locals

Drink of Choice.. Hmmmmmm

Catching up on the Gossip back home... On my bed mind you...

This is a view from our rooms.. Nice development opportunity.

From the Field

2010-09-18T19:58:00.000-07:00

Here are a couple of pickies of what is going on at the field.

Chuchad Sukhumchareonjit with a Prototype April by X-treme Composite

Very Cool Eat your heart out BB.


A wing mans view.


Nuttawut Rattanaprarom with the new Pegasus from X-treme Composite


What the? Detachable Wings BB it doesn't get much better than that...


Clean construction with plenty of room. Sweet Top Loading....


The Very Kool Mr Onda


This may be the cleanest shiniest plane that I have ever seen.

Just a little Bling... Almost enough to take you back to glow hey Glenno.

Japan's Secrets Shhhhhhh... Secret....


More secret's we weren't even allowed to take a photo in focus..

these are a very light aluminum Axel with a spring for tension to the wheel.

Personalise your Radio now I like that pitty it is not JR...lol

Away we Go.

2010-09-18T19:25:00.000-07:00

1stly Sorry for the lack of update it has been crazy here and that is not only on the roads.

We have arrived trouble free Swainy had a little bit of damage to the mount of the Motor but all fixed and he has had a couple of good flights. No Excess all the way through and awesome service from both Cathay Pacific and Philippine Airlines. More about that in the final report.

Ron has had some YS trouble with a leaking Gasket after getting Mr YS (Mr Yamada) to give it the official YS blessing it is running like a dream. Ron has now had a couple of flights and the engine is purring.

Glenno has run a couple of packs through and is looking good.

If this is not the City of smiles I would be surprised. The people here are all incredibly helpful and cannot do enough for you.

At the Airport

2010-09-16T06:10:00.001-07:00

Checking in at the airport. With help from our team manager stretching the truth a little we managed to get the model boxes and luggage onto the aircraft without any excess charges.

Thanks to the great Cathay staff Joseph anf Kerri, who also helped get us into the Cathay lounge.

See the picture attached with the newest member of the team Joseph.

Ready to fly..

2010-09-16T05:55:00.000-07:00

After many months of communication with the airlines we are sitting in the Cathay lounge with all luggage on board waiting for the plane 11:45pm few it was all worth it and the beers are going down very nicely.

We hope now not to see the boxes again until we get to Manilla....

Will update tomorrow.

Cheers TM

Hear we go....

2010-09-14T05:47:00.000-07:00

Hey Fellow followers,
The AOC Team (AOCC or CAOCC in the Old school) is ready to Go.

We Fly out Thursday 16th September To Hong Kong and then Onto Philippines. 13 Hours Later we will get accustomed to our new surroundings have a few local ales and get ready for what is going to be an exciting couple of Days flying.

Please feel free to send the boys GlennO Chris Swainy, Ron Schulzy and My Self Darren Willo all the best for the Comp and continue to follow us abroad and support our Sponsors.

Till next next time. Bon Voy Age....

New Rules for Electrics

2010-08-26T06:29:00.000-07:00

Well as we get closer to the comp the II's get dotted and the TT's get crossed.

There are some new local rules for Electric Flyers at the 2010 AOCC F3A Championships by the CIAM Bureau.

In accordance with the F3 R/C Aerobatics Subcommittee and the CIAM Bureau we have released two “Local Rules” for this Championship.

They read as follows:

Local Rules:

Due to safety reasons there are two local rules in place during the AOC 2010:

• For electric powered models, the electric power circuit(s) must not be physically connected, before the competitor is instructed to start his 8- minutes flight time and must be physically disconnected right after landing.

• The propulsion system(s) must automatically shut-off or fully idle at the moment a R/C signal failure should occur.

Cheers for Now....

Welcome to the Official Australian F3A Team AOCC Blog

2010-05-28T23:33:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Official Australian 2010 AOCC F3A Team Blog. Over the coming months we hope to keep you up to date as to what the Team is up to and how they are going in the competition.

So What is AOCC?
AOCC is the Asian Oceanic Championship for Aerobatic Model Aircraft (F3A).

When is AOCC?
AOCC this year 2010 is being held on 19-25th September 2010 in Bacolod City Negros Occidental in the Philippines.

So who is competing?
This year the team is as follows. (In no particular order...)

Competitors:
Glenn Orchard
Chris Swain
Ron Schulz

Team Manager:
Darren Williams

Official Australian Judge:
Robert Clarke