Results of the Alabama Stunt Championships

On October 9th and 10th, Bob Dixon, David Shad and Mike Griffin traveled to Clanton, Alabama to represent the Georgia Aircraft Modelers Association and participate in the Alabama Control Line Stunt Championships. They were competing with other top notch control line flyers from all over the country. When all the dust settled and every flight was completed, the GAMA threesome did very well.

Bob Dixon took 2nd place in EXPERT STUNT and managed to do this even with engine problems during his second round flight.

David Shad took 2nd place in INTERMEDIATE STUNT and he also was plagued with engine problems so bad that he had to borrow an airplane he had never flown before from a friend and still finished in second place.

Mike Griffin took 1st place in BEGINNERS STUNT and this was his first ever contest to fly as a beginner.

These are the only three members in our club that fly competitively in Control Stunt around the country and without the support of the entire club and the wonderful facilities we have, these results would not have been possible.

Thanks for your support

Mike Griffin

GAMA Flying Site - Written by Bob Dixon

I read Mike’s blog about the contest, but I wanted you to know that I went out to practice on our field last week prior to the contest and the field was in perfect condition. It’s scenery and trim was just beautiful. My Nobler took off and landed like it was on a golf fairway. The grass has taken hold and I couldn’t even tell there were any weed clumps. Having a field like this is a major contributor to anyone flying at the competitive level and Mike and Dave do also. It’s so nice not to worry about weeds grabbing your lines and putting grass marks all over your finish on the airplane. I wanted to personally thank you and the GAMA members that support our part of this hobby and the entire flying site. Although, there are only 3 of us actively using the field, we are still striving to foster more interest and bring more guys out. I will be inviting 2 of my competitors up to our field for a flying clinic since there are many who would give their left arm for a field like ours.

Let me know if there is anything I can do for all our efforts even on the R/C end. I am now starting to work on my new fleet and should be back at R/C soon.

Thanks,

Bob Dixon

Marietta Contest - Written by Mike Griffin

This past weekend, Bob Dixon, David Shad and Mike Griffin represented GAMA at the Marietta Control Line Contest held in Marietta, GA. Contestants come from all over the country for these contests and only the best of the best score in the top 3. Mike did not fly but manned his booth for his Custom Cut Kit line of his pre cut model plane kits.

Bob and Dave did compete and here are the results.

Bob Dixon took first place in two of the three events he entered - Classic and Nostalgia 30
Bob took third place in the Expert category against some of the top flyers in the world. The first place finisher is a pilot who will represent the United States in the world Championships overseas this coming summer.

Dave Shad was entered in one event - Intermediate - and took third place against some great flyers in that category too. Dave put on a great performance against some great pilots.
I sat in the shade and sold kits for this one but will be entering the contest along with Bob and Dave in Clanton, Alabama this coming October.

Congratulations to Bob and Dave for representing our club in outstanding fashion. Having the circle at our field has proven to be an invaluable resource for practice to achieve such high marks in the Control Line aspect of our club. The circle looks absolutely beautiful and all the ground work we did three years ago with seeding and fertilizing has really paid off in more ways than one.

Thanks to everyone in the club for their support to the small control line group that we have but hope to grow in the future.

Mike Griffin

New Jet - Scott O'Quinn

New Jet came in today - Just waiting on turbine after overhaul.

Turbine Powered Delta - Keith Lindsay

Most of you have seen the large .91 powered delta I fly. I took it a step further and made one a turbine powered canard configured jet. The pictures show the sequence, sort of, as it was being built. The fuselage is about eight pounds empty, so should be about sixteen pounds ready to fly. The turbine is rated at fourteen pounds....should have adequate thrust for vertical performance. The canard is one third the size of the wing with the same sweep back angle. The canard elevator should enhance the elevons and provide high AOA landings...that's the plan. The CG was moved up four inches because of the canard. Two 24oz. Tanks are imbedded in the wing. A 4 oz. Hopper tankis located in the fuselage. The wing is sheeted with 3/32 balsa. A second spar was added for strength. A fun project that was easy to do.

Warbirds Over Fort Valley 13-14 Nov 2009

The warbirds event was wonderful with beautiful weather both days. We had a full scale B-24 and L5 flyover during the event. 30 registered pilots!

Finished Spitfire - Mike Griffin

The Spitfire is finished except for finishing the leadouts. I think it came out nice. I used leather fillets and I really like them.