Jury Report on Free Flight European Championships 1986 F1A F1B F1C
FAI Jury
Ian Kaynes | Great Britain | President |
Pierre Chaussebourg | France | Member |
Andreas Ree | Hungary | Member |
Dates
September 9 to 16
Location
Pitesti, Romania
Communications
These were poor before the event. Some nations did not receive the first information bulletin and very few received the second bulletin. At the flying field there were few announcements during the contest and these were seldom translated into English. Some of the interpreters supplied to help the teams were very efficient but the Jury also needs to have a good interpreter.
Accommodation
All competitors were housed in a single hotel at a distance of only 4km from the flying field. This was a pleasant contrast to recent Championships and, moreover, the fee for food and accommodation was more reasonable. The supporters and helpers were charged for food and accommodation but, commendably, did not have to pay any additional entry fees.
Flying site
This was inadequate for the Championships. Advance information stated that it was 4x2km and this agreed with the observation by the President of the FAI Jury when he had been shown the field in 1982. However, since that time the construction of a power station had commenced at one end of the site and large areas at the sides of the field were being used for growing maize. The remaining part of the field was hardly 1km square.
Disaster was averted by the wind speed not being great during the event and by virtue of hard work by competitors and helpers retrieving models from the difficult surrounding area.
Competition
The Championships were well organised. Model processing was carried out efficiently. It was necessary to move the starting position on a number of occasions to make best use of the field with a varible wind direction; this was accomplished efficiently and with the minimum delay.
In each event a reasonable number of competitors reached the flyoff and it was just possible to conclude each class within the scheduled day. There were no problems with visibility or timekeeping inaccuracies to detract from the final results. The organisers awarded medals, badges and vases to the top three individuals and teams in each class at a ceremony at the city sports hall.
Timekeeping
Timekeeping was to a high standard and there were few problems.
Timetable
A reserve day was allowed in the timetable to allow completion of the competition if there had been any delay. In the event this was not needed and could be used for excursions, etc. However, it was noted that a number of competitors had booked return journeys starting on that day. This should not become a regular practice. It was partly influenced by infrequent flights from Romania but would have caused problems or disappointment if the reserve day had been needed to complete the competition.
Protests
There were no official protests or disqualifications.
Conclusion
The FAI Jury thank the Romanian Modelling Federation for the successful European Championships.