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Jury Report on Free Flight World Championships 1981 F1A F1B F1C

FAI Jury

Sandy PimenoffFINPresident
Ian KaynesGBRMember
N3C3Member

Dates

August 7th to 13th, 1981.

Location

The World Championships were organized by the F.E.N.D.A. at the Villafria Military Airfield outside Burgos.

Accommodation

The standard of accommodation was good. but the competitors were split up between two sites, which did create some problems. The standard of food was good but no soft drinks were available as an alternative to wine, the only beverage offered.

Flying site

The site was too small for accepted world championships standards, considering the wind strength prevailing through most of the meeting. In this respect, misleading information was previously given to C.I.A.M. The Bureau meeting suggested a change of site, but according to the organisers, this was not possible. The surrounding countryside was moreover difficult for retrieving models with many natural hazards, factories and residential areas. This led to a large number of models being lost or damaged, especially in class F1A.

Participation

There were a total of 237 competitors, 84 in class F1A, 82 in class F1B and 71 in class F1C, representing 32 countries. This makes it one of the biggest F.A.I. Free Flight Championships so far.

Competition

Procesaing commenced to an unrealistic timetable but this was quickly rectified. The equipment for weighing models and rubber motors was however inadequate. Labels to aid return of models from the surrounding countryside would have been highly appreciated.

The organisers were late arriving at the start of the contest, showing no sense of urgency and no regret at the situation. The difficulties during flying were aggravated by the fact that the organisers and most of the timekeepers spoke only Spanish. Announcements concerning the contest procedures and timetables were sporadic and the PA system inadequate.

Rockets to indicate start and finish of rounds failed to be used on some occasions and one round had to be extended in view of the confusion caused.

SCORING. The scoreboard was initially set-up well away from the flying site. This was rectified after the first contest day but results were not reasonably kept up to date. Many errors were made in the published results.

RECOVERY. Jeeps for recovery were at disposal of the competitors but were not always fully available. The organisers were not able to arrange aerial search for the many lost models.

A very high standard of flying was seen and the result was in doubt until almost the end of the contest.

Timekeeping

Inadequate briefing of timekeepers led to some incorrect procedures, and a number of timekeepers were below the required standards and had to be exchanged.

Closing Ceremony

The banquet was excellent with good food and entertainment, providing a happy end to the championships.

Conclusion

In spite of the negative comments in this report, the Jury wishes to emphasize that a great deal of work and preparations had gone into these championships, for which the organisers are to be thanked. It is however obvious that the C.I.A.M. in the future must take a more critical standpoint when appointing world championship organisers, and increase Bureau control and follow—up concerning plans, preparations and execution of the world championships.