SEN 2663
- 200 second maxes ?
- TImekeeping and binoculars
- Talking Timekeeping
- F1P(s) Wanted
200 second maxes ?
By Aram Schlosberg
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It seems that many are concerned that flyoff are too large, with at least 50% of the flyers.
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A simple tweak would be to increase the 3:00 minute maxes to 3:20 maxes. My experience is that over two or three contests, there was at least one round I scored in the 181-199 second range. This might aggregate to only 40-45% of the flyers reaching the first flyoff in large contests.
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Of course, a 200 and a 240 second maxes are not always suitable in confined sites under adverse weather conditions. ///
Editor’s Observation: In all the discussion around performance there are clearly many aspects from out flying the size of the field and time keepers vision to handling large number in flyoffs.
We have had 2 suggestions, namely Aram’s above and the number 1 by Chris Edge on removing the attempt that both would reduce the number of flyoff participants and Chris’s case also discourage risky potentially higher performance trim/launch setups without changing the model specifications at all. How about it ?
TImekeeping and binoculars
From: Martin Gregorie
Hi Roger,
Couldn’t resist sticking my oar in here: do what you like with it (publish it of course)
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… what I think is that the F/O timekeepers have to use all of them,
the same model of binoculars and also have an approved eyesight , for
big world champs
I would strongly suggest that, if a timekeeper has a good pair of
binoculars, he SHOULD have the freedom to use them in place of those
provided by the organisers. In the case of an objection by either
timekeeper or organiser, a comparison of what the timekeeper can see
through both bins should be made and the best pair used.
Some of the organiser kit doesn’t suit everybody. For example I’ve been
handed a set of fixed focus binoculars that I was utterly unable to use
(was that in France, might have been) so I used my 1977 vintage Nikon
6x25s which are super bright and sharp and saw every model I timed
either down to the ground or vanishing behind a hedge. I also used my
Nikons at the last Euros in Hungary, though as a team helper not a
timekeeper, but despite their apparently wimpy spec, I managed to see
Mike Woolner’s F1B down on his long (5th or 6th round) flight when it
went a bit over 4km. I didn’t loose any other models I watched either.
In case you’re wondering, I do wear glasses when I drive and when flying
my Libelle.
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Thermals,
Martin Gregorie
Talking Timekeeping
From John Lorbiecki on Facebook
From a person who has timed many flights with various people helping, here is what I found works. Communicate with your helper. Pretty simple- just say, ” turning right- now a profile, turning down wind, profile”…etc etc…It is a simple thing but gets both timers in line- If there is a problem, communicate and many times the person can relocate and continue- and yes, good eyes are better and good binocs help but many times, just talking works. In regards to performance, the CD has the option every time to change the situation to match the field.
And
An observation from the recent World Champs. What was very interesting was there were a number of timekeepers that came to help “because they realized it was a big event and wanted to be part of it” Some of these people were experienced current Free Flighters who probably flew some of the AMA classes others, like the guys from the local R/C (wherever local to Lost Hills is) Club had probably flown some in their youth. The Chief Timekeeper paired the less experienced with a experienced timekeeper. John’s suggestion above certainly very beneficial in this case. All of these people did a great job, had a wondeful time and enjoyed meeting flyers from all over the world.
F1P(s) Wanted
From: “Gregory A. Stewart”
Looking for composite F1P model(s) or components. Any available in the US or Canada before I order from overseas?
Gregory A Stewart
greg@stewart-miyake.net
Columbus, Mississippi
662.402.6006