Observations by the ES

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coachchuckaahs
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Observations by the ES

Post by coachchuckaahs »

Coach Dave and I were ES at the ATX invite this weekend. I want to pass on "lessons learned" to help you avoid common issues.
  • Read and understand the logbook rules. Out of 41 teams (WS and EWS), only about 5 had "complete" logbooks.
  • The most common incomplete was non-metric units in the flying portion, usually "feet" for altitude or circle diameter. You can have a traditional measurement column, but couple it with a converted column (counts as one parameter only). Be sure to label your parts in metric as well, including balsa thickness.
  • The second failure in logs was lack of a cover page. This is specified as a separate page (cover page) with specific requirements (Team name, team number for this tourney, etc.)
  • Label your airplane! This is tier-able! Just your school name (and team A, B, etc.) with a marker is needed
  • Color 1 panel of the wing, or the tip plate, for a bonus
  • Kits contain instructions, or links to videos, for flight trimming. Do this! Many planes were well-built but never flown, or substantially out of trim. Get your CG in the right location and then trim with shims to get a gradual climb, not a stall or dive.
  • Check in the maximum 6 rubber motors. Motors break, especially when in a hurry. Too many teams brought only one motor. Even with 2 or 3, some teams broke them all. My team has 2 each "standard" motor, thicker motor, and thinner motor, so they can adjust after the first flight. You may want 4 standard and just 1 in each direction thick and thin.
  • The rules are explicit on not receiving outside help once in the contest area, whether competing or testing. Coaches cannot come in, teammates cannot come in. You cannot leave for tools, materials, or anything else. This is a little ambiguous if you came in just to practice, as you may need to leave to go to other events. However, don't have your coach fix your plane just outside the contest area in view of the contest officials! Bring what you need to fix and maintain your plane. If you bring a retrieval pole, have it extended before you fly!
  • Bring two planes! It is easy to get caught on the lights, ceiling, etc., and it takes time to get the plane back. You can usually get help AFTER your flight window to retrieve, but you are on your own during competition.
Coach Chuck
These users thanked the author coachchuckaahs for the post (total 2):
Adi1008 (November 8th, 2021, 11:53 am) • giills (November 18th, 2021, 9:43 am)
Coach, Albuquerque Area Home Schoolers Flying Events
Nationals Results:
2016 C WS 8th place
2018 B WS 2nd place
2018 C Heli Champion
2019 B ELG 3rd place
2019 C WS Champion
AMA Results: 3 AAHS members qualify for US Jr Team in F1D, 4 new youth senior records
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