By Dan G. – MVSA Webmaster
Eight club members flew a total of 76 flights in 4 categories (ALES, 2M, RES and UNL) at a private field in O’Fallon, MO. The weather provided the drama for the monthly contest held with wind maxing at 16 mph with gusts over 20 mph (measured at the field). The air temperature was a humid 89F with high overcast skies – thought to be due to the California forest fires.
Results can be found on the club’s Contests page.
These conditions contributed to big gains and losses both in the air and on the ground. Of the 76 flights – 6 landed off field and downwind all resulting in zero points. The wind also affected list with only 5 flights landing at the max duration times of 6 or 10 minutes – 3 in RES and 2 in UNL.
The shortest flight was recorded by Dave (44 seconds, zero landing) and the longest flights at 10 minutes by Wayne W (3), Bob G. (1) and John H (1). One plane was damaged on a launch and was unable to continue (not weather related) while two others were damaged but fixed on the field. One plane blew 15 feet from it’s pit area. One flyer commented – ‘this is the most dust devils I have ever seen at a contest’.
Tired flyers soon wrote begin writing that night about the contest in the club’s members only Google Group.
“The contest today was one of the best ever,” Robert S. wrote. (He flew in the Unlimited class.) “The wind made it a challenge for everyone.” I was surprised that so many members were ready to meet the wind challenge. I was unsure if I was up to it but since there were so many guys who were stepping up to the line that it there were so many guys who were stepping up to the line that it gave me confidence.”
“Having five guys launch at once in ALES reminded me of when I first joined the club and our contests would have four or five winches all launching at once,” – Larry A.
“There were a few flights where guys made the 10 minutes. I was never even close to that. But each flight was fun and I think I learned something every time. I loved watching what the other guys did in the air. Some of them were amazing. Some of them were not quite. All of them were entertaining.”
“Landings were a thrill,” Robert S. said. “The headwinds were so strong that there were several landings downrange. The main lesson learned is that when it was time to land the nose HAD to be kept down. Pulling elevator on approach would only get you a landing that was short of the tape.”
“Having five guys launch at once in ALES reminded me of when I first joined the club and our contests would have four or five winches all launching at once,” wrote Larry A.
“It was an interesting day at that!” Bill O
Saturday is the club’s monthly 2M Fun Fly. It is held at a private field. Non-club members with AMA are welcome to participate – just send us a note on the “Contact Us” page. If you are not an AMA member but are interested in being our guest on Saturday – message us using the “Contact Us”.