2013 UK Events and the AHA

[ian694]

Hi All,

Just a brief update on what the AHA has been doing over the past couple of months.

The AHA is always looking at ways to encourage new entrants into competitions. In 2013 there will be fewer events (3 league events and the BMFA & Scottish Nationals) but they will be held over 2 days as opposed to single day events seen in previous years. The Saturday would be a “funfly” with the competitions being held on the Sunday. It is hoped more people would be willing to travel if they could get 2 full days flying. We will be holding 3D (F3N) and precision aerobatic (Sportsmans/F3C) together at the events, as well as Scale demonstrations, so there will be something for everyone whether you want to fly or just spectate.

The AHA will of course continue to organise and host the traditional twice yearly Charmouth fun fly on the South Coast as well as these other events.

Due to the lack of entrants over the past couple of seasons, the Clubman’s schedule has now been withdrawn. Whilst some people have said that they were going enter, unfortunately this hasn’t happened over the past couple of years resulting in competitions being cancelled.

With the funfly/contest format why not come and support the AHA and have ago at a competition instead of just watching? You get to fly at some of the best clubs in the country, speak to the best pilots in the UK and at some venues there are an unlimited supply of burgers and hotdogs. Even if you can’t manage the entire schedule, just come and fly the manoeuvres that you are comfortable with.

I will post details on upcoming events on the AHA Section on this forum, we are just waiting for the venues to be finalised before they are posted on the AHA Website www.theaha.co.uk

Regards

Ian

[Paulice]

Welcome to the forum Ian.

[waveydavey]

Welcome to the forum Ian

[ian694]

Thanks guys, it would be good to get peoples views on the new format.

Regards

Ian

[adieuk]

Hi Ian and welcome to the forum

[ian694]

Hi all,

I’m just trying to gauge people’s opinions and some constructive comments on the changes that have been made for the AHA 2013 season here in the UK to try and encourage more people to have a go at competition flying.

Are fewer weekend events more appealing than lots of single day events held in previous years?
Is it a good idea to combine F3C/F3N and Sportsman’s events?
Should we have kept the Clubman’s schedule?

Regards

Ian Emery

[waveydavey]

I think some of the problem Ian is that people although willing just don't have the cash to attend all the events across the flying season. As much as people may have an interest in the superb flying that goes on at the F3C events I think they commit to a few flyins across the year and thats all they can do. I can only speak for myself but I could probably manage the Tring event for one of the days but Gumley or Dartford just isn't possible, as much as I would probably enjoy the events.

I don't think making them a 2 day event therefore is going to make much difference unfortunately. Is there not a way of combining some of the established flyins with the comps, therefore people aren't having to commit to too may weekends. Or, leave it as it is and try to drum up a bit more interest in a one day event,say a free go on someones comp machine on buddy box or something

[trillian]

I think what waveydavey is saying about the budgeting of flyins is very true. The problem with a 2 day event is that to be there both days you have the cost of accomodation and meals in addition to the travel (unless you're lucky enough to live close by).

I can only do a limited number of flyins as the train and accomodation just get's too much to justify it.

I had genuinely planned on trying to enter a clubmans comp last year but then the weather turned sour and I didnt get the practice time I needed. I also began to realise that unless you have a car it's just not possible. This may seem obvious and I'm sure most heli flyers take for granted the ability to drive to an event at any time but I don't have a car because I don't need one and it's rarely possible to even reach the venues by train let alone get there for 9.00 in the morning on a Sunday. Last year the first two comps I wanted to go to just as a spectator ended up being virtually impossible to reach due to engineering works on the trains (which does tend to fall on Sundays when they decide to do work on the tracks). Anyway, the travel thing is my own particular issue that is not shared by everyone.

I think regarding dropping the clubmans comp, it's a shame because it's a good idea but if no one is entering then obviously it's not viable.

On combining with F3N etc. I think if it means having a bigger crowd that might then get interested in F3C it has to be a good idea. Any ways to piggyback on to established flyins and comps is probably a good bet.

[ian694]

Hi all
The dates and venues have now been confirmed for this year’s events. More details cans be found on the aha website www.theaha.co.uk. Hopefully we will see some new faces there this year.

6 April Gumley (Season Opener)
20/21 April Charmouth
12 May Tring (Round 1)
1/2 June Bexhill-On-Sea (Round 2)
17/18 August Dartford (Round 3)
24/26 August Barkston Heath (British Nationals, Round 4)

Regards

Ian Emery

[jbeez_yuall]

Hi ian,

I'm newish to this site and very new to competition heli flying but am hoping to get at least one event in this year.

You've asked for opinions so here goes;

As a 1/8th rallycross racer for the last few years I am surprised by the low numbers that f3c seemed to get at its events last year from what I have read in mags etc. So I understand what you are trying to do.

However, for me, a soon to be dad, recent new home owner and very busy generally keeping her happy and going to work, diy etc, two day events are not so good. I will however do what I can to make it for the competition day of a couple of events and do what I can.

I think its a shame the sportmans schedule has gone, as I am now a bit confused as to what to practise. I'm sure I can work something out and from the sound of things turning up and having a go is what you need, so it should be good.

Charmouth's probably not going to happen for me, but tring is a definite possibility. May also see you at ohc practicing now the evenings are out a bit

[choppertastic]

2013 UK Events and the AHA

I think its a shame the sportmans schedule has gone

I didn't think it had. The clubmans has gone but the sportsmans and full F3C are still there. (At least that how I understand it)

Can you get to Gumley near Market Harborough for the season opener this Saturday?

Cheers
James

[ian694]

James is correct. Sportsman's still exists it was the Clubmans schedule that has been cancelled. I think the reason is that the Sportsmans schedule is just a simplified version of F3C, so as you get used to flying the schedule you can gradually add the F3C version of each manouever until you can fly the complete schedule. Also as everyone will be flying together you can get a more accurate representation of how you are improving compared to the F3C guy's. The Sportsmans schedule can be downloaded from the AHA website along with a written description. It would be great to see some more faces this weekend at Gumley for the season opener. There is no competition, just a chance to catch up with people and have a couple of flights. Directions are on the AHA webiste and I believe the start time is usually 10am, if it's any different I will post another reply.

[jbeez_yuall]

Ah, thats cool. thought I read somewhere that every one flew the f3c schedule and just droped the bits they were not comfortable with. Thats good, can manage the sportmans with a bit of practice.

I'll see if I can get up on saturday but got some stuff to do in the morning already and on call for work, so most likely not gona make it, maybe just come to say hi.

thanks

John

[Steve]

I can't make it to Gumley this year due to family commitments, but I would recommend the day out to anyone who has even a passing interest in either F3C or F3N competition flying as an ideal opportunity to get 'up close and personal' with some of the top flyers in the country at their chosen disciplines, and with their equipment too.

I have a reasonable chance of going to Tring in May, and if you fancy going trillian, I could pick you up from Cockfosters tube station on the way around the M25.

[trillian]

I have a reasonable chance of going to Tring in May, and if you fancy going trillian, I could pick you up from Cockfosters tube station on the way around the M25.

I might be able to but I have to play it by ear and just see how it goes because I am leaving very early in the morning the following day to Gran Canaria, so if I have everything totally ready to go then it's possible.