BMFA B test problems

[pchristy]

Sorry Richard (Rainman), I didn't mean to under-estimate your input to the BMFA, I know you are connected to the ASRC. However, I never see you at either Full Council, Areas Council or Tech Council, which is where these decisions get made. I often feel like a lone voice in the wilderness at these meetings, as there seem to be no other heli flyers there! I would be absolutely delighted to see more heli flyers taking up some of these posts (whether they agree with me or not!) just to spread the load a bit!!!

Regarding the new manoeuvre, notification was made in the BMFA News, and all examiners should have received notification as well. However, I am NOT a member of the ASRC (Achievement Scheme review Committee), so I really can't comment on how they disseminate this information.

As Richard has said, he and I disagree (in a friendly way!) over the Hovering "M". Perhaps I'm lucky in that space has never been a problem at the sites I fly at. However, I think that if there was a fundamental safety problem with the "M", it would have become apparent long before now.

That's all water under the bridge now, though. We have a compromise solution, and like all compromises, it leaves both side of the argument equally dis-satisfied!!!

--
Pete

[robgt]

Thanks for the clarification Pete.
I guess the FAI are wrong in this case then - as it doesn't seem very safe to me, and to be able to fly up to 5 meters behind yourself is, in my view, a stupid idea.
Have the FAI ever been told they have it wrong?

I doubt that's just me thinking that either, but I could be wrong
Cheers,
Rob

[marktigere1]

Isn't that what callers and shotguns are for?

Bit extreme Rob.

After all, it's not the Heli's fault.

Also, I thought the BMFA only sanctioned the use of a shotgun to put a thrashing Heli out of its misery once radio contact was broken?

Clarification would be welcome on this touchy subject.

Cheers

Mark

PS. This is a flippant joke so apologies to anyone who takes offense at the thought of using a shotgun on a defenseless Heli.

[robgt]

Also, I thought the BMFA only sanctioned the use of a shotgun to put a thrashing Heli out of its misery once radio contact was broken?

Nope - they also sanction the use of shotguns to shoot stupid idiot teenagers (SITs) who run out into the flying area.
When the ruling was made, there were those who opposed it, suggesting that the pilot could use their helicopter to chase the SITs out of the way, and if necessary, kill them with it - but that argument was invalidated by the point that the helicopter is far more valuable than the SIT, and that risking the model by killing a SIT with it was out of the question - hence, carrying a 12 bore is advised.

I think...

Cheers,
Rob

[marktigere1]

Not sure Rob, found this in the BMFA handbook.


"The use of a shotgun when flying is allowed when SIT intervention is required. However, the BMFA do not sanction the use of any semi automatic or bladed weapon if a model should/could/might require to be put down. Should a situation arise that the model (be it Heli or fixed wing) has lost all control and is having what can only be described as a hissing fit on the ground should be in a position that may put fellow modelers into a bit of a state or is on the flight line, then the use of a shotgun may be used. The BMFA do not condone the use of the shotgun on fellow competitors at 3DX events (the masters is an exception) nor do the BMFA allow the shooting down of Shuttle's flown at events that the pilot should really no better and not attend in the first place. Also, once a model has been shot humanely, the BMFA insurance no longer applies to the aforementioned model."

I'm still confused over the issue.

Mark

[robgt]

Easy mistake to make - I'm guessing that paragraph was published in the same handbook as the helicopter B test that contains that ridiculously dangerous "hovering M" manoeuvre - which we all know is well out of date now

LOL
Cheers,
Rob

[marktigere1]

Again, thanks for the clarification Rob.

[robgt]

Always a pleasure

Cheers,
Rob

[pchristy]

Rob,

I'm not sure about the FAI having it wrong. The contest area layout is also very specifically laid out in the FAI rules, and the space requirements are pretty enormous! Even at Barkston, most of the pilots complain about the curtailed space available - mainly due to the presence of adjoining flightlines.

All hovering manoeuvres are carried out in front of the pilot, but the judges sit in a line 5 metres behind the pilot. Most errors entering the "no-fly" zone occur during the turn around manoeuvres of the aerobatic sequence. The end judge will look along the line of judges (5 m behind the pilot), and if the model crosses that imaginary line, the pilot will be asked to land and his flight zeroed.

With the modern FAI schedule, you need to build up an enormous amount of speed to carry the model over consecutive vertical rolling manoeuvres, so a long run is is a pre-requisite. Unless you pick a landmark on the horizon prior to commencing your flight, it is all to easy to "cross the line".

The pilots will always keep their feet facing the front and twist their bodies, as this gives them a "feel" for where the middle of the "box" is, and all manoeuvres must be carried out symmetrically inside this "box".

You ought to come along and have a go sometime! I'm sure you would find it an interesting change! Quite a few F3C pilots have a go at the 3D masters - with varying degrees of success - but we never see 3D pilots coming along to have a go at F3C!

Just to difficult for them, I guess!

8-)

--
Pete

[robgt]

Hi Peter,
I'll take your word for it that it's normal - it just seems a bit crazy to me that the pilot appears to stand inside the flying area and has any space to legally and safely fly behind himself, let alone 5 metres of it?

I guess this would be the reason why the hovering M isn't/wasn't thought to be dangerous by some?
Maybe I misunderstand though...

Just to difficult for them, I guess!

I'm sure that's what it is, heh heh
Cheers,
Rob

[Steve]

Rob & Mark - you've got me rolling about laughing at my desk!

[robgt]

Hey, this is serious stuff

LOL
Cheers,
Rob

[marktigere1]

Cheers

Mark

[Rossi 46]

I'd love to have ago at competeing in the FAI. But like most things it's based down south.

[pchristy]

I'd love to have ago at competeing in the FAI. But like most things it's based down south.

Well, we're always looking for new locations for contests, but we have to rely on people contacting us and offering a facility!

We used to run a regular event in Sheffield, but the site got built on, making it no longer suitable. We do run regular events in Leicester, and of course there is always the Scottish Nationals - though that is not one of "our" events. A large contingent always travel up to that one in Aberdeen, which is pretty far north!

North Wales is a fairly long journey for most of us, but I'm sure there must be a suitable site somewhere within striking distance for us all. Its probably too late for this year - the calendar is pretty full - but if anyone knows of a suitable site further north (and west perhaps!), and is willing to help set things up, then if you drop the AHA Comp. Sec a line via www.aha-online.org.uk I'm sure he'd be only too pleased to hear from you!

What we would really like to see is a series of regional events, with the winners going through to a national event of some kind, but I'm not sure there are enough capable pilots out there to sustain that level of competition.

Think of that last remark as a challenge! 8-)

--
Pete