F3A Finals, Judges View

[Earl Haury]

Gray

Yes. there were some poor stall turns and spin entries, and a spiral dive. The wind helped stall turns for the most part - reducing the rotational axis. Interestingly, smoke or lack thereof, mono or bipe, presented no issues that I'm aware of. Probably because of focus on track and overall observation of geometry.

Don makes a very good point regarding managing the wind. Some make track "corrections" after damage is suffered and the best manage attitude to ensure proper track throughout. I suspect that some folks aren't convinced that the average judge is really judging track - but just observing attitude, so they are loathe to fly the attitudes necessary to manage the wind. I see track deviations as pretty obvious (and downgrade).

Please understand also, that while there were errors made - much of the flying was exceptional. While everyone got beat on by the wind at some point and flew maneuvers that generated low numbers, they also flew some very good maneuvers that resulted in deservedly high numbers.

Congratulations to all

Earl
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Gray E Fowler 
  To: discussion at nsrca.org 
  Sent: Monday, July 26, 2004 12:25 PM
  Subject: Re: F3A Finals, Judges View



  Earl 

  Great comments, and now that you pointed those things out, I remember seeing them....still though, really good flying, from what I am used to seeing. I was surprised at how close in everyone flew. I left before the last round. 

  One thing I noticed, It "appeared" that I witnessed many a poor stall turn. It looked like "wing over" city. I was wondering if the wind (especially blowing the smoke trail) was creating an bad illusion.  Are my eyes nuts? What do you recall. Also saw several "dumped" spin entries.

  I was seriously impressed with Jason's electric power. I had no real thoughts about this prior to seeing it (other than thinking the pattern masses will not be adopting anytime soon, due to cost etc) but I guess I was impressed because I expected to see a less powerful set up .  It appeared to run great, but not any better than anyone else's standard rigs. These guys are so good that it is difficult to see what the plane is doing vs. the pilot. 

  Watching form the gallery was interesting because when someone would make a mistake (and it was always pretty minor-from my viewpoint), the mistake would stand out and you would hear a collective "awww" from the crowd.....tough crowd, everyones a judge.



  Gray Fowler
  Principal Chemical Engineer
  Composites Engineering
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