[NSRCA-discussion] WC '07

[Tony]

Thanks for the write-up Earl!
As a previous 4-time Team Manager, I totally understand Al's exhaustion!  I
am extremely proud of the Team and all the people that went to make it
happen.  I am very happy to have a USA World Champion again!
CONGRADULATIONS QUIQUE!!!

 

Tony Stillman, President

Radio South, Inc.

139 Altama Connector, Box 322

Brunswick, GA  31525

1-800-962-7802

tony at radiosouthrc.com

  _____  

From: nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org
[mailto:nsrca-discussion-bounces at lists.nsrca.org] On Behalf Of Earl Haury
Sent: Monday, November 19, 2007 1:19 PM
To: Discussion List, NSRCA
Subject: [NSRCA-discussion] WC '07

 

Made it home from Argentina this morning, a bit tired from a long drive
yesterday, a long wait at the airport, and a long nite on the airplane. The
WC was completely worth the effort. The posts so far do not begin to
describe the huge amount of work, the superb flying, and awesome
accomplishment of Team USA!

 

The Team spent huge amounts of time at the practice field flying in
conditions (wind, sun, dark, cold) most wouldn't even try. Each flight was
generally critiqued by a number of Team members & supporters as these guys
worked together to eliminate every possible flaw. There was total focus and
commitment within and for the Team. Team Manager Al Glenn took care of
administrative details - including leaving the hotel around 5:00am to ensure
transmitters were impounded on time, handling "information just in time"
logistics and essentially doing everything but sleeping. (Don't give him too
much grief when the photos of him sleeping at the banquet publish.)

 

The conditions during the prelims were extremely difficult. Cross winds in
or out each day that approached 30mph at times. It was amazing how many
"unknown" folks flew exceptionally well and that all of the "know" folks
flew even better. Not only were these guys flying in strong wind - but it
was usually quite cold in the morning sessions as well. The semi's and
finals were also windy - but not as bad and it got warmer, downright hot for
the finals. 

 

Bad luck and a great performance by BPLR prevented Team USA from winning the
Team Championship - BPLR flew one flight during the only calm period (maybe
half an hour) of the prelims and did a very good job of capitalizing upon
the opportunity. Jason was up next - but a delay to allow for an airliner
departure was long enough for the wind to return before Jason flew. This was
enough to swing the advantage to the French and give them a well fought win
- Team USA can be proud of second, it was a hard fought battle with great
flying on each side, with the Japanese team always in the mix.

 

All of the flying in the finals was exceptional. Quique was consistently
solid, Jason likewise (and winning his first WC round), and Andrew flying
superbly. In hindsight - it may be that the "in-close" style Andrew flew to
good advantage in the prelims / semi's that may not have scored as well in
the finals without the strong crosswind. 

 

There were a lot of electrics (mostly Hacker) as well as glow (mostly YS)
and neither had an advantage / disadvantage in the strong winds. Either
propulsion is totally viable, Sebastiano even flew a Hacker with
contra-rotating props in the finals - good power and excellent braking.

 

The highlight of the experience occurred while standing next to Quique when
he was announced as the winner (he didn't know he'd won). I'll remember his
emotion forever - he really wanted this! 

 

So - second WC Team placing is good, every Team member making the Finals is
outstanding, everyone in the top 8 is exceptional, and a USA Team member
winning the World Championship is more than great! The accomplishments of
2007 Team USA are HUGE!! Congratulations to Quique, Jason, and Andrew - we
couldn't be more proud or appreciative of your accomplishments!!  Thanks to
the callers who worked as hard as the pilots, the TM's that handled
logistics, and everyone who contribute to an exceptional performance by Team
USA.

 

Earl

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