Sunday April 17th saw our first competition gathering at our flying patch for 2022. The relaxed rules comprised, bring a motorised glider, climb it for 30 seconds or to 150m altitude and see who could stay up the longest. A CAM height limiter fitted to all models assisted with this (*). To try and mitigate the effects of weather variations, members flew against each other launching in pairs. The pilot who remained aloft the longest, won the round, actual airborne duration not being counted.
The competition has its roots back in 2017 when members purchased and flew Phoenix 2000 airframes competitively using stock motors and the same battery; Zippy 1300mAh. The aim was to reduce the variables such that the outcome would hopefully be more based on pilot ability than cash spent! Several Phoenix airframes are still owned by members so it was agreed to run a similar comp this year but not limit entry to that design, anyone who had a powered glider could join in and enjoy the spirit of the event!
A big thank-you is owed to Darren Bumpass for conceiving and managing all this for 2022. His follow-up email from the 17th, reproduced below, summarises well the day’s event which was enjoyed by all. Future rounds will be held on the first Sunday of the month or the following one should the former be encumbered by inclement weather!
Darren writes………
Hi all Phoenix Flyers
A Big thank you to all of you that turned up today for the first of our Glider Competitions.
Sorry for those of you that sadly couldn’t make it.
We were blessed with some lovely weather
I think you would agree was a great days flying.
The thermal activity wasn’t brilliant but we still had some closely matched flights.
I think the introduction of the height limiters worked very well to get us all to the same height.
We said that people could fly what glider they wanted but we all seemed to be happy flying the Phoenix 2000 today which I think once properly trimmed is a very good glider.
Once all the rounds had been flown and all the barracking was over the results were as follows
David W. 5 wins
Darren. 4 wins
Simon. 2 wins
Roly. 2 wins
Phil. 1 win
Steve. 1 win.
A big well done to you all especially David who seems the man to beat so far.
The next Comp will take place on the first Sunday in May weather permitting.
If not it will be the second Sunday in May.
Regards Darren
Your scribe remains somewhat confused as to how he managed five straight wins and is slightly worried about the level of competitiveness that will be shown him on future outings!
David W.
(* https://www.hyperflight.co.uk/products.asp?code=CAM&name=cam-height-limiter)