Final thoughts

Competitors, Judges, Jury and Officials

Now that I’m home, unpacked and rested when I look back at the 2008 CAOCC I cant be anything but impressed.

The event was well run and supported by the CTAMA and the Thunder Tiger Corporation. The food and accommodation were superb, the competition site and practice fields were first class while the atmosphere amongst the judge’s jury and competitors was warm and friendly. When Glenn had some issues with his motor at official practice there were people coming from everywhere to offer assistance, spares and advice. In the end Glenn’s motor was running perfectly within 20 minutes and he had learned a huge amount about engine and how to operate it. This is what these competitions are about, learning, making new friends and seeing new places.

Again the overall standard of pilots at this years contest has improved significantly with a number of new faces making the Semi Finals. Glenn Orchard our newest team member improved with every flight and much to his surprise found himself in the semi finals and facing the dreaded F schedule. Glenn had concentrated all his efforts on P and had not even flown through the F schedule prior to the competition starting. Despite the lack of practice Glenn did well to get through without zeroing any manoeuvres. From an Australian perspective it was great to see all 3 team members make the semi finals and 2 proceed to the finals.

Again the Japanese were the team to beat. Onda and Suzuki had a very close battle right though to the last few flights of the final. They appear to take this event seriously with all team members preparing 2 models for each flight leaving nothing to chance. The Japanese team totalled 11 people with a number of supporters and helpers attending. Their professionalism and the attention to detail leaves an impression and the flying from all 3 team members would have placed them in the top 10 at any world champs I have been to.

From the other nations Alex Lau continues to improve and only missed the finals by 4 normalised points, Lin Tzu Chun from Taipei was very impressive in the F schedules and Jun Kai Low from Singapore was also strong. Lin Tzu Chun is only 24 and gave an impressive freestyle display after the event with a 3m extra, he is definitely a name to watch at upcoming CAOCC and World Championships.

The closing banquet was held at the competition site with 500 guests in attendance. There was a range of entertainment including singing acts, belly dancers and 3D heli flying in the dark. It was a fitting end to an enjoyable event.

To Steve and Glenn thanks for your assistance and support throughout the event and congratulations to both of you on your performances.

If you have ever thought about trying for a team I suggest you start practicing and have a crack at the Worlds for Portugal. The word from Bob Skinner (Head of F3A International Committee) is that the site, food, organisers and weather are all top notch so it should be a great deal of fun!

Thanks again to Holeproof - the official support of the Australian F3A Team, Model Flight, Model Engines, Tates Performance Hobbies, OS Engines, YS Engines, OXAI Australia, RC flyer, APA, MAAA

Regards Bill

Jimmy our very helpful contest director

One of the acts from the Closing Ceromony

Some of the local models on display

Final Results

The finish line has been crossed and i must say after 10 competition flights and additional practice it has felt a bit like a marathon.

Steve and I got through both unknowns with no major mistakes but have some work to do to close the gap to the Japanese pilots

The final results are below, Onda with the biplane was a stand out in the unknowns but P and F was incredibly close between him and Suzuki. No big changes in technology or flying styles, YS was still the motor of choice and Futaba was the radio of choice.

Glenn and i will upload some photos when get a chance but we have to run and catch a plane now.

Thanks for all the great comments and support.

Cheers

BB

Semi Final Results & Unknowns

The semi finals have been completed and both Steve and I have made it through. We have just completed the team managers meeting where the 2 unknown schedules have been selected. details of today's results and the schedules below.

Sorry about the brief report but I'm off to fly my stick aircraft. 4 flights in total tomorrow 2 F and 2 unknowns.

Cheers

BB

Final results for P

All 3 Australian team members into the semi final.

All 3 Australian team members into the semi final.

We're off and running!

Our apologies there was no post last night but after a 12 hours at the field, food and sleep was the priority. The other issue was there were no scores published due to major problems with the software.

The Australian team all had reasonable flights on day one but no one really set it alight. The Japanese were impressive as always with nothing separating Suzuki and Onda.

Day 2 and all three of us improved with Glenn putting in 2 very solid flights to put him right in contention for the semi finals. Steve was looking sharp, while I was flying ok but missed both snaps in one flight.

After 3 rounds,
Suzuki
Onda
Masato
Bloodworth
Coram

Tomorrow is the practice day for the semi final participants (top 9)

Final placings and semi finalists after 4 rounds will be announced at 8pm local time, I will try and update shortly after. Fingers crossed all three Aussies make the cut.

Steve keeping his fans happy

Glenn with his new motor....stop dribbling Rocky

Steve eating breakfast number 3 for the day!

Official Practice - a day of ups and downs

Hi Everyone,
Bill's handed me the job tonight to update our progress, so here's how the day was seen
through the teary eyes of GlennO.
After the not being listed on the official practice schedule, we were given a time slot of 2pm for
our final practice flights before competition begins.

Bill and Steve both had a good final flight despite trying to avoid the sun inside the box. For the comp, we will be moved to the other side of the runway to avoid the afternoon sun.
My DZ170 has been getting progressively harder to start all week, but today I was not able to start my engine.
After many attempts we finally got it running and I was able to complete my flight. However, after dead sticking on my landing circuit it was noticed that the underside of the model was covered in unburnt fuel.

Mr Naruke and T Onda were very kind to offer support and completely replaced my pump and regulator then tuned my engine to the point were it was ticking over softer than a swiss chronograph.

Many thanks to these gentlemen, they saved the day!!!!
Off to bed now for the Aus team, as our transmitters have to be impounded at 6am.

Mr Naruke saving the day for GlennO.

T Onda and Suzuki preparing for final practice.

Suzuki's Mid Rex. The finish on the Japanese models have to be seen to be believed!

It runs!!! After supplying and installing a new pump, a test run and tune was required.
Thanks again Mr Naruke...

Guess What Marlo!

We found coffee and we didn't even have to leave the hotel!!!!