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The Flypaper is a monthly publication of
The Fox ValleyAero Club
An Illinois not-for-profitCorporation
P.O. Box 837St. Charles, IL 60174-0837
www.foxvalleyaero.com
AMA Gold Leader Club
Academy of ModelAeronautics Charter
Club #252
President:Thomas [email protected]
Vice President:John [email protected]
Secretary:Tony [email protected]
Treasurer:Paul [email protected]
Flypaper Editor:Doug [email protected]
New in this issue:Officer / Chairperson ReportsAnnual Kid’s Fly Flier page 6Shots From the Field page 14Meet the Members – Brian Wituk page 15Festival of Flight Flier page 16Chicagoland IMAC Challenge Flier page 22IMAC – What’s It All About? page 23
M a y 2 0 1 2
Dave Cotton photo
B-25 BombersCommemorateDoolittle's Raid page 8
The Flying season is upon us.The time we have all been waiting for is here. Just in caseyou didn’t get the memo, winter was cancelled for 2012and we are moving right into the flying season. Wellalmost... March actually had nicer weather than we areexperiencing right now—but deal with it. Put away theCA, the #11 blade, the empty kit boxes from Christmasand bring your stuff out to our beautiful field. Lastweekend was cleanup day, and with the help of many
worker bees Greg's list was whipped into shape in notime. Before I knew it chores were finished andmembers took to the sky.
Hey, how about we all start off the season by doingsomething just a bit different. Take a moment as youwalk to the pavilion—pause at the monument and
reflect on folks that havewalked before you andmade this place what itis. Reflect on pastmembers that havegiven and have
departed to that RC field in the sky. Not all membersare recognized on the monument but most of youknow who they are, so reflect just a moment. If youdon't know them, let me say they were all great, givingfolks who loved this hobby as you do…
OK, reflection is over. Now side-step to the right andreview the rules and regulations for our field. 2012 hasstarted out fantastic, and with your help, will be agreat season for all. Safety at our field is no accidentand the only way to make it safe is for all to adhere tothe AMA rules and guidelines. At our last meeting I
stressed the importance of a safety pilot when there is a crowdedflight line. If you see two or more pilots at flight stations askanother member to be a spotter. Ask the spotter to call traffic andits location as it affects your flight path. For instance: "traffic atyour 12 o'clock low not a threat, continue your present course orhigh speed traffic opposite direction on a low pass, climb to avoidcollision. There is a 3D guy hanging mid field, turn crosswindnow." In order for the spotter to be of any value he must payattention to the othertraffic, look around andbe your eyes in areas youcannot see. “WOW, didyou see that?” has novalue and might bedistractive.
With my focus thismonth on safety I willsay that flight north ofthe centerline is notacceptable. Any flightthat for whatever reasontakes your airplane toward or over the pit area will be reason tosacrifice your aircraft! Taking extreme measures to ensure flyingover other pilots or guests never happens might mean flying intothe ground on purpose!
I ask that anyone that has a complaint regarding flight north of thecenterline forward specifics to [email protected]. If there is morethan one complaint that happens on different days that pilot willbe asked to appear in front of the Board for possible suspension ofprivileges. As was stated earlier, safety is no accident!!!
Here's to a great flying season. Tom Spriet
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGETom Spriet–[email protected]
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Bob Walker stands next to themonument that he designed to honorFVAC members who have passed away.
The new tetrahedron producedby Tom to help determine winddirection out at the flight line.
Doug Swansonphoto
May, 2012 Flypaper! I think this isone of [my] best issues yet—Ihope you enjoy it. Thecontributions have been greatthis month, please keep themcoming!
There were so many contributorsthis month, it would take awhole page to list them here.Please take note of these nicepeople as you read their articles
throughout the pages. The next time that you see them, pleaseextend a hand shake and “thank you” for their giving of timeto share with the Club.
Have you shared lately—or ever? If not, please consider. Letus know what you’re working on or just competed. Do youhave a skill or expertise that others could benefit from? Drop
me a note at: [email protected]
I know many of you have taken advantage of the early springthis year to get some stick-time in. I wish I could say the same,but just haven’t found the time yet this year. I keep busy withthis publication and my new, extremely part-time hobby:desktop flight simulation. A few months ago when Microsoftintroduced FLIGHT, Istarted to look into whatkind of products wereavailable nowadays.My last flight sim.experiences were backin 2000. Boy have thingschanged! I’ll show andtell you more about it inupcoming months. Fornow, here’s a screen shotfor ya... Doug
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FROM THE EDITOR Doug Swanson–[email protected]
Its official, the Fox Valley AeroClub is now in full swing for the2012 season ahead! Thanks toGreg Bohler and the manyvolunteers who contributedtheir hard work with paintbrushes, rakes and shovels toget our facility ready for the
membership and guests. After a long winter (what winter?), itis good to see green grass and watch Cliff Fullhart make those
grass landings with some of his WW I biplanes, not tomention a few J-3 cubs as well.
Many exciting events are now scheduled for the upcomingseason that will include our annual Pattern Contest, MemorialDay Parade, Festival of Flight, Kids Day, Al's Helicopter FunFly, IMAC, and many others. Be sure to mark your calendarand make plans to attend. One event that is being consideredis to have one of the local Boy Scout troops have a rocketlaunch along with the introduction of model RC aircraft. Lastyear, the FVAC had a similar event and it proved to besuccessful! Mr. Todd Culbertson (FVAC member) assistedwith last year's event and I hear he
VICE PRESIDENT’S MESSAGEJohn [email protected]
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Screen shotfromMicrosoftFlightSimulator X
1. To measure odd shapes andcontours I have found tworulers that have been pricelesshelpers. First is a 12 inchrubber ruler. It can be used forlaying out trim or measuring tapered sheeting on around fuselage. It will follow compound curves withease and not scratch anything. The second is a 5 footcloth tape measure. Yes, just like the one in your wife’ssewing box that she doesn’t use. One warning is thatyou don’t borrow your wife’s. After you get it dirty andsome CA on it is not the time to find out that it was hergrandmother’s. This little gem will do a lot that thesmall ruler will do—but go larger. It is also handy whenyou are centering stabilizers. All you do is put a T-pin in thehole and then insert the pin in the center of the firewall. Nomore tape measure slipping off. It will also follow thecontours of any surfaces much better than a metal tapemeasure. The 12 inch ruler is available at Target and maybeat other stores as well. I bought my cloth tape measure atHobby Lobby in the fabric department.
2. The second tip is the use of old ankleweights and sand bags. I use them forsitting wings on to keep servos off of thework bench or an extra set of hands to holddown a part. I have attached them to wingtips to twist a warped wing into place whileI heat up the covering. Heck, I have evenhung them from fishing line off a servo thatwas clamped to a table to test the torque.These ankle weights can be purchased new.If you have a wife that frequents garagesales, have her look for some for you.
3. Also of use, are homemade sand bags. Iuse them for much of the same things asthe ankle weights but also for holdingsheeting in place when I’m gluing it down.I make them out of 1 quart freezer bagsand fill them with 2 lbs of sand. Your localhome improvement store can supply youwith the sand.
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will be involved with this year’sBoy Scout rocket launch inAugust. Members are encouragedto come out and talk about modelaviation and show how theirmodels fly. Maybe Dave Murraycan bring out one of his jets andburn up some fuel for the scouts!
Finally, take a good look at oursurrounding field as within a fewmonths corn will be “knee high bythe 4th of July.” We will again beplacing poles about 50-100 yardsinto the field providing “markers”for locating model planes that maynot make it back to the flight line.I have to admit, the field looksextremely large right now and youcan see your plane for a longdistance when flying low.However, when that corn getsgoing, the field shrinks andsometimes it gets intimidatingknowing you might have to walkout into that field to locate adowned aircraft. Not a lot of funwhen it is 90 degrees and you canlose your sense of direction assoon as you take a few steps intorows of malice!
I look forward to seeing moremembers and their new winterprojects out at the field.Remember Monday, May 28th, asthe FVAC will participate in the St.Charles Memorial Day Paradewith models and lots of noise!
Fly Safe. JT4
TipSShopby DaveBrustle
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FOX VALLEY AERO CLUB INSTRUCTORSJohn Fischer Cliff Fullhart Alan GalleCell: 312-518-0075 Cell: 630-709-1533 Cell: [email protected] Home: 630-397-5033 [email protected]
John HorvathCell:[email protected]
Paul JacobsHome:630-778-1184Work: [email protected]
Mike KosteckiCell: [email protected]
Tom SiwekCell: [email protected] primarily onweekends
Bill SponslerCell: 847- [email protected]
Jason WalshCell: [email protected]
Here we go into May and Mother Naturehas given us a few good flying days, butoverall, the weather for flying R/C stinks.The temperatures are not that terrible—youcan always bundle up—but the 10-15m.p.h.—gusting to 30—crosswind is ashow-stopper. There hasn't been anytraining going on but that will giveeveryone the chance to make certain thatyour batteries are charged and that yourship is in tip-top shape when we finally getsome good flying weather.
Keep in mind that June 9th is 'Kids-Fly Day'and put it on your calendar so you can bethere. See you all at the field.
CHIEF FLIGHTINSTRUCTOR’S REPORTDan Compton–[email protected]
Kid’s Fly 2012 June 9, 2012We will need volunteer help for this year’s
kid’s fly in the following areas:
• Pilots / Kid’s Co-Pilots and Aircraft(trainers & intermediate)
• Spotters• Demonstration Pilots & Aircraft• Food Preparation and Serving• Ground School & Safety Instructor• Registration• (Good) Weather Makers
A sign-up sheet will be at the next meetingon May 10th. If you’re able to help outwith any of the above, please let it beknown. You can also sign up by sending ane-mail to Ken at the address below:
Ken [email protected] (312) 926-2123
Event flier can be found on page 6!
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2012 Fo
x Valley A
ero C
lub C
alendar o
f Events
May 10 FVAC Member Meeting 6:30 Board 7:30 Regular at Township HallMay 26 & 27 Classic Pattern Contest FVAC Field
June 2 & 3 FVAC Pattern Contest FVAC FieldJune 14 FVAC Member Meeting 6:30 Board 7:30 Regular at FVAC FieldJune 9 Kids Day 9:00 AM start, 1:00 PM second roundJune 10 Fun-Fly & Pig Roast Flying starts at dawn, Pig ready at 2:30June 15 & 16 Al’s Helicopter Fun-Fly FVAC FieldJune 24 Geneva Swedish Days Parade Meet at 10:00 (loc. TBD), parade at 1:00
July 12 FVAC Member Meeting 6:30 Board 7:30 Regular at FVAC FieldJuly 21 & 22 Festival of Flight FVAC Field
August 4 & 5 Chicagoland IMAC Challenge FVAC FieldAugust 9 FVAC Member Meeting 6:30 Board 7:30 Regular at FVAC Field
September 13 FVAC Member Meeting 6:30 Board 7:30 Regular at Township Hall
October 11 FVAC Member Meeting 6:30 Board 7:30 Regular at Township HallOctober 21 Fun-Fly & Turkey Fry 10:00 AM FVAC Field
November 8 FVAC Member Meeting 6:30 Board 7:30 Regular at Township Hall
December 7 Annual Christmas Party Hilton Garden Inn
7
Club members:
My friend, Darryl Miller, isthe president of the MorrisonModel Aircraft Flyers Club. They arehosting a fly-in on August 12 to benefit the Susan G. KomenFoundation. Because they are a small club, it would make a huge impact on their fund raising if we were ableto get a group together to go crash (figuratively) their event. If I am not working, I am planning on taking aplane or two out there and flying a bit for the cause. -Bill SponslerWeb address with details: (clickable links)
http://www.mmafrc.org/Club-Calendar/Susan-G--Komen-Flight-for-the-Cure-Fly-In-Benefit.aspxFlyer: http://www.mmafrc.org/Documents/SusanGKomenFlyin2012_rev1.aspx
Past Events of 2012January 1 First to Fly Fun FlyFebruary 25 FVAC Annual SWAPApril 21 Member Work Day
THE TRIP STARTED with a call fromJohn Fischer on Monday stating, “Dave – Ithink you might fit in the car but it maybe alittle tight. I told John – ”I can sleepanywhere – well almost anywhere.”
John, Sal, and I got on the Road at 4:00 a.m.and we were off to Dayton, Ohio for the five-hour drive in my sardine can. Paula, John’swonderful wife, stayed up late the previousnight making us the best muffins and stuffed 8
The Yellow Rose – and the Doolittle Commemoration
THREE MEN AND A PLANEDavid Cotton, John Fischer and Sal Perno
in some clementines in a breakfast bag for eachof us. What a treat, the muffins and clementineswere wonderful during the long ride. We gotto The National Air force Museum where 20 B-25s were gathering for the Doolittle Raiders70th anniversary commemoration. What asight — 20 flying B-25’s — a site that hasn’tbeen seen since World War Two — all in fullflight line presentation and looking so cool.
So during our visit our attempt was to getsome photographs of John Fischer’s modelB-25 “Yellow Rose “with the real thing. Yesthe “Yellow Rose” (of Texas) was at thecommemoration and the hope of gettingsome shots fit so well with visiting theevent and visiting the National Air ForceMuseum there.
The flight line was amazing. The planeswere in all their glory with pilots and crewtalking to all of the visitors and giving themthe information on their planes. They allwere great — a real bunch of guys andladies flying these significantly historicalaircraft. Yes, we met a couple of the ladiesthat were rated pilots for these big birds —
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9
Bomber landing
The flight line at Dayton
THREE MENAND A PLANE
and flying them. We could not have met abetter bunch of people anywhere — reallydown to earth and open to our interest andquestions. During this time one of the raiderswas signing one of the B-25s
This is what it is all about — these guys doingso much — risking everything for the freedomthat we have.
After visiting the flight line we jumped to theMuseum — a fantastic collection of the most
beautiful airplanes you could have wanted.From Wright to ballistic missiles to F-22Raptors. What a place — and nice peopleworking there too, enjoying all that themuseum has to offer.
Wow, what a great collection – pictures justwon’t do it justice — you’ve got to see this foryourself. I advise a day or two for this visit.
After we walked Sal’slegs off and enjoyedthe great planes, weheaded off to ourmotel that was rightaround the corner 10
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Lockheed SR-71 BlackbirdU.S Air Force Museum
Northrop T-38 Talon
Fokker Dr.I
from the museum. We had a nice dinner withan enthusiastic older gentleman that was therefor the event and enjoyed the company.
Next morning we got up and made it to theviewing site ready to see the B-25’s take off forthe commemoration fly-over. The roar of theengines was fantastic — again, something thatmay never be heard again. The take–offs andfly-over’s were superb.
We talked to the crew of the Yellow Rose andthey told us that we could shoot some pictures
at Grimes Field, their staginglocation after the flyover whererides for $450.00 were beingoffered. Grimes Field was only a45-minute drive from Dayton andallowed a controlled condition.We of course accepted and wereoff to shoot these pictures.
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The Yellow Rose meets the Yellow Rose
So the guys stuffed meback in my sardine canand drove home. Wow, what atrip — one I will alwaysremember with a group of guys Iwill never forget.
We meet the Flight Crew
Capt. John Fischer – smiling,ready to go. “CONTACT”
Capt. John Fischer andhis crew, Dave Cottonand Sal Perno
A sign we found in a shopof a museum that wasbuilding a flying B-17
12
Treasury is in great shape aswe have less than 30members that have not paidtheir dues and 10 of thosehave said they are sending ina check. Not bad for this timeof year, but there are 20members that have not paidtheir AMA dues as well. I
will be posting a list of current membersat the field as well as a list of those whohave not paid their AMA and if you seethem flying, please ask them to show you
a current AMA card or leave. We do notwant anyone flying that is uninsured.Work day went well and incurred verylittle cost as it involved only clean-up andminor sealing of the wood.
Toledo 2012 is nowhistory and as usual itwas well-attended by
FVAC members. I think Doriecounted 29 members that weran into at the show. I’ve beenin this hobby over 40 years nowand I think I have attendedToledo 25 to 30 times. It is agood kickoff to the RC seasoneach year and it’s always a goodtime visiting with the vendorsand spending more moneythan I should. I decided to get intomaking my own servo leads and found agreat kit by Hansen Hobbies which
contains everything needed to do customlengths. I also spent a great deal of timegoing back and forth between theElectro-Dynamics booth and the Smart-Fly guys and decided it was time to move
up to A123 Lipo battery technology andutilize the Smart-Fly Turbo-6 for my100CC Extra 300. This turned out to bequite an investment but it should pay offin the long run. I also saw the new classicpattern ARF being offered by GreatPlanes through Hobbico, and as luckwould have it, I took delivery fromCindy’s during the 65th Anniversary Saleof Al’s Hobby on April 21st. This is aremake of Joe Bridi’s Dirty Birdy and itlooks to be fairly close to the one I flewback in the 70’s. It continues to amaze mehow much better these ARF’s arecompared to what we flew back then.
Festival of Flight planning continues andI should have a sign up sheet to circulateat next month’s meeting for you tovolunteer if you would like to share inthe workload.
Until next month, Paul
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TREASURER’S REPORTPaul [email protected]
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July 21-22, 2012
w w w. f o x va l l e ya e r o . c o m M a y 2 0 1 2
SHOTS FROM THE FIELD
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shots by Dale Gathman, except where noted
Doug Swanson photo
Doug Swanson photo
Doug Swanson photo
Mark Knoppkie,ground testinghis DV8R (R.I.P.)
Tom Flint,J3 Cub
Gary Koester,HobbyKing Stinger64, 2200 mAh 3S,X9303
Cliff Fullhart,Flyzone Albatross(Nick Trifilo’s plane)
Todd Culbertson,Dynam A-10 Warthog,2600 mAh 3S
Danny Vancura,Parkzone P51Mustang
Nick Trifilo,E-FliteCurtiss Jenny
Alvin Cole, ThunderTiger 30 Heli w/O.S. .32 set up with2 glow plugs
Dave Brustle,Lanier 25% Extra300, DLE 30,Futaba T7C
FlyP.: What is your favorite full-scaleaircraft?
Brian: F-4 Phantom
FlyP.: Is there a dream project for you in radio control? Brian: Someday I’d like to get into jets.
FlyP.: Are there any facets of the hobby that you would like to try? (eg. acertain power system type, different type of aircraft, competitive flying)
Brian: Just the jets like above.
FlyP.: What are your interests beyond model aircraft?Brian: I’m also into photography (mainly aircraft) and creating other art projects.
FlyP.: How long have you been involved in the hobby?Brian: 5 years
FlyP.: How long have youbeen a member ofFVAC?
Brian: I just joined
FlyP.: Please give a history ofyour RC Aviation past.
Brian: Ever since I was a kid I’vealways loved airplanes.
FlyP.: Are you involved with full-scale aviation? If so, pleaseelaborate.
Brian: I would love to eventually get my private license. But, rightnow I can only afford modeling.
FlyP.: Are you forced to work to pay for this hobby? If so, what isyour occupation?
Brian: Graphic Artist
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membersMEETthe
Brian Wituk
FlyP.: Are you married? Haveany children?
Brian: Yes; not yet.
FlyP.: What are you flyingcurrently?
Brian: Super Sportster 40, CarlGoldberg Wild Stik, Andthe 60 size Hangar 9 P-47.
FlyP.: What is/was yourfavorite model aircraft?
Brian: My Sportster. It handlesgreat. It’s verymaneuverable. Nevergives me trouble. Just anall-around great airplane.
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AIRFIELD LOCATIONRoute 38, 1/2 mile West of PeckRoad on the south side of theroad. Look for the FVAC sign!
Special appearance by“The General”Lewis Patton
www.foxvalleyaero.com
President Tom Spriet called the meeting to order at7:41pm.
Secretary Tony Sokol asked for additions orcorrections to the March minutes as published. A motion to
approve was made by Rusty Dose and seconded by Ken Kaiser. Theminutes were approved.
Treasurer Paul Jacobsreported that the treasury is in goodshape. He has sent out 44 emails tothose that have not yet renewed andreceived responses from about half ofthose sent. He will make a list ofthose not renewing to be posted atthe field. Members must also have
renewed their AMA membership. At this year’s Festival of Flight we will be charging $5.00 for
adults and kids will be free. Pilots will not be charged. This will helpoffset the cost of the tent. We are currently looking for a food vendorand John Turner will check into the golf cart rentals.
Field Chairman Greg Bohler reported that the BoD hasapproved the field budget which came in lower this year. The reasonfor the lower estimate is that there are no major projects plannedother than routine maintenance. Mowing started early this year andwe will continue to have it cut to 1 ½ inches south of the runway. Ifthe lower height becomes more labor intensive, the cost will probablygo up. Right now it is a wait-and-see proposition. Mowing will occuron Thursday mornings, weather permitting. Work Day will start at8:00am on Saturday April 21st. Bring paint brushes, rakes, andgloves.
Newsletter Editor Doug Swanson is looking for building andflying tips and “how to” articles for publication. Doug is planning anarticle on making your own custom wing bags. Also, with theupcoming flying season more eventcoverage will be highlighted and volunteersto help cover the events will beappreciated.
Membership Chairman Sal Pernointroduced new member Brian Mocky. Salalso mentioned that he has badges thatstill need to be picked up. Stickers are alsoavailable to paid 2012 members. Photos ofnew members will be taken after themeeting.
Government Relations Chairman Alvin Cole had nothingnew to report except to remind us to be safe and courteous at thefield. Tom mentioned that plans are moving ahead and we will be inthe Memorial Day parade on the May 28th with a Warbird theme.
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SECRETARY’S REPORTTony Sokol–[email protected]
continued on next page17
Fox Valley Aero ClubGeneral Meeting Minutes
April 12, 2012 @ Township Hall
photos byDoug Swanson
PaulJacobs
Sal Perno
Show and Tell:
Jason Flowers brought his T-REX 700EHelicopter powered by a 44-volt system.
Jason upgraded therotor head to a newerversion which addsstability. Two stick-cellbatteries in seriesprovide the voltage tothe 500 motor.
Brian Witukdisplayed his well-flown Great PlanesSuper Sportsterfinished in anextremely visible
orange and black striped livery. Youwill not miss this one! It weighs about5 lbs and is powered by an OS .46AX.
Mel Ziska brought his YAK-54foamy by Tech. One Hobbies. The EPPfoam plane is powered by 1300mahbatteries and is a lot of fun to flyoutdoors or inside at meets like therecent event in Champaign. Mel isreally having fun with the smallfoamies.
Sal Perno displayed his Nitro PlanesZero sporting flaps, lights, and retracts withsequencing gear doors. The “transmitter
ready” plane did not want to bind with his radio so he installed his own receiver.Everything comes installed and ready to fly—and fly it does. Sal tells us it flieslike a dream!
Walt Thyng broughtan example of a MoraneSaylnier MS 502 Criquet inthe bones. A What???Actually, it is a French-builtFieseler Storch (Stork)manufactured after thecompany was relocated toFrance. The model was builtfrom scratch using a DennisBryant plans short kit. Waltmanufactured many partsincluding the scale trademarkStorch gear and engine. The6lb, 1/8 scale plane will befinished in French AviationBlue.
Tom Flint brought aGoldberg J-3 Cub which heacquired from a widow inNRF (never really finished)condition. Between Tom and the builder it took 2 guys 20 years to build! Tomlearned many new things like DO NOT use gray primer under yellowpaint…unless you like green.
Alvin Cole limped up front to demonstrate theill-conceived combination of age and basketball.Alvin brought a Hanger 9 Show Time 50 powered byan OS.61FX. Cliff Fullhart came to his rescue by doinga beautiful job of carving up the cowl and mountingthe engine.
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continued on next page 18
JasonFlowers
BrianWituk
MelZiska
Sal Perno, assisted byDave Cotton
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Walt Thyng
Tom Flint
Dennis McFarlanebrought in the latest offeringfrom Futaba which is aFutaba 8-J. The radio willuse just about any batterytechnology including NiMH,
LiPo, and Alkaline by simplyprogramming the correctchoice. It offersextraordinary features for itsprice range including thenew S-Bus technology.
Dennis also broughtthe latest edition of HobbyMerchandiser, which hepublishes, and will be passedout at the upcoming tradeshow in Las Vegas. One copyof this issue was presented to Rusty Dose featuring his son Tom on the backcover.
Tom Spriet gave us an example of a home-built airplane stand utilizingpink foam, PVC pipe, and plywood. The simple construction belies the extremeflexibility of thedesign. He alsoproduced a wind vanemade from a smallmodel which will bemounted in aprominent place atthe field.
Tom also tookthis moment to
explain the need for callers to pay attention and keep the pilot informed as towind changes, other traffic, pattern changes, and traffic on the field AT ALLTIMES. If you see someone in need of a spotter / caller, get up and go help thepilot out. This will go a long way in preventing mishaps in the future.
Kevin Kessler brought in a very small, geared starter using a 2200mahLiPo battery that will start a 50CC engine! The starter is manufactured by Align,which is a familiar supplier to the helicopter gang. They sell for around $120,plus the airplane adapter.
President Tom Spriet took the opportunity at one point during theShow and Tell session to pass along the “First in the Air” trophy for January 1st2012, awarded to John (JT) Turner. Tom also produced a very nice letter andplaque awarded by the AMA to the FVAC in recognition of our work witheducational projects such as Kid’s Day. Some felt that it would be nice to haveit displayed in the Mayor’s office demonstrating our commitment to communityservice.
Also, during the show and tellportion Ken Kaiser mentioned that he islooking for trainers, food servers, and otherhelpers for Kid’s Day on June 9th. He willemail a signup sheet to the generalmembership and all help will be muchappreciated.
Before the close of the meeting,Tom presented a gift certificate donated byHobby Town to the evening’s “entertainer”,Tom Flint, for his presentation of theGoldberg Cub.
A motion to adjourn was made by Brian Wituk and seconded AlvinCole. The meeting adjourned at 8:50pm.
Respectfully SubmittedTony Sokol – Secretary FVAC19
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Alvin Cole
DennisMcFarlane
KenKaiser
Tom Spriet
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The flying season can now officiallybegin. We have another successful fieldwork day under our belts. We hadabout 30 people show up to help set upthe field for this season. We brought outthe grills, flags, blast shields, andgarbage cans. We sealed all of the woodon the bleachers, tables, and kid’s toy. JTdid his annual clean up around the
monument and Eric and his son, Adam,did a lot of raking and grass seeding.The barn got a much-needed clean up.We had beautiful weather and the workwent fast and easy. Thank you so muchto everyone that came out and helped. Itwas fun, and as promised, we had greatweather and a lot of people were able toget several flights in.
Fox Valley will be taking care of ourmowing needs again this year. Theyhave started mowing already. With the
early hot weather the grasshad a growth spurt that willtake a few weeks to bringunder control. Fox Valley isgoing to try to maintain thesouth side of our field muchshorter this year toaccommodate the use of thegrass by planes that peoplewould rather not tempt fateon the runway with.
That is all of my importantnews for this month so now itis time to cycle your batteriesand do all of your safetychecks. Let's get out andenjoy our great facility. It'stime to fly!
See you at the field,Greg Bohler
FIELD CHAIRMAN’S REPORTGreg Bohler–[email protected]
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Work Day Photosby Dale Gathman and Doug Swanson
You must be an AMA member to compete$30 - IMAC members$35 - Non-IMAC membersPre-register at the IMAC website - www.mini-iac.com50' x 800' Asphalt Runway (East–West)On-Site Camping (no hookups)Food available on-site*
*lunch included for pilots plus one other on both daysContacts:CD: Dan Knippen - [email protected] (630) 669-3584CC: Dave Genovese - (630) 901-1109CC: Doug Swanson - [email protected] (630) 202-1058
Saturday: Registration begins: 7:30Pilot’s meeting: 8:45Wheels up: 9:00Freestyle following competition
Sunday: No flying before: 8:30Pilot’s meeting: 8:45Wheels up: 9:00Awards following competition
Schedule
All classes flown—Basic through Unlimited1st through 3rd place awards in each classFreestyle will be flown Saturday after competition
August 4th & 5th, 2012Fox Valley Aero Club Field 3821 Karl Madsen Dr., St. Charles, IL www.foxvalleyaero.com
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ith the 2012 flying seasonupon us, you may to askyourself, what do you want to
do for this season? Will it be thesame old thing like every year, or doyou want to try something morechallenging, new, and different?Maybe you’re happy with your flyingprogress and don't feel the need toimprove your flying skills. Or perhapsyou don't really have a desire to fly incompetition — that is perfectly fine.IMAC or Pattern does take a certainamount of time and dedication to seethe results of your efforts. But forthose pilots that are just tired offlying around and need a boost intheir flying skills then maybe ScaleAerobatics (IMAC) or Pattern issomething you may want to give a tryat least once.
The first question you may ask is:What is IMAC, and what do I do and
need to even get started? The whole intent of IMAC is
to emulate full-scaleaerobatics in the form
of flying geometry to the best wayyou can to a set of judges. Althoughthere are five different classes—eachone more challenging then thefirst—most pilots will start with theBasic class. Basic class is anintroductory class to the IMACexperience. The Aresti diagram of 10maneuvers looks and sounds easy,but try flying a 90-degree up line, a45-degree down or vertical up line.Throw in a loop that doesn't look likean egg, or a 1-1/2 positive spin. That'sthe challenge of competition. Nowyou’re having fun and improving yourfly skills at the same time.
Anyone, regardless of age, cancompete in the Basic class with prettymuch any plane they have. Yourplane does not have to be anaerobatic plane such as an Extra, Yakor Edge, but your chances of scoringand performing better will be in yourfavor.
Try not to be intimidated by
some of the bigger planes you maysee flying. Do the bigger planes flybetter than smaller ones? I have tosay yes, but you still don't need a 25,35 or 40% plane to fly in the Basicclass. As I said earlier, the Basic classis an introduction to IMAC. If you'renot having some fun you won't enjoyit. What you do from there is up toyou. If you like it you can always moveup to the next class the followingyear—if you really get the bug.
All contests in our region aretwo-day contests. An IMAC contest isheld almost every weekend fromearly May to the last contest inSeptember. You can find theschedule for our North Central region
by visiting the IMAC website atwww.mini-iac.com. This website hastons of valuable information, which Ivisit frequently myself. Most contestswill start at 9:00am Saturday morningand end on Sunday around noon.There will be two flight lines flyingand being judged throughout the day.The order in which you fly will berandomly picked and pinned on astick. It's up to you and your caller tobe up and ready to fly when the pilot
before you is on his last sequence.You will have two minutes to get yourplane started. If you can't get theplane started the next pilot should beready and fly. You will just movedown23
...what’s itall about?
Basic class pilot, Adam Falk,and his wife (caller) on deck,waiting for the preceedingpilot to finish his round.2011 Chicagoland IMAC Challenge
International Miniature Aerobatic ClubBy Dan Knippen
IMAC
photo by Doug Swanson
continued on next page
W
in the flight order so you have time toget your problem resolved.
Each pilot will fly one round,which consists of two sequences.After you fly your first sequence ofthe known 10 maneuvers you willimmediately set up to fly your secondsequence. When you havecompleted the two sequences youwill land your plane so the next pilotcan fly. There are no criteria for howlong you should fly your sequences.Most Basic pilots will rush throughthe sequence which will hurt yourscore.
Weather permitting, we alwayslike to have all pilots fly 3 rounds on
Saturday. On Sunday, the upperclasses (Sportsman thru Unlimited)will fly one sequence of Unknownsand a round of Knowns. Basic pilotsshould fly two rounds of theirKnowns, for they do not have to fly anUnknown sequence. At the end ofSaturday's competition we alwayshave a four-minute Freestyle to musicfor those pilots who have the 3-Dskills to show their stuff. TheFreestyle is judged as well and anaward will go to the first-place flyer.
On Sunday, after the last class andall Pilots have flown, the scores aretallied and awards will be presentedfor 1st. thru 3rd. for all 5 classes. Thescores are usually close for the topfour pilots and you might say to
yourself, "Damn!, if only I didn't getthat zero I could have won." At theend of the contest you may have notwon an award but I can honestly sayyou probably had fun. You will havealso learned a lot and walked awayknowing you are now a better pilottoday than you were last week.
Let’s cover some preparation foryour first IMAC competition. Eachday of the contest you need to giveyourself PLENTY of time to preparefor the day. If you have a tent or E-ZUp for shade you need to get that upfirst. Put your plane together anddon't forget to fuel up your plane.Then you need to register for thecontest. A valid AMA card is a must tofly in the contest. If you are a currentIMAC member you will receive a$5.00 discount. After registration,you may want to get in a practiceflight and quick check of the trims.You don't want to have to trim yourplane during the contest. If you don'thave a caller or helper now is thetime to get yourself one. There willbe plenty of other pilots willing to callfor you. You may be asked to call fora fellow pilot as well. The best callersI've had in past contests are my fellowcompetitors, because no one knowsthe sequence better than them.
The pilot’s meeting will be thefinal preparation before the contestbegins. If you have any questions,now is the time to bring them up.
The last thing is, as the day goeson food will be available at mostcontests, including ours. The weatherwill probably be hot as well. Drinkplenty of water or Gatorade. If you'renot used to being outside all day youwill probably get dehydrated andthat's not good. Also, pay attentionto the classes and flight order so youare ready to fly your next rounds. Thepace of the contest is all up toyou—the pilots and their callers. Onemore piece of advice: your caller isalso your spotter when landing andwill retrieve your plane upon landing.
If you have any questions you canE-mail me at:[email protected] or see anyone of us club members when we’reat the field. There's me, DaveGenovese, Dan Rocha, Chris Gini,Doug Swanson and Ron Kostus.Although Ron is flying Basic, heattended more contests than all of usguys last year and has the contest bugand experience.
Thanks for reading, and I hope tosee you at the field!
-Dan Knippen
Typical flightline setup with judges behind thepilot and his caller. Flight order stick with clothespins are to the right. (L-R: Larry Arseneau, FrankNoll, Jr., Mike McConville, and Chris Woycke)
2010 North Central Regional Finals
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continued from previous page
The 2012 Basic sequence can be found on the next page along witha written description of all of the individual figures. A downloadable.pdf of the sequence can be found at www.mini-iac.com 24
photo by Doug Swanson
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Good Morning Judges Pilots name is? Pilot will be flying from left to right.
Pilot ready? Judges Ready? In the box!
1. Aileron Roll, next
2. Half Cuban Eight, Pull five-eighths looparound to an inverted forty-five line, Centerhalf roll to upright, Pull to upright exit. next
3. Reverse Sharks Tooth, Pull to a forty-fiveupline, Center half roll to inverted, Pull tovertical downline, Pull to upright exit. next
4. Inside Loop, Pull inside loop back aroundto level, next
5. Sharks Tooth, Pull to a vertical upline, Pull to inverted forty-five down line, Center halfroll to upright, Pull to upright exit. next
6. Hammer Head, (stall turn) Pull to a vertical upline, Hammer Top, Establish verticaldownline, Pull to upright exit. next
7. Teardrop, Pull to vertical upline, Pull five-eighths loop around to a forty-five downline,Pull to upright exit. next
8. Humpty Bump, Pull to vertical upline, Pull half loop over top to vertical down line,Center half roll, Pull to upright exit. next
9. Immelmann, Pull half inside loop, with a half roll on exit, Exiting upright. next
10. One and a Half Positive Spin, Wait for the stall then one and a half spins see canopy,Establish vertical downline, Pull to upright exit.
Out of the box!
Thank You Judges.�
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Form ‘B’ (above) should be flown when the wind is from your right.Form ‘C’ (above right) should be used when the wind is from yourleft. For a direct cross-wind, fly what’s more comfortable to you.A full-size .pdf of the sequence can be found at www.mini-iac.com
(Each figure begins atthe numbered black dot)
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FVACPattern Contest
June 2 & 3, 2012 - Fox Valley Aero ClubAMA charter club # 252 - St. Charles, IL
Practice: Friday, June 1, 2012 starting at 10amRegistration: 8am Saturday, Flying Starts: 9amCD: Gary Stephens Co CD: Paul JacobsFacility: 50’ x 800’ asphalt runway – East to West with AC power.Field address: 3821 Karl Madsen Dr., St. Charles, IL 60175Info: Gary Stephens (630) 992-0226 [email protected]
http://www.foxvalleyaero.com
Judging:
All classes will be judged by contestants.Please be prepared to judge all classes.Volunteer judges are welcome.
Classes: Sportsman, Intermediate, Advanced, Masters, FAI Entry Fee: $30.00 (includes Saturday lunch)Awards: 1st thru 3rd in all flying classes
