news - SAMAA · Ivor, en-route to the flight line. Craig in a hurry. Tiaan had consistent, good launches. Brett busy...team did not have luxury of helpers

SAMAA News Issue 3 of 2017 - Page 1

Issue 3 of 2017

Newsletter of the South African Model Aircraft AssociationPublished and distributed electronically/digitally to members.Our Mission: To add value to your flying experience through communication,information, promotion, education, and the support of dialogue.

This was Ivor’s second worlds, and Brett’s first - Brett took over as team manager from Michelle Goodrum at late notice due to health considerations. You were sorely missed at the competition, Michelle...not only by our team but by many, many of the team members from other countries who came asking about you and wishing you well. We all look forward to your full recovery and being beaten by you at the next competition.

Photos by Michael Richards

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Tiaan van Rooyen on top of the world! Victorious in the F3K World Championship, and the Vladimir’s Cup pre-comp. Only the second time in history that a double-victory has been achieved.

Impressive array of flags of all the participating nations. FAI class F3K is very popular worldwide.

The team at the Vladimir’s Model Cup dressed in our pretty pink t-shirts and our goofy minion hats.Tiaan ‘Sid the Sloth’ van Rooyen, Ivor ‘Zulu Foot’ Fletcher, Alan ‘Big Al’ Smith (in the back row).Brett ‘Mr Miagi’ Lewis, and Craig ‘Downward Dog’ Goodrum (in front row).

The FAI F3K (hand launch glider) World Championship is held every two years. The 2017 championship was held in Lviv, Ukraine from 23-29 July. The South African team comprised of (senior pilots) Alan Smith, Craig Goodrum, Ivor Fletcher, (junior pilot) Tiaan van Rooyen, and (manager) Brett Lewis. All of the pilots had competed in previous F3K world champs - Alan, Craig, and Tiaan all having made it to the fly-offs in previous world championships.

FAI Gold forSA junior pilot!FAI Gold forSA junior pilot!


We all flew via Istanbul (Turkey) onto Kiev (Ukraine). Ivor and Alan flew directly on to Lviv. Craig, Tiaan and I took a hired car and drove the 500 or so kilometers - the drive was easy-going with good roads and flat geography with not much to see along the way. After concerns about flying with the luggage restrictions, plane boxes, and lipo’s, everything worked out fine, aside from Ivor and Alan having a minor run-around (with a complimentary Ukrainian arithmetic lesson) at Kiev’s Boryspil airport.

We stayed at a hotel a few kilometers from the flying field. It was an easy drive to and from the field. The hotel was comfortable, the food good, and the drinks cold. The giant refrigeration units just outside our rooms were in great working condition and cycled on-and-off every ten minutes or so, day and night. They didn’t however supply much cool air to our rooms - so we could choose - hot or noisy. I can’t recommend either choice - it took a little getting used to; at least we were able to catch up on some sleep when we got home.

The daily temperatures varied between a chilly where-is-my-cool-team-jacket days, to some warm lets-go-jump-into-the-inviting-brown-water-of-the-portapool days. On average, it was very pleasant and we all came back sporting nice suntans. Rain was predicted on some of the days, but that thankfully mostly fell at night, leaving the peaty flying field’s parking areas mushy. Our drivers and rental cars handled the adverse conditions with aplomb. The wind varied from none, to gusts of over 9m/s. The wind increased as the competition progressed, making the fly-off rounds particularly challenging.

Our team assembled at the flying field on the afternoon of Wednesday 19 July, the day before the pre-competition event - the Vladimir’s Model Cup. Fortunately the European summer days are long, with sunset only happening around 9:30pm, which left a few hours for assembly and preparation of the models. The flying field is 13km north of the centre of Lviv and is the location annual Wilga Cup. The team stayed in a hotel about 5km south of the field with a number of other countries pilots.

The Vladimir’s Model Cup flying conditions of the pre-comp were generally good. Lift was variable but okay in general. Wind was low, except for a nasty storm that blew past, taking some tents down in its wake. Our tent tried to take off and then promptly dropped some steel tent poles across some fuselages, breaking two planes. Luckily the organisers had a repair tent, and the planes were repaired by a friendly Ukrainian man from Vladimir’s Models - the manufacturers of the Snipes we were all flying.

The road trip from Kiev to Lviv.

If we couldn’t sleep at the hotel, no problem, we could play catch-up at the field.

Ivor proudly displaying the South African flag.

Traditional dancing enjoyed by all. Smart team shirts worn by the host team Ukraine.

Ivor, Tiaan, and Brett...good ambassadors.

The flying site viewed from the access road end, with the chicken farm in the background.The flying site viewed from the access road end, with the chicken farm in the background.

To top things off for Tiaan, he celebrated his 18th birthday in Lviv. Vladimir, and Valentinka, and Michelle are to be thanked for organising a surprise cake for Tiaan. It was handed to him on the winner's podium and he loved the extra attention and having happy birthday sung to him in broken English. The cake tasted wonderful with a local vodka. Interestingly, a ‘double’ in Ukraine is 100ml of Vodka. We slept well that night.

Sunday 23rd July was the opening of the World Champs. After the day of registrations and the managers’ meeting, we were collected at our hotel by buses, taking us to the city centre of Lviv for the opening. The organisers and local authorities did a wonderful job, and the opening ceremony was very memorable. Many curious locals, who were strolling around the city square, park, and fountain with their children and families, were attracted to the spectacle that was the opening. After the speeches, we were entertained by troops of modern and traditional dancers, some men on stilts and a balloon release. After the ceremony, we were treated to a short city tour and dinner at a rowdy downtown restaurant. It was a wonderfully festive opening ceremony to a really tough, but memorable world champs.

The effect of the wind storm left us with a few damaged models.

Tiaan 18 years old before the vodka...and 81 after the vodka!

Tiaan, Alan, and Craig taking in the spectacle of the WC opening ceremony.

The mood on Monday was far more serious all round, as the main event kicked off. The planned schedule was to fly a total of 20 rounds in the 5 days of competition. This saw us starting at 9am and finishing between 6 and 7pm. There were no lunch breaks, and the flying was back-to-back. On a few occasions we had three pilots flying straight after each other, and this made for some frenetic swap-overs. But this went smoothly, except on the Wednesday when I just couldn’t keep my eyes open, but everyone helped out and everything ran smoothly-ish. At the end of the week the seniors had flown all 20 rounds, and the juniors 19.

The goal for our senior pilots was to be in the top 12, and for Tiaan to be in the top 8 juniors to make it into the fly-offs. In each round we flew 6 groups of seniors followed by 3 groups of juniors. The flying conditions were trying, to say the least. The conditions changed hour-by-hour and day-to-day. We went from flying our lightest models as conservatively as possibly, to flying ballasted up to the maximum - ballasts of over 150 grammes were not uncommon - that’s a lot, considering that the flying weight of a normal Snipe is just over 220g. In the conditions many, many pilots, including the best of the best, landed short of the field. On one occasion that I’m sure Alan would prefer to forget, he scraped and scratched and just landed in, only to be blownout by a gust as he touched down. On two occasions Alan thermalled from just a few metres off the ground up to safety - it was amazing to watch. He put himself under pressure from the get go with a 500 - his eventual throw away - in the two fours. But he carried on flying in his own inimitable style, not afraid to chase good air far downwind when he needed to and often hunting for lift in the opposite direction to everyone else. He steadily made his way up the field throughout the week, finishing in 8th position and making it into the fly-offs.

Craig ended the week with a strapped ankle and a knee brace. His back had been bothering him since before the competition and it bothered him throughout the tournament, but he soldiered on bravely. He flew solidly. He may not have made the fly-offs but he came in ahead of the high-launching Toby Herrera of the USA who is rumoured to have launched to 300 feet. He beat the legendary Joe Wurts too.

Ivor, one of the older competitors in the field, gave it his all. All of the energetic high launches of the younger competitors spurred him on. He reworked his launch technique and that gave him a few more metres of launch height. He was launching noticeably higher by the end of the competition.

Tiaan’s string of almost unbroken 1000’s were interrupted in round 6 - the five two’s. He struggled again in the next round - poker. But he recomposed himself and fought on. He went from definitely being in the fly-offs, to being just out of it, but by the last few rounds, all of his effort had paid off and he had secured himself a place in the top 8.

In many of the rounds, a high launch was the difference between the pilots with top results and the rest. Tiaan and Alan had an advantage here since they are high launchers. Ballasted up, the guys felt that extra weight in their bodies. Their fingers also got a taste of the action too; after a tough week of flying; with up and downs; with disappointments and elations.


Craig with good launch, despite strapped knee.

Ivor, en-route to the flight line.

Craig in a hurry.

Tiaan had consistent, good launches.

Brett busy...team did not have luxury of helpers.

Craig guiding Alan...official timekeeper watching.

Yalla, Ivor! Not bad for an oldie!

Ivor and Alan in their pink tees, striding out to the flight line.

Getting prepared takes concentration.

Catch it...Tiaan!

Tiaan gets expert advice from veteran Craig.

The final day of the competition brought strong winds from the get go. Tents were taken down to clear the return and landing flight paths for the pilots.

We flew three rounds, took a break while the Ladies Cup took place, and we completed the last rounds after lunch. The Ladies Cup was the first F3K event of its kind at a world championship and hopefully the precursor to many more competitions for the fairer sex. Being a physical activity, the ladies can’t be expected to fairly compete with the men, head-to-head. This year there were four lady contenders; two of them were very inexperienced and crashed their models early on - but their bravery to start was commendable.

The tension was palpable throughout the day; pilot standings on the scoreboard changing with every round. We spent a large part of the day checking the board to see what had been achieved by the other pilots in the previous rounds. Tiaan and Alan kept their heads down and gave it their all everytime they took to the air. Craig called for both Tiaan and Alan - it’s quite possible that he carried the heaviest load of all of the team members on the day. Ivor was a great support too, and helped with logistics of the day. As we went through the day I tried to keep everyone in the loop, and in return we got a lot of support via Whatsapp for the team. This kept our spirits high, it was fabulous - thanks to all of you!

After a very stressful day we ended up with one very proud junior - Tiaan had clinched the world championship; and a very drained Alan ended up just off the podium in 4th place - there were two flights that stuck out for me that were so very close, that if they’d gone Alan’s way, he’d have been in the top three.The results are shown below. I’d like you to note the scarcity of 1000’s, and also the low scores that some pilots achieved in some rounds. In very few of the rounds did more than one pilot score a 1000. Considering that these were the most successful pilots during the week, it shows just how tough the day was. Well done to everyone.

In the senior team standings, the team from Germany - Elmar Bachmann, Martin Herrig, Max Finke - came out on top with a total team score of 55 662. The South African team came in 19th place with a team total of 52 714. There were 26 3-man teams competing, and 32 countries represented in total.

We cleaned ourselves up and got ready for the prizegiving and closing function, held at our hotel. After a minor wobble on my part sorting out the national anthem for our young world champ, it all went smoothly. We listened to the obligatory speeches and proudly welcomed our two successful pilots to the front to receive their trophies. It was an amazing moment hearing the national anthem playing as Tiaan stood victorious on the winner podium. A fabulous climax to an epic week.

Our Ukrainian hosts then laid on a spectacular closing function with more snacks than we could eat and more cocktails than we could drink. Ivor and Tiaan punished the dance floor, and I spread the South African spirit around the room handing out tasters from a bottle of Amarula the guys had brought along for the occasion.

When we headed to breakfast on the last morning, the dining room was empty, with many of the European teams having left earlier that morning. We’d stripped down and packed up our planes the day before and got ready to head off. Alan, Ivor and Tiaan spent the day in Lviv and then headed to the airport to fly from there onto Kiev and back home, via Istanbul. Craig and I loaded up the hire car and drove back to Kiev, for one day of sightseeing before we too headed home. Everyone arrived home safely, in need of some well-earned rest.

Thanks to the team - Alan, Craig, Ivor, and Tiaan; you made my job as manager a pleasurable experience. They put in mountains of effort while maintaining a winning attitude all week long. Our first-placed junior and fourth-placed senior clearly reflect their dedication and effort. But what is less obvious in the results, but was strongly felt by me, was the 100% effort given by everyone, making the camaraderie of the team second-to-none. Everyone pitched in; not a moan of objection was heard. Craig did more than his fair share of calling and fetching planes, and Ivor filled in gaps wherever itwas needed. Thanks for all the support. Special thanks to Michelle and Juanita Smith for their help in the lead-up to the championship and getting me organised at the last minute. Thanks for all the support from home... we tried

to keep a running commentary via WhatApp groups, and the feedback we received was awesome. Thanks to the folk in SA - Michelle and others - who added to and distributed the info.

Spasiba, Dyakuyu, and many thanks to the Ukrainian organisers for a very professionally-organised tournament. Thanks to all the other pilots, helpers, team managers, and hangers-on from all the other countries at the championships, for the competition and the fellowship. You’re a fabulous bunch of flying fanatics. Many thanks to the official tournament photographers for the fabulous images used in this report - see lots more like these on the Facebook* page ( ). https://www.facebook.com/F3Kwch2017Follow this link to view a selection of images of the South African team ( ). For more information on the exciting world of F3K https://goo.gl/bqtTEcflying, please visit the competition website ( ).http://wch2017.f3k.in.ua/


Champion’s welcome at OR Tambo airport: Mike Vos, Danie Potgieter, Ivor Fletcher, Terry Painter (Tiaan’s mom), Tiaan van Rooyen, Gerhard Painter (Tiaan’s stepdad), Alan Smith.

Finalists in the junior category...Tiaan van Rooyen third from right.

Line-up of finalists. Alan Smith fourth from right, pink t-shirt. One could not miss the South Africans!

Alan Smith with 4th place trophy. Just missed 3rd! Tiaan with his winning trophy for Vladimir’s Cup.


See you in 2019!

The ladies who were responsible for initiating the female category...Vladimir Gavrylko in front! Valentinka Butseroha supporting South Africa!

Some of the ladies in action. Winner was Valentinka Butseroha (centre).

Pos. Pos after Name Country Prelim total Rd 1 Rd 2 Rd 3 Rd 4 Rd 5 Rd 6 Total prelim L1x5 3200 Poker L2X4 1234 Aup5

1. (4) Vincent Merlijn NED 18884 1000 737 931 861 875 803 52072. (11) Ihor Butseroha UKR 18697 1000 521 772 921 983 950 51473. (7) Milan Havelka CZE 18758 1000 708 957 626 1000 694 51184. (8) Alan Smith RSA 18754 1000 913 669 663 1000 694 49395. (6) Martin Herrig GER 18807 1000 735 515 938 956 769 49136. (2) Cedric Duss SUI 18959 1000 1000 605 255 965 1000 48257. (1) Nikola Francic CRO 18981 1000 670 1000 249 887 973 47798. (9) Oleksandr Synielytsyl UKR 18723 1000 739 334 810 984 804 46719. (3) Pierre Meunier FRA 18923 1000 697 154 586 981 826 424410. (12) Danijel Horvatic CRO 18571 1000 603 206 530 939 850 412811. (10) Nir Holtzman ISR 18716 1000 430 309 567 812 901 401912. (5) Ondrej Rezier CZE 18818 367 632 154 1000 930 787 387027. Craig Goodrum RSA 1836680. Ivor Fletcher RSA 15594

1. (5) Tiaan van Rooyen RSA 17057 638 832 721 1000 818 897 49062. (1) Augis Brazlunas LTU 17692 747 1000 1000 340 772 1000 48593. (4) Nir Lindenbaum ISR 17288 776 894 522 660 875 998 47254. (3) Christoph Ogi SUI 17433 753 775 917 509 1000 714 46685. (2) Nikita Sholom UKR 17672 1000 848 965 306 739 667 45256. (7) Marko Damjanovic CRO 16600 431 877 696 571 792 862 42297. (8) Brayden Chamberlain USA 16515 63 809 638 319 659 673 31618. (6) Loris Blickensdorfer SUI 16962 0 555 561 522 990 605 3133

Senior results. 2017 FAI F3K World Championships for Model Gliders. Lviv, Ukraine

Junior results. 2017 FAI F3K World Championships for Model Gliders. Lviv, Ukraine


Sunday 20th August started at a cool 2 degrees C, with snow still visible on neighbouring mountains. That did not deter the 15 entries that arrived from as early as 06h45 to start putting their planes together. At 8am Clive started the pilots briefing and went through general safety, LSA, and the basics of what would happen for the newcomers. Straight after the briefing, bacon and egg breakfast rolls were available at R25 each and these went down extremely well. Thanks to Ken’s Caterers, Pete, and the ladies that prepared these for us. First pilots up were the Basic class at 08h30. We had 6 entries in Basic, 5 in Sportsman, 1 Intermediate , 2 Advanced and 1 in Unlimited. Good numbers in the lower classes is excellent to see as this is where it all starts and shows the growth for KZN LSA's future. From a chilly start with some fairly strong winds, the day progressed well to become a clear blue sky with varying wind conditions. As expected, this did not put off any pilots and they all got stuck in and enjoyed their flights. The camaraderie amongst the guys was fantastic to see, with much cheering and jokes between flights. In a stroke of good luck every single plane proved hassle-free, allowing all competitors to show their skills throughout the day.

We managed to get through the first round of all classes and then on to the second flight of the Basic class before breaking for a lunchtime braai. After lunch we completed the rest of the classes’ flights, ensuring all pilots got 2 flights each of 2 rounds. Scores were normalised with 1 round dropped to complete the final scores for the day.

The judges as always have the hardest job, watching and judging every single flight. Thanks to Bruce, Arthur, and Mike for giving their time so freely. It was fantastic to have Mike Stark back at LSA and helping out with judging again, we hope that shortly we will see you competing again too Mike. Thanks again to Ken for organising, and KZN LSA, the judges had breakfast and lunch provided for them. Again we must also thank Sherryl, for inputting the scores on to the laptop as the flights progressed, so that we had up-to-date results at hand after the last flight was completed. Thanks also to Jason Barker for coming up and calling for a lot of pilots and assisting them with setups and flying.

KZN Regional LSA competition

Clive McInnes

Johan de Lange calling, while judges are paying attention.

Final scores are shown on the next page. In Basic, the pilots almost all were flying their first ever LSA competition and did extremely well. Inus de Wet led the way with his Aeroworks Extra and DLE120cc, with Rhys Mason flying his 50cc Electric Sbach and improving hugely in his second round, followed in a close third by Tony Martyn who has recently come back to flying again. Piet Jacobs joining us as well for his first competition improved nicely with each round as he got the gist of what schedule flying is about. Youngest pilot of the day was Ryan Mason, at 15 years of age, and flying his electric 30cc Extra 330SC, also improved with every round.

In Sportsman, we had Ian Becke, Andrew, and Brad tussle it out, with each of them taking one round. Ian was victorious with some great flying and all the practice is certainly showing. Andrew Marshall made a comeback and did really well in second place, followed very closely by Brad Rae. A really nice close group here and I can see the competitive spirit amongst them growing.

Big YAK 55 in colourful paint scheme. Extra in background flown by Ken Lello.

Clive McInnes’ homework for the Unlimited scedule.

A few biggies on the winter lawn of Howick MFC. Foreground is Clive’s Su26.


In Intermediate we had Ken Lello flying his Krill Extra 330LX with a 3w 170cc motor. Ken is still working on trimming this plane, but the scores are looking great. No great LSA plane just happens; setup, setup, and more setup is key to a great flying plane. This is another skill that you will discover when flying LSA, and once learnt, you will apply this to all your other planes, making your flying look even better.

In Advanced we had Gareth flying his Sbach with a Mintor 110cc, and Johan with his Edge 540 and DLE 170cc. Gareth has only this year moved up to the Advanced class after winning the Sportsman class at the 2017 Nationals. Already he is showing great progress and his regular dedication and practice is showing. Johan... well, Johan arrived with the 2016 schedule on his mind and had not yet realised we were in 2017 already! No issue for Johan, he sat down and went about learning the schedule with a borrowed stick plane, and then flew both rounds as unknowns. Well done Johan – I am sure next time he will have the right schedule.

In the Unlimited class, the only participant was Clive McInnes, flying a Sukhoi Su26 with a GP 176cc EVO motor.

All-in-all it was a great day of flying and socialising around common interests of improving our flying skills. It is such a pleasure to see the numbers of guys attending the KZN LSA events. There were a number of our regulars that could not make this event, so to have 15 entries was brilliant! Not only are the guys attending the events, but there is a lot of practicing and discussion about schedules taking place between events. KZN LSA is certainly going places and we can be extremely proud of what we are achieving here. Without a doubt we must have one of the most active local SIG's in the country. The planes ranged from smaller 30cc electric-powered aircraft, up to 40% scale 170cc-powered planes. No matter what you fly, come and join in the fun and improve your skills. For more info you can call Clive on 073-500-7177, and for more info on LSA events around SA, please go to the Large Scale South Africa website at www.largescaleserobatics.co.za

Here are some specs on Ryan Mason's 30cc Extra. A great setup with really good flight times, proving that with the right choice there is an option to have an electric setup and fly in LSA. Aircraft is Pilot Extra 330 30cc, powered by eflight power 160. Esc = CC Talon 120, with an APC e 18x12 prop. Savox 0251 servos, Emcotec regulator for 2 x 2200 2s lipo rx batteries, and Emcotec SPS for disarming the motor. 2 x GensAce 5s 5000 mAh flight batteries (10s). After completing two schedules in approximately 8 minutes, he had only used in the region of 60 % capacity.

Basic1. Inus de Wet 3000 64.7%2. Rhys Mason 2700 53.3%3. Tony Martyn 2622 56.1%4. Piet Jacobs 2601 53.6%5. Ryan Mason 2494 51.5%6. Lloyd Wing 2020 40.4%

Sportsman 1. Ian Becke 2993 64.9%2. Andrew Marshall 2920 62.4%3. Brad Rae 2886 61.7%4. Tony Lee 2529 54.0%5. Lance Hackney 2116 46.9%

Intermediate1. Ken Lello 3000 64.2%

Advanced 1. Gareth de Lange 3000 60.6%2. Johan de Lange 1989 38.6%

Unlimited 1. Clive McInnes 3000 65.3%

Lance Hackney starting his AJ Aircraft Laser 230Z with GP 123cc engine, assisted by Ken Lello.

Pilot Edge 540 very well heeled! Ian Becke taking the Edge with DLE 170cc to the starting line-up.

What would any event be without the ubiquitous braai!

The perfect end to a perfect day.

All the participants, with the rolling hills of the KZN Midlands as backdrop.

Results. KwaZulu Natal regional competition forLarge Scale Aerobatics. Howick MAC. 20 August 2017


The time had arrived and pilots from across the country had also arrived. The 2017 Open National event was here, and with a bigger bang than ever beforeseen in South Africa. The troops assembled at Johannesburg’s Rand Show to spectacle of complimentary extreme sports events. FPV Racing was a front line spectacle alongside muscle car drag racing, motor cross, trials and event full scale aerobatics. Thanks to some amazing sponsors, the track was something that had pilots itching to get cruising.

The qualifying rounds showcased some superbly technical flying through a tight and dangerous track, thanks to the evil H frames, the track seemed to slow down as pilots discovered their wrath, this only added to the technicality of the track and as we got through heats, we heard less of the painful “PING” of collision with an H frame. Make no mistake, the qualifying track took it’s toll on a few top SA pilots this year.

The final 16 track was even MORE amazing than the qualifying track, it was bigger and allowed for pilots to really gather some speed through the outer circle before taking a tight left turn into the chaos of the obstacles. Once again, the infamous H frames were there, but this time there was no fooling the top 16 pilots in S.A, they had learnt their lesson already and weren’t going down without a fight. A new, never before seen in a South African race event was the double star gate which gave pilots the opportunity to implement some of their freestyle skills in a race track, proving that racing is most definitely and expressive form of RC.

The 2017 NATS was an enormous leap for the FlyFPVSA SIG. The event coordinators, track designers, pilots and sponsors have a lot to be proud of for pulling off such a great and hugely successful event. From the smooth flow of the event and coordination with pilots to the hugely successful timing system and very importantly crowd interaction and public interest.

Better yet, the best is yet to come.

FlyFPV-SA Open Drone Nationals

Brynn Lurie


Johan Pretorius looking very serious.

Parking...nailed it!

Nicholas Bodeux waiting...

Jaco Koekemoer, third in Open.

Brynn Lurie replacing some props.

Frederik Potgieter...concentrating...and more relaxed, fitting props.

Caiti going for a ride-along.

Roland Suhrmüller explaining the race protocol. Alan Ball and Brian Emmenis on far right.

Heck, yeah mate! Josua Blom, winner of the finals in Open class.

Luke Winterton eyeing the opposition. Anthon Meiring...”I have to nail this heat.”

Bryan Limerick making a quick repair.


Alan Ball checking the video output on Josua Blom’s machine.

Gathering of racers.

Robyn on a ride-along.

Stefan Enthoven, Luke Bakke, Jaco Koekemoer, Fred Potgieter in the ready box, ready for next heat.

Gerhardt van der Merwe making some hasty repairs.

Low and fast!

Charl McGregor & Devin Pearson en-route to flight line.

Stephen Gore: “Is this mine?”

Tommy Chalmers working hard.

Start-line anticipation.

Some tight racing in the main event on Saturday and Sunday.

Dramatic shot of three quads approaching the dreaded H-frame. Joburg skyline in the background.

Results. 2017 FlyFPV-SA Drone Nationals.Rand Show, NASREC.

Pos Prel Prelims Name

1. (2) 570.021 Josua Blom2. (4) 596.721 Luke Bakke?3. (3) 577.431 Jaco Koekemoer4. (1) 565.071 Stefan Enthoven?5. (8) 606.450 Luke Winterton6. (6) 666.180 Nicholas Bodeux7. (5) 598.721 Frederik Potgieter8. (7) 638.890 Ruivan Branco9. (11) 672.091 Stephan Gore10. (10) 666.180 Gerhardt Jansen?11. (12) 695.630 Jean-Paul Bredenhann12. (9) 650.300 Brandon Petrie?13. (13) 719.630 Thomas Frauenknecht14. (15) 741.132 Bryan Limerick?15. (14) 734.518 Johan Strydom?16. Antonio Silva?

Pos Prel Prelims Name

1. (2) 689.500 Devon Barnett?2. (3) 481.030 Luke Johnson3. (4) 501.110 Tommy Chalmers?4. (1) 448.470 Luke Winterton5. (5) 545.530 Joe Venter?6. (8) 685.500 Jaco Koekemoer7. (7) 592.220 Darryn Hosking8. (6) 578.970 Roland Suhrmüller9. (9) 716.170 Brynn Lurie10. Sean Moodley11. Rob

Pos Name

1. Thomas Frauenknecht2. Luke Winterton3. Luke Johnson

Pos. Name Score

1. Luke Johnson 92.32. Sean Moodley? 50.83. Luke Winterton 46.54. Thomas Frauenknecht 20.55. Roland Suhrmüller 12

Open class 5" Stock (250)

4" Super Stock (180)

Freestyle


This round was held at Snoopy’s Squadron RC field near Krugersdorp on Sunday 30th July 2017.

26 pilots woke up very early to make the drive from all over Gauteng. It was great to see the amount of entries, especially in the Foundation class. Foundation entries actually exceeded the Open class entries and included four brand new pilots. This just shows that this hobby of FPV Quad Racing is really healthy and growing.

It was a chilly morning at Snoopy’s, with a slight breeze that died down a bit later in the afternoon, resulting in perfect racing conditions for the remainder of the event.

We built one of the longest racing tracks to date for a regional competition; the track length came in at 597m per lap. Three laps had to be completed, resulting in over 1.7km covered per race. Our tiny 1300mah 4S lipos were properly stress-tested throughout the day.

Jaco from RC Edge had a big surprise in store for everyone. While we were busy setting up the track, a strange new obstacle was inflated. Yes you read that right… inflated! Jaco created an inflatable H-frame to replace the very scary and destructive metal - frame from previous races. The H-frame is constructed out of jumping castle material and kept inflated by a blower motor. This was welcomed by all pilots as crashes into it just resulted in a bent prop or a bounce. If it were the metal H-frame, it would have meant certain death for many quads on the day.

We experienced a bit of RF interference on certain frequencies which caused some video interference and timing problems. We however managed to sort it out, and although it cost us some time, we still managed to push through 8 heats, plus two finals.

In summary, it was a great day of racing and everyone had a blast. I want to thank Geoffrey Dale for opening up the Snoopy’s field for us, as well as our sponsors, RC Edge, and RC Hobby SA.

Gauteng FPV Drone RacingRound 2

Supercool inflatable H-frame ensures less damage to quads.

The stunning track layout at Snoopy’s.

The flight line.

Landing...nailed it...again!

Brand-new race debut!

Early-morning track building underway.

Bryan Limerick and Anthon Meiring.

ResultsFlyFPV-SA Gauteng Round 2

Snoopy’s Squadron. 30 July 2017

1. Devon Barnett

2. Ruivan Branco

3. Anthon Meiring

4. Luke Winteryon

5. Joe Venter

6. David Jones

7. Tommy Chalmers

8. Roland Suhrmüller

1. Johan Strydom

2. Specer Leith

3. Michael Joubert

4. Johann Strydom

5. Danie Sauerman

6. F v Loggerenberg

7. Pierre de Klerk

8. Ramon Sherriff

9. Nico Bekker

10. Maurice Venter

Open class Foundation class




I have seen a number of obituaries in our SAMAA News magazine but this "farewell" is not one of those!

Stan Fine is alive and well - as well as eighty-eight years, full of living, will allow. The members of Pretoria Radio Flyers have had the rare opportunity of knowing this man who has lived 'aviation' for much longer than most of us have been alive.

Stan has flown full-size and model aircraft, operating a transmitter for some or other craft all his adult life. He knows the technology - from the most basic - to today's sophisticated offerings. More importantly, Stan has been a part of the growing, changing hobby that draws us in and makes, of us all, members of the global modelling community.

I remember many good times in Stan's company - especially his keen participation on that day in April 2003 when PRF and Silverton MFC created a Guinness World Record. At Stan's farewell braai, on the first of July 2017, he raised his hand and, Schwarzenegger-like, promised; "I'll be back"!

Well Stan - your seat in the 'peanut gallery' is reserved for you - many happy returns young man!

Stan Fine farewellStan Fine farewellStan Fine farewell

Tony Stockwell

Stan, 88, sampling a slice of his special cake, in celebration of his retirement from model flying.

Tony Stockwell addressing the members of the Pretoria Radio Flyers. Stan Fine in straw hat.

Stan assembling Gentle Lady motorised glider. Beautiful confectionery art for the occasion.

SAMA A Annual General MeetingSAMA A Annual General MeetingSAMA A Annual General Meeting

Tuesday 29 March 2018Tuesday 29 March 2018Tuesday 29 March 2018at the SAMAA offices, Building R4, Denel Technical Academy

131 Atlas Road, Bonaero Park, Kempton Park. 19:00

Agenda to be published/circulatedas soon as available.

More information is available from the SAMAA office, 011-973-3679or [email protected], or from the SAMAA chairman.

Details of all SAMAA management committee memberson the second-last page of this newsletter.

Please support the AGMPlease support the AGMPlease support the AGMThe SAMAA is your association!


SAMAA member Charles Stevens from Sandbaai, Hermanus, has set a world record for flying the longest RC foam plane. At four metres in length, the paper plane look-alike took to the skies on 30 April 2017.

The idea of building a foam plane started some 20 years ago when Charles’ son saw a video of something similar, and wanted to start flying RC planes. “I designed it myself, and over the years I perfected my design. With this big (plane) I obviously had to reinforce and calculate the amount of power I needed to make it fly successfully,” says Stevens.

About a year ago, a challenge from Walker Bay Radio Flyers club members prompted the foam plane’s fabrication. Without much convincing, Charles took to a friend’s workshop to build the plane.

The body of the RC foam plane was constructed from extruded polystyrene insulation board that is commonly used for ceiling insulation. And the panels were put together using glue and fishing trace for reinforcement.

The record attempt was originally scheduled for the 29th of April, but extreme heat and wind pushed out the attempt to the 30th. On that Sunday, at the Walker Bay Radio Flyers club in Hermanus, the plane took-off, and flew for 5 minutes and 30 seconds. The record attempt was verified, having met the following requirements:

– The RC foam plane was hand-launched – It had flown for at least five minutes, and landed without breaking – It had followed the form of current world record holder, and – Video evidence was taken to prove the flight.

And in case you were wondering, we did ask why he used foam instead of paper. To this Stevens answered: “a paper plane of this size would have been much too heavy”. This is quite true. A 2012 world record attempt saw a 363 kilogram paper plane fly over the Arizona desert with helicopter assistance. But really, who has that kind of money these days?

What’s next for Charles Stevens? He simply wants to break his own record and hopes to build a 5-metre RC foam plane next. So watch this space!

Nikky Knijf

World recordpaper plane!

The huge 4-metre long “paper” jet plane designed, built, and flown by Charles Stevens.

Not so heavy, but large and fragile.

(Pics of launch sequence are flipped).

Charles (with Tx) and launching crew... Point of release had acute angle... but even-keel recovery was quick And start of a successful record flight!

Certificate issued by Record Setter.Charles assisted by Terry Lesser during record attempt.

about to let go

Clear skies for the world’s longest paper plane.

Length clearly illustrated here. Charles with Michael Ferguson, singer-songwriter of “Paper Plane”.

The annual LOMAC (Lowveld MAC) airshow creates such a hype of excitement for the pilots who get invited to participate in this awesome event.

This year some of the pilots arrived as early as Thursday to get some early flights in at this amazing venue. Pilots came from all corners of the country, some as far as Cape Town and George. The hospitality that is offered by LOMAC is hugely appreciated by the pilots, as this is not offered on this level at any other event in the country.

On arrival at the field on Friday around 15:00, we found it to be a hive of activity with the organisers sorting out the last-minute things. The road had been graded and watered down, parking for the public was graded, crowd control barriers erected, and the area set aside for the trade vendors and kiddies’ entertainment prepared. The autumn weather was spot-on for an air show...quite hot, with a slight breeze down the runway.

On Saturday morning, all arrived early to get planes ready before the pilots briefing and the usual breakfast that was served in a large tent to all pilots, helpers, and wives. A VIP guest was flown in by helicopter before the official opening of the event at 09:00. This special guest was none other than The Stig himself which created quite a stir amongst the crowd. He was part of the flying display, where he got to show off his multiple talents.

The crowd started filling up the large spectator area from around 09:00. The public attendance was good, but started to dwindle out towards the afternoon possibly due to the important rugby match taking place.

The flying displays put on by visiting pilots as well as some of the local club members kept the public entertained. There were a few items on the programme that were a first for the LOMAC crowds to see. Some cardboard props were built and placed on the edge of the flight line...these were rigged with explosives. A pyrotechnic display was done by Leon Breytenbach, who holds a licence to do such displays.

Two displays were planned for the day, one in the morning and the large one around 16:00. In the morning display, none of the props were destroyed as this was reserved for the final show in the afternoon. The show was done with a mini warbird attack overflying the ground troops and tanks, and dropping bombs. It all went off with lots of loud bangs, and plenty of smoke and flames which was surely enjoyed by all.

LOMAC Airshow

Boet Denysschen.

Photos by Karin Nel

And the enemy was blown sky-high! Very enjoyable and successful pyrotechnics display had the crowd in ecstasy.

Befitting his staus,The Stig arrived by helicopter!

Some people just crave attention. No, not The Stig...the crazy spectator!

Justin Lees’ Big Extra 330SC.

“ACHTUNG! Spitfeuer!” Boomerang Elan of Dieter Lettau.

Big bird of destruction...B-17 “Memphis Belle”, posing with other warbirds.

Vought Corsair always a favourite subject.

Barry van der Vyver, Alec Groenewald, The Stig,Sarel Venter, and Victor Manuel F. Picoto.

The LOMAC club layout is ideally suited for public displays: the sun is always behind the spectatorsand the pilots, there is plenty of parking area, spectator stand, place for vendors, a hospitality tent, apit area in full view of the spectators, and the vistas to the south a delight!


The Stig show was done where he displayed his multiple-skill talents, that included flying of model aircraft. His display was interrupted when a drunk supporter wanted to have some selfies taken of him and the Stig. The Stig-fan then thought it a good idea to grab the TX and also show his supposed flying capabilities, and of course it ended up with the plane crashing head-on into the ground, which was a crowd pleaser.

Flying stopped around 17:00 after a very good day was had by all. Disassembling and packing away of aircraft was now the order of the day as all had to get ready for the Saturday evening closing ceremony. The event was organised in the large tent that was used for breakfast and lunches that was served to pilots and helpers.

The evening was kicked off with a prize giving for various achievements throughout the show. Thank you’s were shared with all participants, and to all the people who helped behind the scenes, and the workers who slaved away to make this day a huge success. And of course a big thank you to the sponsors. Alec Groenewald, the club’s chairman said in the LOMAC way: “Well done guys and girls, you have achieved your goal!”

Air shows have a special attraction for the public, and it provides a wonderful opportunity for families to enjoy a day’s outing. Events like these are a great opportunity for SAMAA-registered clubs to showcase their activities, and to promote the hobby. Karin Nel captured the essence of the LOMAC Airshow beautifully in this series of pictures.

SAMAA branding. Thanks, Donald! General view of the pit area...in full view of public.

Neil Collins and AvantiS after a successful flight. Nicholas providing support.

Kiddies bus was popular with the young ones, andalways had passengers on board.

Group of kids eagerly awaiting the sweety drop.Lemmy Dolezal giving last-minute instructions.

Lemmy also did much of the commentary andannouncements.

This young man is delighted with the prize he hadjust won. Great work LOMAC, and sponsors.

Riaan, with Wanda le Hanie giving the all-clear. Flight line busy...great support Barnstormers!

Wind sock hanging limp; smoke rising vertically. Weather was perfect for the LOMAC Airshow.

Enemy lurking on the edge of the bush. Allied forces blew them sky-high!

Ultra Lightning did justice to its name. Flown with great skill by Dean Grobbelaar.

ViperJet of Dieter Lettau one of a few successful turbine displays.



The “Big Bipe” – it was never called anything else – was built by my dad Haydn Stanley, in 1948. It was his own design, with a top wing span of 90 inches. Built in conventional style from balsa, ply, and hardwood, it was covered in calico, and painted with silver dope. I remember Dad telling me that this was the cheapest colour available in post-war South Africa. Power was provided by a Forster 99 ignition engine.

The aircraft flew well as a free-flight model, and performance was further improved by fitting a pendulum rudder. Big Bipe last flew in the 1954 free-flight Nationals. It was then hung up in my grandfather's workshop, and remained there until 1970. This, I am sure, was due to the fact that Dad had met Patricia, my mother-to-be, and marriage and home-building did not include a large free-flight biplane!

I had obviously been brought up on a well-balanced diet of balsa dust, wood glue, dope, and fuel, and the Big Bipe hanging in Grampa's workshop was one of my earliest aeromodelling memories. So by dint of pestering Dad regularly, he eventually agreed to collect the airframe, bring it home, and get it flying again. The year was 1970, and I was 12 years old. Dad had purchased a brand-new Futaba 4-channel proportional system a while before this, and so a receiver and three linear servos were fitted. Power was supplied by a new Enya .60, sans silencer. A makeshift elevator was fitted, and the pendulum rudder adapted to suit the radio.

Flying, however, was something else. After a few ROG attempts, it was evident that the Enya was not powerful enough for the short and narrow WRAC runway. A hand-launch was decided upon. It was not a success! A poor launch, coupled with low power and no flying speed, resulted in Big Bipe stalling and doing significant damage to itself. She was taken home, stripped of her radio and engine, and once again hung up - this time in Dad's workshop. There she remained for 45 years.

In 2015 I was having tea with Mom and Dad, and as always, the subject turned to flying. As I had recently restored his Miss Philly, Dad suggested I restore the Big Bipe. I wasn't fully convinced, and the airframe hung in my workshop for a further year, before I worked up enough enthusiasm to begin the refurbishment. Covering was stripped completely, the wing spars were repaired where they had broken, and reinforced with carbon fibre. There were a number of places where rats had eaten away the structure, and new balsa had to be let in. I had weighed the model prior to stripping, and had a good idea of what the all-up weight had to be. Calculation suggested that a modern .60 would have just enough power to ROG and fly the model.

Covering was an issue, as using a commercial fabric iron-on material would be too expensive. Eventually the local 'Ceconite' material was chosen. Thinned nitrate dope proved a good adhesive. Heat-shrinking the covering was kept to a minimum, to prevent stress. The airframe was then given two coats of nitrate dope, followed by two coats of butyrate dope. The colour scheme chosen was cream with burgundy trim. 2K base-coat was sprayed on, the lettering applied, and the trim colour masked and sprayed. A good coat of clear 2K was sprayed over everything, to finish it off. A trusty ASP .61 was bolted up front, and Hitec Rx and servos fitted.

She had her first flight in the new colours in January 2017, at the age of sixty nine. Since then she has had around 10 flights, all successful, and all fun. My dad was there to witness the maiden, and he kindly took the video for me. All-

2up weight is 11.5 lbs, wing area is 15.3 ft , and the wing-loading is 12oz/ft2. Power loading is 74 watts/pound.

You can search for “Big Bipe Project” on YouTube, for a 7-minute video of the project, and the maiden flight.

Big Bipe

Tim StanleySAMAA no. 381

Big Bipe is majestic in flight.

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The long-awaited tenth Jets-R-Us Fly-in has come and gone. The event was held at the wonderful venue at Gariep Dam Aviation field and took place over the weekend of 6th to 9th July 2017.

We drove down from JHB on the Wednesday morning early and arrived at Gariep around mid-day to be met by some of the pilots from Oudtshoorn. At around 4pm, around 60 percent of the pre-registered pilots had arrived, all wanting to get a good spot on the taxiway. The weather was absolutely brilliant with warm sunshine and a slight breeze, straight down the runway. Trailers were parked, gazebos erected, and planes were assembled. With help from some of the pilots, the frequency board and windsock was erected. Once the crowd barrier was erected and set out, we were ready for flying.

As usual like in all the past events, all departed to their accommodation with the majority meeting at the local watering holes for the evening, which has become a tradition on the first night.

Thursday morning the field was abuzz with activity, with latecomers unpacking and assembling their planes and equipment. All were very eager to get the pilots briefing done so they could start flying. Not long after the pilots briefing, the pilots took to the skies and they kept the flight line busy all day with all types of aeries, and everyone had great fun.

On Friday the flying activity was much the same as Thursday with a few more pilots arriving. The weather was really awesome from Wednesday through to Friday. Pilots flew until sunset and some stayed on later to do displays with their planes fitted with landing and wing tip lights to create special effects.

As Saturday approached we were all well aware that this will be the last day of good weather as the forecast was for a cross-wind picking up throughout the day. Early morning saw a slight cross-wind blowing, but got steadily stronger throughout the day. With a few degrees drop in the daytime temperature at around midday, conditions became rather miserable, and gradually the pilots started packing up for the end of this awesome weekend.

Saturday evening, most of the pilots, wives, and families gathered at the local bowling club for a sit-down dinner and a prize giving. I want to thank the local community for the spread they laid on for the supper. A special thanks to my family members. wife Paula, daughters Louise, and Joanne, and Wesley and Stan the Man for helping with decorating the tables. We decided to go the extra mile as this was our tenth year of organising this fly-in. Various prizes were handed to the majority of pilots; the pilot’s name was drawn from a hat and the pilot drew a prize which was donated by our sponsors.

A R50 note was picked up on the taxiway on Friday afternoon and it was decided to do an auction for this note. It was placed in an envelope and pilots were told that a substantial amount of money was picked up and we would now auction it off and use it as a prize. The envelope was auctioned off by Stan who got the bidders worked up and all started contributing toward the auction. The bid closed once the auctioneer dropped the hammer and the last person to bid at that time won the envelope. Andre de Vries from Empangeni won the envelope. The money raised with the auction totalled R635 and was added as a prize. This prize was drawn by Sakkie Breukelman from Richards Bay. A special mention must go to the following pilots, Wynand Swart, Werner Swart, Pierre Fouché, Wesley Denysschen, Oloff Schoemann, and Peet Venter for entering and attending all ten of the Jets-R-Us fly-in events. These six gentlemen all received a hand-crafted collector's item clock, to commemorate their participation.

All types of aircraft were flown throughout the weekend. The glider of Clint du Toit stood out above all the planes in attendance; this was an all-composite Arcus-M glider with an 8m wing span, and was powered by a retractable electric motor with a folding prop.

10th Jets-R-Us Gariep Fly-in

Boet Denysschen

Wesley and Paula braving the early-morning chill. Pretty Dominator of Boet Denysschen.

George van den Burg’s MBB BO-209 Monsunand large Cessna.

Taxiway quickly filled up with parked aeries. Clint du Toit’s 8-metre Arcus M basking in the sun.

Trailers parked next to taxiway, offloading takes place, and cars are parked behind, out of the way.

PC 21 and Extra by Danie Potgieter, with BurtBotha and André Kilian sorting out the Velox.

Table decorations created a great ambience!

Chilly, bright, and early, with long shadows.

Plenty of familiar faces at the dinner.

101010

-8 200 10 72


It was Sunday 16 July and time to see who will be the fastest again. With the mist lifting on a lovely morning, pilots started to arrive at RMAC for the Winter Races. With the wind predictions going up to about 50km/h, we had a few pilots not there, but at the end of the day we had 10 pilots (fivedoing Standard Quickies and five doing Sportsman). We welcomed Marius Randall back to the circuit after being absent for nearly 16 years.

Shortly after the morning briefing the wind started to blow. The day started with Standard Quickies, with aircraft ranging from the legendary Quickie 500 to the fast Viper 500. The first heat was between Arrie Schoeman and Rassie Venter saw a few close calls but the race started to attract a small crowd. Next up was the race of Russell van der Westhuizen and Eben Muller, and the crowd was treated to the best racing with a race that stayed close, with them only swapping positions at the pylons. But just after the first take-off by Eben, a piece of his aircraft was lost from the tail but at least he was able to fix it with duct tape and epoxy. Marius unfortunately broke his firewall while landing his Quickie 500. The next round also saw Arrie lose his aircraft after a false start, almost having a mid-air collision with Rassie, but they missed and Arrie's plane hit the ground, breaking the fuzz in two. The next plane to crash was Rassie's... he just lost it behind pylon one when he over-corrected the turn. This meant that the last two standing were Eben and Russell, which meant a tight race and it delivered to what was promised. The standings at the end of the race were as follows: Arrie Schoeman got a 5th place with a combined time of 939. In 4th place we had Marius Randall with a combined time of 932. In 3rd place we had Rassie Venter with his time adding up to 930. In 2nd place we had Eben Muller with a time of 573, and in 1st position we had Russell van der Westhuizen, with his combined time being 562.

Due to wind speeds starting to pick up, we had decided to make Sportsman the last class of the day. This class is aimed at the guys who want to start racing but don't want to spend the money yet on this hobby. In this class, we had from a trainer, to an LA Racer. The first heat saw Marius Randall, Martin Venter, and Matthys Botha going head-to-head in a race that saw another battle upfront. The next two pilots to go head-to-head were Stuart Kirby and Jan Coetzer, and again it was seen that a Scanner had a real challenge to keep up with a slick and fast LA Racer. But, due to landing issues, Stuart had to withdraw from the race after breaking off his undercarriage on landing due to wind shear. This meant that only four pilots were left and it was split so that the LA Racers got to fly head-to-head and the Scanner and the trainer were competing in the same heat. With the two LA Racers heat finished, we had the slower race which was surprisingly close, until there were only a few laps left when Jan and Marius collided just beyond pylon no. 2, with Marius's plane going down, and Jan only losing a prop. Jan commented on the crash and said he was just lucky to go home with his plane. But this being a gentlemen's sport, Jan and Marius both laughed at it after the race. With Matthys also withdrawing due to engine problems, the last two heats of the day would be between Jan and Martin.

The first race between these two saw Jan's aircraft over-running and falling over before he could get airborne. The last race was the same pilots again, and saw a race in which the LA Racer dominated the sky. The final positions were: in 5th place, Marius Randall with a total time of 1228. In 4th place with a total time of 1005 we had Jan Coetzer. Stuart Kirby finished 3rd with a total time of 979, and in second place, we had Matthys Botha with a total time of 940. In 1st place we had Martin Venter with his combined time being 815.

After the racing was done, the pilots lit a fire and swapped their funniest flying stories while enjoying a 'boerie'. We would like to thank everyone that took part in the racing. We would also like to thank RMAC and their members for letting us use the field, all the helpers and course officials, and all the spectators who took the time to come and watch the racing. We would like to congratulate all the winners and everyone who took part. We hope to see you all again on the 2nd of September 2017 at RMAC for the Spring Races.

Pylon Winter Races

Stefan Coetzer

Russell in a pensive mood...”Let’s get on with the racing already!”

Martin and Rassie Venter before the first race.

Russell van der Westhuizen...first in Standard Quickie 500.

Marius in the wars...firewall in the Quickie broke during landing.

Eben Muller took second in theStandard Quickie class.

First place in Sportsman wasMartin Venter.

Eben: “This is a winner. Catch me if you can!”

It is nearly spring, and the RMAC field will soon shed its winter coat for a verdant lawn.

Nice hardware...with a little bit of effort, you toocan share in the spoils.

Never good to see the results of a mid-air; MariusRandall’s Skystar will need a box of Elastoplast.


The Jet World Masters is run under the IJMC – International Jet Modellers Committee. This is separate from the FAI - the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale, the World Air Sports Federation, that was founded in 1905 and runs all the other radio controlled, free flight, control line, and spacemodelling model world championships.

The Jet World Masters competitions are held every two years at different venues from around the world. It started in Germany in 1995; it moved to England in 1997, Austria 1999, Thailand 2001, South Africa 2003, Hungary 2005, Northern Ireland 2007, Israel 2009, USA 2011, Switzerland 2013, and back to Germany in 2015.

South African pilots who have competed in previous Jet World Masters competitions include Boet Denysschen, Greg Casson, Glen Roberts, Dylan Roberts, Francois Diedrechsen, Morne Nortier, Marthinus Potgieter, Andrew Robinson, and Mark Savage. Two classes are contested: dry weight of 13,5 kg and the larger class of models with max dry weight of 20 kg.

From the IJMC website: The first task of the entrants is to present their models to the static judges for their evaluation of the “static judging” phase. The task of the judges is to assess the extent to which the model emulates the original machine, using the documentation supplied by the competitor as a reference. They even go so far as to compare the marks of soiling on the fuel tank cap! After the static judging, the competitors are required to produce a flight schedule from a catalogue of manoeuvres, and demonstrate the models in the air in front of the flying judges. The maneuvers are available on the IJMC website – www.ijmc.net

Three rounds of flying are conducted, of which two count; the lowest-scoring flight is discarded. The JWM champion is the pilot who achieves the highest total of static and flying points. There is also a team event contested by each nation's best three pilots. Every Jet World Masters competition is also a major cultural event. This starts with the official opening ceremony, which is the host country's opportunity to welcome the teams from all over the world. The competition usually lasts for seven days, and each evening is taken up with a variety of communal events; old friends meet again, and new friends are made; all participants part as friends, and not without promising to “see you again in two years' time”. (2019 JWM will be presented in China).

This year there were entries from Russia, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, France, Finland, Luxemburg, Austria, China, Belgium, and Spain. There were notable absentee countries from this years Jet World Masters: United Kingdom, the Netherlands, South Africa, and the United States of America. There was a lot of anticipation around the reigning JWM champion, Vitaly Robertus. In 2013, he raised the bar with his YAK 130. The level of detail on this model was unbelievable. He built a new version of it for the 2015 JWM and again added more detail. This year he brought a brand-new scratch-built MiG 29, with plenty of detail, including operational turkey feathers on the tailpipes, illuminated cockpit displays, and drag chutes, again raising the bar. He has plenty of resources available to him so he can turn out these exquisite models. To be 110 points ahead of his competitors, shows the level of detail included. If you visit the Rusjet Facebook site, you can see some of the videos and pictures of both the Yak 130 and the MiG 29 – www.facebook/RusjetClub www.youtube.com, and Youtube - , and search for Rusjet... both the Yak 130 and the MiG 29 will appear. The models in the 20kg class have got bigger and bigger and yet are still able to meet the 20kg dry weight limit. The use of composite materials has obviously helped, but it is still a great achievement by all the participants.

This year saw a greater variety of models which included a Messerschmitt 262 by Stephan Völker of Germany. The three-man team from Luxembourg brought along an interesting model of the Rhein Flugzeugbau FanJet 600. The participants started arriving in Jämi Järvi, Finland from 11 August, and were allowed to practice on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. Static judging started on Monday 14th August. The final flights were conducted on Saturday 19th August, and the prize giving took place on Sunday.

The scoring gets a little complicated, because all scores are normalized, which means the pilot that has the best flight score for that round, is awarded 1500 points, and the rest of the pilots’ scores are calculated from there on a pro-rata basis. Three rounds are flown and the average of the best two flights is used to determine the average flight score. 50% of the static score is used and added to the average flight score, and then the final scores are calculated using that. I told you it was complicated!

IJMC Jet World Masters 2017

Zane MannellPhotos by Marko Rintanen, Henri Juhantila, Taneli Äikäs, Janne Seppänen, Daniel Just, Jörgen Nilsson.

MiG29-UB in Swifts display team livery, gained top spot for Russia’s Vitaly Robertus.

MiG on landing approach...flown superbly well.Vitaly Robertus, Stephan Völker, Pascal Thoma.

Lucien Gerard (Belgium) flew Fanjet 600 trainer in the 13,5kg class. Placed 10th.

A previous champion, Stephan Völker (Germany) flew this splendid Me 262 A-1a to second place.

Yak 130 was the choice of Vasiliy Eikhner, for fourth place, and second-highest static score. Yak ofcourse partnered with Alenia Aermacchi in 1993 for development of the M-346 Master AJT.

Panoramic view of the Jämijärvi airfield in the western part of Finland; no activity yet.


Results. 2017 IJMC Jet World Masters. Jämijärvi, Finland20kg class

13,5kg class

Aero L-39 of the Latvian Baltic Bees team.

Incredible detailing is a hallmark of JWM entries.

Hermann Berger (Austria) competed with SAAB J-35 Draken; low static handicapped him, to 29th.

Half-scale Fox demo flown by Phillippe Gey.PZL TS-11 Iskra in 13,5kg class. Placed 13h for Olivier Maugeard of France.

Bae Hawks most popular at 2017 JWM...no less than 10 models represented, in various marques.

Christophe Regnier placed 14th with Lockheed F-104A Starfighter.

F-16 Fighting Falcon, by Heiko Gärtner, Germany. Germany’s Frank Wegner, F-80C, 4th in 13,5kg.

A study in Fouga CM-170 Magisters. Patrick Lanquetin from France flew this very colourful specimen,in Tiger-colours. CM-170R below flown by Austrian Andreas Vaishor to 26th place in 20kg class.

F-104 by Swiss Alfred Doppelhofer...11th place. Hawker Hunter popular...Five entered.

Spanner-ing happens also at high-level competitive events like the JWM. L-39 receiving attention!

Pl. Name Nation Aircraft Static Best 2 Total Bonus Flights1. Vitaly Robertus Russia MiG-29 UB 2871 1496.84 3046.84 50 2. Stephan Völker Germany Me 262A 1-a 2689 1457.45 2935.11 733. Pascal Thoma Switzerland Hawker Hunter Mk58 2687 1486.82 2926.44 364. Vasiliy Eikhner Russia Yakovlev Yak 130 2798 1363.33 2862.94 385. Tiziano Carli Italy General Dynamics F-16 2613 1455.68 2838.64 18 6. Adrian Senn Switzerland Hawker Hunter Mk 58 2660 1409.39 2835.17 36 7. Thomas Nauman Germany Aero L-39 Albatross 2663 1429.96 2821.05 08. Andreas Schär Switzerland Aero L-39 Albatross 2643 1418.98 2799.82 09 Stephan Laurens France Dassault/Dornier Alphajet 2632 1346.15 2763.31 4210. Fabio Livi Italy Aero L-39 Albatross 2580 1379.86 2727.85 011. Alfred Doppelhofer Switzerland Lockheed F-104 2669 1257.55 2700.77 4912. Heiko Gärtner Germany F-16 Fighting Falcon 2679 1262.83 2680.27 1813. Raimund Wehrle Switzerland General Dynamics F-16 2656 1272.84 2678.53 1814. Christophe Regnier France Lockheed F-104A 2398 1369.34 2671.00 4915. Frank Westerholt Germany BAe Hawk Mk 86 2400 1396.84 2650.54 0 16. Nick Köberich Germany BAe Hawk 2471 1355.99 2647.04 017. Janne Seppänen Finland BAe Hawk Mk 66 2527 1286.01 2606.05 018. Frederic Regnier France BAe Hawk T1 2336 1358.19 2578.72 019. Jean-Pierre Zardini Belgium M346 Master AJT 2376 1226.29 2613.71 4620. Tim Rütimann Switzerland Hawker Hunter Mk 58 2448 1177.92 2492.69 3621. Alex Lau China Hongdu L-15 2230 1210.12 2389.28 1422. Carlos Alcaniz Spain Hawker Hunter Mk 58 2345 1043.23 2304.46 3623. Antti Aho-Mantila Finland BAe Hawk Mk 66 2140 1180.70 2296.84 0 24. Marat Gorifzanov Russia BAe Hawk Mk1 2356 992.14 2223.12 025. Andy Lay China Hongdu L-15 1857 1211.33 2196.38 1426. Andreas Vaishor Austria Fouga CM-170 Magister 2339 929.15 2189.99 3927. Kalle Rahkasuo Finland MiG 15 UTI 2181 917.94 2095.50 3828. Peter Rütimann Switzerland Hawker Hunter Mk 58 2331 827.14 2081.05 3629. Hermann Berger Austria SAAB Draken OE J35 1501 1145.68 1990.02 6030. Petri Mäkelä Finland BAe Hawk Mk 51 2425 639.64 1906.66 031. Ari Kristola Finland MD F-18D Hornet 1341 1139.61 1882.11 42

1. Walter Gähwiler Switzerland BAE Hawk Mk 66 2544.50 1498.72 2878.10 0 2. Pavel Lapshov Russia Yakovlev YAK 130 2767.00 1271.50 2809.50 383. Moritz Gärtner Germany BAe Hawk 2426.50 1475.39 2790.81 04. Frank Wegner Germany Lockheed F-80C 2342.50 1427.48 2764.36 675. Martin Schempp Germany PZL TS-11 Iskra 2372.00 1377.70 2710.57 476. Andrea Giombetti Italy Aero L-39 Albatross 2423.00 1342.55 2656.07 07. Jyn Jänti Finland Bae Hawk Mk 51 2117.50 1406.14 2554.05 08. Ewald Zauner Austria Fouga CM170 Magister 2289.50 1244.33 2524.48 399. Jeannot Behm Luxembourg FanJet 600 2176.00 1279.93 2506.64 4610. Lucien Gerard Luxembourg FanJet 600 2169.00 1276.80 2498.62 4611. Patrick Lanquetin France Fouga CM 170 Magister 2270.50 1138.98 2408.83 3912. Jussi Korolainen Finland CF-18 Hornet 2408.00 1044.25 2391.63 4213. Olivier Maugeard France PZL TS-11 Iskra 2377.50 1004.00 2339.85 4714. Paul Behm Luxembourg FanJet 600 2067.50 1027.15 2193.95 4615. Andy Zheng China Lockheed F-80 1514.00 881.33 1769.08 6716. Anssi Aunola Finland MiG 15 1420.50 862.42 1671.48 39

Team results: 1 Russia. 2 Switzerland. 3 Germany. 4 Italy. 5 France. 6 Finland. 7 Luxembourg.8 Austria. 9 China. 10 Belgium. 11 Spain.

Chairman’s reportMarthinus Potgieter

During the latter part of July, Team South Africa participated in the FAI class F3K (Hand Launch) Glider World Championships in Lviv, Ukraine. I would like to congratulate Tiaan van Rooyen on being the new Junior World Champion in this class. Well done to Alan Smith who also put in a huge effort to make the fly-offs in the Senior Category. I must thank and congratulate Craig Goodrum, Brett Lewis, and Ivor Fletcher, who were part of the team, and who all contributed to this success. There is a comprehensive report on this championship in this newsletter by the team manager.

I recently received correspondence from our Development Officer, Mr Piet Frylinck that he will unfortunately, due to family responsibilities, no longer be able to fill the position. I would like to thank Piet for his time and efforts during his tenure, and for being willing to serve on the SAMAA Management Committee. As we are about to call for new nominations for The SAMAA Management Committee, this position might have to remain vacant until the next Management Committee is ratified.

I am very excited to announce that Danie Potgieter Jnr. has accepted the appointment as Special Interest Group (SIG) chairman. Danie has a rich history of competitive and recreational flying experience, and I am sure that he will take the Special Interest Groups to the next level. At the last SIG meeting, chaired by Danie, discussions have already started around the hosting of the 2018 SAMAA Combined Power Nationals, and it seems that due to popular demand, it will be hosted in the south of Johannesburg. Once the venue has been confirmed, all relevant details will be published. In the last newsletter, the 2017 SAMAA Combined Power Nationals was widely reported on. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the SIG chairmen who contributed to the planning and success of the event. Most importantly, I would like to thank our SAMAA office, Linda and Bob, for all their hard work and planning, and arranging everything to the finest detail.

Recently, Mr Alan Evan-Hanes was appointed as the new General Manager of the Aero Club of South Africa. The SAMAA would like to welcome Alan, and we look forward to working with him. I have already received some monthly reports from Alan about his activities and it seems he has not let any grass grow under his feet, but has got involved immediately.

I also would like to thank Daniel Ralefeta and the Aero Club Transformation and Development department for their generous sponsorship to Cornerstone College in support of their Model Flight Training Project. The SAMAA really appreciates your commitment to Transformation and Development, and we


look forward to possibly expanding on our current project.

A huge shout-out to all the clubs that hosted air shows during the year, and actually made the effort to comply with all the requirements. I have never seen so many air show/fly-in applications being processed in one year. I want to assure all the organisers that host their events in accordance with the rules and regulations, that it does not go unnoticed, and that it is highly appreciated by the SAMAA Management Committee. There are still a few individuals breaking the rules and regulations, placing the future and enjoyment of our sport in jeopardy with their selfish actions. The SAMAA Management Committee has issued several warnings regarding operating outside the rules and regulations of the organisation, and there will definitely be action against such individuals or clubs to the point of de-registering clubs, following due process, if they continuously pose a threat to the long-term existence of the SAMAA.

The SAMAA would like to wish the F3A Aerobatic team participating in the FAI-F3A World Championships in Villa Gesell in Argentina during November, all the best. The team will be Roston Dugmore, Clinton Carter-Brown, André Stockwell, and team manager, Grant Brook. Keep the flag flying high!

Administration at the SAMAA office is being taken to a higher level every month and I have to thank Bob and Linda for all their hard work. We were tasked a year ago to enter into “Letters of Procedure/Agreement” (LOPs/LOAs) for certain clubs near active airports. I can report that the majority of LOP/LOAs have been concluded with only a few outstanding, due to a lack of response from the relevant authorities. This matter will be raised with Air Traffic Navigation Services.

The SAMAA database update is an ongoing process, and we would highly appreciate it if club committees could inform the office as soon as possible when and if there are changes in committee structures, and to provide the relevant up-to-date contact details.

After the first eight months of the financial year, the SAMAA is slightly below the forecasted income as per the approved budget. I hope that we can improve on that in the next four months. I would appreciate all our members to encourage any pilots flying, who are not yet SAMAA members, to join. I recall an article written by one of my predecessors, Joe Coetzer, referring to non-members as “Freeloaders”, and unfortunately these individuals are nothing more than that; riding on the back of people dedicated to the hobby. Thank you to our General Manager who compiled an article, that is published in this edition, on non-SAMAA members being allowed to fly at SAMAA registered clubs and sites.

As spring has arrived and we are starting to enjoy some perfect days, I hope that you will make a point of getting out to your local club and enjoying your hobby. Also invite some interested friends to the club and try to encourage them to join in the hobby.

Always safety first!

at the Barnstormers, Kempton Park

7201 Fun Fly Masters7201 Fun Fly Masters7201 Fun Fly Masters7201 Fun Fly Masters7201 Fun Fly Masters7201 Fun Fly Masters7201 Fun Fly Masters7201 Fun Fly Masters

NMFFANMFFANMFFANMFFANMFFANMFFANMFFANMFFANMFFAEST.EST.20032003EST.EST.

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More details and info from [email protected]

R30 000R30 000

in cash prizes at the Fun Fly Masters for

first three placers in all three classes!

(Terms and conditions apply.)

(e-mail only please)

Four rounds of the Fun Fly Series have now been completed, and in a few short weeks, the Fun Fly Masterswill be contested at the Barnstormers club, near Kempton Park, on 21 and 22 October 2017.

Congratulations to all participants; invitations will reach you in a few days’ time. Be part of this super event!


With mixed feelings I am writing to you about our experience at the 36th DMFV Parachute International German Championship 2017. Sad to have returned so soon, and a bit disappointed at my results, but at the same time extremely excited for the opportunity to take part in this amazing experience, learning more than I could have ever hoped, and meeting new friends.

I am not sure at exactly at which moment Pieter and I decided this year that we are going this event. Pieter Mulder has been active in SA RC model parachuting for a couple of years, but it was just a bit over a year ago I acquired my first jumper from Pieter and enjoyed some success at NASAFI 2016. I was hooked, and Pieter and I started jumping together more regularly. He told me how the guys in Europe operate and it sounded like something to experience. Well, a couple of month's later we were on our way.

After taking one day to rest and take in some German culture and good food in Wurtzburg, we travelled to the field on Friday 17th August for some practice jumps. This 37th championship event was held from 18th to 20th of August at the "Interessengemeinschaft Modellflugsport eV" (IMS) in Bad Neustadt an der Saale, and was opened by the event patroness, the State Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Transport and Digital Infrastructure (BMVI) Dorothee Bär; the Land Councellor Rhön Grabfeld, Thomas Habermann; the 2nd Mayoress Bad Neustadt, Rita Rösch; the mayor of Heustreu, Ansgar Zimmer; the DMFV vice-president, Ludger Katemann; the chairman of the IMS, Thomas Limpert; and the sports referees Udo Straub, and Thomas Boxdörfer.

Quite a serious affair for them, this year five countries participated; Germany, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Czech Republic, and South Africa of course. The first thing that was very noticeable for me was how exited these people were that we joined them all the way from South Africa. Even with a bit of language struggle, there was no stopping them sharing information and advice. The friendly acceptance from everyone was really great and made us feel really welcome.

German Championshipfor Model Parachutes

Hannes Hattingh

Hannes Hattingh, and Pieter “Thumbs” Mulder.

Kids, and Ladies participated in the German Championship for Model Parachuting.

Conditions were ever-changing; here a ‘chute folded in descent.

Ms Dorothee Bär opening the championship.

Pieter and Alfred Rachner, talking technique. Hannes Hattingh piloting. Pieter Mulder doing what he loves best!

SA flag proudly flying with those of other nations.

The next thing I noticed, was the importance of family for these people. There were many lady and children contestants (most who beat the pants off me). Many competed in family groups with wife and kids, and even Pieter and Saskia Visser's Border Collies were part of the jumper family.

After the opening thing got serious, the four divisions and jump schedules were posted. You had to complete four jumps on Saturday and two on Sunday and jumps had to be completed in the allotted time of your respected division. The conditions were very difficult; the wind came up the slope through the trees and was quite strong. The jump went from a strong wind, to area with high updraft, then through high turbulence area behind trees, and then over target, there were periods where wind reversed in this area. It also kept changing all the time. DMFV Sports Representative, Thomas Boxdörfer or “Boxi” as he is known by his friends, told me that the location was one of the most difficult for parachute jumping on the circuit, but was a good family location with the facilities, and that was important to them.

I soon learned that the difficult situations did not frighten this crowd, they have obviously been doing it for years. My first jump I had a mechanical issue and landed way off, but some did worse and I thought I was in with a chance, no, they just used that first jump to gauge and then started constantly putting the jumpers down middle and center. This was after all the 36th Skydiving Championship, and one could see these people have been doing it for a while, and were well organized.

Much too soon, the weekend and our six jumps were over and we readied for the prize giving. While each and every participant went over to fetch their certificate, I thought by myself if we will be able to achieve this level of participation in South Africa. This is truly something that can be enjoyed by the family and one does not have to be an ace fixed-wing or chopper pilot to participate but on the other hand, challenging enough to keep you hooked. There is a lot of room and challenges to get to the level I have seen in Germany, and I hope you also try get there one day. Pieter Mulder has the local support and product, staying cost-effective against the international products. Although Pieter provides a product, he is also immensely passionate about RC Skydiving and his aim to build it in SA. I urge you to try it; it is the most fun you will have without a motor and two servo's!

So after congratulating the winners, everyone sets off home. We share one last story of DMFV Sports Representative, Udo Straub: he tells us that the Berlin Wall actually ran very close to the location of the drop zone and that he manned a portion of the wall in his younger years. In the same breath, he thanked us for attending and told us South Africa is most welcome every time.


( )DMFV Deutsche Modellvlieger Verband36th International German Championshipfor Model Parachuting ( )continued

Skydiver nearing the drop zone; one down already.

Tugplane souped-up on Red Bull! Two tugplanes fully-laden.

Colourful ‘chute probably by Dutch competitor.

Winner of juniors,Noah Wiens. Second a very youthful Jonas Hackspiel, and third Roman Knappe.

Happy group of participants after the championship. Many vowed to return in 2018.

Senior medallists: Stephan Ziermann, first; Timo Katemann second,and Pieter Visser of the Netherlands in third place.

Decathlon is a popular choice of tugplane.

Ladies on the podium: 2nd FranziskaGarthe-Kessle, winner Laura Klaile,and third place taken by Saskia Visser.

A member of the measuring team assisting the circle judge.

Drop zone by Dutch firm, CarWrap Masters. Weather front moving in to make conditions worse.

Two competitors in this jump...lady down first.

We are nearing the end of the term of office of the current SAMAA Management Committee (2016-2017).It is time again for the nomination and election of members to serve on the SAMAA Management Committee for the period 2018-2019. The election process starts with the nomination of potential candidates, with the nomination form appearing on the next page in this issue of the SAMAA News.

The nomination and voting procedure in the Manual of Procedure calls for a postal vote. The current total unreliability of the SAPO postal system has necessitated a re-look at the process, and an electronic voting procedure is certainly a much better option. This procedure may be quite protracted, especially if more than five nominations are received, in which case there will have to be an electronic vote to determine the five candidates with the most votes. Here is a short summary of the process:

E-mail voting procedure 1. Nominations 2. Voting (if more than five candidates are nominated, and accept 3. Counting and declaration of results by the SAMAAs auditors 4. Ratification of the new committee members at the AGM in 2018.

1. NominationsNominations are called for on the next page of this issue of the SAMAA News. Nominees are required to sign acceptance/consent of the proposal, and they must be eligible for nomination. The nomination must by signed by the proposer and secondant. This nomination must be returned to the SAMAA office by any of the methods listed on the nomination form, and must be received by the SAMAA office staff before the close of business on Tuesday 31st October 2017.

2. VotingWhen the nomination forms are returned and vetted, and there are more than five nominees, these names will be published in Issue 4 of the SAMAA News, to appear at the end of November 2017. This issue will contain the CVs of the candidates, or an election manifesto/promise, to inform SAMAA members (Regular and Senior Citizen categories), of why they ought to vote for the candidates. Every eligible member may vote for up to five candidates. The e-mail address of the auditors will be the return address for your votes. E-mails with votes sent to the SAMAA office will be invalidated, so DO NOT use the SAMAA office e-mail address for your vote.

3. CountingThe auditors (DJ Craucamp Inc) will count and verify the votes, and will correlate with the SAMAA database that the voting members are current, and in good standing. They will supply a report on the vote count to the election co-ordinator, to be nominated by the SMC.

4. RatificationThe results of the vote count will be announced at the SAMAA Annual General Meeting, on Thursday 29th March 2018. If anyone was unable, for a valid reason, to cast an electronic vote, they may do so in person at the AGM. The five candidates with the most votes after the final vote count (including the “floor votes”, will constitute the SAMAA Management Committee for the 2018-2019 period.

There you are...sweet and simple! But, it will only work if you, the SAMAA member, do your duty as a member, by nominating your preferred candidates for office in time, and then voting in time, if required, by transmitting your electronic vote to the auditors at the correct address.

The SAMAA is for your benefit. The members of the Management Committee serve you, the member, so that you may enjoy your hobby and sport in safety. BUT, you must show interest, and participate in this process, to ensure that your voice is heard! It is your right as a member of the SAMAA!

For membersof the SAMAAManagement

Committee

for the2018-2019 period

This article explains the dangers of allowing non-SAMAA members to fly at SAMAA-registered clubs or sites.

It is of concern, and a known fact that there are model fliers without SAMAA membership using the facilities of registered SAMAA clubs, or sites, sometimes with the knowledge and even consent of the club’s management! The SAMAA (read, Management Committee, since all of us are really SAMAA) is not an enforcement agency, and the management committee has neither the capacity nor the desire to play policeman. It is however expected that clubs and club managements will self-manage their activities, and do the right thing to ensure that fliers using the club's facilities for flying of their model aircraft, are adequately protected, and this means that all flying members must be paid up SAMAA members.

We often get enquiries and comments at the office by members whose SAMAA membership has lapsed, and they claim that they were unaware of this. The SAMAA membership card is, in effect, your license to operate a model aircraft, and the expiry date of membership is clearly indicated. It is not unlike a driver’s license, or a motor vehicle license.

The real danger of allowing non-SAMAA members to fly from a registered SAMAA site or club, is something that must please receive consideration, no, attention. One can start by using an example of a non-SAMAA member having an accident at the club, let's say, with personal injury and property damage as a result. “So I don't have SAMAA membership, and it so happens that I do not have any form of public liability insurance. Sue me if you want”.

The party suffering injury, or property damage is now left without recourse, unless he chooses to follow an expensive and time-consuming legal course of action, sometimes with no guarantee of a successful outcome. A likely scenario is that a lawyer or advocate may decide to include the club management, and even the members, in this action, reasoning that the club officers knowingly allowed a non-SAMAA member to use the club's facilities, thereby increasing the risk profile. Landowners could also suffer consequences, since the incident happened on their property.

One can draw an analogy here: would you allow an unlicensed driver to use your motor vehicle, and risk having it damaged or even written off, with no recourse? Let's not even contemplate loss of life where a third party may have been involved. In a case like this, if you gave your permission for the use of your vehicle by an unlicensed driver, you may face arrest and prosecution on criminal charges.

Please note that all the SAMAA registered clubs and sites, have allocated airspace above and around the site, and the details of the clubs and sites appear in the National Airspace Register. The SAMAA is the responsible entity, and it carries the responsibility and liability to manage this airspace. It is only logical that only SAMAA members are entitled to use this airspace. In the event of proven cases where clubs continue to turn a blind eye of non-members using the site, the SAMAA Management Committee will be left with no alternative but to consider de-registration, after due process of course, and to inform all relevant authorities, and landowners.

Sites that are not managed by traditional club structures, are particularly at risk. Perhaps a good example is the slope soaring site at Volksrust (Tamatieberg). There is no club committee managing the activities at this site. Yes, visits and outings are generally pre-arranged, but everyone using the site could do well to make simple enquiries to establish that all the fliers in attendance, are paid-up SAMAA members.

There is however the accepted practice of “try-out” flights that may happen at clubs quite often. A bona-fide interested spectator or visitor is given a short introductory flight through a qualified instructor, with a view of joining the club and the SAMAA, and being taught to fly. In this case, the instructor is the owner of the equipment and accepts liability in case of an incident. The SAMAAs insurance company will entertain a claim, should there have been an incident or accident.

This is a gentle reminder and a wake-up call to club managements: do not tempt fate by allowing fliers without valid SAMAA membership, to use your facilities for flying of model aircraft. The dangers and risks are just too great. Compliance is easy, and affordable, and the protection is beneficial to all of us in this great hobby.


Send yourSend yournominations...nominations...TODAY!TODAY!

Send yournominations...TODAY!

Send yourSend yournominations...nominations...TODAY!TODAY!

Send yournominations...TODAY!

NO SAMAA...NO SAMAA...NO FLY!NO FLY!NO SAMAA...NO FLY!


The South African Model Aircraft AssociationThe South African Model Aircraft Association

Nomination of membersfor the SAMAA

Management Committee2018-2019

Nomination of membersfor the SAMAA

Management Committee2018-2019

With this notice, the SAMAA management calls for the nomination of and from Association members,to serve on the SAMAA Management Committee during the term of office 2018 and 2019.

In terms of Clauses 9 and 10 of the SAMAA Constitution, and the election process approved by the auditors,nominations are called for five (5) members to serve on the SAMAA Management Committee.

To be valid, each nomination form must be completed in full, signed, and returned as per the following process:

a. The name, SAMAA membership number, address, and signature of the PROPOSERb. The name, SAMAA membership number, address, and signature of acceptance/consent of the NOMINEEc. The name, SAMAA membership number, address, and signature of the SECONDANTd. The fully-completed nomination forms may be sent by the following methods:

1. By post: “Nominations for SAMAA Management Committee”...PO Box 7116, Bonaero Park 1622 or 2. By fax: 086-607-8733 (fax-to-email) or 3. By e-mail: [email protected] or 4. By hand: Hand-delivered to the staff in the SAMAA office, Office 24, Building R4, Denel Technical Academy, 131 Atlas Road (Denel North entrance), Bonaero Park, Kempton Park.e. The completed nomination forms must arrive before close of business on Tuesday 31 October 2017.

At the conclusion of the nomination process, nominees are required to submit an introduction of themselves, for publication in the SAMAA News. This introduction must be no longer than 100 words. This is to introduce yourself to the members of the

SAMAA, who will be voting for the candidates. This introduction may be edited if it is longer than the required 100 words.

NOMINATION FORM

I, the PROPOSER, being a member of the SAMAA in good standing, hereby nominate

(name of the nominee) to stand as a member of the SAMAA Management Committee

Signed SAMAA membership number

Address

I, the NOMINEE, being a member of the SAMAA in good standing, do hereby agree,

if elected, to serve on the SAMAA Management Committee.


Address

I, the SECONDANT, being a member of the SAMAA in good standing, hereby second

this proposal of the nominee.


Address

1. A brief CV of yourself2. Your election promise, or manifesto (intentions, motives, or views)3. Reasons why you ought to be elected.

The SAMAA Activity Calendar

6-8 Walker Bay RF Float Fly Canz Kleyn 082-783-92507 Pretoria RF Club Aerobatics André v Huyssteen 082-793-64868 TBA F3K League 4 - Qualifier Juanita Smith 083-630-89758 Rand MAC Cubbie Day Zane Mannell 082-827-841014-15 TBA SA Aerobatic Masters Chris O’Connell 082-900-535315 DMAC Bill Vos Memorial 6 Dennis Bird 072-796-535421 Pretoria RF Club Aerobatics Andre v Huyssteen 082-793-648621 Irene Radio Flyers Warbird & Vintage Fly-in Hannes Hattingh 082-829-9090 21-22 Fun Fly Masters Barnstormers, Kempton Park Johan Sieling 082-898-881022 JOMAC Vintage Aircraft Fly-in no. 325 Colin Matthysen 082-679-501922 TBA F5J League 7 Ivan Williams 083-263-788927-29 Gariep Dam Folded Wings Memorial Jet Fly Boet Denysschen 082-449-4623 27-29 Hessequa MV Riversdale Fly-in Wessie Wessels 076-556-5123

3-12 Villa Gesell, Arg FAI F3A World Championship Clinton Cart.Brown 083-630-06264 Pretoria RF Club Aerobatics André v Huyssteen 082-793-64864 Swartkop AFB Aero Club Awards Dinner Linda Dold 011-973-36795 Nationwide Gliding Postals Jan Sime 082-556-15105 Rand MAC Jet Day Zane Mannell 082-827-841019 TBA F5J League 8 Ivan Williams 083-263-788919 Rand MAC Summer Pylon Races Matthys Botha 073-895-9909 26 Rand MAC Vintage Aircraft Fly-in no. 326 Colin Matthysen 082-679-5019

9 Cape Radio Flyers Christmas Fly-in Marc Wolffe 082-550-669917 Barnstormers Vintage Aircraft Fly-in no. 327 Colin Matthysen 082-679-5019

28 Benoni Radio Flyers Vintage Aircraft Fly-in no. 328 Colin Matthysen 082-679-5019

Oct

ober

Nov

embe

rD

ecJa

n

Date/s Club/Site/Venue Event description Contact person Telephone

The SAMAA Activity CalendarThe SAMAA Activity CalendarDetails of team selection events must be published in SAMAA News to all members

of the Association, and not only to those already on the SIGs mailing list.

To advertise your events in SAMAA News (club event, local, air show, fly-in, provincialcompetition, national competition, team-trials, etc.) is free of charge. Promote your club,

group, or SIG and its activities. Send details to [email protected]

This activity calendar information is also published on the SAMAA website (http://www.samaa.org.za/php/event.php) and is a great method of supporting clubs

with their promotional efforts. Send details of your event...TODAY!

Wing bags & Tx casesWing bags & Tx casesWing bags & Tx cases

Protective waterproof canvas Tx carry bag/case toprotect one of your most valuable hobby assets, your

transmitter and its aluminium transmitter case.

Contact Paula on 082-456-2420or [email protected]

Contact Paula on 082-456-2420or [email protected]

Protective wing bags made for all types of wings. Madeto specifications from durable, waterproof canvas material,with zip, carry handle, wing spar pockets, and pocket for

inter-plane struts if for bi-planes.

This weekend is reserved for the Combined Nats, and no other events will be issued permits.Club administrators, with the end of the year racing towards us, start planning for your club’s2018 events now, and ensure that your important events get proper recognition, and thatother events do not clash and detract from yours. RESERVE YOUR DATES NOW!

27 - 30 April 2018: Combined SAMAA Power Nationals - venue to be advised!


SAMAA Badge andSAMAA Badge andProficiency BadgesProficiency BadgesSAMAA Badge andSAMAA Badge andProficiency BadgesProficiency BadgesSAMAA Badge andSAMAA Badge andProficiency BadgesProficiency BadgesSAMAA Badge andSAMAA Badge andProficiency BadgesProficiency BadgesSAMAA Badge andProficiency BadgesSAMAA Badge andSAMAA Badge andProficiency BadgesProficiency BadgesAll embroidered badges are R30 each. Add R5.00 for postage in a DL-size envelope, or request that item be registered, with tracking number, at R30.Member must hold the appropriate proficiency to be able to order badges.

SAMAASAMAApromotionalpromotional

itemsitemsnow in stock!now in stock!





SAMAApromotional

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Lacoste shirts

Windbreakers

Caps

Beanies

All sizes R240

All sizes R330R65

R50Fleecy Jackets

All sizes: R300

Order yours today!

[email protected]

011-973-3679

Postage costs for items may vary.Windbreaker and golf shirt mailed withpost office is about R50.

Postnet to Postnet is R99. Aramex service is usually R99, but only applicable to thinner items, like one golf shirt. Other courier costs may be different.

Travelcoffeemugs

R130

with removable sleeves

Protecting and serving your interests

Get a non-member to join today, and let’s make SAMAA stronger!Get a non-member to join today, and let’s make SAMAA stronger!Get a non-member to join today, and let’s make SAMAA stronger!

Administration & Office

( )Special Interest Groups SIGs

SAM A A News advertising rate card

SAM A A management committee

SAMA A News publication, material, advertising

Description/size (rates valid until further notice) Full-colour

Full page (A4) 210mm x 297mm (with a 10mm clear border all-round) R800

Half page (landscape or portrait) 148 x 210mm or 297 x 92mm R500

Quarter page 148 x 92mm or 74 x 210mm R300

Eighth page 74 x 92mm or 37 x 210mm R150

Your Local Dealer advert, per insertion R50

Swops & Smalls, for a reasonable number of R50 items advertised (call SAMAA office for more details)

2017 FAI-F3J Glider World Championships 1-5

KwaZulu Natal Large Scale Aerobatics regional competition 6-7

FPV Drone Racing Nationals at NASREC 9-10

Gauteng FPV Drone Racing at Snoopy’s Squadron 11

South African F3A team to Argentina 12-13

Stan Fine’s farewell 14

SAMAA Annual General Meeting notice - 29 March 2018 14

World Record Paper Plane 15

Lowveld Model Aircraft Club Airshow 16-17

Big Bipe by Hayden and Tim Stanley 18

10th Anniversary of Jets-R-Us Gariep Fly-in 19

Pylon Winter Races at RMAC 20

2017 IJMC Jet World Masters in Finland 21-22

Chairman’s Report 23

2017 Fun Fly Masters at Barnstormers 23

German Championships for Model Parachutes 24-25

Election for SAMAA Management Committee members 26

No SAMAA...No fly! The dangers of non-SAMAA fliers to clubs 26

Nomination form for SAMAA Management Committee election 27

SAMAA Activity Calendar 28

SAMAA information, contact details, and SAMAA News info 29

Aerial Concepts 8

Frasers RC Models 14

Al’s Hobbies 18

Smalls advert - “Engines wanted” 18

Wing Bags and Transmitter Cases 28

Your Local Dealer adverts 30

Contents of Issue 3 of 2017


Marthinus Potgieter Chairman [email protected] 082-377-6493

Johan Groenewald Vice-chairman, compliance [email protected] 079-496-9228

Boet Denysschen Club representative [email protected] 082-449-4623

Daniel Ralefeta Special Projects [email protected] 072-244-3474

Danie Potgieter Special Interest Groups chair [email protected] 082-875-8228

Juanita Smith Treasurer [email protected] 083-630-8975

Johan Ehlers CIAM Representative [email protected] 082-804-1120

Vacant Newsletter editor to be identified and appointed

PO Box 7116, Bonaero Park 1622. Tel/fax 011-973-3679. Fax-to-email 086-607-8733.

Office 24/25, Building R4, Denel Technical Academy, 131 Atlas Road (Denel N entry), Bonaero Park.

GPS Coordinates: S26 08 41.80 E028 15 59.04 (co-ordinates for main entrance to building R4)

Bob Skinner General Manager. [email protected] 011-973-3679, 083-283-1681.

Linda Dold Assistant to the GM. [email protected] 011-973-3679.

Theo Kleynhans Control Line Association of SA (CLASA) [email protected] 083-725-9279

Rodney Potter RC Aerobatics (MAASA). [email protected] 082-228-0278

Jan Sime Model Gliding Association (MGA). [email protected] 082-556-1510

Johan Sieling F3C/N-SA. Helicopters. [email protected] 082-898-8810

Roland Suhrmüller Multi-rotor FPV racing. (Fly-FPV-SA) [email protected] 082-461-4889

Matthys Botha South African Miniature Pylon Racing Association (SAMPRA).

[email protected] 073-895-9909

Koos Pretorius National Association of Scale Aeromodellers (NASA)

[email protected] 082-928-0368

Zane Mannell SA Model Jet Association (SAMJA) [email protected] 082-827-8410

Owen Vuyk Large Scale Aerobatics (LSA) [email protected] 083-276-9861

Johan Sieling Fun Fly coordinator 082-898-8810 [email protected]

To join the SAMAA: Request application form 011-973-3679. Visit www.samaa.org.za for MS Word form, under “Information”, then “Membership”. On-line application form www.samaa.co.za. Or submit details by e-mail: name, ID, address, tel, fax, cell, club, to: [email protected]

Subscription fees from 1 January 2017 to 1 January 2018

• Regular/adult members (18 to 60 years of age) R390

• Junior members (18 years and younger) R220

• Senior Citizens/Retirees (60 years and older) R260

Payment by internet (EFT), or cheque. SAMAA current a/c 1605 126 772 at Nedbank, Menlyn Pretoria,

code 1605 45. Use clear reference of name/ surname, and membership number if renewing. DO NOT

USE “Subs/ Membership/SAMAA/New”, since this cannot be identified correctly. Fax or e-mail this proof of payment with your application or renewal, to 011-973-3679.

Change of address: www.samaa.co.za and sign in with your log-in and password. No log-in and password? Request it automatically, if you have a correct e-mail address on the membership programme. No internet? Contact the SAMAA office on 011-973-3679 to change your address.

The SAMAA News is produced in-house, until the position of an editor is advertised and filled. The

SAMAA GM has been tasked to compile, edit, produce, and distribute SAMAA News in the meantime.

[email protected]. PO Box 7116, Bonaero Park 1622. Tel 011-973-3679. Fax 086-607-8733.

The views and opinions expressed in the SAMAA News, and the advertisements placed, do not

necessarily represent the views of the SAMAA, or its management committee. These are published for

the interest and comments of our members, and are not specifically endorsed, or verified.

Submission of material: Check with the editor for the closing dates of submission of material.

Photographs (conventional & electronic), are welcome. Long articles must be computer-generated, and

must be in either MS Word, or editable text. Limit articles to 1 000 words - which is about a page-and-a-

half in SAMAA News. You may e-mail your contributions, including graphics and pictures to: samaa-

[email protected]. Ensure that captions accompany all pictures, and that the pictures are of

reasonable resolution, not e-mail resolution.

To advertise: Contact the SAMAA office. You must supply finished artwork in JPG format, to at least

300 dpi at the final size. Terms for all advertising is payment on receipt of invoice, as per the rate card

below. Bank details are listed below.

SAMAA account at Nedbank, Menlyn Pretoria, branch code 1605 45, current account 1605 126 772.

The SAMAA needs your help, to ensure that your rights and privileges are protected. Through the SAMAA, its Special Interest Groups, and numerous registered clubs, you can experience the protection of your rights, and enjoy the real benefits in all aspects of model aviation.

• Advice On building, flying, competition, airshow planning, club layouts, displays, special air events, competition, illegal flying, regulations, airspace, etc.• Clubs Enjoyment of your activity in a group context. All SAMAA clubs are approved and registered with the SAMAA, RAASA, and the SA Civil Aviation Authority.• Insurance Cover of R20m per claim for damage to property, or injury or death to third parties (and member-to-member cover).• Proficiencies Recognition for members’ flying proficiency, at all levels, and all disciplines.• Guidelines On starting and registering a new club. For frequency operations. Interaction with full-size aviation. Manuals of Operation.• SAMAA News To inform, educate, advise. Your mouthpiece/forum. Great promotional value.• Rules Local and international, specs of models, frequencies, safe flying practices, team selections, competitions.• Web pages Good aeromodelling content, great links, regular updates, diary of events. Excellent membership site for self-maintenance.• Representation The SIGs represent all competitive branches of aeromodelling. • Affiliations To the Aero Club of South Africa, and the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale. Also to other institutions (CAA, RAASA, SAAF, Denel).• Frequencies Protection by ICASA of frequencies in spectrum allocated to R/C.• Airspace Manage airspace at registered sites, through the CAA and RAASA. SAMAA is the only CAA-approved Aviation Recreation Organisation (ARO) for aeromodelling.• CIAM Direct link with CIAM (Commission for International Aeromodelling). Governs all world-wide competitive aeromodelling activities, and records.These are just a few of the services that the SAMAA is able to offer its members. Benefit from these services, and let our combined membership add to the voice and strength of SAMAA.



Your Local DealerYour Local Dealer

Shelly Beach, Margate

HOBBIESHOBBIESHOBBIESEst.1984

Shop 108Entrance 4Shelly Centre, Shelly Beach, KwaZulu Natal

[email protected]

Tel 039 315 1640 Fax 039 315 7732Tel 082 946 2294

Umhlanga

HOBBIESHOBBIESHOBBIESEst.1984

Shop 113 (next to Wimpy), The Crescent ShoppingCentre, 1-3 Sunset Crescent, Umhlanga, KZN

[email protected]

Tel 031-566-1045 082 946 2295

Pretoria North

for all your RC needs!

012-546-2144081-766-8878081-269-8022

[email protected]

Port Elizabeth

55 Fourth Avenue, Newton Park, PE

041 365 1371 082 651 8665fax 041 368 7544 [email protected]

Kempton Park

cnr Monument & Eland Rd, Aston Manor

[email protected]

011-972-9134 083-269-6785082-854-9840. Fax 011-972-7598

Menlyn Pretoria

Shop 18, Menlyn Retail ParkCnr Lois and Garsfontein Roads

Tel 012 348 0308 • Fax 012 348 [email protected] www.jixhobbies.co.za

Kelvin

Flown with Passion

011 802 8500011 802 8500

Garsfontein Pretoria

RCRCRCRCRCRCPeter Frost for personal service

731 Great Dane Street, Garsfontein EastFax 012-998-3049 * Cell 082-854-0012

Specialized in JR/Spektrum radio repair and service

RADIO CONTROL REPAIR CENTRE

Springbok

RC ServicesRC ServicesRC ServicesFUTABA Service Centre

Pieter Bosman (Bossie)Tel/Fax 027 712 3762

Cell 082 926 9221

Springs

011-815-3921011-815-3921011-815-3921

SMITTIES HOBBIES

011-815-3921011-815-3921011-815-3921156 Third Street, Springs

[email protected]://smittieshobbies.tripod.com

Pretoria EastRadio-controlled Planes, Helicopters, Cars, Workshop & more

tel (012) 807-4667e-mail [email protected] www.masterrcmodels.co.za

Shop 1E, Willow Way Shopping Ctre, Lynnwood Rd, Pretoria

Centurion

for Radio Controlled Models

Tel. 012-667-5757Shop 11, Doornkloof Mall, Protea Str., Doornkloof

e-mail [email protected]

Boksburg South

Alan and Juanita Smithwww.alshobbies.co.za [email protected]

Shop 4Shop 4Parkdene CentreParkdene Centre

Lancaster RoadLancaster RoadS26 14 08 E028 15 11S26 14 08 E028 15 11

Shop 4Parkdene Centre

Lancaster RoadS26 14 08 E028 15 11

Tel. 011 892 1084011-026-3313

Benoni (www)

SA home of LADO electric retractable undercarriage systemswww.robinmodelaviation.com [email protected]

[email protected]

+27 11 849 1527 +27 84 831 4533+27 11 849 1527 +27 84 831 4533+27 11 849 1527 +27 84 831 4533

Country wide

Model AviationSole agent

for ASPGlow Engines

Danie: [email protected]

Albertinia

Hilton, Pietermaritzburg

CMC Hobbies

Centurion

Cnr South & Heuwel Streets, Centurion, Gauteng

Your one-stop Hobby Shop!

Tel 012-663-3895Fax 012-663-5570

[email protected] www.modelmania.co.za

Somerset West

Welkom Web

Chris Venter [email protected] www.rct4b.co.za

Menlo Park Pretoria

315 Lynnwood Roadcnr Ox and Lynnwood Rd, Menlo Park 0186

Tel 012-362-4925

Ermelo


19(Sunday)

Documents

news - SAMAA · Ivor, en-route to the flight line. Craig in a hurry. Tiaan had consistent, good launches. Brett busy...team did not have luxury of helpers