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Web Site
The new FFTC web site is now fully operational. Although you won't notice much difference in its content at the moment – that comes later – you will notice a number of changes. First the address is www.freeflightuk.org and second there is now a direct link from the main BMFA web site. We hope in the not too distant future to add to the content, especially in areas of useful information and explanatory material for newcomers/beginners.
Access to flying sites
It's apparent that a number of people, particularly the above newcomers, or those who only visit the various centralised and area centralised flying sites on an occasional basis, are having a few problems with access. To try to improve this situation would all area comp secretaries please try to ensure that the full details of the sites in their areas are publicised via their area newsletters or web sites. Also they should make these details available on the FFTC web site – please send the details to the FFTC via the PRO: trevorgrey@aol.com . These should consist of: a map reference, access details from adjacent roads, parts of the site likely to be used in the most common wind directions and, most importantly, the “contact” telephone number, e-mail address and times when these contacts can be reached. The latter can be particularly important if the site becomes unavailable at short notice.
Nationals Date
After another windy – and occasionally wet – Nationals the inevitable questions regarding the
current late Spring bank holiday date have been asked again. The FFTC have considered the problem, and done some research into weather patterns. The bad news or good news, depending on how you look at it, is that viable alternative weekends (Easter, early Spring bank holiday, or August bank holiday) have no better records for good weather – indeed some are worse. Changing to a two day meeting and/or a different location were also considered but unfortunately the programme would have to change and the facilities available would be considerably inferior. Taking all this into consideration we feel that we are better off with the present date and location.
R/C DT
Another period of lengthy thought and discussion has finally reached a conclusion on this contentious subject. The FFTC concluded that there were three possible options:
We concluded that option 3 was not logical as a number of UK fliers have been using R/C DT systems for some time now (but not in UK contests), and the number of users is growing. Option 1 was considered but we felt that at the present time it would produce too much of a change in the way free flight contests are flown, it was thought to be a step too far. Option 2 would keep our FAI, main class, contest specifications in step with the FAI sporting code. Given this somewhat limited potential use it was felt we should approve option 2 on a monitored, trial basis.
This adoption is subject to a restriction, which will be incorporated in the necessary changes to the BMFA rule book. Only the 2.4 gHz band will be able to be used in UK contests. The reason for this is that many UK free flight sites are shared with normal R/C fliers – we cannot impose upon contest organisation the necessity for providing and running 'pegboards' and negotiating the use of 35 mHz and 27 mHz systems with these other R/C users. There is also the possibility of another band – 900 mHz – being available. This is currently used in the USA and other parts of the world, however its legal use in the UK is not completely clear. The FFTC is still investigating this possible usage and will make the situation clear before the rule change comes into effect on January 1st 2009.
P30
We have become concerned at recent developments appearing in this class; specifically 'gearboxes' and 'VIT/AR' trim devices. The FFTC feels that these go against the reasoning behind the class.
When introduced the object of this class was to provide a simple introduction to competition flying. Though in the UK the class was slow to take off it has now reached a stage where it is widely popular, both with beginners and established fliers. The feeling is that this popularity is essentially due to the class's simplicity and ease of operation. As such we are minded to add to the current rules a number of further restrictions:
The latter is intended to avoid 'super light' designs, beyond the beginner, and will also keep the UK rules in line with those of the USA where the class was originated. The FFTC also intends to inform other (international) P30 rule providers of their intentions.
Primarily we must keep in mind the objectives of the class and the reasons for its current popularity. There are already other classes where those with a technological bent can indulge.
Plugge Points
The popularity of the annual Plugge Cup club league contest has, after a period of decline, increased again over recent years. Comments have been voiced that the current points system is biased towards the larger clubs as 3 members from a club receive scoring points at each event. The FFTC are minded to change this rule so that only 2 members of each club receive points. This it is felt will to some extent even out the possibilities of points scoring for smaller clubs.
If you have any comments on the above proposed P30 and Plugge changes please send them to the FFTC secretary Chris Strachan at: 56 Way Lane, Waterbeach, Cambridge, CB25 9NQ. E-mail: chris.strachan@btinternet.com
Number Sizes
Most will be aware it is an 'essential' requirement that your models carry your BMFA number. This is particularly important now that we have no BOM requirement – consult contest rule 3.1.1 (c) and general rule 2.3.12. for details. What few seem to be aware of is that the BMFA requirement is for 19mm high numbers while the FAI requirements are for 25mm high characters. If you visit international contests only on an occasional basis please be aware of this or you 'could' find yourself disqualified from the contest.
E-mail and Web Site
The FFTC has now combined a number of e-mail lists for the distribution of this news, and other notices. This should ensure that as many fliers as possible receive urgent news. The list is also used for the distribution of results. If you'd prefer not to be on this combined list please contact the distributor trevorgrey@aol.com . In addition if you know of anyone, not already listed, who would like to receive this news and any other FFTC notices please pass the address on to them.
The current issue of FFTC News, together with back issues and other notices and items of interest, also appears on the FFTC Web site. Please note again that the address of this Web site has changed it is now: www.freeflightuk.org