FFTC Meeting
The FFTC met on 28 April and the following are notes on items of interest.
FFTC Web Site.
Please note that the new FFTC web site continues to be developed and can be found at
http://www.freeflightuk.org/.
Information on Area sites
Information on Area Sites is now accessible on the FFTC web site (see above).
Barkston finishing time
A problem with the finishing time when using Barkston Heath has now been resolved and arrangements made to allow finishing times to be as previously.
Technology and FAI Free Flight Competition Paper
The proposals submitted by the BMFA were discussed at CIAM and have been successful in getting the subject of restricted technology on the agenda. They also lead to a discussion of market size and the impact/viability of more technology.
The view on the proposed classes was that it would be better if the model specifications were modified but no concession was made to compensate for the reduced performance (i.e. line length, rubber weight and engine run remain unaltered). High tech and low tech would then be flown together with low tech being acknowledged (and rewarded?) within the results. The FFTC agreed in it's meeting that it should start to develop such a specification for use in the UK.
FAI Flying in the UK
A conference to discuss the future of FAI flying in the UK was held on Sunday 28th March 2010 at the Gliding Centre, Husbands Bosworth where a number of papers were presented and a lively discussion took place.
A form requesting feedback from active and potential FAI class flyers has been issued to those on the E mail list and the FFTC would very much appreciate your input. The FFTC will issue of summary of proposed ways forward after the surveys have been assessed.
During the conference the difficulty of finding people willing to CD competitions generally was raised, not just FAI events. Attendees were reminded that no CD means no event. If you want to continue competing in any form of free flight in the UK please consider offering your services to CD at least one event. If every competitor were to CD just one event at some time there would be no shortage and the continuation of events would be assured.
Rule Change – 2010
In producing the updates to the FF rule book for the 2010 version an error was made to item (a) of the Open (BMFA) Electric rules – 3.7.4. Having had this recently pointed out, and realising that the error would make a number of competitor's models ineligible, the error has now been corrected by rewording the relevant rule. This correction will take immediate effect.
The original change read:
Rule 3.7.4 Electric Class (BMFA Electric)
Maximum total bare motor(s) weight ................................................... 100 grams
Rule 3.7.4 Electric Class (BMFA Electric)
Motor limitations:
Brushed motors ........................... a maximum total motor(s) size of '600'
Brushless motors .......... maximum total bare motor(s) weight 100 grams
All other parts of the rule remain unchanged.
Rule Changes – 2011
Please note that initial rule change suggestions for 2011 should be sent to the FFTC by June 7th 2010. Send your suggestions to the Secretary Chris Strachan at : 56 Way Lane, Waterbeach, Cambridge, CB25 9NQ. E-mail: chris.strachan@btinternet.com. Comments received by this date will be reviewed at the next FFTC meeting and circulated for comment around the end of June.
London Area Free Flight
London Area has started using Salisbury Plain for Area meetings with four in attendance on 3 February. Please be aware that there is not yet a regular CD available so for the time being Peter Williams is co-ordinating with potential attendees before each event to ensure we know who will be there on any particular date and to nominate someone to take charge on the day. Peter will not necessarily attend the events. The current arrangement is that one of the attendees will be nominated to collect fees and scores and run any fly-offs and then send fees and results to Peter. So if you want to fly Area events at Salisbury Plain you will need to get yourself on the user list. Please contact Peter Williams on 01252 842120, E mail peter.f1a@virgin.net.
2010 Stonehenge Cup – World Cup Event
Over 80 people have pre-entered the 2010 Stonehenge Cup including a good number of travelers from the continent so all we need now is some reasonable weather to ensure a great weekend.
The FFTC Doesn't do everything
The FFTC sends a gentle reminder that it is a voluntary, unpaid team that is there to co-ordinate and assist the free flight community and it cannot do that without the support and contributions of others. If you have a local problem or request the first port of call should be your area representative. If you have ideas or suggestions of more general interest then please send them in writing to the FFTC Secretary Chris Strachan at:
56 Way Lane, Waterbeach, Cambridge, VB25 9NQ.
E mail chris.strachan@btinternet,com.