A report by Dave Tulk
Rob Sargent and I travelled to Shepparton last weekend to compete in the Victorian Flying Scale Aircraft Associations’ (VFSAA) State Championships. The event is held annually, usually over the Queens Birthday long weekend, but was postponed due to Victoria’s recent lockdown. As a result of the change of date, the entry list was down somewhat on recent years, but there were 10 entries over the 3 categories of F4C, F4H and Flying only.
The weather on Saturday was overcast with patchy clear skies but only very light winds with occasional gusts. It was however rather cold as you would expect for this time of year.
I was entered into Flying Only as I only had an ARF model ready to compete with, and this category is perfect for a newbie like myself to try competition flying. Well, I say competition flying but really the whole atmosphere is so relaxed and inviting that you don’t really feel like you are competing rather, you are just doing some flying with some new friends.
The Flying Only group (6 in total) started off first with 2 back-to-back rounds. I was the last to fly which allowed me to observe the others and see what was required. When my first fly arrived, I strode to the Flight Line full of confidence, looked at the judges and went straight to water. My 2 judges were both World Champions in Noel Finlayson and Noel Whitehead, no pressure. Rob was my caller and just reminded me that this was the same routine that I have been practicing and was no different to when we did it back at TCMAC.
Off we went and, 10 minutes later, I found myself taxiing back in with the round completed, I was still alive, the plane was in 1 piece, and the judges were happy and encouraging. Job done.
Rob’s group was next and I called for him, followed by the remaining rounds for all of the groups, 3 in total for the day.
Saturday evening saw the whole group have a meal and chat at a Hotel in Shepparton where I got to know everyone better. I was very impressed with the comraderie of the whole group and their desire to make me feel welcome and a part of it. I also received some great advice and encouragement from the judges about my flying and was determined to improve on the Sunday.
On Sunday morning we arrived back at the airfield to find drizzly rain and a cloud base of about 50ft, it didn’t look promising for a start. After several cups of coffee (the muffins were awesome too) and more advice sought and given, the clouds lifted, and we got under way with 1 additional round for each group to finish off the weekend. I concentrated hard to show the judges that I was listening to what they had to say, and I again improved, actually my scores improved with each round over the course of the event, which pleased me.
Hands were shook, backs were patted, and presentations made and, I don’t know how it happened, but I came 3rd in my group which was then elevated to 2nd as there was a tie for 1st and joint winners announced. Rob also came 1st in his group, so TCMAC has a new State Champion and a runner up within their ranks.
Overall the weekend was huge fun and I can only thoroughly recommend to EVERYONE to give it a go. You don’t need to be a Master Builder (a Scale ARF will do) and you don’t need to be a World Champion Class pilot, all you need to do is try it out.
The next VFSAA event is on August 29th at Bendigo and is a one-day event. Rob and I are planning to attend, so come along with us, I guarantee you will have a great time. I am happy to help anyone who wants to put a routine together and will gladly practice with you.
To check out what is required go to the VSFAA website by clicking on this link http://vfsaa.org.au/scale-flying/rules/