War Birds Panorama

Another great Warbirds Rally at Awatoto Field in the Hawkes Bay.  With 38 pilot registrations and over 100 aircraft on the flight line the weekend was a great success.  Due to the inclement weather forecast and other clashing events, numbers were down a little, but this meant that pilots got more air time and the estimated 2000 odd attending public were well entertained with constant flying over the two days. It was also evident that there were more “larger” petrol powered aircraft this year adding to the spectacle.

In spite of the forecast, the weather was kind with patchy sun and cloudy overhead conditions, no significant rain and mostly a light easterly down the strip.  At no time was flying compromised and light WW1 aircraft were flown throughout the weekend.  I had the  pleasure of flying local member Ray McPeake’s  Ettrich Taube on numerous occasions and the conditions were perfect for it.

WB Pup Montage

Harvey Stiver and his team were in charge of the flight line which ran smoothly using a ready and a start-up box to keep like planes flying together.  Flying discipline was excellent and there were only a couple of “outfield” arrivals.  Thanks to a very large willow, Alan Rowson still has his ex-Don Hague Pup which lost left aileron control and spiralled earthward only to be captured by the  tree on the river bank.  The resulting mild wing and fuselage damage took place during the recovery by the t’ree fellers !

The skill of the pilots and the standard and reliability of the aircraft and equipment over the weekend was outstanding with some wonderful flying displays.  Added to this, we were again favoured by Frazer Briggs who brought his 100cc Extra to add some excitement for the visiting public and modellers alike with  freestyle demos during the weekend.

WB Eurofighter

It was good to meet our Southern North Island Council Rep, Jonathon Shorer who flies with the Levin MAC and spent a day at the rally meeting people and checking us out.
The following is a pictorial roundup of some of the aircraft.  Most of these picture were taken by Sean Dick,  Alan’s son, whose work is well known to many  of you, an enthusiast and a photographer of note. Sean has very kindly made them available, and if you would like to purchase the full sized copies, you can contact Sean through his website at Evoke Studios;

http://www.evokestudio.co.nz/aircraftevents.htm

*WOA 2012-088 Jon Doherty’s Junkers in a low pass.
*WOA 2012-042 Peter Connell’s ME109 setting up for landing,
*WOA 2012-063 Alan Rowson on flypast with his Fokker DV11
*WOA 2012-127 P-40 smokin’
*WOA 2012-140  Brett Cudby demonstrated this Huey to perfection.
*WOA 2012-168 Bill Roydhouse’s Hurricane from HBRF under Mike Shears control
*WOA 22012-183 Colin Austen’s Beech on finals, a frequent visitor that always thrills the crowd. Sadly this model was lost the following weekend with a motor out and will be much missed.
*WOA 2012-191 Rob Whalley flew his impressive turbine powered MIG
*WOA 2012-201. This magnificent turbine powered Panther was flown by Steve Blackman.
*WOA 2012-235 Brett Cudby campaigned this very impressive DLE Twin111 powered Corsair on many flights over the weekend.
 
All eras of military aircraft were well represented from pre-WW1 through WW2 and modern jets.  At the prize-giving on Sunday afternoon, the following awards were presented.
 
* WOA 2012-080
World War 1........... Ray McPeake (Hawke's Bay) Ettrich Taube. (1912)

*WOA 2012-221
World War 2........... John Sutherland (HawkesBay) Fokke Wulf 190 (1944)

*WOA 2012-171
Between the Wars.. Mike Harris (Hawkes Bay) Trojan T.28 ((1950's)

*WB Eurofighter
Modern Military....... Dave Hodges (Tauranga) Eurofighter

*WOA 2012-055
New Zealand Military. Peter Brown (Wellington) Vampire

PILOT'S CHOICE..... Ray McPeake   "Ettrich Taube"
Overall the conditions were excellent, the field immaculately prepared by our groundsmen, and the barbecue tent manned by the Wardley and Hiscock families did a roaring trade. Set up, gate control and the barbecue tent take a lot of manpower and work, and as usual members rallied around and supported the event which has become our annual fund raiser and public relations exercise. A big Thank You also to all you visiting pilots who bring your wonderful aircraft and make this Rally the regular iconic event it has become.
 
With the National calendar becoming so busy, setting the date has been difficult, and this year we inadvertently managed to clash with the annual Kapiti Rally which is also the second weekend in March. After much searching, it appears that the only free suitable date next year is the last weekend in February; Saturday 23^rd and Sunday 24^th 2013.  Hopefully this will be our permanent fixture date avoiding clashes with IMAC Rumble, International Jets, Kapiti Rally, Springhill Scale, HB Art Deco weekend, HB Glider Tow & Manukau Warbirds (busy life aye !).
 
See you all next year, same place at Awatoto Field in the lovely Hawkes Bay.
 
Barrie Russell.   Hawkes Bay Radio Flyers.    March 2012.

  
 
Why have a wings Badge Scheme?
 

• To provide certification of a basic proficiency level for Radio Control model pilots enabling them to operate unsupervised. Pilots achieving the required level are entitled to wear the MFNZ ‘Wings’ badge.
• To meet the requirements of Civil Aviation Rule 101 for flying within 4km of aerodromes.

As many club flying sites, rallies and contests are on or near aerodromes, this qualification is essential to fly at those sites. The badge provides ready proof of the minimum qualification.
 

• Within 4km of an aerodrome trainee pilots must operate under direct supervision of a badge holder or an approved Instructor, and should not be considered safe to fly on their own until they have reached the wings standard.  This procedure is also recommended for use away from aerodromes.
• To ensure that all members have an understanding of safety aspects of aircraft integrity and construction
• To ensure all members are able to fly with confidence and are able to recover from difficulties when flying
• To ensure MFNZ insurance cover is not declined by its insurers.

 
Who must have a wings badge?
The Wings Badge is compulsory for:
 

• All new members joining MFNZ after 30 June 2009 who are obliged to attain the qualification.
• All members who fly at sites within 4km of an aerodrome. This is to ensure compliance with CAA rule 101. This rule has been in place since the early 1990's
• ALL members as of 1 January 2012. If the member does not have a badge by this time, they should be working towards one.
• The organisers of some events and rallies are now insisting that people who fly at these events hold a wings badge.

 
What are the categories of wings badge?
There are 7 categories of Qualification
 

1. Basic Fixed wing powered (BP)
2. Large fixed wing powered, (LP)
3. Aerobatics (AB) :The basic Fixed wing powered test applies as a prerequisite to attaining this classification . Further requirements are as required by the Aerobatic SIG and /or as reflected in any code of practice of this SIG
4. Turbine / Jet (TJ):The basic fixed wing powered test applies as a prerequisite to attaining this classification. Further requirements are as required by the Turbine / Jet SIG and /or as reflected in any code of practice of this SIG
5. Pylon (PN): The basic fixed wing powered test applies as a prerequisite to attaining this classification. Further requirements are outlined in the Pylon flight test checklist
6. Glider (GD)
7. Helicopter (HP

 
 
Frequently asked Questions
Do I need a wings badge if I fly within 4km of an airfield?
To ensure compliance with CAA rule 101 any trainee pilot flying within 4km of an aerodrome should be directly supervised by a Wings badge holder.
To ensure compliance with CAA rule 101 all pilots must fly with an observer when flying within 4km of an aerodrome.
If you do not have a wings badge after January 1 2012 then you must fly under the direct supervision of a wings badge holder at all times
 
Do I need a wings badge if I fly more than 4km from an airfield?
Yes. If you do not have a wings badge after January 1 2012 then you must fly under the direct supervision of a wings badge holder
 
How is my insurance cover affected if I fly without a wings badge?
MFNZ insurance provides for third party protection ( e.g.  a model crashes into a car or building) and cover for legal fees in the case of a criminal prosecution (e.g a model hits and injures a person).
Should you not follow the recommendations of the MFNZ wings proficiency scheme, this  may mean that the insurer will use such non-compliance to decline cover under the insurance policy
 
What test do I have to pass to get an aerobatic wings badge? I already do aerobatics as part of my normal sport flying?
The aerobatic badge is intended as a measure of the pilot’s ability to control an aircraft with different aerobatic properties than that of a self-righting trainer type aircraft. The Basic fixed wing badge tests the badge on the Horizontal plane. The aerobatic badge tests on many orientations. The Aerobatic SIG is currently developing a base level test which will form part of the MFNZ wings badges scheme.
The aerobatic SIG are also developing a tiered skill scheme (to develop the aerobatic disciplines such as IMAC and pattern) that will be administered by that SIG and is a follow on from the basic proficiency.
The Sig is developing this test and Council will advise members when it is available
 
What are the proficiency tests for a Turbine Model?
It is recognised that safety and model control associated with turbine models is different from that of Propeller based models ( e.g spool up time , No propeller braking , fast speed). The
The basic Fixed wing powered test applies as a prerequisite to attaining this classification.
 The Sig is developing this test and Council will advise members when it is available
 
What models types are exempt?
 

• Control Line
• Free flight

What is involved in the Wings test?
There are four parts to each wings test:
 

1. Pre-flight inspection of model.
2. Oral Test.
3. Pre-flight procedures test.
4. Flight Test.

 
 
 
What if I’m learning to fly when January 1 2012 arrives?
That is fine. Students are to be under the direct supervision of a wings badge holder. The important factor is that you should be working towards the attainment of the wings badge
 
I have been flying for years and am a very competent flier. Why should I bother?
Great. If you are a competent flier then passing the wings badge will not be difficult for you.
Remember that if you don’t attain the wings badge you leave yourself exposed to the possibility of being declined insurance cover and prosecution by statutory bodies such as the police if you do not follow the recommendations of the National body.
 
I fly small models in parks. Di I need a wings badge for this?
Council is currently working on a policy relating to park flying and is likely to include a restriction on weight , size , power and type of model such that it minimizes the risk of injury or damage as a result of an incident for this sort of model
 
I’m on the committee of our club. What do we do if a member decides not to attain a wings badge?
 Members are to be encouraged to gain wings badges (if not already holding a wings badge) at the earliest time.
Ultimately the attainment of a wings badge is the responsibility of an individual and the responsibility and liability of a member not attaining a wings badge is borne by that individual.
Some clubs are electing to enforce a policy of “no wings badge – No fly at our field”.
Some Clubs have established available wings badge test days on selected days of the months over the next few months?
 
If I fail, do I have a second chance at gaining a wings badge?
You do not have to pass a wings badge like you might a car driver’s licence. You may take several weeks to show to the club instructor that you can master the flying skills or the oral test. That is fine. When the instructor is happy that you can demonstrate all that is required for the Wings Badge he will send the information off to MFNZ (NZMAA) and your Wings Badge will be awarded.
 
How come MFNZ have all of a sudden decided to implement this policy at short notice?
The policy was advised in 2009 when the new member’s manual was released
 
How do I finds out the members of my club that have wings badges?
Contact Dave Wright the MFNZ secretary  at the following email address: secretary@modelflyingnz.org
 

From the left Ray McPeake, John Aitken, Jeff Clarkson, Barrie Russell, John Clarke (built his first tomboy 60+ years ago !!) Des Dew,  Bob Whitburn and Tony Smith..  Average age of the contestants 71 point something !!! 
Numbers are growing again and competition is rife. Sunday 12th,  I  wandered down the pits and called for Tomboys and we had six planes and nine pilots and helpers and a bunch of watchers turn out at the eastern end of the field for an hour and a half of competition and fun.  A few three minute max's were the result. Some of the spot landings were a bit pointy  resulting in the depletion of my prop supply, and great fun was had by all. 
 

I'm getting some more plans printed off for the newest few who more have joined the fold, Alan Rowson, Nev Fargher, Mike Harris, and Rowdy Botherway,  Twenty-nine in the club now and at least six ex-pats around the country, seven actually as Stephen Greig from Auckland is building from Mike Briggs plan and templates.  Any others, please make contact and send me your pictures.

Barrie Russell

Points of note to date;
1.  Build light, most are coming out around 12 to 15 ounces depending on gear and a bit of nose weight. Lengthening the nose by 20/30mm does help
2.  CofG around the back of the main spar seems about right.
3.  Build the 44 inch wing and wider tailplane version. The addition of a top spar ahead of the main bottom spar seems  like a good idea. Without it a couple have clapped hands, and they don't like being upside down after landing !
4.  Coupling aileron and rudder stick helps, when inputting both you get double the deflection which helps with those split arse landing manoeuvres trying for a spot landing.
5.  Keep the elevator full width to get good positive control
6.  Get lots of landing practise, those landing points are valuable, especially when there is lots of sink !
7.  Motor output limited to 100 Watts... can be easily checked with a watt meter and if you're using a more powerful motor, then a change of prop or a reduction in cells should do the trick.
The proposed competition format seems to be working well, 20 second motor run (power less than 100 watts) is getting good flight times, and the three minute max adequate.  Landing points of 100 for in the metre circle and 5 points less for every metre further away and nothing outside 20 metres is a good challenge.
Lets have your feedback and pictures folks, and  come and join the party. You can have fun and  a competition anywhere, any time !