RE: basic fot the first time
Jason,
Welcome to the North Central!!!
You've received some excellent advice here.
Before you go:
Burn as much gas as you can flying....learn your airplane inside and out. Practice flying SMOOTH!! Fly straight lines...horizontal, vertical (up AND down!), 45 degree lines (it's steeper than you think!). Try to fly at a constant speed.
Fly as much as you can in cross winds and in wind in general. It will usually take quite a bit of wind to make most of the guys decide not to fly!!
Get used to flying with another plane in the air....you will have two flight lines going at once 99% of the time.
practice, practice, PRACTICE! (I should talk!! sheesh!)
What you should expect when you get there:
Expect to sit around alot waiting to fly depending on the turnout for the contest. Use this time to get to know some of the folks from around the region. You aren't gonna find a better group! Ask alot of questions. Check out the various setups.
Try to arrive early so you have time to go over your equipment. You won't be able to make a test flight once the comp. flying starts, so have everything ready to go. When it's almost your turn to fly, have your plane, radio, frequency pin, etc with you at the flight line. (Don't forget your caller!) When you are ready to start....take your time, relax....remember to breath. If you've never flown in front of judges it can be a bit daunting at first.
After you land, if the judges have time, ask them where you need the most work. Usually they are happy to give pointers.
Don't be in too much of a rush to leave on Saturday afternoon. There are usually guys who stay around and fly and have a good time late into the evening. Others make dinner plans at one of the local restaraunts.
On Sunday...you'll normally get in one or two more rounds and then call it a weekend!
Above all.....HAVE FUN!! It is still a hobby!
If you can, try to make it over to Danville, IN next weekend.....It looks like a good portion of the North Central guys are gonna be there.
Hope to see ya around the NC this season!
Gary H.
Rantoul, Il
NCFR!!