This was a great NATS and probably a story-book finish in F3A. A little over three quarters of one point out of 3000 separated first and second place! I've never experienced this before- literally, maneuver-to-maneuver comparisons of scores that were so close.

The first flight of the finals was close, but Chip knew he won the first round after watching me miss the snap and a quarter by 30 degrees and pitch too much after the 2 of 4 reverse vertical snap up. 2 points on each of these cost me the first round by about 15 raw points out of Chip's 560 something...

But the second round of finals was closer, I missed the one and a quarter snap again, but so did Chip, I heard. I missed the two-snap down by about 15 degrees, and pulled too tight a radius at the completion of two corner and loop segments. The scores were almost identical otherwise. My flight was good enough to keep Chip from putting a nail in it.

I overheard that Chip flew in a really, really solid third flight. I would have to match him on all his maneuver scores plus out fly him on at least 3 maneuvers, since he was already in 1st place at this point... but the door was open a crack.

The flight order had me second to last on that final flight, perfect position. It went quite well, just like practice. But my hands were shaking during the flight- not because I was nervous, but because it was happening right before my eyes. The one and one quarter was not perfect, but was good. The two snap down was so tight and precise that the plane seemed to ping. No tilting on the verticals, (straight up and down), pace was excellent, all the radius segment carved. I honestly wanted to put my transmitter down, run over hug my father (who called for me) after landing (but he was getting the plane and I kept my composure). I really flew the best competition flight of my life and it was enough to create the win.

When I was walking back from the flight line, some of the folks broke out in applause after Brian Hebert yelled something about thanks for the flying clinic. I was almost as embarrassed as when Chip and a bunch of the other pilots broke the silence and gave a roaring applause after my last flight at the team trials.

As for Chip, We talked after the competition and he indicated to me that he is sufficiently motivated for the Worlds in 3 weeks. I designate myself as cheerleeder for not only him, but also Jason and Sean.

Go Team!

Don