RE: New D3 Pattern Contest
 

AND Mellissa Hester ! the best score keeper on the planet!

Thanks Mellissa!!!!

RE: New D3 Pattern Contest
 

Okay here are the pilot pics by class...


Sportsman:

1. Tom Stennis - Black Magic VF3

2. Danny Brunham - Larry's Focus

3. George Gordon -

RE: New D3 Pattern Contest
 

Intermediate:

1. Dean Funk - Black Magic VF3

2. Austin Wingo - Black Magic VF3

3. Larry Odom - Focus

RE: New D3 Pattern Contest
 

Advance:

1. Gary Courtney - Aggressor

2. Chris Odom - Black Magic VF3

3. Mike Wingo - Black Magic VF3

RE: New D3 Pattern Contest
 

Masters:

1. Humberto Pomales - Osmose

2. Joe Walker - Gary's Aggressor

3. Marcio Jorge - Osmose

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FAI:

1. Jim Woodward - Pass-Port

2. Ron Ellis - Element

3. Bill Holsten - Partner

RE: New D3 Pattern Contest
 

I put up a large photo gallery at my site - what a great time - count the smiles in the gallery :)

http://dragonfirecustoms.com/lakeland_09


enjoy !!!!

RE: New D3 Pattern Contest
 

Hi Guys,

Was the weather tough or what this weekend? It was nice to see everyone learning the wind corrections and such as the rounds progressed and to see the planes being kept in good positions. There is a lot of strategy needed for that kind of weather. I don't think ANY of us leave the house on days like that. I hadn't flown either of the FAI sequences in cross winds that strong until this event.

Thank you very much Larry for getting the club support and putting a new event on the schedule. I was sorry to see Mike lose his plane. It was good to see everyone again and share stories and coaching tips. Maybe next time on Saturday afternoon (weather permitting) we can do a class-by-class run-through of all the flying we saw and critique some of the general flying/maneuver trends taking place. Guys can think about it overnight and maybe pick up some more points on Sunday's last rounds when it counts.

Masters was down to one point between Humberto and Joe! Congrats to everyone - it was tough to fly well for sure!!

Thanks,
Jim

RE: New D3 Pattern Contest
 

Mr Hester, Please tell me it ain't so! You and I just talked about me flying the ho. I am very sorry to hear of your loss. Gosh, to me it's like losing a member of the family when you have had a plane that long. Kirk S. told me he thought it was the same plane you let he fly at the Huntsville Contest last Sept. Hope I didn't jinx you. I see by the results of the Lakeland Contest Mr Pomelas & Mr Woodward were giving lessons again! Wish I could have been there. Will talk to you soon____TNWalker

RE: New D3 Pattern Contest
 

Hi TN_Walker,

I think its fair to say that Mother Nature was giving all of us a lesson or two. Dean also flew well enough to get the "backup" plane out for Sunday (Congrats to Dean for Saturday's performance). Gary "Move Up" Courtney (as the chant went) and Chris O. were very close too in Advanced. Masters was divided out pretty well with at least three round winners I know of (Humberto, Joe, Maurcio). I didn't get to see much of the Sportsman flying though.
Thanks,
Jim

RE: New D3 Pattern Contest
 

Jim, I want you to "pit stop" here in Nashville & fly with me at the Madison Field on your way to the Nats this year. Everyone else in D3 is also welcome to drop by if they are in the
vacinity. The runway has been resurfaced & the poles are up. See you soon___TNWalker

RE: New D3 Pattern Contest
 

Thanks Jim...

I think it would be great to have a "class-by-class run-through" talk...

Thanks again for the stick time on the pass-port, I enjoyed that and the help during the meet. It was very exciting flying in the high cross winds.

RE: New D3 Pattern Contest
 

Yo Everette!

yeah ya jinxed me dude LOL

Nahh it was just lack of maintenance. After close inspection, the tube had a lot of indentions and grooves and broke fairly clean right where it goes through the fuse side. It COULD have broken and then popped the bolt.

The bolt was tight prior to takeoff, but wasn't broken, laying in the plane intact. The threads in the root had gotten pretty worn. So it could have popped during the snaps etc.

Either way, it was lack of maintenance. I should have replaced the tube and redone the wing bolt and threads about a year ago. but, I have been a little distracted with other stuff.....so it was inevitable. After over 150 gallons of fuel it was pretty tired. if you have a carbon tube, check it occasionally and if it has grooves etc......replace it for safety.

However, I sold the wreckage to a sportsman pilot for $20 and he swears it will fly again soon so....it was a ho to the last!!!!!! I wouldn't try and repair it and fly it in anything higher than intermediate though personally. but then, I DO have the kits for new ones right here.....just gotta do some glueing....

Back on topic, Larry did a great job this weekend. Lakeland is a great place for a contest. The field works, the club is great, and it was beautiful all weekend with challenging winds. oh did we mention it was WINDY????

Sportsman class: was awesome as usual. Tom Stennis is returning to pattern after a long hiatus and flew his new VF3 to victory (Loctite Tom!). Second place went to a local club member who had never flown pattern before and just decided to give it a try with Uncle Larry's Focus, and he flew very well.

Intermediate was closer than it looked, Dean was just flying very solid. Austin blinked slightly more than Dean and that was that. Both are looking REALLY good and the nats should be interesting.

Advanced.....well, Gary is just that good. Chris was flying lights out stuff but Gary's experience and coolness won out on Sunday. Chris is making solid progress though, and so once again those 2 are going to be quite a show come July.

Masters continues to be a really fun and competetive class down here. Humberto won by less than half a point in the last round. I would have loved to play in that field ya know but...well, dookie happens. I'm probably done until the nats, or Arch's contest if all goes well. I intend to make it go well..... [8D]

FAI, well Jim was the class of the field. Ron flew well and Bill did the best he could with what he had to fly. That wind made a hard pattern REALLY hard. But I'm impressed with the way they handled it.

All in all it was a lot of fun and a total don't miss for next year. Although I was technically the CD, Larry and melissa did the lion's share of the work and made it a cool contest for all of us.

I'll see you all in Muncie.....I won't be at any of the may contests but will probably be at Andersonville to help out, and most likely Arch's contest in late June.

-Mike

RE: New D3 Pattern Contest
 

Mike, Now that's what I'm talking about! She was truly a $20 ho to the END. I know you spanked her & pulled her pigtails right before she took the dirt dive! Hopefully. I'll over-
come this minor health problem/inconvenience & see you, Melissa & the rest of the gang later this year. Oh by the way, please have Tom Stennis email me with the details of his set-up. I'm aware that the performance of his electric VF3 was phenomenal! Thanks Again___Everette

RE: New D3 Pattern Contest
 

Larry:
You put on a great contest. I had a good time at the contest despite my poor performance due to lack of not knowing the pattern, the wind, and most of all lack of practice. Just went out and purchased more fuel to get ready for practice.
Perhaps you can add BPA to the event next year.
Again thanks for a great contest and also my thanks to Mike H and Batwomen, er Wonder women for the fine scoring.

Orlando

RE: New D3 Pattern Contest
 

Hey Mike! You need to be at the Prattville contest next month. I will have the plane ready to fly the masters pattern. you have done the same thing for me and Im going to return the favor. what do ya say?

Chris Odom
Team Black Magic

RE: New D3 Pattern Contest
 

We'll see.....I have a bit of work to get done.

Thanks Chris. if nothing else I MAY be able to swing a Saturday. Too early to tell though.

-M

RE: New D3 Pattern Contest
 

Well Mikey all I can say is tighten you @$$ up and get-r-dun. Now we have a race. Me with my built wings covered, built stabs covered and 3/4 built fuse against your total scratch build, I think I might can get mine ready before yours. MAYBE!!:D So let go, matter of fact I'm headed to the shop now. Oh yeah, I forgot Dean took a picture of my shop, I'll get him to post here on this thread.

Lawrence

RE: New D3 Pattern Contest
 

:)

RE: New D3 Pattern Contest
 

Here are some pictures I took.
Jim

RE: New D3 Pattern Contest
 

more

RE: New D3 Pattern Contest
 

great contest !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! If you missed this one you just plain missed out !!!!!!

thanks to larry and his fellow club members


gary

ps you to angel :-)

RE: New D3 Pattern Contest
 

A big second to what Gary said. Tom and I finally arrived back in
Mississippi late Monday afternoon. A great event, and thanks to Larry,
Chris, Mike and of course MS Melissa and all involved for their hardwork.
What else could one do and have so much fun and fellowship and at the
end have only driven 2,000 miles....Hope to see everybody again
in Prattville, Doug "BOPOD" Harvel

RE: New D3 Pattern Contest
 

ab5yy/doug, I'm trying to get in touch with Tom Stennis. Mike Hester has my email address. Thanks___Everette

RE: New D3 Pattern Contest
 

I'm looking for it Everette ;)

BTW again my apologies to Blake. I was going to let him fly the plane and well....I think he would have been right in the mix with it. Blake is a good kid and is the current national champ after all...LOL

Ahh well. Oops?

-M

PS Hey BOPOD shoot me Stennis's email in a PM? or just shoot it straight to TNWalker. I was telling him how ballistic Tom's set up was. MAN that was strong!!!!!

RE: New D3 Pattern Contest
 

Hey Guys,

Well after rolling up to the house at 3am this morning,.....up and at work by 0730 I am and feeling like I have a hang over.[&:] I had a great time and really enjoyed meeting everyone and the great conversations,....despite the issues with my bird and xmitter. The wind was certianly HOWLING and everyone did a fantastic job working with it,....Ummm,....exept me. But I have a new project to complete and that should be done in a couple of weeks.

Congrats to Larry and everyone that assisted on a very GREAT contest,.....can you move the sun for the next one,...LOL!:)


Ok Mike H,...I have a huge headstart,...can you catch me?:D I bet you can, as your probably cought up already,..LOL!


Well gott'a run guys.

Bill Holsten
To tired to type the rest,............................................. .......................

RE: New D3 Pattern Contest
 

Larry,

(Danny here)
I really enjoyed flying pattern and have a feeling it's something I'm definitely going to pursue. Thanks again for letting me fly your plane! Chris, you and your dad are one heck of a caller/coach. I had a great time meeting a lot of new people and look forward to seeing all you guys at upcoming contests. Larry, you and your crew did a heck of a job orchestrating the whole event and I'm definitely looking forward to next years!

RE: New D3 Pattern Contest
 

Hi Guys,

Update on the Black Magic "HO".

Spoke with George Gordon this morning, he is on his way back to Michigan for the summer, the "HO" has been repaired.

The fuse went back together by just plugging the two pieces up to each other, aligning and strengthening the joint. The wing tip that was damaged has been repaired. He has some covering to repair and it will be ready for reassembly. He has a YS 140L that he is going to put into it and will be flying it in sportsman when he gets back in October.

George and I both want to congratulate and thank Larry for a great contest, Melissa for her superb score keeping, Mike for his donation and the Propbusters Club for hosting the event. Special congratulations to Danny Burnham in his first contest.

It is difficult sometimes to come new, into an organization of people you do not know and try to fit in. It is especially rewarding to find that the organization you have joined is full of friendly, helpful, funny, knowledgable and competent people.

I would like to extend a big thanks and kudos to all of the D3 pilots who help, advise and assist us sportsman in our endeavors, you guys are a true asset to the hobby.

Larry Loucks

RE: New D3 Pattern Contest
 

Bill,

I really like your toy-hauler trailer. How does it tow with your truck?
Jim

RE: New D3 Pattern Contest
 

Hey Jim,

It's not an issue my truck will tow 9800Lbs and the Toyhauler is a Weekend Warrior SL-2500 Superlite and it weights 4510lbs dry and the lightest one on the market and the nicest inside I found in a toyhauler for a tow behind,...it's a 25 footer. The draw back is the gas mileage,..I only got 7.76 miles per gallon avg there and back.[:'(] I also have a add-a-room that can be added to the drop down door,...was to windy to put it on. Thats where the planes usually get stored while at the field. I am planning on moving up to the 35 foot fifth wheel later this year,..we will see. Have to get the plane situation fixed up first,............

Best Regards,
Bill

Advantage Hobby & Fliton RC Rep./Duralite batteries/Custom airframes of America/ Dragon Fire Customs/ Guardian America.

RE: New D3 Pattern Contest
 

Hey Bill,

I don't know if you remember the trailer that I was in back at Tangerine in Dec. 08. That trailer is a fith wheel type I think its around 35 to 38 feet long and weighs close to 15,000 lbs. My father's truck is the Ford diesel and if you stay around 70 on the interstate you get between 10 and 11 miles to the gallon. Wind resistance is the biggest factor verses weight for the fuel milage. I'm not sure what engine you are running in your truck, but the bigger engines available in these trucks would be the best to use pulling campers because they will not have to work so hard as a smaller engine. This usually result better fuel milage while pulling your trailer. I know my father's truck get about 17 mpg when it's by itself and on the interstate, but is kind of gear bound for heavy pulling. I know I enjoy using my father's truck and trailer when I go to these contest and you get that kind of home away from home feel.

Thanks for coming down to my contest and it was good to see you again. We will have this contest again in Febuary of 2010 and I hope you get to come again and with your new fith wheel toy hauler.

Larry Odom
Avid Kool-Aid Drinker :D

RE: New D3 Pattern Contest
 

Hey Larry,

My truck gets about 17.1 miles per gallon with the 5.6Ltr engine in it normally on the highway and about 14 in the city with the air running,.....the wind resistance is the problem for sure.

Worked out the issues with Partner (transmitter issues) for now,...finished second this past weekend and winning one round with a total of 3865,....zeroed the spin on both rounds on sunday. It was so cloudy and overcast I could not see the break direction or the bottom of the wings. The Partner is now retired after the gear came out of it Friday,...lived through the weekend,..it's over due.


The Lakecity contest from what I was told over the weekend is cancelled or on hold? So,...as it stands we have 3 flipp'in contest this year plus the Dist. Championships making 4 and we normally have 6 to 7 in our district. Northern VA at the end of May and it's over till the NATS and the districts in October.


Best Regards,

Bill

Advantage Hobby & Fliton RC Rep./Duralite batteries/Custom airframes of America/ Dragon Fire Customs/ Guardian America.

RE: New D3 Pattern Contest
 

Hey Bill,

Sorry about the Partner so that means start doing some gluing. Hey that ryhmes! :D Man that's not good about the contest count in your district. I'm hoping next year to have 4 contest under our belt here in D3 by mid April. Tangerine, Lakeland, Ocala, and Alabaster should be the order of next year's schedule that I can attend before my work season starts. Contest May through August I can't go because of my work, but after Labor Day till the end of April I'm free as a bird. Most people build during the winter, I have to do it in the summer time. But like I said once Labor Day gets here I can do the last half of our flying season. We usually have 2 more and then District Championship. I know Prattville, AL is coming up and if you can come that would be great. It looks like they have a great field to fly at, but for some reason you can't, then the contest you would need to attend would be Andersonville, GA. That will be a big one and it always is. They have full hook-ups for your RV and fantastic bermuda grass runway. Then on top of that, one of the finest hobby shops you will ever walk into. His fuel prices are great too, so come with money. :D

Larry

RE: New D3 Pattern Contest
 

Talk about Hodges place, I just spent 2 days there last week for SEEF, and Macs place just keeps looking better and better. I couldn't belive my ears when I hear them call for pilot # 503 for a Freq pin. There must have been 200 plus campers there this past week and more folks than you could shake a stick at :).
While P'ville turf/ runway is not as nice as Hodges, our facilitys are some of the nicest in Alabama. We have power to run TV's a light duty stuff. just no A/C's and Micros and a field thats really nice and open with NO restrictions either way. Being our frist try at a AMA pattern meet we may not be the biggest but promise all will walk away with a trophey and a good time. I've got the local, and Montgomery media, news and TV crew coming out, to do a story.
We can do steaks at the field Saturday night, each for he's on, or head to the best Seafood Buffet this side of PC, just let me know what yall want to do. Eat at the field Friday night and Buffet Sat. would be my choice.
Check our website out at fcflyers.com for more info and a flyer on the event.
YALL Come now, Ya Here, :)
Jamie

RE: New D3 Pattern Contest
 

Boy! You can tell I went to P'ville schools, they specialize in Football, not english and writing :). I should have proof read before sending :).
Jamie in Aalabamaa :).

RE: New D3 Pattern Contest
 

Larry,

Andersonville sounds like a good idea,....what are the dates?



Best Regards,

Bill

Advantage Hobby & Fliton RC Rep./Duralite Batteries/Custom Airframes of America/ Dragon Fire Customs/ Guardian America.

RE: New D3 Pattern Contest
 

Bill it would be great if you were to come to the contest. It happens to be my last before the NATS, this has to be the best contest to get ready for the NATS.

Also the Dates are June 6th thru the 7th.

Hope you can make it.

Chris Odom
Team Black Magic
Team Dragon Fire
CAA

RE: New D3 Pattern Contest
 

not the last before the nats!!! harvest al. north of h-ville june 20 &21


gary

RE: New D3 Pattern Contest
 

What I meant was that it was my last contest. then Off to the ole' watermelon fields.

Chris Odom

RE: New D3 Pattern Contest
 

Chris,

Ummmm,....back to back weekends with the Varginia contest on the 30th-31st of May. I will see if I can swing that with the wife as June and July are looking really busy for me. I need to go work some "Magic" literally!:D


Best Regards,

Bill

Advantage Hobby & Fliton RC Rep./Duralite Batteries/Custom Airframes of America/ Dragon Fire Customs/ Guardian America.