SAMAA BLOG

2.4 Ghz R/C Systems TYPES OF SYSTEMS, INSTALLATION ISSUES, HEAT CONCERNS, AERIAL ORIENTATION, BATTERY POWER

2012-01-29T21:51:00.000+02:00

Collated by MikeStark

XtremeLink SouthAfrica

March 2009

Read the full report here.

3rd South African Annual Indoor Challenge

2012-01-15T16:23:00.001+02:00

Due to the lack of interest and support for this event we have been forced to cancel it and the AGM.

This is extremely disappointing especially in view of the huge success of the first and second Indoor Challenges.

Would the 6 pilots who have paid their entry fee please advise us your banking details so we may refund your entry fee.

In order to find a way forward for Indoor Electric flying in South Africa, we suggest we hold a meeting to discuss various issues. We would like to hold this meeting on Saturday 18th February 2012 @ Barnstormers Flying Club @ 14:00. Please bring a plane so everyone can enjoy some flying after the meeting. The wind normally drops completely at about 17:30 so bring a foamie as well for some more fun and to share each others ideas about model design, equipment and performance. Braai facilities are available so please advise if you will be attending so we can arrange charcoal etc. Please bring your own meat and liquid refreshments etc.
Yours sincerely
Dave and Judy

Electric Indoor Flying SIG

2011-12-13T21:25:00.003+02:00

Bulletin no. 1 for the 2012 Indoor Electric Challenge

Agenda for Annual General Meeting

SAMAA News December issue

2011-12-05T21:44:00.001+02:00

The News is here.

Third Annual Indoor Electric Challenge 21 Jan 2012 -- Entry Form

2011-11-10T21:10:00.001+02:00

The entry form is here.

SAMAA Air Show 6 November 2011

2011-11-10T09:12:00.001+02:00

All the photos, taken by Dave Harris, here.

2011 Fun Fly Masters at WMFC 1st and 2nd October

2011-10-22T11:11:00.001+02:00

Story by Dave Harris with pictures by Wouter van Wyk & Mark Hoare

Christopher Harris who flies for Barnstormers Club in Kempton Park became National Fun Fly Champion for the seventh time by winning this, the 21st Fun Fly Masters held in Welkom. He also scored his second hat trick and won seven out of ten events, flown during the weekend.

A very windy weekend greeted the top eighteen pilots from all over South Africa who made the annual pilgrimage to the Free State to do battle in this the most exciting form of aeromodelling.

Welkom Model Aircraft Club staged another truly brilliant competition and are to be sincerely complimented on the professional and enthusiastic approach with which they always apply to running the Masters. The CD, judges and all W.M.A.C members take Fun Fly very seriously and this was the eighteenth time they have organised this prestigious event, and as such are true “masters” themselves. This year W.M.A.C ensured that even the evenings were full of fun by staging a professional dance show.

Full report here.
Pictures, (lots of them), here.

3rd ANNUAL SOUTH AFRICAN ELECTRIC INDOOR CHALLENGE

2011-10-22T09:38:00.001+02:00

3^rd ANNUAL SOUTHAFRICAN ELECTRIC INDOOR CHALLENGE

More details here.

2011 Aerobatic Masters

2011-10-22T09:12:00.002+02:00

Full details here.

Personalised Number Plate

2011-10-08T09:10:00.001+02:00

My daughter spotted this the other day. Wonder whose it is.

SAMAA News September / October 2011

2011-10-05T21:52:00.003+02:00

The latest issue is here.

2011 F3B World Championship – SA achieves Gold!

2011-09-29T20:35:00.003+02:00

Lionel Brink sent me this report, by Herman Weber I think, on the F3B World Champs in China...

During 2010 an “almost new” team was selected to represent South Africa at the 2011 F3B World Championships to be hosted in China. “Old hand” Craig Goodrum and arguably the best RC Soaring pilot SA has ever produced was on hand to mentor, guide, teach, train, cajole & enforce discipline amongst the newbies: Rudi King & Nigel Wilkinson, with Jason Weber taking up the only position of “Junior” after a stunning performance at the 2010 (F3B) Nats and the FAI decision to encourage youth participation in all sanctioned disciplines that do not already have junior participation...

Full report here
Photos here -- without captions I'm afraid apart from the file names

UAV Demonstrations and the Intervarsity Flight Challenge at Swartkop AFB

2011-09-25T22:00:00.001+02:00

Here are some of the entrants in the Intervarsity Low Speed Flight Challenge
(click on the images for a larger picture).

The infamous flying (or was it non-flying) Lawn Mower.

El Jefe himself -- John Monk.

How about this for a launching system

Here's a short clip of some UAV flights, although in this case they were under local radio control.

Airshow date changed

2011-09-22T15:49:00.001+02:00

The SAMAA Air Show has had to be moved from 23 October to Sunday 6^th November -- the RWC Final match is on the same day!

Model aircraft found at Fourways

2011-09-22T15:46:00.003+02:00

Fly-away model aircraft found in Fourways. Owner to identify model when telephoning Bob Skinner, 011-973-3679, or 083-283-1681

MHSA Masters Entry Form

2011-09-22T10:01:00.003+02:00

The entry form is here.

UAV demonstrstions, Inter-varsity Flight Challenge, Large Model Display Flight

2011-09-20T20:53:00.001+02:00

Control Line team racing combat and aerobatics

2011-09-04T21:57:00.002+02:00

Due to unforeseen circumstances it is necessary to change the Durban Control Line event scheduled for 24 and 25 September to the weekend of 8 and 9 October.
Aerobatics and combat will take place at Ashley Sports Club on Saturday and racing at Corobrik on Sunday. These are the same sites as those used last year.

SAMAA AGM 2011

2011-08-30T21:17:00.002+02:00

Low Speed Flight Competition

2011-08-30T21:16:00.001+02:00

Winners - FAI World Championship for Model Helicopters

2011-08-30T21:13:00.004+02:00

Sport: Aeromodelling - F3C - Helicopters
Title: FAI World Championship for Model Helicopters
Type : World
Date: 18.08 - 28.08.2011
Location: Cascina Bianca, Calcinatello - Italy

Final Results :

F3C - Overall
1st : Hiroki Ito JPN
2nd : Hashimoto Manabu JPN
3rd : Nonogaky Yasuichi JPN

F3C - Junior
1st : Choi Won Ho KOR
2nd : Sardelli Lorenzo ITA
3rd : Heikkil'a Juho FIN

F3C - Team
1st: Japan
2nd: Italy
3rd: USA

The full results can be found at the following address :
http://www.wchf3c2011.it/Article46.html

FAI congratulates the Winners and thanks the Organisers of the
Championship.

2011 F3A W/C`s SA Team – Team Managers Report

2011-08-21T09:25:00.001+02:00

The team of Andre` Stockwell, Pierre Marais and Marc Wolffe was selected following due
process and confirmed towards the end of October 2010.

This was the most experienced team in recent years with the members having each
competed in at least two previous world championships.

The revised selection process increased the preparation time available, which benefitted the
team as some early setbacks required new models to be acquired and prepared, as well as
increasing the available training times.

In addition to the training program we were able to have multiple International Champion,
Wolfgang Matt, visit, do some training of the team and compete in our 2011 Nationals. The
team members were able to match his performance and we were confident of a good
placing at the W/C`s. ...

The full report is here.

SAMAA News July / August 2011

2011-08-12T21:12:00.003+02:00

The latest issue is here.

World Jet Masters

2011-08-08T09:40:00.004+02:00

Dear All,

It is now 7h50 Sunday morning in Dayton, Ohio. Last night was the closing ceremony and banquet at the USAF Museum.

The results were announced and Dylan Roberts achieved a 4th place overhaul in the 20kg class which I think is a phenomenal achievement. He competed against the 42 top jet pilots in the world after he and his plane was battered by the storm and also dealing with a horrible cold. Well done Dylan we are really proud of you!

With a semi-scale plane Mark managed a 28th place, his flight scores were brilliant but was obviously let down by not scoring a good static score.

Everybody will start traveling back today and tomorrow, so we see you back in South Africa.

Kind Regards,

Marthinus JF Potgieter

Congratulations to Dylan for a job well done under difficult conditions.

Regards

Percy

Gauteng Aerobatics Association -- League 3 at JOMAC 31 July 2011

2011-08-04T09:40:00.001+02:00

Full report here.
Original photos here.

KZN Pattern Association, League round -- 24 July 2011

2011-08-03T08:24:00.002+02:00

Head shaking and a few interesting comments.. More here.

Inter-varsity Low Speed Challenge -- updated rules

2011-07-30T13:48:00.000+02:00

The latest rules are here.

World Jet Masters 2011, Green County, Dayton, Ohio.

2011-07-30T13:36:00.005+02:00

Dear Members, Friends and Family,

There's some good news from Green County, Dayton, Ohio.

With reasonably limited resources, Dylan has managed to repair his DH115 Vampire to a state of air worthiness. The rudders and vertical fins were quite badly damaged but, by spending the entire Monday on it, he managed to get it back together. On Tuesday he test flew the aircraft with great success - so Dylan is back in the competition. At the time of writing, he is in the queue to enter the static part of the competition.

As Mark's aircraft is completely broken and unrepairable, our friends from Team America offered Mark a Skymaster F16 painted in the red,white and blue centenary colours to fly in the competition. This aircraft does have limited documentation, having been flown at Top Gun this year. Mark has managed to put a couple of test flights on the aircraft today.
This is obviously not ideal, considering two years familiarity with the Vampire. We are very grateful to Tommy Yeates the (Team USA Manager) who made this offer on behalf of Scott Harris, whose back-up aircraft it was.

As for Francois, his aircraft also being beyond repair, has taken himself and Sarah, with their supporters away for a break.

Official flying starts tomorrow, Thursday afternoon, but we do not expect any results until completion of round one.

Dylan has promised to put some pics on the SAMJA web page.

Thank you for all the well-wishes and interest, we really appreciate it.

http://www.sajets.co.za/

Kind Regards,

Marthinus JF Potgieter

Klerksdorp Fly In 30 / 31 July 2011

2011-07-28T09:56:00.003+02:00

Click on the graphic for a larger view.

Update on the World Jet Masters from Percy Attfield

2011-07-25T22:07:00.001+02:00

Unfortunately Team South Africa's World Jet Master's hopes were dashed yesterday, Sunday 24 July, at approximately 14h00 local time when an incoming rainstorm combined with 80 mph winds struck. The model hangar, an enormous circus–type marquee tent, turned into a large parachutee. The canvas sides and poles flattened our team as well as our tables / airplanes before the tent lifted off and ended up half a mile away! I am not sure of the definition of the storm, hurricane, tornado or tropical storm but have never experienced anything like that.

Most of the team got away some bruises and cuts but Francois, and his girl friend Sarah, was taken to hospital by ambulance with some rather serious injuries. Later last night they were discharged but are rather sore and uncomfortable. Once the tent was gone obviously thousands of liters of water just poured over all the aircraft, equipment and us. Steel trestle tables were lifted by the winds and deposited in the parking lot. Transport boxes and belongings were scattered over the entire field.

In hindsight we can just be very glad that everybody is alive. We were the first team to unpack our aircraft and start practicing, if the tent had been full there would have been major mayhem. Mark Savage's Vampire is completely destroyed and Francois' Hawk also suffered serious damage. Dylan's Vampire suffered less damage but is also unserviceable. Later today we will meet with the organizers and decide what we will do next.

See the video take after the storm.(click on the clip for a larger version).

Problems at the Jet Masters in the USA -- Percy Attfield

2011-07-25T09:44:00.000+02:00

I had a call from Marthinus Potgieter, the Jet Masters Team Manager, at 10:30 Sunday night telling me that they have been hit by a tornado. Francois Diedericksen and his girlfriend has been taken to hospital. The other members of the team have injuries but have not gone to hospital.

I understand from him that the planes and equipment are mostly destroyed.

All of them were in a large tent which was blown away, the tent poles broken and heavy steel tables blown 300 or 400 metres and then dumped again.

I have no more information at present, if more information becomes available I will keep you informed.

I have spoken to Bob Skinner who is at Muncie in the USA, he will call Marthinus.

Aeronautical Society of South Africa 2011 Aerospace Challenge A Low Speed Flight Competition

2011-07-04T19:42:00.002+02:00

The goal of the competition is to conceptualise, design, construct and fly a radio controlled
model aircraft capable of taking off in as short a distance as possible and then fly as
slowly as possible over a short course while carrying a pre-specified payload.

This challenge is aimed at two different groups of participants and is therefore divided into
two parts. The Inter-University Challenge will include the requirement to present and be
judged on the academic portion of the aircraft design. The Open Challenge will include
only the take off and flight portion of the competition and entries are accepted from any
aero-modellers.

This is intended to be a fun competition but with the intention to encourage interest in both
aviation and aeronautics amongst but not limited to learners and students.

Read more here.

GAA League 2 at PRF 26 June 2011

2011-06-10T21:25:00.001+02:00

Click on the graphic for larger image.

Pattern News June 2011

2011-06-06T15:14:00.002+02:00

Click on the graphic for a larger picture.

Postponement of Winter Indoor Electric Competition

2011-06-01T16:17:00.001+02:00

WINTER INDOOR ELECTRIC COMPETITION

POSTPONEMENT OF EVENT

PLEASE BE ADVISED THAT THE ABOVE COMPETITION THAT WAS TO BE HELD ON SATURDAY 18^TH JUNE 2011 IS BEING POSTPONED TO A LATER DATE.

DETAILS OF THE NEW DATE, TIMES, VENUE ETC WILL BE POSTED ON THE SAMAA BLOG AND THE INDOOR ELECTRIC SIG WEBPAGE

FOR ANY FURTHER DETAILS CONTACT DAVE OR JUDY HARRIS

011 849 6267 / 072 729 1850/ trogon@mweb.co.za

SAMAA News May / June 2011

2011-06-01T16:09:00.000+02:00

This issue is now on the web site

Lynton Milner's report on the 2011 Aerobatic Nationals

2011-05-14T08:29:00.001+02:00

Here's the full report (pdf)

Invitation to host the National Aerobatic Masters -- 15 / 16 October 2011

2011-05-14T08:06:00.001+02:00

Aerial Concepts Jet Day at RMAC -- 15 May 2011

2011-05-14T08:02:00.000+02:00

Winter Indoor Electric Competition

2011-05-11T08:35:00.000+02:00

All SAMAA pilots and members of the public are invited to compete and spectate at this exciting form of

aeromodelling in South Africa

Date: Saturday 18^th June 2011

Venue: Hall “F”, Pretoria Showgrounds, Souter St, Pretoria

Time: 08:30 – 17:00

FREE Entry for spectators Refreshments available

Entries:-

2 classes – Masters and Sportsman
First 20 entries will be accepted
Trophies and prizes
F3P, Freestyle to Music, Obstacle Course

Planes: any indoor electric powered plane may be used. Max weight 300g. A pilot may use 3 different planes during the competition

Further details and Entry Forms available from Judy Harris

011 849 6267 / 072 729 1850/ trogon@mweb.co.za

CD: Dave Harris 079 707 9359

Closing date for entries: Tuesday 31^st May 2011

3D Helicopter Fun Day 15 May at PRF

2011-05-07T15:01:00.001+02:00

F3A Bid proposal to CIAM - 28 th World Championship 2013

2011-04-20T10:34:00.001+02:00

Congratulations! Welldone!

South Africa was awarded... at the CIAM meeting in Lausanne
Switzerland the 28th FAI World Championship in August 2013

I know we can stand together as SAMAA members to help the SAMAA, MAASA and
the Aeroclub of South Africa to make a success.

Welldone!

Marietjie Skinner

Hungarian bid for the 2013 Control Line World Champs -- Percy Attfield

2011-04-15T20:52:00.002+02:00

The bid is here, (pdf)

TRMC Fly In --Gert Nieuwoudt

2011-04-14T20:37:00.001+02:00

FLY IN

21 May 2011

The TRMC club in Trichardt (Secunda) will be hosting again a social Fly In and invite all pilots with SAMAA membership and friends of the club to join us for the day.

Entries are free.

Pilots briefing will be 9H30

We will have boeries for breakfast on the house to all pilots taking part in the static or flying display. Braai packs and cooldrinks will be available during the day.

Prizes will be awarded for best model, best display, pilots choice and fastest model during speed competition.

The N17 from Johannesburg is open and running past our field. Let me know if you need directions. We have a tarred runway and facilities.

Contact Dirk at 082 494 0585

or

Gert at 082 461 0027 for details.

Results for Western Province Aerobatic Champs -- Stuart Nix

2011-04-11T20:50:00.000+02:00

Click on the graphic for a larger view.

WINTER INDOOR ELECTRIC COMPETITION ENTRY FORM

2011-04-08T16:10:00.000+02:00

Name of pilot…………………………………………………… SAMAA Number………………………………….

Address……………………………………………………………………Tel #’s……………………………………..

E-Mail address…………………………………………………. Fax #……………………………………………….

Class entered: Masters ………………………….. Sportsman………………………………(Please tick)

NOTE: Pilots may not enter Sportsman Class if any of the following applies- top 3 finish in Masters Class at Fun Fly Masters; if you are in any class other than Sportsman in aerobatics or in any class other than Entry level in Large Scale Aerobatics. Please, if you think your ability justifies your entry in Masters please enter accordingly. The organisers reserve the right to move you to Masters to ensure a fair competition.

Entry fee…..R150.

Entries by hand, post or e-mail to Judy Harris, 5, Eugene Marais Street, Farrarmere, Benoni 1501, Tel: 011 849 6267/ 072 729 1850. E-mail: trogon@mweb.co.za Payment by cash, cheque or bank deposit.

Contact Judy for banking details

Details of plane/planes……………………………………………………………………………………………………

Radio………………………………Motor……………………………….Speed Control……………………………….

Batteries……………………………………………..Other………………………………………………………………

Top 5 results in aeromodelling competitions in SA……………………………………………………………………...

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Top 3 results in aeromodelling competitions overseas…………………………………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Main type of planes flown(eg pattern/pylon/scale etc)…………………………………………………………………..

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Age………………………..Occupation……………………………………………………………………………………

Aeromodelling goal for the future………………………………………………………………………………………...

Other interests (eg motor racing/cycling/photography etc)……………………………………………………………..

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Favourite tv programme…………………………………………………………………………………………………..

Sportsperson who motivates you the most……………………………………………………………………………….

Name 2 people who you would most like to take to supper……………………………………………………………..

I agree to abide by the Rules of the competition run under the auspices of SAMAA and will act in a sportsman like manner throughout the course of the event.

Signed………………

Winter Indoor Electric Competition

2011-04-08T16:06:00.003+02:00

All SAMAA pilots and members of the public are invited to compete and spectate at this exciting form of aeromodelling in South Africa

Date: Saturday 18^th June 2011

Venue: Hall “F”, Pretoria Showgrounds, Souter St, Pretoria

Time: 08:30 – 17:00

FREE Entry for spectators Refreshments available

Entries:-

· 2 classes – Masters and Sportsman

· First 20 entries will be accepted

· Trophies and prizes

· F3P, Freestyle to Music, Obstacle Course

Planes: any indoor electric powered plane may be used. Max weight 300g. A pilot may use 3 different planes during the competition

Further details and Entry Forms available from Judy Harris

011 849 6267 / 072 729 1850/ trogon@mweb.co.za

CD: Dave Harris 079 707 9359

Closing date for entries: 30^th April 2011

Entries for the Nats close on FRIDAY April 8th

2011-04-05T21:23:00.000+02:00

This is your last chance to enter for the 2011 MAASA Aerobatic Nationals.

Dont miss out on a great event!

Get your entry form from the SAMAA Blog at

http://samodelair.blogspot.com/2011/02/2011-aerobatic-nationals-at-aviation.html

Entries go to :-

Des Cooper

descooperdbn@gmail.com

(031) 4645308 home and fax

(073) 1522323

Bank account details are on the entry form

Regards

Neil Allen

073 231 4141

Invitation with the details of a fund raising event with Wolfgang Matt (multiple F3A world champion and TOC finalist).

2011-04-02T09:40:00.002+02:00

March 2011 issue of SAMAA News

2011-03-29T09:36:00.001+02:00

The march issue is here (5,5 M pdf)

Henley Air Show 7 May 2011

2011-03-14T09:28:00.000+02:00

Click on graphic for a larger image.

Gariep 2011 -- entry form

2011-03-04T20:56:00.000+02:00

Click on graphic for a larger image.

Indoor Catapult Glider Competition

2011-02-24T20:01:00.000+02:00

Indoor Catapult Launched Glider Competition John Monk

This event is the 2 nd indoor challenge hosted by the Society, and this time it was held at the Swartkops Airforce Base in Hangar 14 on 22 nd October 2010.

It was decided that the format for this event would be a challenge involving endurance only and competitors were allowed to use bungee catapults to launch their gliders. This meant that the gliders all had to be able to withstand the launch forces and the initial high speed aerodynamics before getting to “Top of Climb” and settling into a slow spiral flight down to the ground. Obviously those designs that had the best balance in both these flight regimes ruled the day. Then of course having to avoid the roof trusses and the side walls as well. Needle ss to say, everybody had to do plenty of practicing to set their trims and CG position. The Glider Competitors . Read more here,(pdf).

This is an extract from the Jan 2011 issue of the AeSSA News letter and is published with the permission of the AeSSA,

2011 Inter Varsity Flight Competition

2011-02-24T19:53:00.001+02:00

Inter-Varsity Flight Competition

Barbara Barbeiri

On the 19th of November 2010, the University of Pretoria and the University of Witwatersrand competed in the first annual inter-varsity flight competition. The competition took place in the Meerkat Field opposite Aerosud.

Aeronautical Engineering students from both Universities built their own model aircraft and competed in four events, each with its own challenges. Read more here (pdf)

This is an extract from the Jan 2011 AeSSA news letter and is published with the permission of the AeSSA

Basic performance calculator for gliders -- Michael van Jaarsveld

2011-02-23T16:13:00.005+02:00

I am Michael van Jaarsveld, an avid model aircraft designer of gliders. I have created an XL spreadsheet that calculates the basic performance for gliders. I used the book Model Aircraft Aerodynamics Fourth edition by Martin Simons (published by Nexus special interests) as reference. It also includes some wing profile wind tunnel test results.

Download the spreadsheet here.

MAASA 2011 Nationals at Emoyeni Aviation Park, KwaZulu-Natal -- Colin Addis

2011-02-22T15:57:00.010+02:00

Entry form and comp details (word DOC)
Local accommodation
Map for main flying field
Map for alternate practice field 1
map for alternate practice field 2.

Click on the maps for a larger image.

Entry form for 2011 Free State Aerobatic Champs at Bloem -- Francois van Pletzen

2011-02-15T09:22:00.000+02:00

The entry form is here.

2011 Scale Nats and Boland Open Comp 22 to 24 April 2011 at Boland Model Aircraft Club, Paarl -- Johan Ehlers

2011-02-11T10:32:00.007+02:00

Click on picture for a larger image.

ENTRY FORMS

If you need an entry form please apply to info@pjgroup.co.za, call Peter Joffe, SAMAA News Editor on:

011 795 3493 or SMS 082 555 9179 and we will email, fax or post a form to you right away.

2011 Helicopter Nats 13 Feb 2011-- Johan Sieling

2011-02-11T10:31:00.001+02:00

Please note that the 2011 Helicopter Nats will be held at Groengoud and not RAM.

2011 Helicopter Nats -- Johan Sieling

2011-02-11T10:29:00.000+02:00

Please note that the 2011 Helicopter Nats will be held at Groengoud and not RAM.

Robertson Fly In 21 - 22 May 2011

2011-01-31T08:34:00.000+02:00

Click for a larger image.

Jan 2011 issue of SAMAA News

2011-01-30T21:08:00.000+02:00

The Jan 2011 issue is here.
This is a zip file in low resolution with no advertising.

2011 MHSA Nats entry form

2011-01-29T21:46:00.001+02:00

The entry form is here.

Experimental new layout for SAMAA home page

2011-01-28T13:01:00.000+02:00

I've put a new layout here
Any comments?

Central Fly In -- Bloemfontein

2011-01-28T12:58:00.001+02:00

Click on pic for a larger version.

Entry form here.

Visit by Wolfgang Matt to South Africa. Double World Champion to compete in KZN Aerobatic Nationals -- Neil Allen

2011-01-20T21:34:00.001+02:00

We are delighted to confirm that Wolfgang Matt will be entering our S A Aerobatic Nationals at Emoyeni microlight park, between Pietermaritzburg and Durban, KZN on April 29, 30, and May 1st 2011. It is an easy date to remember, as the last day of the Nats is "Mayday".

He will be coming earlier to coach our SA Aerobatic team before they go to the World Championships in Muncie, USA in July 2011. He will be bringing his latest design, the Peridot as in the photograph. It is powered by a Hacker electric motor. He is arranging for one of our SA Team members to acquire it from him to fly in the World Championships. His design series are named after precious stones, and his Saphir, Beryl, and the Amethyst biplane are well known, and flown in South Africa. His first famous design, the Atlas was very popular, and I myself enjoyed flying one for many years.

He comes from Lichtenstein, a small country on the eastern border of Switzerland. It has a population of only 35,000 people, and according to the "CIA World FactBook" is the richest country in the world per head of population. This is because of their well known, very secretive, and very profitable banks. Wolfgang worked in real estate, then for his son Roland in banking, and is now retired.

Wolfgang has won the World Aerobatics Championships twice, and placed in the first three 12 times, since 1971. He has flown in South Africa before, at the World Championships held in Johannesburg in 1979, which he won. He is obviously an excellent coach, with an amazing record. The Lichtenstein team of Wolfgang, Roland, and one other flyer have always beaten South Africa, Britain, Australia, and many other major countries with vastly larger populations. He has also competed in the invitational Tournament of Champions in Las Vegas on many occasions, with his large scale aerobatic designs.

His partner is the widow of Bruno Giezendanner, who was the Swiss R/C aerobatics champion. She will be joining Wolfgang during our event, and they will then do some touring of South Africa.

The photo shows Wolfgang on the right, with his son Roland on the left. The Peridot is available from Oxai, who have a local agent, Burt Botha.

Second Annual SA Electric Indoor Challenge -- Final Instructions and Program

2011-01-20T21:31:00.001+02:00

Final instructions here.
Program here.

North West Aerobatic Champs entry form -- Quintin Schroll

2011-01-16T14:16:00.005+02:00

The entry form is here.

An open letter to the SAMAA Committee -- Danie Esterhuysen

2011-01-03T10:42:00.000+02:00

Dear Committee Members,

I hereby wish to thank you all for the wonderful gift I received this XMAS (2010).

Let me explain:

A while back, I had an argument with SAMAA about some adverts I placed in various SAMAA Newsletters. The end result of this argument was that I decided not to advertise in the newsletter again. On receiving repeated e-mails to place new ads on time, I relented and decided to start advertising in the Newsletter again.

This year, with the regular e-mail prompting ad placements for the December issue, there was a notice to the following effect:

“The SAMAA Committee decided that for the 2010 edition, requests for ads on the front page would be accepted on a TENDER basis only”

At this point it is necessary for the membership to understand where this comes from as they do not know what the original argument was about.

I took SAMAA to task on the placement of my first “SANTA” advert on the front page a few years back. I felt at the time that in the absence of any guidelines for “FRONT PAGE” adverts, that I did not receive what I paid for.

1) I ordered a Half page in Colour but the advert on the front page was slightly more than a Quarter page.

2) I was originally charged nearly double for the ad but after I pointed out that I was only prepared to pay the advertised price in the SAMAA magazine, did SAMAA relent and we came to an agreed price which I paid.

In the following two December issues, I requested the front page again and continued with my “SANTA” delivering ASP Engines adverts. In both instances I at least got the full Half page adverts I requested but in both instances SAMAA wanted to charge me more than the advertised rate for a Half page in Colour, because they believed that an advert on the front page should cost more.

I insisted on paying the advertised price and clearly indicated to SAMAA that should they wish to charge more for a front page ad, they must decide on a suitable rate and publicise it together with the other in the newsletter.

This year, in their wisdom, they still did not publicise a special rate for the front page but rather decided to put the front page out to tender. I am sure that they were of the opinion that they were going to get some really fat offers for the front page.

One evening, I discussed this with one of my friends and asked him what he thought would be a reasonable offer to which he replied R6000. I laughed at him and said that I would never pay such an amount. He then stuck to his guns and said that dealers would possible even tender more to get the front page spot. Our friendly “argument” ended in a bet and the amount we settled on was his R6000 guess.

As we all know by now, there were no takers and our December 2010 Newsletter greeted us with the 2010 Glider Nationals.

In the absence of a publicised price for the front page, and their “Tender” process, SAMAA lost my regular December “Half page” advert and the revenue that could have been earned. I, on the other hand, won a nice R6000 bet which paid for the inside of the front page (WHOLE PAGE) and I got some change.

THANKS AGAIN SAMAA

Danie Esterhuysen

Irene Radio Flyers Fly In 'Warbirds and all" -- Andre Kilian

2010-12-13T20:34:00.000+02:00

Irene Radio Flyers has traditionally had a very strong contingent of members that love their warbirds, and we are planning to have a fly-in in which we want to encourage SAMAA registered RC pilots to bring their warbirds and come and enjoy a day with us at our newly extended and resurfaced runways.

Although we want to encourage the guys to bring their warbirds to stimulate interest in this aspect of the hobby, we will welcome "All that flies" at the event as we also want to show the public the variety of models that are available and introduce the public to our hobby!

Regards,

Andre Kilian

Second SA annual electric indoor aerobatic challenge

2010-12-08T20:40:00.001+02:00

Here are:
Rules
Bulletin number 1
Masters' schedules
Sportsmans' schedules.

Gariep 2011 -- Bob Skinner

2010-12-07T19:43:00.000+02:00

2nd ANNUAL SOUTH AFRICAN INDOOR ELECTRIC CHALLENGE ENTRY FO

2010-12-02T21:28:00.000+02:00

The entry form is here.

SAMAA News -- December 2010 issue

2010-11-25T21:19:00.001+02:00

The December 2010 issue is on the web site.
Note: We need to reduce the web traffic from News downloads.
This is a zipped pdf version without advertising.

Second Annual South African Electric Indoor Challenge

2010-11-24T08:44:00.001+02:00

Click on picture for a larger view.

Models for sale

2010-11-23T21:45:00.000+02:00

It never has been, nor is it now, the editorial policy of this BLOG to advertise personal items.
However Bob Skinner has asked me to post the following:

Hi John

Bob said you would be able to put these planes on the SAMAA blog that my Dad wants to sell due to scaling down for health reasons. I have attached a PDF document with all the relevant info and pics.

Regards

Alan Fine

To avoid any misunderstanding in future please note that I shall not make any further exceptions.

Inter-Varsity Radio Control Model Aircraft Challenge

2010-11-17T11:04:00.000+02:00

SAMAA AGM postponed -- Bob Skinner

2010-10-29T14:07:00.001+02:00

The SAMAA AGM has been postponed to Thursday 13 Jan 2011.

The 2.4 GHz saga (South African edition)

2010-10-26T14:33:00.002+02:00

I have been observing the 2.4GHz radio debacle with interest and amusement. I hoped that SAMAA would keep its nose well clear of this hornets nest aspect of ICASA rules and regulations and would stay focused on the interests of their members, even if it meant ignoring certain irrelevant, unpractical, and in its present form, unimplementable regulations that has no benefit for members, their safety or protecting the radio spectrum. After reading Allen Fraser’s report I have a few comments.

First let’s make a correction. The term used by Allen:

“100 milliwatt and 20-dBm gain (radiated power)”

Do not make sense. I don’t know if this is the way that it was defined in ICASA’s regulations but if that is the case the regulation is null and void to begin with.

I presume that it should have read:

“20dBm (100 milliwatt) effective radiated Power”

ICASA rates transmitter output in terms of dBm (dB milliwatt) this means that the output is compared to a transmitter with an output of 1 milliwatt (1/1000 of a watt) and the difference is expressed in dB. 1 milliwatt is 0 dBm and 20 dBm is 100 times one milliwatt thus 100 milliwatt. The decibel is typically used to indicate the gain of an antenna but in this case I don’t know why the “gain” was added. Effective Radiated Power or ERP is a term used to indicate the power of a transmitter after the gain (effectiveness) of its antenna has been taken into account. For example : if an transmitter has a output of 20 dBm and connected to a 1/4 wave antenna that has 0 dB gain the effective radiated power would be 20dBm + 0dB =20dBm or 100 milliwatt. If a 20dBm transmitter has an antenna with a 3dB gain its ERP will be 20dBm + 3dB=23dBm or 200 milliwatt

If you could double the power of your model plane’s engine the effect would be dramatic but not so when it comes to radio transmitters and thus it is referred to as a gain of only 3dB and has little effect in practice. But in this case it could mean the difference of being a criminal or not, suffering significant financial loss or not.

Measuring the power output of transmitters operating above 1000 MHz (1GHz) accurately are very difficult but measuring the ERP of any handheld transmitters accurately are imposable. At best it would be a calculated guess, not something that would stand up in court. But ERP is not only determent by power output but also by antenna efficiency. A 1\4-wavelength antenna is considered to have 0-db gain, for 2.4 GHz this would be a whip type antenna that’s only about 3 cm long. All type approved 2.4 GHz transmitters have antennas longer than this and are probably 3\4 or 5\4 wavelength long with a calculated gain of more than 3dB and thus a calculated ERP of more than 200 milliwatt!(23 dBm).This makes the regulation a contradiction in terms.

The American 200 milliwatt radio’s that is being referred to, in the report, all carry a FCC certification which is much more stringent than any regulation that ICASA can think of or maintain. I would not agree with the use of any equipment that operates outside our allocated frequencies like for instance 75 MHz FCC certified equipment but in the case of 2.4 GHz it poses no danger and there is no reason that it should affect the SAMAA insurance.

ICASA’s main purpose is to serve the people and protect their communications interests. But like other parastatals (they should really drop the “I”) they have become top-heavy and incompetent. The 2.4 GHz spectrum is under great threat from wireless networks. But they never seem to have the situation under control. In this regard they absolutely will not act against government departments and seems reluctant to tackle big business especially if it involves BEE, instead they go after soft targets like RC pilots. I recently attended a SSE (Specialist System Engineering) road show. This company supply, among other things, telemetry networks that can work without a licence on the 2.4 GHz band. The radios that they supply with these systems have been “type approved” by ICASA and have a power output of 200 milliwatt. The output can be decreased or increased, via a computer interface, if the client requests it. So far only one client has insisted that the output should be decreased to 100 milliwatt ERP. When I asked about possible action from ICASA I was told that ICASA does not care about this band and will not take any action, especially if it involves government or semi-government departments. ICASA must self generate a certain amount of their funds and some of this must have been obtained via the thousands of type approvals that they sell for R4000 every month. I suppose if SAMAA were prepared to pay enough, ICASA would also “type approve” the American 2012 Glider team’s 2.4 GHz radios. This would also solve any insurance problems with FCC type 2.4 GHz radios that were sold by some “recognized dealers” in the past and the ones that were imported by individuals

Best regards,
Piet le Roux

MAASA Protea Team Selection results 2010 for 27th WC in Muncie USA July 2011 -- Christo Rust

2010-10-23T10:54:00.000+02:00

Congratulations to Andre’, Pierre and Marc

MHSA 3D Heli comp at Shongweni -- Ian Roeloffze

2010-10-23T10:40:00.000+02:00

For more info get in touch with Ian Roeloffze at 083 639 3388

AMA Accident Report -- Percy Attfield

2010-10-19T08:20:00.003+02:00

The full report is here

Czech AeroMusicals -- Percy Attfield

2010-10-17T16:20:00.001+02:00

Dear FAI News Reader,

Czech AeroMusicals pilot and competitor Martin Hauk is creating a stir on Talentmania, the talent show of TV Nova, the most popular Czech TV channel, and Markiza, a Slovak TV channel.

Last Saturday, FAI competitor Hauk amazed the judges and millions of spectators with a hit F3A flying performance that allowed him to win the semi-final.

Thanks to him, many people discovered Aeromusicals, a spectacular discipline which combines agility and artistic feeling.

The semi-final full video shows the opponents presentation and performances. It is nice to see that spectators preferred the AeroMusicals presentation to the "traditional" dance act !

To win the Grand Prize on Sunday, Hauk will have to once again rock the show and come out with a flawless performance. The FAI wishes him the best !

Hauk's performance:

Semi-final full video:

Kind regards,

Faustine CARRERA

Communication Manager

Fédération Aéronautique Internationale

Av. Mon-Repos 24

CH-1005 Lausanne

Jet Nationals postponed -- Johan Ehlers

2010-10-12T09:44:00.000+02:00

Please note that the SAMJA Jet Nationals, scheduled for the 16th and 17th of October 2010 at Swartkop AFB, has been postponed until further notice.

Johan Ehlers
Chairman, SAMJA "

2010 Indoor Catapult Launched Glider Challenge -- John Monk

2010-10-12T09:42:00.000+02:00

The rules are here. (pdf)

2010 KZN C/L Champs -- Keith Renecle

2010-10-05T13:36:00.004+02:00

The rest of Keith's report is here (2M pdf), and the results are here.

2010 MHSA Masters at Barnstormers -- Johan Sieling

2010-10-02T20:50:00.000+02:00

The entry form is here.

September issue of SAMAA News

2010-10-01T21:00:00.002+02:00

The September issue is here

Flying 2.4GHz Radio Control Systems: Latest Report -- Allen Fraser

2010-09-14T22:41:00.001+02:00

In the July- August 2010 SAMAA Newsletter we informed SAMAA members that all 2.4 GHz radio control equipment operating in South Africa must comply with technical specifications determined by the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa's (ICASA) and that type approval was necessary for all 2.4GHz radio control systems imported into the country.

After more discussion with ICASA we are pleased to confirm that all 2.4GHz radio control equipment with a maximum output of 100 milliwatt and 20-dBm gain (radiated power), is legal to fly in South Africa. The SAMAA insurance claims will therefore be valid on all sets conforming to the 100 milliwatt specification.

Equipment exceeding the ICASA specification, like some imports from America with an output of 200 milliwatt, do not comply with specification and are considered to be illegal by ICASA, and as such can be confiscated by ICASA and the user prosecuted. It may also impact on the SAMAA insurance in case of an accident claim.

Please note, this is an ICASA ruling and we respectfully request all SAMAA members to adhere to this ruling. The United States of America is the only country that we are aware of that have adopted the 200 milliwatt limit and not all their equipment is at 200 milliwatt that is why we stress some imports.

Of importance to our members, is that during a recent meeting between ICASA and the South African Revenue Services it was decided that, individuals may import five of an item at one time or one of an item five times per year without needing to obtain or produce type approval for 2.4 GHz radio control equipment used exclusively for models provided they conform with ICASA's 100 milliwatt and 20-dBm gain specification.

Anyone importing more than five of a item at one time or during the year must apply for type approval at a cost of R4,000 per set. Type approval stickers are available from ICASA to distributors who have type approval certificates. Note, the ICASA issues over a thousand type approvals per month for an assortment of electronic communication appliances and they have informed SAMAA that it is impossible for ICASA to inform the SAMAA which importer were granted type approval for 2.4GHz radio control equipment used exclusively for models. Dealers and importers will therefore, in future have to inform the SAMAA of their type approval for publication in the newsletter & to enable advertising of type approved radio sets.

Whilst not conclusive, independent tests conducted have shown that equipment with dissimilar outputs of 10 to 200 milliwatt, operate harmoniously together. The set with the lower output will not experience interference, but will have a reduced range in comparison to the greater powered sets.

To ensure compliance with ICASA's specifications, SAMAA recommends that members obtain 2.4 GHz radio control equipment from recognized dealers in South Africa, that stock ICASA approved sets with type approval stickers attached to them. This will be a 100% guarantee that the equipment conforms to ICASA specifications and is legal. Members that have purchased sets from registered dealers without type approval stickers need to apply for their ICASA stickers from the original dealer. Please notice that members purchasing sets without ICASA type approval assume responsibility for ensuring that their equipment conforms to the required ICASA specifications.

Also note that the SAMAA recommendation of a maximum of six aircraft flown in circuit simultaneously is not for technical reasons; it is simply a safety recommendation for Clubs and is equally applicable to any other approved radio frequency.

Please don't hesitate to send me an email at fraserrc@global.co.za should you need more information.

Allen Fraser

Helicopters 3D Masters Competition Postponement Notice -- Cilliers van Niekerk

2010-09-09T09:25:00.000+02:00

Hi Guys,

Notice is hereby given that the Helicopter 3D Master Competition scheduled for Sunday 12 September is postponed. Unfortunately due to demolishment’s at NERF over the last week the facility is no longer usable. This combined with the low number of entries received by the due date led to the decision to rather postpone the competition to a later date. The new date and venue will be advised as soon as possible.

Thanks & Regards

Cilliers van Niekerk

White Hills Radio Flyers Swop Meet 4 September 2010

2010-08-30T15:41:00.002+02:00

Hi,

The WHRF club asked me to post notice of the SWOP MEET/BOOT SALE scheduled from 09h00 on Saturday 4 September 2010 at WHRF. Please see http://www.whitehills.co.za/ for directions to the field.

Traditionally, RC modellers excel at accumulating "projects", "stuff", "bit's-n'-pieces", "tools", and various "just in case" items which ensure that dust is not deposited on shelves/cupboards. With the weather changing towards flyable again, now is the time to clear out the old (to make room for the new). Join us at WHRF on 4 September 2010 from 09h00 for a fun day where you can meet with like minded RC modellers keen to trade some of their accumulated "stuff" or sell this at real bargain basement prices. Some LHS will also have stalls with both 2nd hand & new items in stock.

Entry, parking & stalls are 100% free, i.e. gratis, no charge, no insurance required, but you'll need to get there early to snap up the bargains. Please bring your own shade, table & chairs and since the event is self catering, you might require snacks & drinks too. Braai fires will be made available from 12h00 onwards (also for free!).

The WHRF field will be available for flying so why not bring an airworthy model along too (but, of course you will need an indate SAMAA card to fly)!

Regards,

Lionel Brink

WHRF

Entry form for the Gauteng Aerobatics Championships taking place 18 and 19th September at Barnstormers -- Andre Stockwell

2010-08-25T10:29:00.000+02:00

Here's the entry form.

Reminder of the Rosendal Slope Weekend (10 to 12 Sept) -- Grobbie Grobler

2010-08-15T16:19:00.002+02:00

Haai julle .

Nou ja dit is weer sulke tyd . Ons is 5 wat al daar

sal wees vanaf Vrydag die 3de Sept . Laat weet my .

Grobbie .

Klerksdorp Radio Flyers 45th Anniversary Fly In

2010-08-11T10:14:00.000+02:00

Bela Bela Fly In 6th and 7th November 2010

2010-08-11T10:12:00.000+02:00

Junior F3J team wins Bronze in France -- Percy Attfield

2010-08-07T21:12:00.000+02:00

Our Junior Glider Team achieved a Bronze medal at the F3J World Champs in France. In addition one of the juniors, Jason Webber, is participating in the fly off today.

They arrive back in SA on Monday 9 August at 9:45 Air France.

Update: The Croatia protest was upheld and the Juniors were dropped to 4th place

KZN Aerobatic Champs

2010-07-31T20:52:00.003+02:00

Report continues here...

A few photos from the War Bird Day at Swartkop Airforce Base

2010-07-31T20:37:00.001+02:00

SAMAA News Jyly / August 2010 issue

2010-07-27T11:30:00.001+02:00

The July / August 2010 issue is now on the web page.

ArcelorMittal Saldanha Radio Control Club will be presenting its annual Spring Fly-In at Tiekosklip 21st & 22nd August

2010-07-16T09:46:00.003+02:00

The ArcelorMittal Saldanha Radio Control Club will be presenting its annual Spring Fly-In at Tiekosklip Runway near Langebaan on the 21st & 22nd August 2010. The tarred runway is 140m long and 9m wide with at least 10m gravel runoff on each end. The runway surface has just been resurfaced and is in perfect condition. (Jets have flown at Tiekosklip.) The Pit area has been enlarged to accommodate more planes. Safety and control at the runway has been improved.

The Spring Fly-In has specifically been planned for the end of August each year due to the generally good weather and the magnificent display of West Coast Wild flowers this time of the year. This is the ideal venue for all RC enthusiasts. (We also have a winch for the glider pilots.)

Bring your family and friends along.

RC Hobby shops are most welcome to erect stalls, advertise and sell their products. Food and beverages will be sold during the Fly-In. There is ample accommodation, ranging from economical camping to expensive luxury suites which can be arranged in Langebaan area not far from Tiekosklip.

Please note that AMSRCC is SAMAA registered and accordingly only registered pilots will be permitted to fly.

Please contact one of us as soon as possible for more information or if you want to attend the Spring Fly-In.

Herman Wiehahn 0834481248, John Bowls 0826629883 or Dave Allam