F3C Judges Clinic -- Deon Smit

Hi

We want to setup a F3C/Judges clinic for the 6th July at the Benoni heliport.

The aim of this is to let the pilots and judges all go through the mechanism of understanding the scoring as well as seeing where the common mistakes are made.

We will fly every manoeuvre of the F3C schedule with each manoeuvre being split between the F3C pilots to execute( So each pilot will only be required to fly two or so manoeuvres ). Each manoeuvre will be scored by all pilots and judges, and a brief discussion and calibration held for both pilots and judges to learn from. We welcome all class of pilots as we feel it will add benefit to all.

To this effect the F3C pilots and their “callers” are requested to attend and learn out of this. We would like all the judges to also attend.

I would like for you to confirm your attendance with me by the 30th June so that I can see if we need to make a plan for refreshments etc.

We will start at 09:30 and should finish by 12:00.



If there is anything you would like to know about the day please do not hesitate to contact me.

Deon Smit
Professional Services Manager : Service Manager

The South African Breweries Limited
Tel: +27 11 676 9103
Fax: +27 86 501 5933
Mobile: +27 82 924 2095
Email: Deon.Smit@za.sabmiller.com

2008 F3J World Champs

More info here.

2008 MHSA Gauteng Champs entry form

Entry form is here.

Gliding postals May 2008 -- John Lightfoot

Here are the scores and comments.

In memoriam John Swallow

It is with sadness that I advise you that one of South Africa's leading modellers of yester-year has passed away. John represented South Africa, designed Free Flight planes and had very successful glider designs see the light while he was in his competitive years.

Later he became involved with Control Line and designed the Wind Dancer aerobatics model that won the SA Nationals many times and were flown at four World Championship events.

Wherever this plane is shown the completely geodetic ribs used in the wing design causes much interest with comments such as "how in the world did he do that" being heard often.

Older modellers will remember John for his competitive spirit and his excellent designs.

I extend our sympathies, as a family who have known the Swallows for many years, the Control

Line SIG's sympathies and those of SAMAA members to John's family.

Regards
Percy Attfield

SAMAA News -- May 2008

May issue is here. (8 M pdf)

Why is it so complicated?

The other day Bob sent me an updated SAMAA Application Form to post on the web site. I wondered what had changed so I had a look at it.

What struck me was just how much information is now required. I say required because on the form is the intimidating warning that; “Complete the application form in full. Incomplete information may lead to a delay in processing”.

There’s a lot to fill-in, including id number or passport number. It’s more like a form from Home Affairs now than a simple application to join a modelling association.

It’s not clear to me how most of the detail requested can be of any benefit to members.

I thought I’d have a look at the BMFA application form. Here’s the SAMAA form and here’s the BMFA one. Makes you think doesn’t it?

Surely, all we need are members’ current name and address details? One of the bugbears of membership admin. is the amount of time it takes. With 3500 members this can be as much as one man-year! Most of this time must be spent at the start of the year. See rough calculations here.

The committee should be working to reduce the time spent rather than increase it. Besides, as I mentioned before, what use is the information to members?