Thursday, 20 July 2017, was NCS Unofficial Day at the NATS. We flew Nostalgia Profile, Class I , & Class II along with Skyray, 15 Expert, and 15 Sportsman. Things started out fine but foul weather was forecast for later in the day.
In Nostalgia Profile Burt Brokaw had his T-28, Art Johnson & Paul Kegel each had Melton Guardians, and Paul Smith flew his vintage own design, documented by a copy of a magazine page from back in the day showing the actual model and a much younger Paul.
Nostalgia Class I had Burt flying a Roger Edwards Guardian, Paul Kegel with a Skyraider, and Paul Smith with his Mottin Skyraider.
Nostalgia Class II had Burt with a Seafire, Art Johnson had a Sterling Guardian, and Paul Kegel with a different Skyraider. I apologize but don't remember what Bob Hawk entered.
As you can see from the results, Paul K and Bob Hawk decided to stand down for the day.
Skyrays are Skyrays.
In 15 Carrier Expert Mike Anderson flew his Wild Kitty II (electric), Burt Brokaw had an interesting all sheet wood sorta maybe Wildcatish design with a Nelson, Paul Smith used his Brodak 1/2A Pathfinder in IJN markings, and John Vlna flew his little silver high winger (electric).
15 Carrier Sportsman had Art Johnson with a Gerry Deneau Dauntless and Curt Netcott with a Wild Kitty (electric).
As I said, the morning started fine weather wise. Burt launched first and had a good flight going until the #8 arresting cable snapped on his landing. He was granted a refly but things pretty much went south from there with his plane and he was not able to make an official. The morning kept moving until about Noon when the gale hit. AMA shut us down until the all clear at about 1:00 PM. Unfortunately, the winds came up and made life pretty difficult for everyone. A few intrepid airmen kept hammering away and managed to post some final scores. With the winds, the last landings were a testament to the will power of the pilots and the strength of the airframes, deck & arresting gear.