This is a first as far as I know. Electric powered planes won both Expert and Advanced at the NorthWest Regionals this past Memorial weekend.
I flew my newest Impact xs and Eric Rogers flew a StarGazer with electric power. Both used Plettenberg motors.
I believe the new Impact opened some eyes, as it handily beat the current world champ with the plane that he used to win that title! Numerous top fliers have asked me to give them the specs so they can build their next plane as an electric! Phil Granderson also took a ride on the new plane, and is sure his next will be electric as well.
The tide is turning!
Side note: I have a new (1 only right now) TP battery that weighs only 10.3 ounces. That brings the weight of that plane down to 58 ounces. I didn't use that battery at this contest, but have tested it. I have 3 more on order, and will be using them soon. It DOES fly better at nearly 4 ounces lighter! (I can hear Sparky now!!!) It can also be charged in as little as 15 minutes, and is 1/2 the cost of my current batteries. Wow, it's just getting better and better.
EXPERT PRECISION AEROBATICS (20)
1. Paul Walker, Kent, Wash., 581.67
2. David Fitzgerald, Napa, Calif., 570
3. Brett Buck, Sunnyvale, Calif., 565.67
4. Howard Rush, Bellevue, Wash., 564
5. Ted Fancher, Foster City, Calif., 558.33
6. Jim Aron, El Cerrito, Calif., 547.67
7. Bruce Perry, Edmonton, Alberta, 547.33
8. Phil Granderson, Oakland, Calif., 546
9. Norm Whittle, Layton, Utah, 536.67
10. Pat Johnston, Boise, Idaho, 520.67
11. Pete Peterson, Tacoma, Wash., 519.67
12. Bruce Hunt, Salem, Ore., 517
13. Mike Haverly, Auburn, Wash., 512
14. Alan Resinger, Delta, B.C., 510.33
15. Randy Powell, Port Orchard, Wash., 504
16. Dan Rutherford, Bothell, Wash., 503.67
17. John Leidle, Kirkland, Wash., 503
18. Jim Rhoades, 498.33
19. John Wright, 496
20. John Thompson, Eugene, Ore., 466.67
Judges: Don McClave, Randy Gifford, Mike Conner.
ADVANCED PRECISION AEROBATICS (10)
1. Eric Rogers, San Francisco, Calif., 487.5
2. Marshall Palmer, Tustin, Calif., 480
3. Burt Brokaw, 470
4. Richard Walbridge, Fresno, Calif., 466.5
5. Derek Moran, Goleta, Calif., 466
6. Keith Varley, Vancouver, B.C. 452.5
7. Dave McCheyne, Delta, B.C., 441
8. Mark Scarborough, 436.5
9. Lanny Shorts, Truckee, Calif., 436
10. James Goss, San Jose, Calif., 407.5
Judges: Pete Peterson, John Leidle