Author Topic: 2022 Nationals CLPA Coverage...... (Read 15457 times)

Dave_Trible · « **Reply #100 on:** July 23, 2022, 06:24:08 AM »

David Fitzgerald prepares to fire up the PA 75. Brett holds.

Dave_Trible · « **Reply #101 on:** July 23, 2022, 06:25:46 AM »

Great pro takeoff. David is rolling along at 5.0

Dave_Trible · « **Reply #102 on:** July 23, 2022, 06:27:14 AM »

With the breeze he’s getting a little push coming down.

Dave_Trible · « **Reply #103 on:** July 23, 2022, 06:28:36 AM »

Go ‘snowman’ vertical eight.

Dave_Trible · « **Reply #104 on:** July 23, 2022, 06:31:34 AM »

Speaking of clover entry David is going about it the way I’ve found best. Rather than an abrupt vertical turn he smoothly half-loops to the intersection not killing off too much speed in that turn. He put it down to applause.

Dave_Trible · « **Reply #105 on:** July 23, 2022, 06:33:40 AM »

Orestes moves on. He had a little calamity during qualifying when the latch- gadget that holds his battery hatch on broke and he couldn’t get to the battery. Once he got it open he’s resorting to tape to hold it on.

Dave_Trible · « **Reply #106 on:** July 23, 2022, 06:34:56 AM »

The wind is getting a bit ugly now. He machine- works through it.

Dave_Trible · « **Reply #107 on:** July 23, 2022, 06:37:27 AM »

I have him at 5.1. You need some momentum in the wind. Even with all the push he is flying at the minimum in the bottom

Dave_Trible · « **Reply #108 on:** July 23, 2022, 06:39:08 AM »

Looked like he was going 100 mph through the clover but well done. Very nice touchdown.

Dave_Trible · « **Reply #109 on:** July 23, 2022, 06:39:43 AM »

Jose Modesto retrieves.

Dave_Trible · « **Reply #110 on:** July 23, 2022, 06:40:41 AM »

Howard approaches. Judges are taking 5.

Dave_Trible · « **Reply #111 on:** July 23, 2022, 06:59:18 AM »

David is up right now. I notice he is flying about a foot deeper than on the first flight.

Dave_Trible · « **Reply #112 on:** July 23, 2022, 07:02:22 AM »

In the vertical eight David got an electric shock from the sky. He signaled this to the judges and leveled out. Not sure what happens now- maybe an attempt, maybe erasure......

Dave_Trible · « **Reply #113 on:** July 23, 2022, 07:04:36 AM »

The judges are huddled with head judge Mark Overmier. They did score the landing.

Dave_Trible · « **Reply #114 on:** July 23, 2022, 07:05:51 AM »

Whatever the case the judges are leaving the field. Reported lightning in the area so we are on hold here.

Bob Hunt · « **Reply #115 on:** July 23, 2022, 07:12:34 AM »

That same thing happened to me on my first flight (which was the first flight of the contest) at the 2006 World Championships in Spain. A thunderstorm had just passed through and there was a lot of static still in the sky. I pulled up into the wingover and got soundly zapped! I pulled out and flew the time out as low as I could. They called the contest until the conditions improved and I got to fly that flight again. I'm certain that they will give David another flight.

As a brief aside, that flight at the World Championships was also the very first flight by an electric powered model. Seems fitting that I would get shocked..

Bob Hunt

Dave_Trible · « **Reply #116 on:** July 23, 2022, 07:14:35 AM »

After speaking to the judges, it will be an eraser and start over for David... whenever we can restart. Apparently Howard got a bite too.

Dave_Trible · « **Reply #117 on:** July 23, 2022, 07:27:33 AM »

The official word is we are on hold till noon. An evaluation will be made then. Most of the storm will remain north of us, or so it looks, but the sky is still very charged up.

John Paris · « **Reply #118 on:** July 23, 2022, 08:21:57 AM »

Since Dave is not here I will fill in. Still on hold until noon, probably a little longer. Got the trailer sealed up and awards put away before the wind and rain whipped up. Sam Londke took a pass on flight 3 so that makes Gabe Alimov the Junior champion this year and a contender for the Walker Cup. Still tight between Steven Daly and Luca Alimov. I am sure we will have flight #3 for the seniors. We will be reflying round 2 for Open when the weather breaks and I am sure we will do the third round as well. Going to be a late conclusion this year but we will get it done.
John

Oh yeah, big pylon tent was blown down as the weather rolled through....

Steve Berry · « **Reply #119 on:** July 23, 2022, 08:26:54 AM »

Just curious....have they posted the scores from the 1st round yet? I know it's just one flight, but I'd like to know who's in the lead.

Steve

Dave_Trible · « **Reply #120 on:** July 23, 2022, 08:38:52 AM »

From our remote location (12th St. Cafe); we have a policy to not post scores while the event is in progress. It isn’t considered a good idea for judges to see or hear about scores until it’s over. We try not to tempt....

Steve Berry · « **Reply #121 on:** July 23, 2022, 08:49:22 AM »

Quote from: Dave_Trible on July 23, 2022, 08:38:52 AM

From our remote location (12th St. Cafe); we have a policy to not post scores while the event is in progress. It isn’t considered a good idea for judges to see or hear about scores until it’s over. We try not to tempt....

Ok, good idea. Like I said, I was just curious.

John Paris · « **Reply #122 on:** July 23, 2022, 09:35:10 AM »

Weather is still not good. I am updating the delay to 2pm. It looks like it will better by then. Fingers crossed.

Dave_Trible · « **Reply #123 on:** July 23, 2022, 09:53:00 AM »

Back on site, at the speed circles the two ports John’s are turned over and one of the ‘hardened’ tents is in tatters. Two tents in the camping area also look destroyed.

Dave_Trible · « **Reply #124 on:** July 23, 2022, 11:40:35 AM »

1:38 and still on hold. Clime weather service is saying rain for another hour and wind- 52 mph! The speed cage fencing is completely down on the ground.

Dave_Trible · « **Reply #125 on:** July 23, 2022, 12:02:35 PM »

We are gathered at the pavilion. A pilot discussion is under way....

Dave_Trible · « **Reply #126 on:** July 23, 2022, 12:08:09 PM »

So far the Juniors and Seniors will call it a day where we are.....

Mike Palko · « **Reply #127 on:** July 23, 2022, 12:09:07 PM »

Appreciate the updates.

Dave_Trible · « **Reply #128 on:** July 23, 2022, 12:17:37 PM »

Latest word- AMA says we are done.....I’ll update with final scores from one round shortly. There can’t be a Walker Cup fly off so........

Dave_Trible · « **Reply #129 on:** July 23, 2022, 12:21:01 PM »

The youngsters:

Dave_Trible · « **Reply #130 on:** July 23, 2022, 12:23:26 PM »

The open final results:

Dave_Trible · « **Reply #131 on:** July 23, 2022, 12:29:59 PM »

Perhaps my last entry for now... it has been decided the Walker Cup will NOT be awarded for 2022 since the fly off could not occur.

Yes- two of the strangest Nats finishes ever- back to back.

Scott Richlen · « **Reply #132 on:** July 23, 2022, 12:38:32 PM »

Weird ending, but still and all:

Congratulations to Gabe and Luca! Two fine young men (tall enough not to be called "boys"). I bet Daddy is very proud! Yes?

Shorts,David · « **Reply #133 on:** July 23, 2022, 12:55:49 PM »

So is Fitzgerald considered National Champion, but not Walker Cup winner?

Dennis Adamisin · « **Reply #134 on:** July 23, 2022, 12:57:39 PM »

Quote from: Scott Richlen on July 23, 2022, 12:38:32 PM

Weird ending, but still and all:

Congratulations to Gabe and Luca! Two fine young men (tall enough not to be called "boys"). I bet Daddy is very proud! Yes?

+1

Looks like Luca had the highest total score but Gabe had the highest single flight score - poor (but justifiably PROUD) dad gonna have to listen to the trash talk on the way home!!!

Steven Daly flew well all week. Heard Sam Londke was on fire over at the Combat circles, while his stunt flying continues to improve. All good young flyers, and BIG APPLAUSE to all the great dad/coaches!

Dennis Adamisin · « **Reply #135 on:** July 23, 2022, 12:58:07 PM »

Quote from: Shorts,David on July 23, 2022, 12:55:49 PM

So is Fitzgerald considered National Champion, but not Walker Cup winner?

OPEN Champion

Derek Barry · « **Reply #136 on:** July 23, 2022, 02:33:55 PM »

We need to get to the bottom of why AMA called it. The pilots and judges agreed to wait a little longer and see what happens. It is now 4:33 pm and the sky is blue, and the wind is moderate.

I have my own opinion on why they called it, and if I'm correct, it is inexcusable.

Derek

Matt Colan · « **Reply #137 on:** July 23, 2022, 02:48:19 PM »

Quote from: Derek Barry on July 23, 2022, 02:33:55 PM

We need to get to the bottom of why AMA called it. The pilots and judges agreed to wait a little longer and see what happens. It is now 4:33 pm and the sky is blue, and the wind is moderate.

I have my own opinion on why they called it, and if I'm correct, it is inexcusable.

Derek

Agreed.

Bob Hunt · « **Reply #138 on:** July 23, 2022, 02:51:15 PM »

Don't keep us in suspense, Derek; please let us know your suspicions.

Another way they could have handled this was to use the results from Friday. There, at least, was a two flight sampling.

We need to come up with some contingency plans that address this type of situation in the future. Some will say this will never happen again, but with all the weird things that happened at this Nats, who can say for sure.

As Robert Hunter once wrote: "What a long strange trip it's been."

All that being said, congrats to David!

Bob Hunt

Derek Barry · « **Reply #139 on:** July 23, 2022, 02:54:45 PM »

Quote from: Bob Hunt on July 23, 2022, 02:51:15 PM

Don't keep us in suspense, Derek; please let us know your suspicions.

Another way they could have handled this was to use the results from Friday. There, at least, was a two flight sampling.

We need to come up with some contingency plans that address this type of situation in the future. Some will say this will never happen again, but with all the weird things that happened at this Nats, who can say for sure.

As Robert Hunter once wrote: "What a long strange trip it's been."

All that being said, congrats to David!

Bob Hunt

Without all the facts I would be making an accusation that I can't back up. I do have my opinion though.

I plan on trying to confirm my opinion, and if I can, I will absolutely go public with it.

Derek

Derek Barry · « **Reply #140 on:** July 23, 2022, 02:58:11 PM »

Just for the record; this was not John Paris' decision, it came from AMA headquarters. John did an excellent job of running the Nats and we would be very fortunate if he decided to do it again.

Derek

Brett Buck · « **Reply #141 on:** July 23, 2022, 03:11:17 PM »

Quote from: Derek Barry on July 23, 2022, 02:33:55 PM

We need to get to the bottom of why AMA called it. The pilots and judges agreed to wait a little longer and see what happens. It is now 4:33 pm and the sky is blue, and the wind is moderate.

That is absolutely correct, I think we all considered it hopeless to try to pick up again at 2 or shortly thereafter. I told them I could live with calling it at that time, but, was certainly willling to wait it out on the chance it would get better enough to continue. I would have liked to have had another shot at it from the #5 draw in the next round, at the rate I was improving and some additional bad luck for others, who knows? Another air biscuit for David, things start to open up. Hope springs eternal, I am sure I am not the only one.

Once the AMA called it off, that was pretty much the end, just like last year. I can at least see someone looking around at the half-shredded and missing tents, turned-over porta-johns, and saying "we dodged a bullet, lets get everyone out of here before our luck runs out". which would have been a legitimate value judgement.

I also heard the other story, of course, but have nothing else about it from any principle and I am not sure how we would ever confirm or deny it.

Brett

Ken Culbertson · « **Reply #142 on:** July 23, 2022, 03:26:10 PM »

Quote from: Derek Barry on July 23, 2022, 02:33:55 PM

We need to get to the bottom of why AMA called it. The pilots and judges agreed to wait a little longer and see what happens. It is now 4:33 pm and the sky is blue, and the wind is moderate.

I have my own opinion on why they called it, and if I'm correct, it is inexcusable.

Derek

Just out of curiosity, what activity was there on the LPad that would have precluded flying the remaining rounds of at least open. The Walker perhaps was out of reach. I lived not far from there for half of my life and it is quite nice after these big thunder storms and light enough to fly until about 9:00. What was so important that they could not finish what was once AMA's premier event and disappoint just about everybody that owns line clips? Please, someone come up with a believable explanation.

This was going to be my first NATs since the 60's until I had a fire and lost everything. It is a huge undertaking that I am now reconsidering if all it takes to destroy a year of preparation and hundreds of hours practice is a thunderstorm. My heart goes out to Brett and Matt. Brett for making a well earned comeback and Matt for finally breaking through the wall only to have this? I am glad that the decision was not ours and if I am out of line, we need a new line.

Ken

Derek Barry · « **Reply #143 on:** July 23, 2022, 03:29:45 PM »

Quote from: Ken Culbertson on July 23, 2022, 03:26:10 PM

Just out of curiosity, what activity was there on the LPad that would have precluded flying the remaining rounds of at least open. The Walker perhaps was out of reach. I lived not far from there for half of my life and it is quite nice after these big thunder storms and light enough to fly until about 9:00. What was so important that they could not finish what was once AMA's premier event and disappoint just about everybody that owns line clips? Please, someone come up with a believable explanation.

This was going to be my first NATs since the 60's until I had a fire and lost everything. It is a huge undertaking that I am now reconsidering if all it takes to destroy a year of preparation and hundreds of hours practice is a thunderstorm. My heart goes out to Brett and Matt. Brett for making a well earned comeback and Matt for finally breaking through the wall only to have this? I am glad that the decision was not ours and if I am out of line, we need a new line.

Ken

Just wind.

Derek

Curt D Contrata · « **Reply #144 on:** July 23, 2022, 04:09:17 PM »

So, is this the second time that the Open Winner did not receive the Walker Cup?

Congrats to all, flying at the Nationals is always a marathon.

Matt, so glad you made it in the top 5. Hopefully when you win this thing, there will be a fly-off…

Curt

Derek Barry · « **Reply #145 on:** July 23, 2022, 04:20:12 PM »

Quote from: Curt D Contrata on July 23, 2022, 04:09:17 PM

So, is this the second time that the Open Winner did not receive the Walker Cup?

Congrats to all, flying at the Nationals is always a marathon.

Matt, so glad you made it in the top 5. Hopefully when you win this thing, there will be a fly-off…

Curt

Yes, however, the previous time they got to fly for it. This contest should not have been canceled without completing the final round. The Junior, Senior, Open flyoff is literally the reason for the Nats. Today it did not happen. None of the 3 champions were given the opportunity to fly. They should have at least been asked if they were willing to sacrifice their plane for the Walker Cup. If I had been in that position, I would have absolutely attempted a pattern to win that Trophy. If my plane didn't survive, so be it.

When the top five was canceled after 1 full round, J,S,O should have been presented with the option.

To repeat myself, this was not John the ED, it was AMA.

Derek

Bob Hunt · « **Reply #146 on:** July 23, 2022, 04:33:02 PM »

Quote from: Curt D Contrata on July 23, 2022, 04:09:17 PM

So, is this the second time that the Open Winner did not receive the Walker Cup?

Congrats to all, flying at the Nationals is always a marathon.

Matt, so glad you made it in the top 5. Hopefully when you win this thing, there will be a fly-off…

Curt

Hi Curt:

I'm not precisely sure what you are asking here, but this is by far not the only time an Open flier has not won the Walker Trophy. The first three years it was awarded it was won by the Junior entrant: Davey Slagle. In 1958 it was won by At Pawloski who was a Senior entrant. In 1959 it was won by Bill Werwage, also a Senior entrant. I think it was 1963 that it was again won by a junior; Gerry Cipra. It was won in 1972 by Senior entrant, Dennis Adamisin. Again, not sure this is what you were asking, but it is interesting to note that the Open flier is not an automatic shoe-in for that award.

And Derek is right, the ED, John Paris is in no way responsible for the cancellation of the last two rounds of the Top-5 Fly-Off. He, by all accounts, did a magnificent job under some very "interesting" circumstances. Way to go, John!

Bob Hunt

Curt D Contrata · « **Reply #147 on:** July 23, 2022, 05:09:23 PM »

Thanks Bob, after I posted the question I started thinking about the early years of the trophy and realized I may not have worded it correctly. In the moment, I was thinking specifically about Werwage’s win as a senior.

@Derek, I do remember a conversation at the L-Pad about wind one year on Friday and taking the risk of losing a model. I agree that it is a risk worth taking. One can spend many years to get the opportunity, I never understood when people put their planes away on top 20 day for wind but I do understand that it is a personal decision.

Curt

Dan McEntee · « **Reply #148 on:** July 23, 2022, 06:15:13 PM »

Quote from: Curt D Contrata on July 23, 2022, 04:09:17 PM

So, is this the second time that the Open Winner did not receive the Walker Cup?

Congrats to all, flying at the Nationals is always a marathon.

Matt, so glad you made it in the top 5. Hopefully when you win this thing, there will be a fly-off…

Curt

I am curious, and maybe this is what Curt meant to ask, is this the only time the Walker Cup was not awarded, period? The trophy has a long, long history and after all these years I would guess that this wasn't the first time weather may have prevented it from happening.
That would make a great article for a magazine, "The History of the Walker Cup for Precision Aerobatics."
Type at you later,
Dan McEntee

Scott Richlen · « **Reply #149 on:** July 23, 2022, 06:59:58 PM »

Quote

That would make a great article for a magazine, "The History of the Walker Cup for Precision Aerobatics."

Boy you got that one right! I'd love to read that!