Rules Proposals Part 2

[De Hill]

Hi Rudy,

Why is the old pull test system outdated?

[Rudy Taube]

Hi De,

I sure hope I did not offend anyone by using that term, that was not my intent.

As stated earlier in this thread, and by many others on other threads, the old method was valid when we had less powerful engines and the size of the old engines were a close reflection of their power, thus their ability to pull a relatively low weight plane at a relatively slow speed. This resulted in a lowered "pull" on the lines for a .35 Vs a .60 engine in the past. The old system is just fine if we all agreed to only use old, less powerfull, engines that had their power reflected by their cu in size.

We no longer have this relatively close relationship between power and cu. in size. For example; one of Randy Smiths smaller engines on a pipe can pull a heavier, faster plane than most older .60 size engines, but under the old rules it would be able to use smaller lines, etc. It is the same problem when we have modified .35s compared to their much weaker stock counterparts that are only able to pull lighter, slower planes, thus less force on the lines for them.

Without boring everyone with dreaded "math" stuff, surfice to say: with dissimilar power from the same cu in engines, weight becomes a more accurate (and KIS) method of ascertaining the safety of our control systems.  .... At least that's my story and I am sticking to it. 

[De Hill]

Hi Rudy,

If what you are saying is true, we would have a greater number of airplanes breaking the lines while in flight.

I have been the contest director in two contests per year for the last 20 years. I do not see more airplanes breaking lines now than I did 20 years ago.

This rule change is not needed. It will simply add more work to the pull test procedure.

[Clayton Smith]

Hi Rudy,

If what you are saying is true, we would have a greater number of airplanes breaking the lines while in flight.

I have been the contest director in two contests per year for the last 20 years. I do not see more airplanes breaking lines now than I did 20 years ago.

This rule change is not needed. It will simply add more work to the pull test procedure.

I agree with you, a change is not needed.

If you look at the effects of Trostle Proposal CLA-09-9, you will find that it will, in many cases, reduce line size requirements for internal combustion engine/aircraft combinations.  That, in turn, increases the dangerous probability of line failure.  Wayne Foster did an excellent job describing this in earlier posts to this subject.

What this proposal CLA-09-9 boils down to is an attempt to reduce line size requirements.

Clayton Smith
High Point, NC

[Wayne Foster]

Hi Rudy,

Thanks for the specifications on your Electric airplane.  I really like the fact that you have the ability to dial in the lap time like you do.  I think in the future we will probably see more electrics flying in competition.

[Rudy Taube]

Hi Wayne,

We have been flying E power in the dark arts for many years, and it is taking over as the power system of choice because of it's many advantages. E power is a perfect system for CLPA, and it is growing rapidly in the rest of the world. But with US CL flyer's strong hold on traditions and their extreme resistance to any change it may take a very long time before ECL is embraced by them, maybe never? Time will tell.