I will add to the Australian praise.
I regretted a little that I did not say this at the Banquet night infront of everyone, but It went so fast and it was such a Blur, I just didnt think about it at the time. Part of the reason the US NATS attracted such a talented International field - Bruce Perry, Kaz Minato, Joe Parisi, Monty and Myself ( not that I claim to be of the calibre of those guys ) However we all put in a great showing - All making the Open Top 20 with Bruce and Joe making Top 10! Part of the reason is that the welcome, the open arms, the genuine friendly nature and support we all receive when we arrive, during competition and afterward, win loose or draw EVERYONE at that contest genuinely wanted us to do well even if it was at the loss of other americans whom might have placed higher had we not been there.
Kaz received tons of help when he had engine trouble inside the Top 20 Fly off.
Bruce was voted concourse winner by the fliers for Jester
Joe received invaluable assistance with some early "drama" with his controls
I got countless help. From Mike haverly lending me fuel - to Paul Walker & Joe giving up their time midway though Top 20 finals for a 1 : 1 coaching session on the Lpad.
Remember these guys want to win and we are from another country yet still all that is forgotten and the aim is to make everyone feel that they have their best shot at flying their best no matter what is going on. This although not surprising in Stunt circles NEEDS to be said needs to be understood that anytime, day or Night we could call on whoever was around for hints, tips, advice, equipement - makes all of the Internationals ( myself especially ) feel welcome Beyond Words.
My Gratitude to everyone who made me feel welcome can never properly be shown and words fail to do justice.
Like Joe - we talked about this over dinner and both agreed it is WITHOUT A DOUBT the Number #1 Nationals I have ever been to, ( I have now done 16 Nationals, 1 Worlds, 2 Us Nats ) It was a dream to make Top 20 , a goal I dealy wanted to acheive. Now I have a new Goal for when I return Top 10.
I would like to take this opportunity to add: Dad and I Met so many amazing people, Some legends of the Event, Bob Gieseke whom I formed a wonderful close friendship with and had many many one on one conversations with, Les Macdonald, Paul Walker, Dave Fitzgerald, Jim Aaron, Bob Hunt. There are so many more It would be impossible to name everyone but they know who they are.
We decided to stay an extra week and tour around and see some sights.
Indiana to DC, D.C to New york, New york to PA where I had the chance to spend 2 days with Bob Hunt. We saw SO MUCH Smithsonian, Udvar Hazy Centre, American History museum, all the landmarks DC has to offer, Lincoln memorial, to the Whitehouse, Elis Island, the Intrepid Ship, 86th Floor of Empire State, Central Park, Civil war museum, (Sad to say time got away from us in NYC and we didnt get a chance to meet up with Windy )
However we did get a chance to spend 2 brilliant days with Bob Hunt. His workshop is incredible and a full 12 Hours were spent talking stunt, cutting foam wings, learning new techniques on building watching a true craftsman apply his trade whilst explaining the why and How of what was what. His workshop for those who have'nt been was stunning and professional as I expected from the Videos. We had a large group of guys come over for lunch Buddy Wieder, Rich Giacobone, Tom, and a few others who's name escapes me after a 10 hr drive.. ( sorry boys
) but it was an amazing lunch , and amazing day and something I will not forget in a long time.
It was great to have a good ole fashioned Home cooked meal with Cheif Hunt showing us that he BBq'S as well as he builds with a menu of Marinated steaks, chicken breast corn, salads and Ice Tea , really made me feel like I was back downunder. Incredible day. Tom put us up for the night. The fun wasnt over with, we all decided to meet at the local field at 6:30 in the morning ( Bob, Buddy, Tom, myself and dad ) for an early morning flying session prior to leaving.
Everyone was flying their Electric Setups and Bob was kind enough to give me a couple of flights of his new Nats Electric Crossfire. 1st flight was just to get settled however out handels are setup identical so transition for me was effortless. I got used to the Power and feel of the Electric and 2nd flight put it through a full Pattern. Which was the 1st pattern Bob had seen someone else fly with that model. Effortless to put where you want, it was in perfect trim and was very easy to fly and fly well. It was my 1st electric plane I've ever flown and I did leave with a real understanding as to the appeal of the electric Setup. Lots of power, very constant speed, and very much an eyebrow raiser. The cogs are ticking over.... Im not saying I will GO electric, but I'm not saying I wont either.
Once again this was a trip exceeded every expectation I ever had. I acheived what I wanted to - learnt SO much more than I have at any previous contest, made friendships that will not fade with time, Saw a good deal of the contryside. ( West Virginia is VERY pretty ) Drove over 3000 miles and loved every minute of my time.
The 2011 US Nats for me will go down as the greatest nationals I've been to will be a hard act to follow. Joe's Kids might be asking "when will we all return" that I don't know for certain - but I'm going to start work on my 2013 US Nats model as soon as I get home.
Once again to everyone - you dont realise how good it was to travel so far yet feel so at home.
P.J & Dad.
On one final note - Dad wanted me to add - his result in advanced putting in 6 solid Flights and qualified for Top 20 in advanced was ( to quote ) " The best personal acheivement in my aeromodelling life " What was more astounding was he was so nervous prior to leaving, and during practice that he never did a complete pattern with the new model until Round #1.. the 2nd pattern was Round #2 and the nerves didnt go away so 3, 4, 5 and 6 you get the rest ! He had a brilliant time and when he called Mum back home tonight he teared up over the support ,friendship, personal results and dissapointment at having to leave. This is what it means to some people. A real Love for the event.
Topic: Thanks for a great Nats! (Read 1220 times)