Contest questions

[John Castle]

So I am trying to build up the intestinal fortitude (guts) to go to the NW Regionals down in Eugene and enter my first contest. I would be flying beginners stunt and am curious as to how the contest is run. For my event would I just fly just one time or do I fly a few times with the scores being averaged? A $20 entry fee seems kind of steep for 4 minutes of flying time.
Are there any other important things I should know as a beginner who has never been to a contest before?


Thanks again,
John

[Bill Heher]

Don't think of it as $20 for 4 minutes of contest flying, it's more like admission to a 2 day show of flying and fun, with the added bonus that you get to participate.

Make sure your stuff is ready, check it over for loose hardware, good fuel lines, have spare lines, glow plugs and props, bring a back-up model if you have one.

Don't be shy, introduce yourself and find the other Beginners to meet who you'll be flying with. You can recruit a helper if you came alone, and offer to pit for any one who needs a hand.

And have fun- I was you a couple years ago, and I still crash on a regular basis - sometimes for the Judges in Beginner. It is still a ton of fun you can have for $20, and you usually get in on a raffle.

[John Castle]

  I'm not really griping about the $20 because I know that what I learn will be way more valuable than that. It should encourage me to keep practicing so I can enter more events.

[Howard Rush]

Be sure to say hello.  I'm the fat guy in the JCT uniform.

[Clint Ormosen]

You will probably get to fly at least twice. Either you'll keep your best single flight score or they'll add you two flights together for a total. I'm not sure which method they use at the NW Reg.
Relax and have a good time. There are a bunch of cool guys up there.

[Tim Wescott]

If I show up you can help pit for me, or razz me.  Look for the guy with the orange and wrinkly black Nobler and the Flight Kit(s) from Hell.  If it's missing a spinner that'll be a real clue (gotta get a spinner that fits all these new props...).

[Russell Shaffer]

You are where I was last year.  I almost chickened out but I'm really glad that I went.  Everyone will be helpful and you can get all the advice and help you want.  Scott Riese will probably jump in on this, but last year Beginner was flown on the grass in the back of the paved circles.  There weren't many people over there so it is much less intimidating.  The others are right, just come and have fun.  It is a great learning experience and you will meet a bunch of nice people.  The big thing is ask lots of questions - nobody has ever failed to give me a polite answer and friendly advice.  There is almost always someone flying in the evening after the official events are done and this is a great time to get in some practise and get even more helpful advise.  See you there.  

[Steve Helmick]

You get three "attempts" for two official flights. If, for example, the engine won't start within 1 minute, it's usually a good idea to take an "attempt". You'll usually be placed down the list two places, unless you're already the last flight in the event, in which case you'll probably be getting a lot of volunteer help to get it started...

$20 is a typical basic entry fee, with one event included, and extra events will be at $5 or $10 each. If you're flying a model that's eligible for two or more events, this is a great way to increase your contest flying. For instance, if you are flying a Flite Streak, you can enter Beginner, Profile, and Classic...oh, my!   You may be allowed to enter later in the day (before the event starts)...but in this case, those three events are all on Saturday. That's a bunch of flying for one day.   Steve

[Brian Massey]

Hi John; This will be my first time flying the NW Regional too; although I did fly the Golden State last year. The money is just a small portion of the cost to put on the event, and I think 20 bucks is cheap. This is a really good contest with a lot going on, not just stunt. I attended last year but did not fly, didn't think I was good enough (which I wasn't). I wound help helping time the combat event; what a blast! Now, while still not ready to fly, I'm gonna!

Let's be sure to meet and say HI!

Brian

[Jack Mulinix]

Hey John, I'll be there in beginner too. This will be my second contest. Flew at the Raiders round up last year,and yea, just about said bag this, then Bill Darkow came over, grabbed my plane and said your up. Still dragging my heels I got to the circle and flew. It was great and glad I did it. Met some good people that day. Just do it, the butterflies kinda go away, or just move for a few minutes. We'll see ya there.  Jack       By the way just sent my registration in today.

[Scott B. Riese]

WELL...As I'm the ED of Stunt...WELCOME!!!
Beginners or "Novice" will be flown on Saturday about 1:00 PM on the Grass Circle. I'll start it off with a meeting of the flyers...go through the rules, flight order, how it's scored, and anything else that neededs to be addressed. This will take about 15 minutes. ONE thing for sure...MAKE SURE! your equipment is 100% ready. 

[John Castle]

Thank you all for the encouragement. I will send in my registration tomorrow, that way I will be committed.
Scott, would you mind commenting a little bit on what 100% ready entails. I am flying almost daily now so I think things are mechanically sound but are there other things I should watch out for?

Many thanks,
John

[Howard Rush]

I shouldn't mention this, but people flying in Beginner average about 60% ready. 

[john e. holliday]

Don't worry about the last two posts.  Things happen when they are not supposed to.  Even the upper echelon of flyers have things happen.  The main thing is to remember this is supposed to fun, as the plug decides to go dead as you signal for start.  Yes you will be nervous flying in front of people but, try to convince yourself it is just another practice flight.  Tell the NW guys/gals DOC said for you to say hi for him.   

[Howard Rush]

In my case, the plug deciding to go dead is moot.  I forget to hook up the battery.

[Jerry Eichten]

There will be a flight order posted before each round. You'll be expected to be "ready" to move into the circle when the flyer ahead of you moves off. 

Ready means having your lines pull-tested prior to your flight, having a pit-person on standby, knowing where you'll be taking-off, and being prepared to fuel up quickly and get started when it is your turn. 

Also, many beginners don't know the flight order changes for the second round, so look on the scoreboard or ask someone.   

Folks take kindly to beginners, don't worry about mistakes, that's what beginner is for. Besides, if you look too competent, someone will want to boot you to Intermediate. 

[Brian Massey]

[quote; Folks take kindly to beginners, don't worry about mistakes, that's what beginner is for. Besides, if you look too competent, someone will want to boot you to Intermediate. 
[/quote]

NOOOOO, he might be to much competition for me   

Brian

[John Castle]

NOOOOO, he might be to much competition for me   

I wouldn't worry to much about that.... I try to fly inverted into the outside loops and managed to stuff yet another plane into the turf today.
It's a good thing I like to build and repair these things because I'm getting plenty of practice doing so.

[Russell Shaffer]

Don't worry about lack of help.  I couldn't get my engine started in June, and on my second try there were two guys with starters standing by.  I didn't ask for the help, but it was there.  I was greatful and still am.  If you need anything at all, just look me up.  I still have the "deer in the headlights" look.