SAMAA News Issue 2 of 2018 (NATS Issue)

Issue 2 of 2018

Newsletter of the South African Model Aircraft Association

Shortly after the 2017 Nationals at PC Pelser in Klerksdorp, we sent a survey request to the participants, to establish what the major negative and positive aspects of the event were. The replies revealed that the majority of respondents would prefer the Nationals to be closer to the Reef, and it was obvious that one would draw the most participants, from a densely-populated area.

The organisers started the search for a suitable venue, and we soon realised that any full-size airport would have the same issues as PC Pelser, with full-size movements causing a break in activities on a regular basis. Model flying sites are usually a little small to accommodate the flying of multiple disciplines, when large areas of airspace and runways are used simultaneously. A suggestion was made to consider the beautiful facilities of the Henley Model Airfield and Family Entertainment, just south of the village of Henley-on-Klip. The owners of the site, Marius and Susan Vosloo were extremely accommodating, and a simple memorandum of agreement resulted between HMAFE and the SAMAA. We were able to use the site at no cost, and the SAMAA undertook to upgrade some areas to facilitate the competition; the holes in the northern runway were patched, and an extension to the width of the runway was cleared, for a shade net to be stretched over the bare earth for a suitable take-off area for pylon racing. Marius’ ground staff spent many hours mowing the grass to suit our needs. And we made a gap in the fence to aid the movement of the FPV participants.

Several patches were Early-morning banter; Bob Skinner, Ian Large, well-appointed hangar at HMAFE was a great Grass was cleared, ground levelled, and shade net repaired to the surface Edwards, and Gavin Walton. Chalet was asset to the Nats; catering, banquet, meetings, model stretched and pegged down for use by pylon racers. of the northern runway. available to us as headquarters. storage, shelter...and camaraderie!

Thanks Boet and crew!

I wish to take this opportunity to thank Cliff Lotter of the PC Pelser airfield in Klerksdorp for the three years that we were able to stage the Combined Nats at Klerksdorp, for all the willing assistance he and his crew provided during this time. We have fond memories of our experiences. Also thanks to the management and members of the Klerksdorp Radio Flyers for their support and assistance.

Planning started towards the end of 2017, with information gathering...how many beds were available in which establishments near the competition venue, and would we have the benefit of camping on the site? Obviously many of the participants were able to travel short distances on a daily basis, rather than having to make use of B&Bs in the area. Information bulletins were issued with accommodation and food options in the vicinity. We had to be careful to not offer too many options, since the HMAFE catering would then be compromised. Pretty soon the arrangements started falling into place, and the entry form was issued. Great was the surprise when a record entry started streaming in. We realised that five days was just going to be enough to accommodate all the disciplines. One negative was that the entry date was left too late and it put undue pressure on the SIG chairmen to coordinate the programme. The SIG chairmen were urged to communicate with each other, to see how best we could make use of the facilities, airspace, and runways, and share personnel and equipment where possible. With careful planning, all the disciplines were safely able to share the airspace, although there were a few encounters...more attention will be given to this aspect for future Nats’.

The Combined Nats for 2019 will again be at Henley Model Airfield, since Marius stated that he wishes to have the Nats hosted at HMAFE for the next five, and even ten years. The idea was to have also the Control Line activities at the Nats, but an inspection of the allocated grassed area proved that the surface was too uneven, both of the wild grass cover and the undulations in the terrain. Consequently, the Nats for Control Line Stunt took place at the Barnstormers near Kempton Park. The organisers have already budgeted for the creation of a control line circle that will be able to accommodate stunt flying. It will not be hard-surfaced, so the activities of team racing and speed may not be possible. At the present time, these classes are down on participation, and when the interest does increase, it will be a consideration to provide suitable facilities.

We had queries why the gliding Nats could not be joined to the Power Nats. The MGA staged the 2018 Gliding Nats at BOMAC near the Paarl, and generally, this did not cause members to have to make a choice between the two events. The very nature of gliding is somewhat different...a glider is launched and large areas of airspace are used for thermal seeking, unlike the power disciplines that are usually contained to selected areas of airspace with dedicated flight lines. If we could have at our disposal a disused or closed military airfield facility (like Barkston Heath, in Lincolnshire, England), it may be possible to arrange an all-emcompassing Nats, but for now, we are confident that HMAFE is the best solution.

The camping site was very popular, and the organisers hired portable showers and toilets. Unfortunately we suffered regular power cuts from over-extending the available power supply, but with the generous assistance of Marius, a sizeable power generator exclusively for the FPV activity, eased the load on the circuit. Moisture at night and early-morning dew caused some of the problems, not helped by electric appliances that participants brought along for comfort. For the next year there will be improvements, both to the layout of the campsite, and allocation of power. The heading photograph on the cover gives an idea of the campsite, enjoyed by more than 50 people. Catering was done by the Vosloo family, and a variety of foods were on offer throughout the Nats, and participants were able to use the shelter of the hangar to enjoy their meals in comfort. We are extremely grateful for this service that was provided, and meals could be enjoyed in comfort.

Complimentary coffee could be enjoyed by the early arrivals, and the SAMAA sponsored early-morning coffee to all the competitors during the competition days.

Of concern was the lack of involvement from one of the Special Interest Groups. This slack was taken up by Koos Pretorius, and our sincere thanks to Koos for pitching in to rescue the situation. Special thanks to the SAMAA management who supported the arrangements and planning: Marthinus Potgieter, Juanita Smith, Johan Groenewald, Danie Potgieter; and Linda Dold for her arrangements to make the event memorable for participants and officials.

The dates for next year’s Nationals will be known in the next few weeks, and this information will enable people to start planning their participation for the 2019 Nats. We hope to have an even bigger entry for South Africa’s premier competitive event, and for it to be truly nationally representative.

Portable toilets and showers with hot water, made camping a little more pleasurable, instead of roughing it up in the bundu.

Camp Fincham, Denysschen, Potgieter, Potgieter, Botha, Fouché, and Rookie.

Some preferred to travel daily to and from the site. Here Neil and Joshua Twomey are busy unpacking their aeries from the Aerial Concepts van. Dean Grobbelaar graciously sponsored some of the costs, to enable entry fees to be kept relatively low.

Boet Denysschen, worst bad luck at the Nats...two aeries Nightlife at the Nats! Many happy hours were spent around crashed before Nats, and DLE engine blowing up. Midnight campfires. More structured camping areas are planned for help from Stan Fincham, Jacques Alberts, Skye Pelser. next year’s Nats, with better power supply.

Camp Port Natal: Inus de Wet, Brad Rae, Lance Hackney, The braai area in front of the lapa was popular with many Arthur Coleman, Peter de Lange, and Ian Becke. who camped at HMAFE.

Early-morning...and the Klerksdorp contingent are still enjoying their warm bunks.

Most of the regular F3C crowd were present for the helicopter action at the 2018 Aerial Concepts SAMAA Combined Nationals, held at the Henley Model Aircraft and Family Entertainment centre near Meyerton/Henley-on-Klip.

Our regular judges Freek Hennop, Pieter Mulder, and Carl Hoepner were at hand to evaluate the F3C flying skills on the day. The regular competing F3C pilots were all present except Bryan Currie, who was in the middle of his Unisa exams. Our regular scorer Jacques Meyer, did the scoring remotely from home as we had only three entries this year. Johan Sieling had an easy task as contest director.

From the helicopter flight line, looking back to the main facilities. It was a prime position for the heli flying; unobstructed, no sun interference, and light wind only.

The F3C flight line was situated on the main flight line (centre-stage!) and the flight box was marked out on the main runway just to the left of the crossing with the other runway. The flight line was more than adequate to the small group of F3C pilots with no restrictions and a good view of the horizon looking forward.

The pilots once again showed their skills in F3C Helicopter precision aerobatic flying, under near-ideal flying conditions. There were a number of “new” spectators in attendance all of whom had a chance to quiz the pilots and officials on the intricacies of F3C flying, and hopefully we will attract some new participants to this exciting discipline in the future. After all the pilots completed their three flying rounds, we all adjourned to the canteen in the hangar area for refreshments, and the F3C prize giving took place a little later that same afternoon in the hangar area. What was really nice about the Helicopter Nationals was the fact that one had the opportunity to meet up with people and pilots of various other aeromodelling disciplines to have a chat and exchange ideas. All of us had a great time, and the long ride from Pretoria was soon forgotten.

Now, let’s see how we can boost this entry number to record levels at next year’s Nats. Get your equipment ready, get yourself in shape, and make sure you enter for the 2019 Nats!

Layout for the competition area, start box, etc. was done a week before the Nats, and it was a breeze to set up the course, plant the flags, and draw chalk circles.

Some of the interested spectators getting the low-down from Arney Sieling. Eric Smith and Andre Stockwell.

Awie van Wyk’s Align T-Rex 700 heading for the centre pad.

Sam van Zyl’s SAB Goblin Black Thunder... getting checked out before flight.

Pos. 1.

2.

3.

Results - FAI-F3C Helicopter Aerobatics (F3C/N-SA) 2018 Aerial Concepts SAMAA Combined Power Nationals Name Flight 1 Flight 2 Flight 3 Arney Sieling Scores unavailable Sam van Zyl Awie van Wyk

Total

Johan Sieling calling for Awie van Wyk on one of his flights.

Alchemy provided the right chemistry for Clinton Carter-Brown, to win his first Nationals title in the F3A class.

The venue for the 2018 Nats was stunning, with large open grass fields, all direction runways, a lapa with braai facilities, a beautiful swimming pool with relaxation areas, and of course 'The Hangar' which served as bar, restaurant, storing facility for models, banquet venue and general recreational area.

Henley also made available camping sites, and many contestants made use of their excellent facilities. The pattern mob got together for a very nice braai on the first night, to say hello to old mates, make new friends and to just enjoy the buzz all around. The smell of fires and barbecue smoke all around put everyone in a very laid-back mood, with the stress of the coming competition all but forgotten.

Early on the beautifull crisp Highveld autumn morning of 27 April, everyone was eager to get going. The flight line was set out, the flags were in place, the judges were ready to take their seats, the aeries were lined up, but oh, the two newbies from Nelspruit first had to do the traditional ten push ups (welcome to the sport, guys!).

Barry van der Vyver and Alec Groenewald. Bravo, guys!

Never underestimate the potential of a well-trimmed, straight Stik. Many years ago Mike Hirst flew the pants off 2 x 2 pilots, with a Shotgun, close-in, and accurate.

Two guys from Nelspruit who have never flown in a pattern competition before, arrived at the Nats with their Stik and "something else". Their names are Barry and Alec and they represented their club LOMAC near Nelspruit. They competed in a couple of SIG's, including pylon where the "something else" suffered an early demise. That certainly didn't deter them! They continued to compete. In round one, Barry scored 1.6%. Yes, that is correct. In round three he scored 57%, with a Stik. Alec finished with an average of 52% and Barry with 55%. The moral of this story…you don't need an expensive pattern ship to get started and have fun, just a Stik and some dedication! It was the first time they have ever flown in a pattern competition and they have chosen the Nats! Well, disaster was only a breath away. In round one, Barry only managed the take-off procedure turn before losing the plot, while Alec had no idea how to even execute the procedure turn. In the spirit of the sport, the judges asked him to land, explained the required sequence to him and allowed him to redo his flight without any penalties. Well done judges, for embracing potential new members rather than chasing them away. Although both of them improved their scores as the competition went on, they never were going to be a threat to Matthew Deutschmann, the junior from Gauteng who won all four rounds comfortably to take first place.

CD Danie Potgieter with a pep-talk!

Camp MAASA!

Happy group of aerobatic pilots, with a few missing. Let’s get the entry for next year to record levels, in all the classes.

Boy, you gotta carry that weight... Chris O’Connell cuddling his Galactika, and Andre Stockwell doing the honours for Pieter Botha.

The Advanced Class was next with Neil Twomey, Michael Borcherds, Glen Roberts, Len de Villiers, and David Austin lining up. Glen and Len both flew well but with Glen steadily edging further away with every round. Michael and Neil improved on their scores in round two with Michael breaking through the sixties in round three. He then decided to forfeit round four and take the long road back to Cape Town. Neil had a disappointing third round and David had dropped out after two rounds, leaving Glen and Len to do battle in round four for the honours. Len still had an outside chance but needed an excellent last round to challenge Glen. Well, Len failed to produce the magic round while Glen showed his experience with another solid round, thus winning all four rounds and claimed a much deserved win.

Masters found the likes of previous WC contestant, Danie Potgieter, Hadri Lombaard, Cobus Malan, Pieter Botha, and Chris O'Connell on the line. Danie, having just recovered form a kidney operation and with hardly any practice to speak of, showed his natural talent by finishing just a fraction behind Hadri in round one. Pieter, Cobus, and Chris made solid starts but it was clear that they would have to up their game if they were going to be contenders. And indeed they rose to the occasion with Pieter and Chris both flying very well in round two, but still not enough to catch the front runners with Hadri extending his lead ever so slightly. Round three saw Danie returning to his former glory days with an excellent score of 77%, inching just ahead of Hadri. Pieter and Chris again flew very good rounds but it was now clear that they would have to battle it out for third place. Hadri was first up in round four and laid down the gauntlet with an excellent 74%. Pieter flew a disappointing fourth round but had done enough in the previous rounds to take third place by the narrowest of margins. It was now up to Danie to rise to the challenge. He started off well but disaster struck when he zeroed the stall turn. He couldn't recover from that which left Hadri as the new Masters champion.

Grant Brook’s ill-fated Angelit. In the heat of the moment, up became down.

Oxai Peridot has been around for a good few seasons of competition.

Early morning long shadows, as all participants prepare for the action.

HeraS of Danie Potgieter netted him second place in Masters.

Bernus, Kas, and Martin in relaxed mood.

Pieter Botha’s Quasar taking-off for a flight in the Masters class, for third place.

Andre Stockwell’s Quasar on approach.

Hadri Lombaard on carry duty. He is the new SA Champion in Masters.

Ex Chris Halgreen Angel’s Shadow...still one of the prettiest aerobatic aircraft.

Neil Twomey carrying Bi Side for Joshua, who did not disgrace himself in F3A.

Danie Potgieter, as always, great CD.

Third in Masters went to Pieter Botha.

Kas Hamman, judge Martin Knoetzen, new Bernus van der from W Cape (all 3). MAASA chief judge. Westhuizen, judge.

Clinton Carter-Brown, 2018 F3A Champ.

Andre Stockwell second in F3A.

Clinton and F3A shield, first place!

Glen Roberts triumphed in Advanced.

Len de Villiers second in Advanced.

Danie Potgieter took second, Masters class Hadri Lombaard, winner in Masters.

Barry van der Vyver, second in Sportsman Alec Groenewald...third in his first comp!

Clinton congratulating Grant on third place.

Sportsman winner, Matthew Deutschmann. Chris O’Connell missed a podium spot.

Finally it was up to the big guns in F3A to show us what they had. As this was a team selection event, the pilots were under extra pressure.

Clinton, Andre, Grant, and young Joshua were keen to take to the skies and impress the judges. Clinton showed that his excellent performance at the WC wasn't a fluke, by setting a very high score in round one, followed closely by Andre and Grant, with Joshua doing well to keep within touching distance.

Round two saw Clinton keeping up the pressure with another excellent round, but Andre and Grant narrowed the gap with excellent rounds themselves. Joshua flew a very good round but found himself losing touch with the big boys. The last two rounds were not for the faint of heart, as the pilots now had to deal with the formidable F-schedule. Round three saw the F-schedule taking its toll with both Grant and Joshua falling behind, whilst Clinton and Andre maintained their high standard. Going into round four, the position for top honours was still wide open, Andre trailing Clinton by only a few points. Clinton up first, setting a formidable target of 76.14%. Grant had an excellent flight up until manoeuvre 11 when disaster struck; he crashed his model unexpectedly, sending a shock wave through the audience. It was now up to Andre to produce the magic round. After the drama of Grant's crash, he kept his composure and produced a brilliant round of 76.43%. In the end it wasn't good enough and Clinton narrowly won a very tightly-contested dual, to become the 2018 F3A National Champion.

Thanks again to the officials, Oom Danie, Martin Knoetzen, Kas Hamman and Bernus van der Westhuizen, and to the event organisers.

A big thank you also to Henley MAFE for making their facilities available. I'm sure we'll all be back next year for more fun and drama.

Results - RC Aerobatics (MAASA ). 2018 Aerial Concepts SAMAA Combined Power Nationals Pos.

Name

Round 1 Perc.

Norm.

Round 2 Perc.

Norm.

Round 3 Perc.

Norm.

Round 4 Perc.

Norm.

Average best 3 Perc.

Norm.

1.

2.

3.

Matthew Deutschmann Barry van der Vyver Alec Groenewald

59,47% 1,60% 46,80%

1119 30 881

Sportsman 57,07% 1035 53,20% 965 48,93% 888

68,93% 57,20% 55,60%

1093 907 882

62,53% 55,47% 50,60%

1060 940 858

63,64% 55,29% 51,71%

3272 2812 2651

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Glen Roberts Len de Villiers Michael Borcherds Neil Twomey David Austin

65,14% 61,11% 53,54% 47,71% 20,83%

1087 1020 893 796 348

Advanced 64,83% 1036 63,06% 1007 58,75% 939 59,90% 957 32,08% 513

67,92% 64,31% 60,42% 49,86% 0

1058 1001 941 776 0

63,99% 56,81% 0 11,67% 0

1449 1287 0 264 0

65,96% 62,82% 57,57% 52,49% 17,64%

3594 3314 2773 2529 861

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Hadri Lombaard Danie Potgieter Pieter Botha Chris O’Connell Cobus Malan

69,17% 68,50% 60,44% 58,61% 56,06%

1047 1037 915 888 849

Masters 72,22% 1027 70,19% 998 68,64% 976 65,58% 932 55,92% 795

72,94% 77,06% 68,61% 66,11% 57,67%

1001 1057 942 907 791

74,17% 62,89% 57,53% 63,47% 0

1110 941 861 950 0

73,11% 71,92% 65,90% 65,06% 56,55%

3184 3092 2833 2789 2435

1.

2.

3.

4.

Clinton Carter-Brown Andre Stockwell Grant Brook Joshua Twomey

80,00% 77,73% 74,13% 67,06%

1014 986 940 850

FAI-F3A 80,19% 1003 79,85% 997 78,25% 979 72,10% 902

76,05% 75,41% 66,04% 64,41%

1004 996 872 851

76,14% 76,43% 38,25% 62,46%

998 1002 501 819

78,78% 77,97% 72,80% 67,86%

3021 2995 2791 2603

by Yvette Churchman. Photos by Yvette Churchman and Linda Dold Competitors walking the track.

Forty pilots (an increase of 60% over the prior two years) from four provinces came together at Henley Model Airfield and Family Entertainment (HMAFE) to contest the FPV Nationals in three different classes – Foundation, Freestyle, and Open. It was hoped that team racing would also take place but this gave way for additional rounds of individual racing. In addition, pilots could also complete their SAMAA proficiencies at two given time slots during the competition.

Freestyle was contested by 16 pilots, and three rounds were flown over three consecutive days. A mandatory manoeuvre had to be included in each day's routine as announced at the session's pilot briefing. The first round's mandatory manoeuvre was three consecutive power loops around an obstacle of choice; second session was a 360o inverted yaw spin and third required pilots to dive the two tier cube. Pilots were permitted to run and right their quads in the event of a crash, time permitting. The two minute routines were scored by five judges on difficulty of routine, flow, use of obstacles, and the mandatory manoeuvre. When the dust had settled, the teenagers had walked off with all the awards! Elijah Bok (Western Cape, 16 years) placed first, with Benjamin Radford (Eastern Cape, 16 years) in second, and Jadon Churchman (Western Cape, 14 years) in third. Elijah's winning round was breath-taking and exhibited a well-honed skill set including a Rubik's cube manoeuvre through the cube gate…but we think the move of the tournament was Dale's “landing” on the H-gate in round one!

The racing track was not unveiled until the start of practice on Friday. The long track (800m) meant races were limited to two laps, and the diversity of gates made for great spectator appeal. A vote of thanks must go to the team from Gauteng who handled timing and race logistics and to Jaco Henn as Race Director. Luke Winterton deserves a special mention for not only being a great competitor but for being the technical person behind the timing system. The Delta 5 system linked directly into LiveTime enabling people anywhere to access live race results via the internet.

Start line.

Small part of the 800-metre track.

Two of the interesting inflatable frames.

Scrutineering took place daily and racing was tightly managed to ensure very little wasted time. Three marshals assisted with collecting quads from the track in between races. On Monday the 30th there was unforeseen excitement at the start of the day when a large scale aerobatic plane took out the power lines and all timing, music and charging had to be re-routed to a generator. Extension cables were the most valuable commodity for a while!

Racing semi-finals and finals took place on Tuesday 1 May. The foundation class was won by Dale Tanzer from Charl Swanepoel and Ramon Sheriff in 3rd. There were eleven foundation class pilots mostly from Gauteng. Dale had a tense start to his final morning when his quads seemed to have disappeared but everyone was very relieved when they turned up again having been put in a place of safety by another concerned pilot during the night.

Open class was won by Devon Barnett from Luke Bakke and Elijah Bok in third. 29 Pilots contested the open class and competition was fierce. Devon flew an almost flawless tournament, leading from the start, flying smoothly and fault free and remaining ahead despite all attempts from others to catch him.

Pilot’s briefing crucial for successful event. Ready area.

Members of the Western Cape delegation. Repairs, deep into the night.

In addition to the excitement of the competition, SAMAA proficiencies were undertaken by many pilots.

FlyFPVSA also held their AGM at HMAFE on Saturday 28th April, electing a new committee and making decisions regarding membership fees, classes, and other matters for the coming season. Outgoing chair, Roland Suhrmüller, also updated everyone present on the leader board standings and the team selection criteria for members of the South African team who qualified for going to Shenzen, China in November, to participate in the FAI F4U Drone Racing World Championship. Congratulations to Jaco Henn and Alan Ball who were elected as co-chairs of FlyFPVSA for the next year (Alan for the southern region, and Jaco taking care of the northern region).

The weather was mostly ideal for the duration of the nationals and the five days of racing were enjoyed by all the pilots. FlyFPVSA would like to thank all the helpers, officials, and judges, and indeed all the participants. A huge thank you to our sponsors: Sonic Sound, RC Edge, Flying Robot, BoyzToyz, Caddx, and Lumenier who sponsored the event and invested to make it the success it was.

Pilot area during a race.

Alan Ball doing a speech at prize giving.

Trophy table with certificates, prizes, and trophies.

Devon getting recognition for his win.

Sponsors contributed greatly to Nats.

Alan Ball; getting ready for the prize giving. Freestylers - Jadon, Benjamin, and Elijah.

FPV is really taking off, with a larger entry than previous years.

Jadon Churchman, placed third in Freestyle. Will compete in China at F4U W/Ch as junior pilot.

Devon Barnett, first in Open, and SA team member to world champs.

Results - FPV Drone Racing (FlyFPVSA ).

2018 Aerial Concepts SAMAA Combined Power Nationals Pl.

Name

Open Pts

Pl.

Name

Freestyle Rd 1 Rd 2

Rd 3

Best

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

Devon Barnett Luke Bakke Elijah Bok Ruivan Branco Roberto Jardim Brandon Petrie Jadon Churchman Luke Winterton Chris Proenca Joe Venter Luke Johnson Ben Radford

64 50 40 32 28 24 20 16 12 8 4 2

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

14.

Elijah Bok Benjamin Radford Jadon Churchman Stephen Gore Luke Winterton Luke Bakke Dale Tanzer Alan Ball Michael Joubert Eduan Larkins Charl Swanepoel Thorsten Lotto Luke Johnson Sean Else

27.6 21.6 29.2 14.2 20.2 23.4 23.2 9.0 22.8 13.0 20.4 0 0 12.0

34.8 31.6 30.8 30.8 25.0 16.0 8.4 22.6 21.2 18.8 16.0 17.2 12.0 11.6

34.8 31.6 30.8 30.8 28.4 23.4 23.2 23.2 22.8 21.0 20.4 20.25 12.0 12.0

28.6 22.2 28.8 29.8 28.4 22.0 22.6 23.2 20.2 21.0 17.6 20.25 0 0

Pl. 1.

Foundation Name No results received

Points

Seasoned Sopwith Pup won F4H class for Humphrey le Grice.

Danie Potgieter flew some stunning flights with the electric-powered Pilatus PC-21 to win the Sport Scale class.

This year the combined National Championship was held at Henley Model Airfield. This presented its own challenges regarding flight line and time allocations between the different disciplines, as the venue is not as big as the Klerksdorp Municipal Airport where the previous National champs were held.

However, with the co-operation off all the SIGs it turned out to be a very enjoyable championship. Scale received 30 entries, with six in F4H and 25 in Sport Scale. This was an all-time record entry for Scale. Scale started Friday the 27th April with Static judging of the six F4H aircraft, and the 7 F4J Jets.

Scale flying started on Saturday the 28th April, with F4H and Abram Grobler up first with his Extra 330 SC, followed by Humphrey le Grice with his Sopwith Pup. Hansie Grobler flew his Hawker Hurricane and although the Hurricane is not very big it is still very stable. Herman Grobler flew his Aeronca C2 which always draws attention as it is an unusual subject. Rudi Venter's aircraft had a servo that stopped working and he did not arrive even the next day to fly. The first round of Sport Scale was started by Glen Roberts flying a Cessna 182; it was good to have Glen flying in Scale again at a Nats...it has been many years Glen! Alec Groenewald from Nelspruit flew his Piper Pawnee next followed by Jan Coetzee from RMAC with his Extra 260.

Danie Potgieter flew his electric PC-21, in his usual smooth way. I had a good first flight with the Rv4, and Arthur Campher flew a MX 5 but unfortunately only flew one round. Another one of the large scale aerobatic pilots that joined us was Kenneth Lello from Natal with his Sukhoi 29. He was followed by Ian Edwards from RMAC with his Extra 330 SC, and he had a very good first round.

Flight judges for Sport Scale were Bob Skinner, Kenny Morey, and Humphrey le Grice.

Panel changed when F4H flew, and the jet discipline made use of Scale judges too.

Squadron Grobler! One will have to go far to beat the dedication, enthusiasm and skills of the talented Grobler family: Herman, and sons Abram and Hans.

Boet Denysschen flew a Sukhoi SU-26, and he had a good flight considering he only had a few flights with it before the Nats started.

He had lost two aeries prior to the Nats (one of them was his favourite Sbach). On top of that, his DLE engine blew up before the Nats even started, and midnight repairs were necessary.

Koos Pretorius fuelling the RV-4.

Good flights for Glen with the Cessna 182.

Gerrit van Deventer was another new scale entrant, and he flew his very nice DH Chipmunk very competently indeed. Burt Botha flew an RV-8. Stan Fincham from RMAC flew his Extra 330 and also had a good first round. Roland Suhrmüller flew a good-looking Fieseler Storch; his first round being his best round. It flew at walking-pace, and Roland coimmented that the only thing that changes when he opens the throttle on the Storch, is the expression on the pilot's face, because it does not go any faster!

Round 2 started with Hansie Grobler and his Hurricane, with his best round of the competition. Herman flew the Aeronca second up but landed after a short flight, his worst round of the competition. Abram also had his worst round with the Extra 330 SC. Humphrey had his worst round with the Pup it seemed that the second round was one that most F4H pilots would have liked to have over.

Hangar was popular and ideal for convenient overnight storage for models.

I had a good second round with my RV-4, followed by Glen Roberts, Ian Edwards, and Danie Potgieter. The weather was excellent throughout the competition and most pilots had an opportunity to improve their scores in Sport Scale in round two.

In round three of F4H Herman flew his best round with the Aeronca, followed by Abram with his best round with the Extra 330 SC. Humphrey too had his best round with the Sopwith Pup, but Hansie did not have a good flight with his Hawker Hurricane. In the third round of Sport Scale, Danie had the highest score followed by myself, then Glen Roberts, Ian Edwards, and Jacques Alberts.

Overall the 2018 Combined Nationals was very enjoyable, the venue gets top marks in my opinion and I look forward to the next competition here. Although we had 11 withdrawals, it was still a record number of entries. I want to thank the judges, Kenny Morey, Ian Edwards, Humphrey le Grice, Bob Skinner, and Kenneth Kok, who helped with the Jet judging. Also to Marius Vosloo and his wife Susan, the owners of Henley, and his entire family for the catering. Thanks also to Annemarié Ehlers for the scoring programme, and Linda Dold for the score keeping. Also to Bob and Linda for all their help before the competition.

Last but by no means least to the pilots, thank you for your participation and for making the Scale Nats a success.

Gerrit van Deventer awaiting his turn to fly with the DH Chipmunk.

Jan Coetzer’s Extra 260 in Patty Wagstaff colour scheme.

MXS-R flown by Arthur Campher. Jacques Alberts’ Extra 330 with pretty colour scheme.

Pretty Piper Pawnee by Alec Groenewald.

Full-size belongs to Bobby Rowe.

Extra 330 of Ian Edwards; just shy of third place in Sport Scale.

Danie Potgieter entered several events, Danie Potgieter entered several events, Danie Potgieter entered several events, Danie Potgieter entered several events, and placed high in all, to win Victor Ludorum. and placed high in all, to win Victor Ludorum. and placed high in all, to win Victor Ludorum. and placed high in all, to win Victor Ludorum.

Danie Potgieter entered several events, Humphrey le Grice walked off with all the and placed high in all, to win Victor Ludorum. hardware: F4H winner, and highest Static.

Koos Pretorius second - Sport Scale. Johan Glen Roberts flew well for third place in Ehlers and Bob Skinner happy for him.

Sport Scale, with Cessna 182.

Results - Scale (NASA).

2018 Aerial Concepts SAMAA Combined Power Nationals

Sport Scale Pl.

Name

Model

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

11.

12.

13.

Danie Potgieter Koos Pretorius Glen Roberts Ian Edwards Jacques Alberts Roland Suhrmüller Stan Fincham Boet Denysschen Burt Botha Alec Groenewald Jan Coetzer Gerrit van Deventer Arthur Campher

Pilatus PC-21 Vans RV4 Cessna 182 Extra 330SC Extra 330SC Fieseler Fi-156 Storch Extra 330 Sukhoi SU-26 Vans RV8 Piper PA-25 Pawnee Extra 260 De Havilland Canada DHC-1 Chipmunk MX Aircraft MXS-R

Pl.

Name

Model

1.

2.

3.

4.

Humphrey le Grice Abram Grobler Herman Grobler Hans Grobler

Sopwith Pup Extra 330SC Aeronca C-2 Hawker Hurricane

Flight 1

Flight 2

Flight 3

Best 2

2450 2424 2208 2389 0 2174 2055 1776 1901 1657 1653 1419 1606

2362 2453 2434 2394 2312 2011 1990 2028 1979 17686 1610 1517 0

2708 2533 2541 2505 2400 1971 0 1711 0 1942 1897 0 0

2579 2494 2488 2450 2356 2092 2022 1902 1940 1864 1775 1468 803

Flight 1

Flight 2

Flight 3

2024 2160 1763 1630

1690 2073 895 1945

2062 2215 2013 1829

F4H Scale Static score

2623 1923 2094 1667

Average best 2

2043 2188 1888 1887

Total

4666 4111 3982 3554

Participants, helpers and officials. Great job guys! The honour of participation in the very first SAMPE nationals is yours.

Sherwin Beretta’s colourful chute and jumper.

Well, after long and hard planning, and a big thank you to Bob Skinner, Danie Potgieter, and Linda Dold for giving their best in smoothing the five-day schedule planning, the South African Model Parachute Enthusiasts (SAMPE) had the first ever National event on Saturday 28 April 2018, which was hosted and presented by the SAMAA/SAMPE/Aerial Concepts at Henley Model Aircraft and Family entertainment.

Four drop planes were lined up for the day; a 120cc Big Stik owned by Abel Pienaar (Moot Radio Flyers) piloted by Johan Groenie Groenewald (Moot Radio Flyers), a 50cc Avistar owned by Fanie van Emmenis (Boshoek Radio Flyers) piloted by Arney Sieling (Silverton Radio Flyers), a Pilot RC Trainer 90 owned by Pieter Mulder (Pretoria Radio Flyers) piloted by Christopher Johnson (Barnstormers), and a Luvly Stik owned by Sherwin Beretta piloted by Morné du Plooy which was used as backup after the “oopsie” with the pilot RC Trainer on a dead-stick soon after take-off, resulting in a broken stab.

With 11 entrants and only nine that could make it to the event, our Contest Director Johan Sieling (Silverton Radio Flyers) took control and the event happened with great success. Throughout the day we had a steady stream of visitors, comprising pilots from other disciplines, and bona fide visitors. The cooperation with the other disciplines on the day was great, even if we strayed a little over the FPV flying area, albeit at great height. All pilots, helpers, officials, and organisers are delighted to have been part of this very first national championship, and have vowed to be back. Our grateful thanks to the officials and helpers who did such a great job.

We apologise for the lack of action photographs. The event was able to be conducted in a single day, and the action was hot and furious, so much so that nobody had time to take photographs of the action!

Thanks Abel, for the loan of your ‘plane.

Arney Sieling was one the very busy pilots... as was Johan Groenewald.

Thanks Michele van Zyl, for your help.

Johan Sieling and Bob Skinner with the winners: Pieter, Evert, and Dion.

Great work Raymond and Carolyn Myburgh Vorsitzender Pieter Mulder auch Gewinner.

Evert Kleynhans took second place.

Dion van Rooyen took third place.

Johan Sieling handled the competition with Ina and André van der Merwe provided professionalism and fairness. great help with officiating at the event.

Johan, Frekie Hennop, and Pieter.

Results - Parachuting (SAMPE) 2018 Aerial Concepts SAMAA Combined Power Nationals Pl. Name

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Permanent trophies and certificates for first three. Now, nice floating trophy required!

Pieter Mulder Evert Kleynhans Dion van Rooyen Fanie van Emmenis Francois van Heerden Sherwin Beretta William Smith Freek Hennop Awie van Wyk

Rd 1

Rd 2

1200 470 1200 400 700 1200 1200 1200 1200

180 62 288 1200 850 700 1200 1200 1200

Rd 3

Rd 4

Rd 5

Rd 6

Total

341 286 150 50 2207 400 1200 103 267 2502 310 500 182 236 2716 700 220 256 376 3152 850 700 392 700 4192 700 700 205 700 4205 356 347 1200 1200 5503 850 700 700 1200 5850 700 1200 700 1200 6200

Two Sportsman-class aeries waiting to duel.

Zita, telling them how it’s going to be!

Matthys explaining procedures.

Safety is all-important, and checks on the equipment and set-ups is vital.

Four pilots spannering away! Actually, just assembly before being able to race.

Pilots checking failsafe and throttle-cut.

Some of the Q40 racers of Wayne Willcox.

During the last weekend in April it was that time of the year again that the fastest in the country face each other. This year’s Nationals was held at Henley airfield and was also only the second time racing was held at this event, the previous one being a pre-nats race at the beginning of April, to test the venue.

With the cold giving way to heat on day one it was time for the pilots briefing. For the first time SAMPRA introduced more safety regulations including the mandatory throttle-cut feature. After all the safety checks have been done it was time to set up the course and to officially start with the Nationals.

Up first was the first four heats for the Sportsman class which is basically your standard run-of-the-mill sports aircraft with an engine size up to a .55 and the minimum of a .40-size engine. The heats were divided so that there was a matrix of three pilots per heat. The nine Sportsman pilots gave it their all with only two planes being lost and lots of first time pilots seeing their first action in this sport. The results for the Sportsman is as follows: in 9th place with an average time of 200.00 seconds we had Marius Randall, in 8th place with an average time of 200.00 seconds we have Abram Grobler, in 7th place with an average time of 200.00 seconds we had Lionel Whitecross, in 6th place with an average time of 183.33 we have Hans Grobler.

In fifth place with an average time of 181.92 seconds we have Stefan Coetzer, in 4th place with an average time of 172.44 was Alec Groenewald, in the 3rd place had Barry van der Vyver with an average time of 171.32 seconds. Both of them did exceptionally well in their very first outing, and from Nelspruit where there is no pylon racing activity. It is a clear demonstration that pilot skill in the Sportsman class can yield success, since the equipment is pretty standard. In 2nd place we had Stuart Kirby with an average time of 165.42 and the winner of the Sportsman class for the 2018 Nats was Jan Coetzer with an average time of 158.10 seconds. Jan also walked away with a great prize... a brand new 4-koffie composite pylon racing aircraft that was sponsored by Jets-r-Us, AMT, and Paula’s Wing Bags.

The next class on day one was the Standards and we also saw a field of nine pilots turn up for this class. The Standard class is a basic Quickie with a normal motor with a tuned pipe. The plane’s wing area can't be less then 500 square inches. In this class we had a few bloopers including Arrie Schoeman flying into one of the pylons when he was landing. With the heats being split up to three pilots per heat we were in for some of the closest racing we have ever seen. The only incident in this class was when newcomer Pierre Fouché had his aerie fly away from its covering! At the end of the competition the ranking was as follows: in 9th place with an average time of 195.28 seconds we had Pierre Fouché, in 8th place with an average time of 164.63 we had Arrie Schoeman, in 7th place we had Glen Roberts with an average time of 147.15 seconds, in 6th place with an average time of 139.72 we had Lionel Whitecross, in 5th place with an average time of 132.27 we had Stuart Kirby, in 4th place we had Russell van der Westhuizen with an average time of 118.19 seconds, in 3rd place we had Steven Black with an average time of 116.55 seconds, in 2nd place we had Eben Muller with an average time of 109.76 seconds and in first place we had Trevor Budd with an average time of 101.61 seconds.

Wayne Willcox took first place honours in the Quarter Midget class. Beautiful Bugatti racer produced by Big Bruce (du Chastel) Racing in Australia.

Jan Coetzer looks very pleased with his Q500 racer. Is Coetzer an Irish name?

With day one in the past, it was time for day two's action. Day two flew the last few heats of Sportsmen before starting the Hots class. The Hots class is basically a Q500 plane with a racing motor on it and no tune pipes. It was also the first race for the locally produced 4-koffie. The eight pilots flying in this class always made sure for lots of action and a few near-misses. The pilots were split up with two pilots first and then three pilots in the following two heats. The rankings were as follows: in 8th place we had Boet Denysschen with an average time of 164.98 seconds, in 7th place we had Wayne Wilcox with an average time of 155.74 seconds, in 6th place with an average time of 151.74 seconds we had Glen Roberts, in 5th place we had Arrie Schoeman with an average time of 111.19 seconds, in 4th place we had Danie Potgieter with an average time of 98.12 seconds, in 3rd place we had Russell van der westhuizen with an average time of 90.36 seconds, in 2nd place we had Trevor Budd with an average time of 87.66 seconds and in 1st place we had Eben Muller with an average time of 80.05 seconds.

Day three was the last day of racing and saw two heats of Standards being raced, but before that it was time for the face boys, the Q40 or Quarter Midgets. The Q40 stands for the maximum size motor it is allowed to run. The group was made out of five pilots, and due to the wind turning for the first time, it was possible to just turn the track so the racing could continue. Again in this class we saw Arrie managing the impossible by hitting power lines when he was approaching to land. After the race the rankings were: in 5th place we had Arrie Schoeman with an average time of 141.24 seconds, in 4th place we had Russell van der Westhuizen with an average time of 82.21, and in 3rd place we had Trevor Budd with an average time of 76.26, in 2nd place we had Eben Muller with an average time of 76.18 seconds and in 1st place with an average time of 73.97 seconds we had Wayne Willcox.

We would like to thank the Henley Model Airfield owners for making the venue available for the Nats, and for SAMPRA and SAMAA for the organisation. We would also like to thank all the pilots, helpers, officials, and spectators who came out to watch the racing. We would especially like to thank Boet Denysschen for sponsoring the Sportsman class prize. We hope to see all the pilots at the next race on the 14th July at Henley airfield. Until then, turn left and go fast.

Stuart Kirby handled the prizegiving on behalf of SAMPRA-chair Matthys Botha, who had already left for an overseas commitment. Danie Potgieter as SIG-chair assisted.

Our grateful thanks for these unsung heroes, who make it possible for us to compete: Jasper van Eeden Johan Blom Donald Dold.

Trevor Budd, first in Standard Quickie 500. Russell took third in Hot Quickies.

Trevor placed second in Hots.

Russell again...this time for 3rd in Hots.

Jan Coetzer delighted at winning!

Stuart Kirby second in Sportsman.

Jonathan and Wayne make a mean team.

Barry van der Vyver...third in Sportsman.

Wayne (pilot) and Jonathan.

Beautiful morning sun over Suikerbosrand.

Jonathan and Wayne travelled far to be able to compete at the Nats.

Results - Pylon Racing (SAMPRA).

2018 Aerial Concepts SAMAA Combined Power Nationals Sportsman Pl. Name

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Jan Coetzer Stuart Kirby Barry vd Vyver Alec Groenewald Stefan Coetzer Hans Grobler Lionel Whitecross Abram Grobler Marius Randall

Standard Quickie 500 Ave time

158,10 165,42 171,32 172,44 181,92 183,33 200 200 200

Pl. Name

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

Trevor Budd Eben Muller Steven Black Russell vd Westhuizen Stuart Kirby Lionel Whitecross Glen Roberts Arrie Schoeman Pierre Fouché

Ave time

101,61 109,76 116,55 118,19 132,27 139,72 147,15 164,93 195,28

Hot Quickie 500 Pl. Name

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Eben Muller Trevor Budd Russell vd Westhuizen Danie Potgieter Arrie Schoeman Glen Roberts Wayne Willcox Boet Denysschen

Quarter Midget (Q40) Ave time

80,05 87,66 90,36 98,12 111,19 151,74 155,74 164,98

Pl. Name

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Ave time

Wayne Willcox 73,97 Eben Muller 76,18 Trevor Budd 76,26 Russell vd Westhuizen 82,81 Arrie Schoeman 141,24

Errol Bakker suitably suited Roland Suhrmüller, Ian Edwards, and Gerald Burrell for the chilly morning air. discussing the merits of the unknown sequences.

..

Freestyle event proved popular with spectators. Danie Potgieter making poetry.

Owen Vuyk’s aerie served him well, barring an unforseen incident.

The 2018 Combined Power Nationals saw Large Scale Aerobatics having 31 pilot entered across all the classes. Pilots came from all over the country with most from Gauteng and KZN, and one pilot from the Free State being Pierre Fouché. These pilots flew a grand total of 764 judged sequences.

At the start of the competition we had 10 entries in Sportsman, 10 in Intermediate, six in Advanced and five in Unlimited. There were also three pilots in the separate Mini-Mac (Junior) classification, and four pilots entered the Freestyle competition. Once again, we saw the Intermediate and higher classes flying unknown sequences. Flying these sequences changed the dynamics of the competition, and made things very interesting.

This year also saw some of the local hobby shops sponsoring prizes for the competitors, with Aerial Concepts, CMC Hobbies, and High Flyer RC Hobby Shop sponsor prizes and gift vouchers. A huge thanks to CMC Hobbies and Aerial Concepts for their support.

Errol Bakker who was the contest director and line coordinator, made sure that pilots were on time and ready to go. The pilots benefited from great weather, as there was plenty of sunshine, and occasional winds to test the pilots’ flying ability.

Ultimate Bipe unusual, and not seen often. Great camaraderie; pilots helping each other. Ian Becke helping Inus de Wet.

Extra 300 of Inus taking-off.

Line-up of aeries under shade net.

Calvin Schroll’s steed.

Watching...

Judges are crucial for success of a competition. Here Arthur Coleby, Bruce Clark, and Gavin Walton give their attention to an aerobatic sequence. Judges were rotated.

Arthur Campher almost ready.

...and waiting.

Judges enjoying the good flying and sunny conditions...as do Gerrit and Ian.

The early-mornings of each day when the unknown sequences were to be flown, saw pilots all over with stick planes in their hands. The unknown sequences had been sent to the pilots from IMAC and they were going through them wherever possible. The pilots knew that a good caller would also be critical for the unknown sequences.

Charl du Rand won the Sportsman class, with Arthur Campher and Ian Becke coming second and third respectively. This class flew eight known sequences (four rounds). The scores ranged from a low of 1306 to a high of 6000 (a range of 4694 points).

In the Intermediate class Joshua Bakker came first, with Roland Suhrmüller and Dijan Viljoen coming second and third respectively. This class flew six known sequences (three known rounds and two unknown rounds). The scores ranged from a low 2909.8 to a high of 4918 (a range of 2008.2 points).

Advanced class was won by Danie Potgieter, Calvin Schroll taking second from Joshua Twomey. This class also flew six known sequences (three known rounds and two unknown rounds). The scores ranged from a low 2250.9 to a high of 5000 (a range of 2749.1 points).

In Unlimited the competition was always expected the be tough. The winning order was Chris Zurinskas, Cliff Chen, and Jacques Alberts.

This class flew six known sequences (three known rounds and two unknown rounds). The scores ranged from a low 3594.3 to a high of 4885.1... a range of 1290.8 points.

Joshua Bakker won the MiniMac clas. There were three pilots in the MiniMac class, the winning order was Joshua Bakker, Joshua Twomey, and Gareth de Lange. This class also flew six known sequences (three known rounds and two unknown rounds). The scores ranged from a low 937.851 to a high of 1000 (a range of 62.149 points).

Joshua Twomey won the Freestyle class. There were four pilots in Freestyle and the winning order was Joshua Twomey, Owen Vuyk,Danie Potgieter, and Dijan Viljoen. This competition flew one round and scores ranged from a low 444.6 to high of 1000, a spread of 555.4.

Prize giving was held in the Henley hangar on the last day of the Nationals. All the pilots pitched up early, so they could get a refreshment before finding a open seat to wait in anticipation for the results. Shortly after, the newly-elected LSA chairman, Bruce Clark, got the prize giving underway, starting with the Sportsman class and moving up to Unlimited and then Freestyle. This year also saw prizes and trophies for the best Junior, and the 2018 overall LSA winner; this is award to the pilot who scored the most points in the 2018 season.

Judge Mike Stark.

Sherryl Clark did score keeping... ably assisted by Charlotte Stark. Gavin Walton - Judge.

Errol Bakker, CD.

Neil Twomey, Judge.

Roland Suhrmüller being congratulated by Calvin Schroll place second in Advanced, Bruce Clark; placed 2nd Intermediate. after starting with four zero flights.

Joshua Bakker won Intermediate class with narrowest of margins.

Bennie Henning a regular at events.

Joshua Twomey won the freestyle event, here smoking away!

Well-decorated enthusiast.

Dijan Viljoen placed third in Intermediate.

Top three finishers very close.

Into the blue yonder, for another competition flight.

Chris Zurinskas, top honours Unlimited. Congratulated by LSA chairman, Bruce Clark.

First place in Advanced achieved by Danie Second in Freestyle for Own Vuyk, here with trophy..

Potgieter, with some great flying.

KZNs Ian Becke. Third in Sportsman class; Joshua Twomey, a popular winner! flies well inverted!

Cliff Chen pleased with second in Unlimited. Jacques Alberts, third in Unlimited.

Owen fourth in Unlimited.

Arthur Campher second in Sportsman.

Results - Large Scale Aerobatics (LSA). 2018 Aerial Concepts SAMAA Combined Power Nationals Sportsman Round 1 Pl. Name

Seq 1 Pts %

Round 2 Seq 2

Seq 1

Round 3

Seq 2 Pts %

Pts

%

Pts

%

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Charl du Rand Arthur Campher Ian Becke Brad Rae Lance Hackney Clinton Breytenbach Gerrit van Deventer Inus de Wet Clint du Toit David Austin

940,4 888,7 1000 871,8 760,0 726,9 692,5 696,3 650,9 650,3

67,0 63,6 71,6 62,4 54,4 52,0 49,5 49,8 46,6 46,5

1000 827,4 947,7 871,1 881,2 605,4 848,0 758,2 791,8 655,7

69,9 64,8 66,2 60,9 61,6 48,6 59,2 53,0 55,3 45,8

1000 933,9 887,0 816,2 613,7 653,5 651,7 591,3 370,8 0

71,0 66,3 63,0 58,0 43,6 46,4 46,3 42,0 26,3 0

848,1 1000 917,0 777,4 872,1 760,4 625,4 162,4 385,7 0

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Joshua Bakker Roland Suhrmüller Dijan Viljoen Morné du Plooy Victor Barvik Boet Denysschen Christo Barkhuizen Pierre Fouché Gerald Burrell Justin Gomersall

1000 1000 956,6 844,2 787,8 798,7 651,4 550,0 490,8 410,5

67,3 66,0 63,1 55,6 52,0 52,7 43,0 36,3 32,4 27,1

1000 994,8 984,4 0 924.1 817,3 889,3 864,1 652,6 527,9

67,7 66,9 66,2 0 62,2 55.0 59,8 58,2 43,9 35,5

951,9 951,2 974,4 935,6 888,6 780,5 838,3 581,0 416,9 818,5

67,5 64,4 66,0 63,3 60,1 52,8 56,7 39,3 28,2 55,4

966,1 1000 934,8 949,4 930,9 849,9 712,1 597,4 679,9 728,8

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Danie Potgieter Calvin Schroll Joshua Twomey Gareth de Lange Ian Edwards Stan Fincham

1000 0 923,3 862,2 895,2 573,1

71,7 0 67,5 63,0 65,4 41,9

1000 0 927,5 842,3 908,1 458,3

73,1 0 66,3 60,2 64,9 32,7

1000 986,6 972,3 871,9 833,7 601,2

73,8 72,9 71,8 64,4 61,8 44,4

1000 871,5 908,5 844,7 748,1 618,2

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Chris Zurinskas Cliff Chen Jacques Alberts Owen Vuyk Brett Black

761,3 863,4 820,0 1000 0

54,8 61,0 58,8 71,7 0

875,2 901,5 922,9 1000 0

48,8 65,1 66,7 72,2 0

1000 979,2 807,4 900,6 832,2

69,1 67,7 55,8 60,1 57,5

950,6 927,7 935,4 1000 872,3

Seq 1 Pts %

57,4 67,9 62,3 52,7 59,2 51,6 42,4 11,0 26,2 0

1000 306,4 920,1 761,4 973,1 772,1 476,0 515,3 524,4 0

Seq 2 Pts %

Seq 1 Pts

Round 4 (all Known sequences) Seq 2 % Pts % Total

%

69,0 27,4 63,5 52,8 67,2 53,3 32,8 35,8 36,2 0

1000 820,8 961,4 885,6 773,0 754,1 680,6 604,9 342,4 0

70,1 57,6 67,4 62,1 54,2 52,9 47,7 42,4 24,0 0

1000 990,6 944,3 924,9 923,0 945,8 632,2 562,0 824,2 0

71,9 71,2 67,9 66,5 66,4 68,0 45,4 40,4 59,2 0

1000 976,6 918,1 895,8 827,1 836,5 808,5 571,6 571,5 0

74,9 73,1 67,7 67,1 61,9 62,6 60,5 42,8 42,8 0

6000 5712 5692 5265 5250 4796 4313 3784 3748 1306

71,7 67,8 67,6 62,8 61,7 56,7 51,5 45,1 44,4 15,4

640,8 910,4 1000 947,6 812,4 623,8 0 0 0 745,1

46,1 63,8 70,0 66,4 56,9 43,7 0 0 0 52,2

1000 940,4 968,9 1000 776,1 730,8 0 0 0 515,3

71,3 65,3 67,3 69,4 53,0 50,7 0 0 0 35,8

1000 951,7 833,5 477,0 761,3 344,7 565,4 628,6 818,7 89,5

71,3 67,8 50,4 34,1 54,3 24,6 40,3 44,8 58,3 6,4

1000 805,0 884,9 633,1 568,2 433,6 436,1 685,4 810,6 22,7

72,6 65,0 64,3 46,0 41,3 31,5 31,7 49,8 58,0 4,6

4918 4898 4813 4466 4317 3680 3657 3280 3059 2910

68,6 67,2 66,7 62,4 59,9 50,3 50,0 45,2 42,3 40,0

0 1000 934,8 926,0 932,6 0

0 70,2 65,6 65,0 65,5 0

0 1000 911,4 953,4 978,1 0

0 70,9 64,6 67,7 69,4 0

1000 934,4 912,3 979,4 0 0

62,4 58,3 58,0 61,1 0 0

1000 999,4 929,4 920,2 0 0

64,6 64,6 60,1 60,1 0 0

5000 4857 4687 4593 3714 2251

71,7 68,8 66,3 64,3 53,6 33,5

982,0 947,6 968,4 1000 983,9

73,3 70,8 72,3 74,7 73,5

952,6 989,1 837,2 1000 905,8

72,1 74,8 63,3 75,7 68,5

1000 644,7 833,2 0 0

55,6 35,8 46,3 0 0

767,8 821,4 1000 0 0

33,1 35,4 43,1 0 0

4885 4665 4664 4000 3594

68,0 63,8 63.0 60,3 53,7

Intermediate

67,7 70,9 66,2 67,3 66,0 60,2 50,5 42,3 48,2 51,6

Advanced

75.0 65,4 68,1 63,4 58,1 46,4

Unlimited

68,3 66,6 67,2 71,8 62,7

Mini-Mac

1. Joshua Bakker 2. Joshua Twomey 3. Gareth de Lange 1.

2.

3.

4.

Joshua Twomey Owen Vuyk Danie Potgieter Dijan Viljoen

54,048 67,500 63,034

67,298 66,270 60,181

67,685 71,803 64,387

67,452 68,148 63,364 Freestyle

67,661 65,608 64,991

45,125 64,612 67,610

71,263 58,000 61,083

72,641 60,075 60,061

1000,000 973,914 937,851

1000 982,8 800,2 444,6

1000 982,8 800,2 444,6

Burt Botha and his Dolphin. Flew well, but had to leave before end of Nats.

Abram Grobler’s F-15 on the static table for evaluation by the judges.

The jet fraternity needs an apology for the lack of activity before the National event. SAMJA wishes to apologise to all participants for this state of affairs and has already put in place, action plans for the coming year, to correct the previously-mentioned, undesired state of affairs.

Despite the process, Koos Pretorius needs special mention, since he was able to hustle up some Judges and a Competition Director to make the jet competition part of the Combined Nationals. A very special thank you must be made to Koos Pretorius for taking on the responsibility, as competition organiser and time keeper. A vote of thanks must go too to Bob Skinner, Kenneth Kok, and Kenny Morey, who very ably assisted with the competition, as judges. A special mention must also be made of Danie Potgieter Snr, who was CD for the weekend. Once again proof that there are scales of efficiencies in holding combined National events.

The contestants also did not let the above deter from great flying in the competition, nor the enjoyment of the event. As stated by both Calvin Schroll and Burt Botha, the event was great fun, and competition fierce. The pilots, coming from as far as Port Elizabeth (Burt) and Bloemfontein (Pierre), need to also be thanked for the spirit and manner in which they competed The event was blessed with great weather for the entire weekend, and of course the wonderful facilities and runways that are presented by Henley Model Aircraft and Family Entertainment. A total of eight pilots entered the SAMJA Jet event, with both Sport jets and Scale jets (IJMC F4J).

They were; Burt Botha – Dolphin, Brett Black - Excalibur, Danie Potgieter – Dolphin, Lance Hackney - Futura, Owen Vuyk - Scorpion, Calvin Schroll - Boomerang, Dirk Visser with his locally and excellently crafted Learjet 35a, and Pierre Fouché with his beautiful J-10. The first round saw Danie Potgieter take the lead, a position he was not to relinquish the whole weekend. In second place was Brett Black and in third place, Calvin Schroll. For the second round, the positions were as in the first, with Brett narrowly beating Calvin into third by a mere three points. After the final round was flown and the scores normalised, the positions were as in the first round, with top Hans Grobler had this beautiful F-100C honours going to Danie, second to Brett, and third to Calvin.

Super Sabre, Thunderbird Nine, in F4J Credit has to be given to the Grobler family for their continued and persistent efforts in the F4H and F4J classes. Every year they bring so many wonderfully-built and scaled aircraft to the regional and national events. This year Abram and Hansie brought a F-100 Super Sabre as well as a F-15 for static judging, and they proceeded to fly these aircraft in a real and very scale-like manner. Well done guys you deserve to walk away with top honours each year for your effort. Not only are you top class plane builders but really good pilots too. Well done guys!

Participants enjoyed a great banquet/spit braai on Fiday evening.

Sun setting on the 2018 Combined Nats; great success.

Results - Sport Jets (SAMJA).

2018 Aerial Concepts SAMAA Combined Power Nationals Pl. Name

Type

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

Dolphin Xcalibur Boomerang Elan Dolphin Scorpion Chengdu J-10 Futura Learjet 35a

Danie Potgieter Brett Black Calvin Schroll Burt Botha Owen Vuyk Pierre Fouché Lance Hackney Dirk Visser

Rd 1 Act

Norm

Rd 2 Act

Norm

Rd 3 Act

Norm

Average

Norm.

1504,50 1485.00 1426,00 1363,00 1424,00 1218,80 920,00 1104,50

1000,00 987,04 947,82 905,95 946,49 810,10 611,50 734,13

1641,50 1564,00 1558,50 1449,00 1299,50 1183,00 1204,00 0

1000,00 952,79 949,44 882,73 791,65 720,68 733,48 0

1575,00 1515,50 633,50 0 0 1243,50 1168,50 0

1000,00 962,22 402,22 0 0 789,52 741,90 0

1608,25 1539,75 1492,25 1406,00 1361,75 1231,15 1186,25 552,25

1000,00 974,63 948,63 894,34 869,07 799,81 737,69 367,07

Participants and judges at the 2018 Control Line Nationals.

This year's C/L Nats was held at Barnstormers. It was planned to be part of the combined Nats which was moved from Klerksdorp to Henley on Klip, but unfortunately the site could not really cater for C/L this time, so we used the fine facilities at Barnstormers. It was held over the 14th and 15th of April and the weather lasted for us to fly six rounds in total with the best 3 to count. The only event contested was Expert Stunt, with no racing or combat entries. We missed having novice stunt pilots this year, but we are promoting C/L with available models, so we expect some new novice entries in the near future.

Evert Scholtz and Max Bee.

We had seven entries which were all local except for Colin Paine who came up from Knysna to compete. Colin is a long time supporter of C/L stunt and does a lot to promote the sport down in the Eastern Cape. Thanks Colin for your regular support and presence at our Nats. It is much appreciated.

We were also blessed with two veteran stunt pilots, Percy Attfield and Roston Dugmore competing. They are both in their 70's and and had a great time with some really good flying. We are always grateful for the contribution that you made to C/L for so many years, and may you guys continue to enjoy this hobby for many years to come.

Roston Dugmore with Protron, Percy calling.

Percy Attfield and Centurion.

Colin Paine with his EzePro.

Warren Smith as cool as ever. EzePro.

Theo Kleynhans ran the event really well. He unfortunately could not fly this time as he had broken his ankle and was still on crutches.

Thanks as always Theo, and we look forward to seeing you back in action soon. His son Wynand is now flying a small trainer and is coming on really well, so he will be flying in novice stunt very soon.

Evert Scholtz has really made the C/L field at Barnstormers into the best C/L facility in the country, and has put so much effort into promoting C/L as well. Thanks very much to Evert! He also decided last year to try to go to the 2018 world champs in France in July and has built five of the Max Bee pro-stunt models in a very short time. He has practised hundreds of hours as well and has become a really good stunt pilot. At this Nats however, he was still trying to recover from tick-bite fever which is really not much fun! Evert still managed a well deserved 3rd place with some really excellent flying. Thanks also to Evert for the excellent photo's used in this article.

The weather was fairly good but we did have quite a few rounds with “dead-air”, where there is almost zero wind and you get small thermals which push the breeze all around the circle. This is the most difficult weather to handle in C/L stunt, because one has no good reference of where to position the manoeuvres. The other issue is that on consecutive manoeuvres, the model tends to hit its own wake, and can quite easily roll into the circle. The smaller, .40-size models certainly managed these conditions better than the bigger models.

Warren Smith is one of the most talented young stunt pilots that we have had and is always a contender to win Expert Stunt at the Nats.

He came even closer this time if you check out the scores! He damaged his good flying 40 Watt model and ended up flying one of Evert's Eze Pro models into second place. Well done Warren! It's always nice to see a father and son enjoying the hobby, and Warren's dad Len Smith flew very well to place fourth.

I managed to sneak in to win with my Newtron 2 model that is rather overweight, that battled in the dead-air conditions. I am however, busy with a new lighter set of wings to bring the overall weight down a bit so that should improve it. I am also busy with a new, slightly smaller competition model that is made from Isoboard foam with most of the parts cut on my cnc foam cutter. Hopefully this will work out well and then it will be available for new aspiring competition pilots. Building pro-stunt models is a huge challenge so having the critical parts like wings cut on a precision machine will go a long way toward producing straight and well-aligned models.

As always I would like to thank the folks who helped out with running the event. It takes a good team of people to make events like this work well, and the one thing that we as CLASA pride ourselves in is having a bunch of great people that work together well. Firstly, thanks to our judges Henry Kurowski and John Withers. With 6 rounds, it was quite a task for them. John is really an R/C pilot from the club so we are always grateful for his help with judging. Henry has been chosen to judge at the world champs in July in Landres, France so we wish him every success. This year there are 95 pilots in F2B stunt, so this will be a real baptism of fire for Henry!

Thanks also to our wonderful ladies that help out with many things like tabulating the scores. This was done again by Bokkie Renecle, Suzette Kleynhans and Libby Kurowski. We are really grateful to you!

On behalf of CLASA we would also like to wish the F2B team well for Len Smith and 40 Watt. the world champs. The pilots are Evert Scholtz and Keith Renecle, supported by their wives Monique and Bokkie. Next year's Nats could be back again with the combined Nats and we look forward to seeing some new faces once again, especially some kids.

Keith and Newtron.

Percy and Isabelle relaxing in the highveld sunshine.

Theo and Keith Renecle...has his name on the Ford Trophy many times.

Results: FAI-F2B Expert Stunt Nationals (CLASA)

Pl.

Name

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

Keith Renecle Warren Smith Evert Scholtz Len Smith Colin Paine Percy Attfield Roston Dugmore

Round 1

Round 2

Round 3

Round 4

Round 5

Round 6

Total

1918,50 1843,10 1754,80 1554,40 1634,40 1284,70 1403,30

1933,10 1900,70 1848,40 1571,10 1620,50 1582,70 1383,60

1911,90 1895,50 1819,30 1674,90 1694,10 1602,70 1553,70

1902,30 1852,60 1821,40 1714,20 1476,10 1653,70 1401,90

1895,60 1918,60 1782,80 1717,90 1594,20 1537,10 1581,10

1883,40 1865,10 1798,50 1689,30 1658,90 1596,00 1527,00

5763,50 5714,80 5489,10 5121,40 4987,30 4852,40 4661,80

I get really worried when close friends who I have met through many years in the world of aeromodelling, leave us behind in this cruel world. The one consolation is that they are in a place of eternal bliss. I offer my sincere condolences to the families of the deceased. Life is much too short to engage in trouble and strife and I have come to realise once more that we ought to honour people while they are still alive.

In March this year, Ron van Putte died. I met him in 1995 at the F3A World Championships in Japan, and we were on the same judging panel. He lived in Fort Walton near Pensacola. In May Rolf Girsberger went forever soaring. Rolf was famous for his airfoils (RG series) used mostly for gliders, and he was often a member of the Swiss soaring teams. He was the CIAM delegate for Switzerland, and I served with him as jury member at the 2006 European F3A Championships.

Closer to home, a good friend and talented pilot, Louis Genade, died in June. Louis was a great personality, with good Christian values, and he always made time for his friends and fellow modellers. Early July Olaf (Ollie) Larsen died unexpectedly at his business in Meyerton. Ollie was one of the early members of the Henley Aeromodellers. Sad news a few days ago when I was informed that Sue Dugmore had died. She was Roston Dugmore’s wife and Rostie’s ouma. On the same day I leaned that Eileen Grobbelaar (mother of Dean Grobbelaar) had passed on. I knew she had been ill but I did not know the extent of her condition. And a day later I came to learn that a dear friend for many years, Nico Wilcocks had died. Nico retired from business in Kempton Park (Barnstormers member for as long as I can remember), and moved to Mossel Bay, where he just could not come to terms with retirement, and he soon partnered others for a road construction and plant venture.

Johan Wiid was instrumental in SAMAA acquiring offices at the Denel Technical Academy. After his retirement, he moved to Jeffreys Bay and enjoyed a tranquil lifestyle, but in April he took his last air under his wings. RIP Johan.

History of aeromodelling in South Africa SAMAA members will know by now that I am passionate about the preservation of our aeromodelling history. It is vitally important that we do everything in our power to source and preserve historically important artefacts, be it manuscripts, newsletters, photographs, newspaper clippings, stories, anecdotes, equipment, anything that we will enable us to put items on display for posterity.

I have recently made contact with Mike Malherbe, Ken Malherbe, and Paula Martin, children of legendary SA modeller and RC pioneer, Monte Malherbe. They have submitted photographs of Monte that will add to the history of our association. They have undertaken to send more photos in due course. Currently, these are stored on the hard drive of the PC in the office.

It is recorded that Monte started his modelling activities before WW2, and he continued right after the war again. He was co-winner of the 1948 Control Line Stunt Nationals at Waverley, north-east of Pretoria, and established a new CL Speed record in 1950. Monte was a pioneer in RC activities, starting in the 1950s with Babcock equipment. He soon realised that he needed to be in touch with technology and the latest trends in RC aerobatics, and made a trip to California to spend time with Howard Bonner, a leading manufacturer of RC equipment. In 1958 he brought Howard and Bob Palmer (control line ace) to South Africa, for a series of countrywide demonstrations. Soon afterwards, the venture paid dividends, when radio control activity took off in leaps and bounds, with a large entry at the 1958 Nationals. Monte was the first South African to participate in a radio control world championship, in England in 1962. He was national champion in this discipline several times, as well as control line Stunt champion on a few occasions, and in some of the free flight classes. He joined the Pretoria hobby shop Jix early in 1950 and bought the store from Frank Sturdee a short while later.

Monte Malherbe, pilot and team manager and pilot of the South African RC aerobatic team, with Cliff Culverwell and his Taurus. 1963 World Championship, Genk, Belgium

Monte Malherbe being congratulated by Doc Ernest Allen, on achieving a new control line Speed record, in February 1950. At left is Gerald Matchett.

This is a general appeal to the older members of our association, who have been involved in model flying since the 1940s and 50s. There are huge gaps in our historical information, especially from those early years. If you have any information that may be of historical value, please, please, please consider donating this to the SAMAA. I would love to have more information on some of our other pioneers like Fred Raubenheimer, Les Morrison, Reg Lee, AG Wishart, Con Wallis, Phil Connelly, Leslie Spargo, Cai von Ahleveld, Doc Allen, Jeff Bindon, Alf Yardley, Gordon Hamilton, Bennie Boxall, John Swallow, Mr Gemeken, and others.

Club administrators At least once a year, Linda will make contact with the administrators of each club, to find out if the committee members have changed, and add to the database the time of year that clubs ordinarily would have their annual general meetings. Often there are questions of how a club secretary or treasurer can check the details of the members of their club, and whether the members are in-date with their membership, or when the memberships expire.

The membership programme that was developed by Johan de Klerk has a great facility where a club administrator may log in, and at a glance, is able to view this information. Of course the information is sensitive and of a confidential nature, and administrators are asked to sign a Confidentiality and Nondisclosure Agreement. It is a simple agreement that basically states that a club administrator who has access to the database, will use the information with utmost discretion, and will not abuse the confidential nature thereof. This document is available from the SAMAA office and is a fillable MS Word document.

Airshows, Fly-ins, Displays, Demonstrations, Exhibitions, Special Air Events.

Many club administrators are still not sure about the requirements for staging an event, and it is important that the correct procedures are followed to avoid delays. The personnel in the SAMAA office (all two of Photo of Monte Malherbe from the official programme book of the 1971 RC Aerobatic us!) are ready and willing to provide information, if it cannot be found in the Manual of Procedures (MOP), World Championships (Doylestown, USA). which is on the SAMAA website (www.samaa.org.za under the entry “Information” then “Documents”.

Monte was team manager of the SA team.

Please make sure that ALL the information is filled in on the applications for permits, and the event director’s statement. Missing information leads to delays and frustration, and in some cases where application or request for exemption has to be made with a higher authority, there are deadlines involved .

Website hacked We apologise to members who have recently been unable to visit and view the details on the SAMAA website. Our IT administrator eventually traced the IP address of the culprit in Russia. This hacking was done purely out of spite, since no confidential information, other than contact details of the SAMAA management committee members and the SIG chairpersons is available, and certainly there is no financial gain from this stupid exercise. But, it was frustrating. The site has been protected as best we can and I suppose we have to make peace with the fact that an entirely new breed of cyber criminal is lurking behind a keyboard, somewhere in the world.

Membership trend It has been known for a while that there is a general decline in the membership trend. It is very likely economically-based. Clubs are reporting lower membership numbers, and many hobby shops are reporting a slow-down in sales. What is worrisome is the lack of juniors entering the hobby. I can only think that there are so many other competing activities available to inquisitive minds, that an outdoor pastime is hardly given serious consideration. Hobby shops are trying their best to promote the hobby, obviously with sales in mind, and clubs can do well to arrange displays in shopping centres in their areas, to at least create an awareness of model aviation. I remember very well my visits to Jix Hobbies, 252 van der Walt Street in Pretoria, from about six years of age. The shelves stacked high with all sorts or Airfix models, and numerous control line, free flight, and RC models, held any youngster in absolute awe. Frequent visits to the RC field opposite the famous Flying Saucer roadhouse in Elardus Park showed the prowess of pioneers like Monte Malherbe, Jack Marais, Gordon Hamilton, Cliff Culverwell, and many more, first with reed sets and hen early proportional. This is where the seed was sown.

View towards Midmar Dam from the Howick Model Flying Club.

Beautiful grassed pit and public area.

No permanent structures but gazebo’s provide protection from the elements.

The Howick Model Flying Club has been in existence for over 30 years. Take Exit 99 from the N3 at Howick (Midlands Meander). HMAC is situated just off the R617 (Boston Road, on the east/left) travelling from Howick to Underberg.

The club has a 240m long, well-groomed grass runway on a very flat piece of land. The airfield is in close proximity to the Howick Soaring club. The club has only 15 members but with a lot of regular visitors from neighbouring clubs. The club has only got a chemical toilet, no running water and no shade. All pilots bring their own shade in the form of gazebos. The club is very active on the large scale aerobatic side which is driven by Clive McInnes who has also served as the chairman for the last six years. Day visitors are welcome, and for more information on the HMFC and to arrange visits, please contact Clive on 073-500-7177.

Welcome sign at the BRCC!

Runway is long enough to accommodate most types of model aircraft.

Raised pit area gives good vantage point of field layout.

BRCC members are proud of their facility.

Quite a following of Large Scale Aerobatics.

The Ballito RC Club is situated west of the Dolphin Coast/Ballito, west of and adjacent to the N2 highway, and across the Jaguar/Landrover and Ford dealerships on the outskirts of town.

The club has a grass runway, and it is definitely a site that teaches you to land, as there is no place other than the runway to land without possible damage to aircraft. Because of the sloping ground. there are grass embankments which are very well manicured and kept, and even a few pretty flower beds to decorate the premises. On the embankments there are shaded starting and pit areas, and the club has toilet facilities.

The club has 45 paid-up members, who fly all types of aircraft. The club is quite involved with large scale aerobatics.

The chairman for the last five years is Ken Mann. Day visitors are welcome, with a landing fee charged. The club operates seven days a week.

For more info contact Ken on 082-775-7765

ken@acephotography.co.za

Runway was used for container storage, and parking of Toyota vehicles.

Space abounds at the old Durban airport, but the airspace is well-managed.

Mark Savage taking full advantage of what the site has to offer.

Mavericks is a fairly young club, operating with approval from the Transnet authorities at the old, disused Durban International Airport.

The chairman of the club since its inception, is Howard Voss.

The club has a closed membership of only 20 members, the reason being that it is a national key point, and to limit the air traffic in the area. The club operates on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays and obviously the facility is suitable for all types of model aircraft, especially jets, as the pilots make use of the old original runway. There are no ablution facilities available, and the club is not allowed to erect any permanent structures.

Ordinarily, no bona fide spectators or visitors are able to obtain access to the runway, as only current members of Mavericks have access to this Transnet facility. The Air Force Base Durban (military helicopters) operates from the northern end of the runway, and when model flying takes place, they notify the station commander of starting and cessation times, just in order to keep a good relationship with them.

The chairman, Howard Voss may be contacted on 031-903-7536

Peg board and club safety rules displayed prominently for all members’ benefit.

Limited space used very conscientiously by members. Safety is paramount.

Safety net for pilot protection.

Parking and pits on eastern side of site.

Cato Manor Model Flying Club is operating from the Cato Manor Municipal sports grounds, west of the Durban harbour and Glenwood. The club has been on the same property for the last 25 years, with the N2 highway 1,2km to the westclose the The Pavillion shopping centre.

The current chairman is Roland Fisher and he has been serving as chairman for the last five years. The club has around 65 paid up members. A very large number of these members are elderly gentlemen who love their hobby and go out early in the morning for quick flight or two before the daytime temperatures get too hot. Flying activities take place just about every day of the week. A section of the sports ground gets mowed to serve as a runway and all vehicles are parked on the eastern edge of the sports ground. They do have their own access road and gate to enter the facility. The club is fairly tight as it has a sports complex on the left-hand side, a hill, a fairly-heavy traffic road, residential area and hospital in front, and a container yard on the right-hand side. Airspace has to be carefully managed. Closest facilities for water or toilets are the main sports complex.

All visiting pilots are welcome. For more info please contact Roland on 083-456-5368.

Above: Large expanse of grass provides a suitable runway surface.

Right: No permanent structures, but enough shade with gazebos.

Far right: Special rules for operation; golf course and full-size fields in proximity.

The Durban Model Aircraft Club is based in Cato Ridge. The forerunner of the current DMAC was established in 1937, making it the oldest existing club in South Africa. The club has had to move on a few occasions, and is currently situated close to the N3 highway (south) at the Cato Ridge turn-off. The club operates adjacent to the Cato Ridge Golf course.

There are two beautifully mowed grass runways, 90 degrees to one another, with an awesome view of the valleys. There are absolutely no facilities other than the two green runways. The golf course makes their toilet facilities, kitchen, and bar available to all club members. The pilots take their own shade in the form of gazebos on flying days. The club is active on weekends and has around 50 members.

The venue is suitable for most aircraft but has a slight noise problem from a nearby resident. In order to keep all happy and look after their venue they have introduced a 93 decibel noise limit. All aircraft get tested regularly.

The current chairman is Kevin Dolloway and has been chaired the club for the last three years. Day visitors are welcome, as well as visiting pilots from other neighbouring clubs. SAMAA membership is compulsory. Kevin may be contacted on 082-628-0908

Who stole the A?

Shaded pit area is a welcome benefit at MMAC.

Sheltered area for members’ comfort.

Regular maintenance ensures top facilities.

The MMAC airfield is situated just off the N3 outside Pietermartizburg (R103, Lynnfield Park)., with a 1km dirt road leading to the club.

MMAC has been in existence for about 60 years, and at the current site for 36 years. The club’s previous location was at the old Oribi airport.

The chairman (for the last five years) is Johan de Lange. The club has 60 paid-up members. Flying usually takes place on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. MMAC is a very social club, regularly hosting bring-and-braai days on the first and last Wednesday of each month.

The airfield has two tar runways with a very large area either side which is mowed and has a very long run-off area. This serves as a grass runway in two directions. The MMAC members have an awesome view of the surrounding area. There is a makeshift toilet but the club does not have running water. Arrangements are possible when water is required.

All types of aircraft are flown at MMAC, and the airfield is used occasionally for large scale aerobatics. Day visitors are allowed as long as they are fully paid up SAMAA members. For more info please contact Johan de Lange at 082-202-4163.

SAMAA promotional items!

Travel coffee mugs R130

Lacoste shirts All sizes All sizes R330

Fleecy Jackets

R240

Windbreakers Beanies R50 Caps R65

Who is this young boy, holding on to a control line aerie, with the lines leading from the bellcrank all tangled up?

Read more about young-adult Roston Dugmore, who recently featured in a Pilot’s Post article by Willie Bodenstein. This is how model aircraft pilots were “grown” fifty and sixty years ago., before the age of instant gratification!

with removable sleeves

All sizes:

Read the article on Roston here: http://www.pilotspost.com/arn00 01482

R300

! today yours o.za r e .c d b r e O w in@m m d -a a 79 sama 73-36 011-9

The SAMAA management has had to address several cases where organisers of events were not sure if they had to apply for a permit to conduct a fly-in, or an airshow, or a demonstration, or a special air event. Organisers must take the trouble to read and study the SAMAA Manual of Procedures, and more specifically PR 02. These documents are available on the SAMAA website, or from the SAMAA office staff.

Fly-in Let's start with a simple fly-in. A fly-in is usually organised by a club or group. There is a general invitation to members of neighbouring clubs or clubs in the region/province to attend the event. The general purpose of a fly-in is to create camaraderie and social interaction, and of course an opportunity to enjoy flying. The event is held at a SAMAA-registered site/club, and no entrance fee is charged to spectators, and no advertising is generated to attract spectators with a view of raising the club's funds. Usually no public is expected at a fly-in, and no efforts are made to invite the public, but members of the public may not be turned away. There may of course be an entry fee to participating pilots, which could be for a braai pack, or a t-shirt, or something to cover basic costs.

The minimum proficiency required for a SAMAA member to fly at a fly-in, is Solo (Fixed-wing, Jet, and Helicopter), but non-proficient rated pilots may be allowed to fly, if accompanied and supervised by an experienced pilot. It may even be a case of buddy-cord assistance.

The organisers are required to complete SAMAA forms F08 and F09, for approval. A permit will be issued to the organisers to conduct the event. Simple enough and the risk is relatively low. Yes, because the proficiency requirements are not set at a high level, but there is of course still some risk to other pilots. Those pilots who do not feel comfortable with flying at such an event, ought to sit out, enjoy the sunshine and the flying, and the company of fellow aeromodellers.

Airshow An airshow of course, is another matter, and is usually a formal event where the organisers aim to raise funds for the club, or for a charity, or another good cause. Advertising through various means and media, is thus designed to attract spectators, and the organisers will charge a gate entry fee or parking fee, and will sell foodstuff and refreshments, and provide other entertainment besides model flying.

Sometimes the air show will be organised on an aerodrome/airfield or other location larger than regular club premises, that is usually able to accommodate more people, infrastructure, cars, full-size aircraft, etc.

At an airshow, the situation is very different, since there are members of the public present, and they have been charged an entry fee to gain access to the event. The safety risk with flying in and at an airshow is significantly higher than for a fly-in, and the organisers must make a careful, calculated decision of who will be allowed to fly in the airshow. The event is definitely not designed for a pilot or pilots to show their individual skill, but rather to showcase aeromodelling, and what is possible, by flying a variety of well-rehearsed, skillful, and entertaining routines, with regular and unusual model aircraft subjects, representative of our colourful hobby.

The statement that the safety risk is higher, is because accidents or incidents of a general, non-flying nature, may occur to visiting public.

Think of a visitor to your airshow tripping over a power cord, or a tent peg, or being stung by a bee, or having property damaged as a result of a veld fire in the parking area. It is recommended to invest in a small public liability insurance policy to cover these types of incidents. Of course, the SAMAA insurance policy will cover accidents and incidents of a flying nature that may occur at the airshow.

The organiser of an airshow is obliged to apply to various authorities for permission to hold the event: • SASREA application – Safety at Sports and Recreational Events Act (Act 2 of 2010). Done directly with your local SAPS. • Local SAPS, informing them of the event. Simple letter, that is stamped and signed, and kept on hand at the airshow.

• Emergency services from the local municipality; ambulance, fire-fighting, traffic management, power management.

• Land owners permission. Consent that the event may be conducted on the premises, and liability to rest with the organiser.

• RAASA permission. A NOTAM is required for Flexible Use of Airspace, or where there is a change to airspace. Or, where an exemption is required to fly higher than the CAA-approved height limit of 400ft.

• To the SAMAA, a permit application, and the Display Director's Statement. This must be fully completed, with all contact details and SAMAA membership numbers where required.

• If the organiser plans to invite pilots of full-size aircraft to do a display, those pilots need to be in possession of an Aerial Operator’s Certificate (basically a display authorisation/rating). This is obtained from RAASA, and clearly details what the intended scope of their display is (limited to level flight, or maximum bank-angle, with no loops, rolls, or tumbling gyroscopic manoeuvres). There must be a proven method of communicating with full-size aviators, by means of an airband radio. The operator needs to have a radio license, and is not allowed to give instructions, only information; instructions may only be given by a qualified and accredited Air Traffic Controller.

• Public Health certificates, if food is being prepared on site. Here too, emergency equipment is required, in case of an open, electrical, or grease fire. Licence for liquor sales.

• It will be greatly beneficial to the approval processes, if an Emergency Response and Evacuation plan is documented and submitted: what happens in the event of an emergency? Who are the safety marshalls? What are the contact numbers of the emergency services? A sample is available from the SAMAA office.

Airshow 1: At a SAMAA-registered flying site/club, organised by club. Only aeromodelling activity. Publicity to generate public interest, with paying spectators. SAMAA Silver is the minimum requirement. It is a medium-risk event, with spectators present, and there are more pilots than usual at the club.

Airshow 2: As above, but the organisers invite full-size aviators to perform fly-by's and demonstrations. Participants need to register their participation with Aero Club/RAASA, and are required to hold AOC (Aerial Operator's Certificate). Organisers must have radio, operated by qualified Radio Operator. May NOT give instructions to full-size pilots. High risk event, due to sharing of airspace, but NEVER simultaneous activity. Minimum proficiency required is SAMAA Gold.

Airshow 3: A model aircraft airshow organised by model club, but at a full-size aerodrome or airport, due to space availability. Full-size participation may be arranged and included in program, but under conditions as described in Airshow 2. High risk event, due to presence of spectators, sensitive installations, and parked full-size aircraft. Minimum proficiency is SAMAA Gold, and the event is limited to invited pilots only. Permission is required (Application is required 90-days before the airshow), from Aero Club, RAASA (Recreational Aviation Administration of SA), ATNS (Air Traffic Navigation Services), and CAMU (Central Airspace Management Unit).

Airshow 4: Full-size airshow, where SAMAA members are invited by ASSA (Air Show South Africa) to participate. High risk event, limited to only SAMAA Instructors, and known, qualified, experienced display pilots. Insurance provided by ASSA. Special Air Events These are aeromodelling-only events, which are not out of the ordinary, and which are not held at a SAMAA-registered field or site. They are regarded as a Special Air Events, and as such will require special consideration, and almost certainly the approval of the CAA. A Special Air Event is usually a Float Fly-in, Cross Country/Endurance event, a record-setting attempt, or other special event. Usually this is planned to take place at a registered or licensed full-size aerodrome or other venue, and permission is required, firstly from the landowner or airport operator, and secondly from SAMAA and the authorities (RAASA/CAA/ATNS) for the airspace that is going to be used or shared with other users of the air. The event also requires permission from the SAMAA for insurance purposes.

Where there is a request for a change to airspace with an application for a Special Air Event, the application needs to reach RAASA no less than 150 days before the event, since it has to be passed through the AIRAC-cycle for approval. In the case where there is no change to airspace for a special event, and only a NOTAM is required, an application may be submitted to RAASA no less than 30 days prior to the scheduled event. The request is lodged with the SAMAA firstly, with information on the details, scope, and activities of the planned event, and all the supporting documentation, like sketches or maps of the layout of the site, the runway, pit area, flight lines, parking, spectators, nofly zones, and an area where the emergency services are located. Also a basic safety plan; what happens if there is a fire? What happens if the pilot of a full-size aircraft declares an emergency and has to land? How is this communicated to the organisers and participants on the ground? For the model flying; is there an adequate safety margin, and a getaway plan in case of engine failures? For general emergencies, is there an assembly point?

If the event is a simple fly-in for SAMAA members only, with no displays, and no spectators, (i.e not a public event), RAASA assists with a NOTAM, provided the application is received more than 30 days before the event. This requires an application form with all relevant supporting documentation and plans, including landowners permission, the local authority’s letter of approval (depending on who the airfield belongs to). If there are full-size operations, RAASA will require a letter of consent, in that the airfield users have been consulted, and have no objections to the event taking place.

Demonstrations, exhibitions, displays These events are usually as a result of an invitation or a request by a public organization, to entertain the public with model flying at a church fete, school bazaar, year-end function, or other similar event. Flying is limited to park flying-types and novelty aircraft that are capable of being flown in restricted spaces. A minimum of a SAMAA Silver rating is required, and it is strongly advised that only pilots who have the necessary experience and skill, are allowed to participate in flying, since there is public present and the risk of an incident or accident is high.

Proficiencies Generally, organisers must pay particular attention to the proficiency ratings where pilots are flying at events where the public may be present. As an example: Johnny Hotshot started flying six weeks ago, and he easily obtained his Solo rating, and a week later passed his Silver proficiency with a basic aeroplane only just capable of performing aerobatics. The club hosts an airshow, and Johnny now insists on showing off his skill with his newly-acquired 100cc Pitts Special, bought in a shady deal. Clearly, this is a potential accident waiting to happen. The SAMAA management committee recognised a potential problem, and as a preventative measure, instituted a requirement that no pilot may be allowed to fly in an airshow within 14 days of having obtained a proficiency (a cool-off period). There is a tendency for pilots wishing to fly in an airshow, rushing to obtain a Silver or Gold rating, just to be able to qualify to fly in an airshow. In one case that we are aware of, a SAMAA member obtained a Gold rating, just to be eligible to fly at a public event two days later, and then had real difficulty to operate successfully under the stressful conditions of a public event. An accident occurred but damage and injury was narrowly avoided.

Jet proficiency It must be noted, that the SAMJA (SA Model Jet Association) has a requirement that a Vlamgat (jet) rating will only be obtained if the pilot already holds a SAMAA fixed-wing Silver rating. There is a six-month window for jet pilots with a Vlamgat-rating, to obtain at least a SAMAA Silver rating, from the date of publication of this notice. It is also required that for any member to obtain a SAMJA Vlamgat rating, he has to be a member of the SAMJA. Failure to maintain SAMJA membership will result in a Vlamgat rating being revoked.

General flying at events It is vitally important for participants in public events to fully realise and understand that they must not try to “show off” or demonstrate their flying prowess, but that they are invited to entertain the public in a controlled, disciplined, and artful manner. It is never a good idea to perform routines that have not been practiced or well-rehearsed. Do not be tempted by fellow participants who utter challenges like “Lower, lower!” or “Do a low-level Lomcevak!” or “Fly in formation!” Most display flying and manoeuvres must be performed parallel to the crowd line, and most certainly, high-energy manoeuvres aimed directly at the crowd line must NOT be performed or allowed. The pilot may profess te be skillful, but equipment failure has and will happen, and be beyond the control of the pilot.

Pilots who do not feel comfortable with flying under pressure in front of crowds, must exhibit restraint and refrain from flying, choosing instead to use their model aircraft for static display.

Event organisers can do well to pertinently mention this at pre-event pilot’s briefings.

Club/Site/Venue

Location

Event name/description

Contact person

Colin Matthysen Chris O’Connell Brett Lewis

Telephone

082-679-5019 082-900-5353 076-191-5277

e-mail address

anoph@telkomsa.net chris@bitanium.co.za brettwlewis@gmail.com

September 2018

Vintage Aircraft Fly-in no. 334 MAASA Gauteng Monthly Aerobatic competition F3K Hand Launch Gliders Team Qualifier

1 1 8-9 9 8-9 13-16 16 16 16 22 20-23 20-24 22-24 23 28-30 30 30

Weskus Radio Flyers Rand Model Aeronautic Club Helderberg Radio Flyers Durban Model Aircraft Club Port Elizabeth Radio Flyers Capricorn Radio Modelvliegklub Stellenbosch Model Aircr. Academy Rand Model Aeronautic Club Greenfields East Model Soarers FRP Club Barnstormers Kempton Park Cango Flying Club (organiser) Model Gliding Association Venue TBA Henley Model Airfield & FE Greenfields East Model Soarers TBA

Langebaan South Johannesburg Somerset West Summerveld Estate Rocklands Polokwane Wild Clover - R304 South Johannesburg Bapsfontein - R25 Potchefstroom Bapsfontein - R25 Oudtshoorn airfield Witsieshoek TBA Henley-on-Klip Bapsfontein - R25 TBA

Weskus Fly-in SAMPRA Pylon Racing - Spring Races Western Province Aerobatic Championship Bill Vos Memorial Trophy No. 6 Club Championship Tournament Bushveld Fly-in Warbirds at SMAA FlyFPVSA Drone Racing League 2 MGA F3B Multi-task Soaring League 3 FlyFPVSA North-West Drone Racing 3 MAASA Gauteng Aerobatic Championship Scale 2018 Lammergeier Slope Soaring Vintage Aircraft Fly-in no. 334 Henley Fly-in MGA F5J Electric League 4 Alternate date for FlyFPVSA Drone Racing League 2

Herman Wiehahn Matthys Botha Stuart Nix Dennis Bird Brett Ingpen Christo du Preez Nic van Rensburg Jaco Henn Jan Sime Jaco Henn Chris O’Connell Fanie Fourie Jan Sime Colin Matthysen Boet Denysschen Ivan Williams Jaco Henn

083-448-2148 073-895-9909 082-855-4920 072-796-5354 083-453-1676 083-226-8526 082-700-1856 083-271-5991 082-556-1510 083-271-5991 082-900-5353 082-897-8251 082-556-1510 082-679-5019 082-449-4623 083-263-7889 083-271-5991

hermanwie@cybersmart.co.za bothamj@hotmail.com stuart@squareedge.co.za dennis_jill@telkomsa.net brett.i@webmail.co.za roofking@imaginet.co.za nicvrensburg@gmail.com jaco@potshot.co.za 1jansime@gmail.com jaco@potshot.co.za chris@bitanium.co.za rcskydive-sa@webmail.co.za 1jansime@gmail.com anoph@telkomsa.net dennys@ballmail.co.za ivan@volkspares.co.za jaco@potshot.co.za

October 2018

Bapsfontein - R25 east of Rietvlei Dam Bapsfontein - R25

2-6 7 13-14 13-14 14 21 21 21 25-28 27 28 28 28 28 28

Springbok Rand Model Aeronautic Club Helderberg Radio Flyers Riversdale Radio Flyers Greenfields East Model Soarers Silverton Gliding Club TBA Snoopy’s Squadron Jets-R-Us FRP Club Rand Model Aeronautic Club Johannesburg Model Aircraft Club Durban Model Aircraft Club Barnstormers Kempton Park Tygerberg Model Flying Club

Springbok airfield South Johannesburg Somerset West Riversdale Bapsfontein - R25 off R104 Pretoria East TBA Krugersdorp - R28 Millsite Gariep Dam Potchefstroom South Johannesburg Diepsloot Summerveld Estate Bapsfontein - R25 Malmesbury farms

NASAFI Fly-in RMAC Scale Day MAASA Aerobatic Masters Riversdale Fly-in MGA F3K Hand-launch Glider Team Trials for top 10 MGA F5J Electric Team Trials FlyFPVSA Mpumalanga Drone Racing LSA Gauteng Large Scale Aerobatic Regional Folded Wings Jet Memorial Fly-in FlyFPVSA North-West Drone Racing RMAC Jet Day Vintage Aircraft Fly-in no. 335 Bill Vos Memorial Trophy No. 7 The Amazing Freestyle Race!

Open Day

van Zyl Koegelenberg Kevin Geach Stuart Nix Malan du Plessis Brett Lewis Ivan Williams Jaco Henn Errol Bakker Boet Denysschen Jaco Henn Kevin Geach Colin Matthysen Dennis Bird Gary McDonogh Maurice Grapendaal

083-659-4381 082-580-3717 082-855-4920 082-371-1909 076-191-5277 083-263-7889 083-271-5991 083-824-9970 082-449-4623 083-271-5991 082-580-3717 082-679-5019 072-796-5354 011-972-9134 073-662-9055

vanzyl@globsol.co.za kevin@altsign.co.za stuart@squareedge.co.za sport@oakdale.co.za brettwlewis@gmail.com ivan@volkspares.co.za jaco@potshot.co.za bakkerbunch@gmail.com dennys@ballmail.co.za jaco@potshot.co.za kevin@altsign.co.za anoph@telkomsa.net dennis_jill@telkomsa.net dronemasters2017@gmail.com mgrapendaal@gmail.com

November 2018

Barnstormers Kempton Park Pretoria Radio Flyers Greenfields East Model Soarers

4-25 11 11 15-18 17 18 23-25 24 25 25

MGA - Various SAMAA clubs Stellenbosch Model Aircr. Academy Rand Model Aeronautic Club Port Elizabeth Radio Flyers Area 51 RC Flyers Greenfields East Model Soarers Atlantic Flying Club FRP Club Rand Model Aeronautic Club Greenfields East Model Soarers

Country wide Wild Clover - R304 South Johannesburg Graaff-Reinet airfield Polokwane municipal Bapsfontein - R25 Rotary Way, Hermanus Potchefstroom South Johannesburg Bapsfontein - R25

Gliding Postals SMAA Scale Day SAMPRA Pylon Racing Fly-in Baobab Fly-in MGA F5J Electric League 5 2018 AFC-TOSS PSS Slope Soaring FlyFPVSA North-West Drone Racing Vintage Aircraft Fly-in no. 334 MGA F3K Hand-Launch Glider League 3

Jan Sime Nic van Rensburg Matthys Botha Glyn Rose-Christie Johan van der Merwe Ivan Williams Simon Pfotenhauer Jaco Henn Colin Matthysen Brett Lewis

082-556-1510 082-700-1856 073-895-9909 083-656-6668 082-820-1234 083-263-7889 082-436-9882 083-271-5991 082-679-5019 076-191-5277

1jansime@gmail.com nicvrensburg@gmail.com bothamj@hotmail.com glynrc@iafrica.com baobab.flyin@gmail.com ivan@volkspares.co.za simon@stage5.co.za jaco@potshot.co.za anoph@telkomsa.net brettwlewis@gmail.com

Dec 18

26 26 26

2 8 15-16 16

MGA - TBA Cape Radio Flyers MGA/Howick Model Gliding Chapter Barnstormers Kempton Park

Venue TBA Vaatjie Farm west of R304 Howick airfield Bapsfontein - R25

Highveld Thermal League 4 Last Big Fly-in of 2018!

GPS & Aerotow Gliding Vintage Aircraft Fly-in

Gordon Browne Marc Wolffe Dave Claxton Colin Matthysen

082-469-8251 082-550-6699 082-455-1071 082-679-5019

function@iafrica.com anoph@telkomsa.net

2019

Aug 2018

Month & date/s

27 Jan 18-22 1 May Sept

TBA (April) Henley Model Airfield Blombos Bush Pilots Club MGA - TBA

TBA Henley-on-Klip Stil Bay TBA

Vintage Aircraft Fly-in 2019 Combined Power Nationals Vintage and Cool Retro Fly-in 2019 MGA Glider Nationals

Colin Matthysen Bob Skinner Etienne or Albert Jan Sime

082-679-5019 011-973-3679 082-465-1742 082-556-1510

anoph@telkomsa.net samaa-admin@mweb.co.za albertmonk1@gmail.com 1jansime@gmail.com

Tea Room, Denel Technical Academy, 131 Atlas Road, Bonaero Park More information from SAMAA office samaa-admin@mweb.co.za Agenda to be published prior to AGM in 2019.

gordon@tego.co.za marc.wolffe@msengineering.co.za

Our Mission: To add value to your flying experience through communication, information, promotion, education, and the support of dialogue.

Marthinus Potgieter Johan Groenewald Boet Denysschen Johan Blom Danie Potgieter Juanita Smith Vacant

Chairman marthinus@cointech.co.za Vice-chairman, compliance johan.groenewald@telkomsa.net Club representative dennys@ballmail.co.za Development/Proficiencies johan@sxt.co.za Special Interest Groups chair flyf3a@gmail.com Treasurer info@alshobbies.co.za Newsletter editor to be identified and appointed

082-377-6493 079-496-9228 082-449-4623 083-269-3603 082-875-8228 083-630-8975

The SAMAA News is composed and published digitally, and distributed electronically to SAMAA members. It is produced in-house, until the position of an editor is advertised and filled. The SAMAA GM has been tasked to compile, edit, produce, and distribute SAMAA News in the meantime. samaa-admin@mweb.co.za. PO Box 7116, Bonaero Park 1622. Tel 011-973-3679. Fax 086-607-8733.

The views and opinions expressed in the SAMAA News, and the advertisements placed, do not necessarily represent the views of the SAMAA, or its management committee. These are published for the interest and comments of our members, and are not specifically endorsed, or verified.

Submission of material: Check with the editor for the closing dates of submission of material.

PO Box 7116, Bonaero Park 1622. Tel/fax 011-973-3679. Fax-to-email 086-607-8733.

Office 24/25, Building R4, Denel Technical Academy, 131 Atlas Road (Denel N entry), Bonaero Park.

GPS Coordinates: S26 08 41.80 E028 15 59.04 (co-ordinates for main entrance to building R4) Bob Skinner General Manager. samaa-gm@mweb.co.za 011-973-3679, 083-283-1681.

Linda Dold Assistant to the GM. samaa-admin@mweb.co.za 011-973-3679.

Theo Kleynhans Grant Brook Jan Sime Johan Sieling Jaco Henn Alan Ball Matthys Botha

Control Line Association of SA (CLASA) zettakleynhans@gmail.com RC Aerobatics (MAASA). chairman@maasa.co.za Model Gliding Association (MGA). 1jansime@gmail.com F3C/N-SA. Helicopters. johans@acs.altech.co.za Multi-rotor FPV racing, North (Fly-FPV-SA) jaco@potshot.co.za Multi-rotor FPV, Southern region alan@flyingrobot.co.za South African Miniature Pylon Racing Association (SAMPRA). bothamj@hotmail.com Koos Pretorius National Association of Scale Aeromodellers (NASA) jadriaan9@gmail.com Dean Grobbelaar SA Model Jet Association (SAMJA) dean@aerialconcepts.co.za Bruce Clark Large Scale Aerobatics (LSA) brucegc1@gmail.com Riaan le Hanie Fun Fly Association (NMFFA) lehanieriaan@gmail.com Pieter Mulder SA Model Parachute Enthusiasts easyupenterprises@gmail.com

Photographs (conventional & electronic), are welcome. Long articles must be computer-generated, and must be in either MS Word, or editable text. Limit articles to 1 000 words - which is about a page-and-ahalf in SAMAA News. You may e-mail your contributions, including graphics and pictures to: samaaadmin@mweb.co.za. Ensure that captions accompany all pictures, and that the pictures are of reasonable resolution, not e-mail resolution.

To advertise: Contact the SAMAA office. You must supply finished artwork in JPG format, to at least 083-725-9279 300 dpi at the final size. Terms for all advertising is payment on receipt of invoice, as per the rate card 082-888-0670 below. Bank details are listed in the opposite column.

082-556-1510 SAMAA account at Nedbank, Menlyn Pretoria, branch code 1605 45, current account 1605 126 772.

082-898-8810 083-271-5991 082-070-7261 073-895-9909 082-928-0368 082-338-9508 076-421-7859 072-325-9649 082-828-5719

Description/size (rates valid until further notice) Full page (A4) 210mm x 297mm (with a 10mm clear border all-round) Half page (landscape or portrait) 148 x 210mm or 297 x 92mm Quarter page 148 x 92mm or 74 x 210mm Eighth page 74 x 92mm or 37 x 210mm Your Local Dealer advert, per insertion Swops & Smalls, for a reasonable number of items advertised (call SAMAA office for more details)

Full-colour R800 R500 R300 R150 R50 R50

To join the SAMAA: Request application form 011-973-3679. Visit www.samaa.org.za for MS Word form, under “Information”, then “Membership”. On-line application form www.samaa.co.za. Or submit details by e-mail: name, ID, address, tel, fax, cell, club, to: samaa-admin@mweb.co.za Subscription fees From 1 January 2018 to 31 December 2018 • Regular/adult members (18 to 60 years of age) R410 • Junior members (18 years and younger) R230 • Senior Citizens/Retirees (60 years and older) R270 Payment by internet (EFT), or cheque. SAMAA current a/c 1605 126 772 at Nedbank, Menlyn Pretoria, branch code 1605 45. Use clear reference of name/ surname, and membership number when renewing.

DO NOT USE “Subs/ Membership/SAMAA/New”, since this cannot be identified correctly. Fax or e-mail this proof of payment with your application or renewal, to 011-973-3679.

2018 SAMAA Aerial Concepts Combined Nationals - Bob Skinner 1-2 Helicopters at the Nationals - Johan Sieling 3 Aerobatics at the Nationals - Martin Knoetzen 4-5-6 Change of address: www.samaa.co.za and sign in with your log-in and password. No log-in and FPV Drone Racing at the Nationals - Yvette Churchman 7-8 password? Request it automatically, if you have a correct e-mail address on the membership programme.

Scale at the Nationals - Koos Pretorius 9-10 No internet? Contact the SAMAA office on 011-973-3679 to change your address.

Parachuting at the Nationals - Pieter Mulder 11 Pylon Racing at the Nationals - Stefan Coetzer 12-13 Large Scale Aerobatics at the Nationals - Bruce Clark 14-15-16 The SAMAA needs your help, to ensure that your rights and flying privileges are protected. Through the SAMAA, its Special Interest Groups, and numerous registered clubs, you can experience the Jets at the Nationals - Stan Fincham 17 protection of your rights, and enjoy the real benefits in all aspects of model aviation.

2018 Control Line Nationals - Keith Renecle 18-19 From the Office - Bob Skinner 20-21 • Advice On building, flying, competition, airshow planning, club layouts, displays, special KZN Club visits - Boet Denysschen 22-23 air events, competition, illegal flying, regulations, airspace, etc.

Fly-in, Airshow, Demonstration, Special Air Event, Exhibition?

25 & 27 • Clubs Enjoyment of your activity in a group context. All SAMAA clubs are approved and registered with the SAMAA, RAASA, and the SA Civil Aviation Authority.

Cover of R20m per claim for damage to property, or injury or death to third parties (and member-to-member cover).

• Proficiencies Recognition for our members’ flying proficiency, at all levels, and all disciplines.

• Guidelines On starting and registering a new club. For frequency operations. Interaction with full-size aviation. Manuals of Operation.

• SAMAA News To inform, educate, advise. Your mouthpiece/forum. Great promotional value.

• Rules Local and international, specifications of model aircraft, frequencies, safe flying practices, team selections, competitions.

• Web pages Good aeromodelling content, great links, regular updates, diary of events.

Excellent membership site for self-maintenance.

• Representation The SIGs represent all competitive branches of aeromodelling.

• Affiliations To the Aero Club of South Africa, and the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale.

Also to other institutions (CAA, RAASA, SAAF, Denel).

• Frequencies Protection by ICASA of frequencies in spectrum allocated to R/C. • Airspace Manage airspace at registered sites, through the CAA and RAASA. SAMAA is the only CAA-approved Aviation Recreation Organisation (ARO) for aeromodelling.

• CIAM Direct link with CIAM (Commission for International Aeromodelling). Governs all world-wide competitive aeromodelling activities, competitions, and records.

• Insurance

These are just a few of the services that the SAMAA is able to offer its members. Benefit from these services, and let our combined membership add to the voice and strength of SAMAA.

Folded Wings Memorial Jet Weekend Baobab Fly-in Polokwane SAMAA Promotional Items Vacancy - Honorary Treasurer Henley Fly-in The Amazing Freestyle Race SAMAA Activity Calendar SAMAA 2019 AGM - Tuesday 26 March 2019 SAMAA information, contact details, and SAMAA News info

24 24 24 24 28 28 28 28 29

Al’s Hobbies Smalls advert - “Engines wanted” Frasers RC Models - New Location!

Goblin Hobbies - Kraken!

Your Local Dealer adverts

20 22 21 26 30

In the next issue of SAMAA News, due out soon: MGA Glider Nationals, F2B Control Line Stunt World Championships, Outdoor X at Malonjeni, Central Radio Flyers Fly-in, The New JOMAC, Cape Town Heli Challenge, Western Cape FPV Regionals.

Benoni (www)

Albertinia

Boksburg South

SA home of LADO electric retractable undercarriage systems www.robinmodelaviation.com info@robinmodelaviation.com rcoombs@iburst.co.za

Centurion

Centurion

Country wide

for Radio Controlled Models

Your one-stop Hobby Shop!

Sole agent for ASP glow engines

Cnr South & Heuwel Streets, Centurion, Gauteng Shop 11, Doornkloof Mall, Protea Str., Doornkloof

Tel. 012-667-5757 e-mail

highfly1@mweb.co.za

Ermelo

Tel 012-663-3895 Fax 012-663-5570 andrew@modelmania.co.za www.modelmania.co.za

Garsfontein Pretoria

Danie: 083-501-8756 danie@aspaviation.co.za www.aspaviation.co.za Hilton, Pietermaritzburg

CMC Hobbies

Kelvin

Kempton Park

Garsfontein Pretoria

Shop 6, 4 Vlei Street, Goodies for Gardens

011-972-9134 083-269-6785 076-858-8363 dronemasters2017@gmail.com www.dronemasters.co.za Port Elizabeth

Pretoria East

Pretoria North

Radio-controlled Planes, Helicopters, Cars, Workshop & more FLOWN WITH PASSION

55 Fourth Avenue, Newton Park, PE

041-365-1371 082-651-8665

www.masterrcmodels.co.za 012- 807- 4667 info@mrcm.co.za

fax

Shop 1E, Willow Way Shopping Centre, Lynnwood Rd

041 368 7544 bh@intekom.co.za

Shelly Beach

Somerset West

Springbok

Springs

Umhlanga

Web

Welkom

Pretoria North

Arts & Crafts. Hobbies & Toys 012-546-1210 082-800-0879 082-442-7455