2016 wp issue 04 print

AEROBATICS WESTERN PROVINCE MODEL AEROBATIC ASSOCIATION

ISSUE 4 - 2016

A LOOK BACK AT THE 2016 AEROBATIC SEASON

PRECISION

AEROBATICS

WESTERN PROVINCE MODEL AEROBATIC ASSOCIATION VENUES:

HELDEBERG RADIO FLYERS TYGERBERG RADIO FLYERS STELENBOSCH MODEL AIRCRAFT ACADEMY

FEATURING

COBUS MALAN | RORY NETTERVILLE | STUART NIX RODNEY POTTER | ERNIE SMITH | OZZIE PARENZEE | MIKE RABELING PETER ALDRIDGE | MICHAEL BORCHERDS | JACQUES BORMAN | JOHN CALEFATO | JEREMY ROCHEFORT | MAURICE GRAPENDAAL | SCHALK VAN DER MERWE | JACQUES BOTHA

JUDGING

MARTIN KNOETZEN | BERNUS VD WESTHUIZEN | KAS HAMMAN | LUDWIG STEYN

CD

ANDRE VOGEL

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WESTERN PROVINCE AEROBATICS - LEAGUE 1

HELDERBERG RADIO FLYERS

PROMISING START

24 JANUARY

11 ENTRIES FOR “ THE SEASON OPENER,

A GREAT START TO THE NEW SEASON

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A LARGE ENTRY SHOWS A PROMISING START TO THE LOCAL WESTERN PROVINCE 2016 PATTERN SEASON.

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First time entries by Michael, Jack and Roehanie joined regulars Jacques and Maurice in the Sportsman class, boosting the numbers in that class to five made it a very competitive class.

and Roehanie. Second round was also won by Maurice but Michael and Jack not too far behind.

The third round even shocked Michael with a blistering score and showing the rest of the class (and even the Advanced class) that On the first round, Michael he is going to be a strong and jack got lost, but after competitor. Unfortunately having the take-off sequence Jack found out how low NOT explained to them soon found to fly and planted his Leo there way. Maurice took the firmly in the ground. first round ahead of Jacques

In the end it was Maurice winning the class ahead of Michael, Jacques and Roehanie.

I must point out that Roehanie only decided to enter last weekend, had never flown the schedule before and flying a high wing trainer, WELL DONE. Advanced class had only two entries, Cobus and Peter.

Cobus was the clear winner with a great 60+ first round

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score but after experiencing class. The five regulars low power and maybe a broke where reduced to four piston ring had to withdraw. because Ozzie had family commitments!!

Peter was a lost soul, with the pressure of a newly rebuild Envision, (by Ernie, what a fantastic job Ernie had done) the lack of practice, the three judges and his eye sight decided to also withdraw. Lets hope they are both better off at the next competition.

That left the Masters

With a new schedule for this season put all pilots on the same page and this event would almost show who had been practicing.

All four pilots where very close despite Neil and Stuart both scoring a ‘0’, Ernie with two ‘0’, left Rodney with a clean score

but Neil won the round ahead of Stuart.

with another 60 and Ernie dropping to fourth.

The second round was won

by Ernie ahead of Stuart and Rodney, Neil got lost half way through his schedule, but at least he gave us a laugh.

In the end Neil was the clear winner, but once again like the last comp last year, only just!!

Neil got his own back on round three and a superb score, but only just ahead of Stuart, who seamed to be getting used to the Bip, (slowly). Rodney was third

Rodney was grinning from ear to ear, achieving a 60+ for the first event.

Gerhard Mitton was a spectator, making lots of notes, (yes I saw you) so watch this class its going to be very exciting.

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WESTERN PROVINCE AEROBATICS - LEAGUE 1

In fact all the classes are going to be competitive this year.

Finally, thanks to HRF for allowing us to hold the event, the three Judges, Martin, Nic and Bernus for there time and finally André for making the event run like clock work.

The next event is on the 14 February at SMAA, Wild Clover Farm League 2.

round 1 round 2 round 3 round 4 FINAL

% / Normalized % / Normalized % / Normalized % / Normalized % / Normalized SPORTSMAN Michael 2.88 58.48 66.06 53.86 62.27 1 Maurice 54.09 59.55 52.95 56.82 56.82 2 Jacques 51.82 50.98 56.59 46.82 54.20 3 Roehanie 34.85 39.32 40.15 34.85 41.97 4 Jack 2.73 47.65 36.29 0 / 0 39.73 5 ADVANCED Cobus 62.17 0 0 0 31.09 1 Peter 27.90 0 0 0 13.95 2 MASTERS Stuart 60.00 63.44 67.67 0 65.56 1 Neil 62.56 51.56 68.28 62.67 65.42 2 Rodney 58.44 63.00 61.50 51.78 62.25 4 Ernie 55.22 64.78 56.25 61.17 60.51 3

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Pictures by Michael Borcherds ©The RC Pilot

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SMAA WILD CLOVER

WHAT A LET DOWN

21 FEBRUARY

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AFTER A GREAT START TO THE SEASON AT THE FIRST COMP, THIS ONE WAS A LITTLE DISAPPOINTING

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LEAGUE ROUND 2 WAS HELD AT THE BEAUTIFUL LOCATION AT WILD CLOVER FARM.

Nic and his team have been working hard to get the runway as flat as possible and it was quite obvious that it’s getting better despite the lack of rain.

rounds at our League rounds and for MAASA best two out of the first three, as per the sporting code. But due to the increasing wind, we called off the event after the third round, it’s only the second The original entry was round of the year so we all 10 confirmed, but due decided to take our planes to personal issues only 7 actually took part. This was home in one piece. rather disappointing after Anyway the Sportsman the first comp last month entries, Michael and showed great promise for Jacques battled it out the season. for the class win. What I should point out, both of Before the start it was them got lost on one round agreed that we will score each, shouted a little at the best three out of four each other and realized

that practice and having a regular caller was very important.

Despite this Jacques won the class with good scores and his first Masters qualification score.

A welcome return by Rory who had been off for a while but now fighting fit again but the only entry in Advanced, he was supposed to be joined by Cobus and Jacques Botha but they dropped out. So Rory was the clear winner!! also his first Masters qualification.

round 1 round 2 round 3 FINAL

% % % % SPORTSMAN Jacques 25.76 60.61 60.15 60.38 1 Michael 57.58 15.30 0 36.44 2 ADVANCED Rory 63.48 62.10 53.26 62.79 1 MASTERS Neil 66.50 67.83 65.94 67.17 1 Stuart 60.44 63.28 0 61.86 2 Ernie 56.72 61.33 57.39 59.36 3 Rodney 0 55.28 0 27.64 4

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WESTERN PROVINCE AEROBATICS - LEAGUE 2 The Masters class had the normal five entries, Ozzie was entered but had to pull out due to his car being involved in an accident.

Rodney was nervous to try his Mythos after finding some issues with the motor mount, but decided to give it one go on the second round. Neil was the clear winner and really had no competition, Stuart and Ernie where just not with it.

I think the conditions had a lot to do with it and we all know Neil enjoys flying in strong wind, must be a KZN thing!!

So the event was all over in a matter of a couple of hours, thanks again to Nic and Jacques for the venue, Martin, Ludwig and Bernus for there judgement.

Next round, league 3 at TMFC, March 20

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WESTERN PROVINCE AEROBATICS - LEAGUE 3

TMFC

ENTHUSIASTIC ENTRY 20 MARCH

A GREAT ENTRY “ OF 11 PILOTS ENTERED ROUND 3 AT TMFC ”

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IT WAS AGREED AT PILOTS BRIEFING THAT FROM NOW ON ALL LEAGUE EVENTS WILL BE OVER THREE ROUNDS, BEST TWO TO COUNT AS PER THE SPORTING CODE. Once again, thanks to Michael Borcherds for some fantastic pictures.

Michael was first up in the sportsman class and scored a great first percentage with Jacques right on his heels.

Roehanie struggled some what flying his ‘stick’ but once he gets the “Groovy” going I am sure this class is going to be very competitive.

Round two was also won by Michael, but Jacques lost out with a bad manoeuvre.

The wind had become over 30km at the end of the sportsman second round so we all agreed to just fly two rounds, some not electing to fly two. Just one and drop the second round.

In the Advanced class Jacques Botha finally got his plane finished and joined Cobus, Rory and Peter. Peter showing loads of nerves and lack of practice really did

battle. Jacques made great progress from round one and two but the class battle was between Rory and Cobus.

Rory did score a couple of zeros which left the door open for Cobus to win the class. Great scores Cobus.

And finally to the Masters class. Rodney had damaged his plane a couple of weeks before so that only left Stuart, Ernie, Neil and Ozzie.

Neil was the clear winner, not even Stuart could match his first round score. He did slip-up on his second flight but still took the class win.

Ernie managed to score a 60, just for third ahead of Ozzie who just needs to spend time at the field with the Bip. So a short event, some might say the wind not too bad, but

at the end of the day we all when home with planes that will fly again. Thanks to Martin and TMFC for the use of there field, to Ludwig, Kas and again, Martin for judging. The next event, round 4 will be at HRF in May due to the Power Nationals event in April.

R1 R2 F

% % % SPORTSMAN Michael 65.15 58.79 65.10 1 Jacques 64.09 51.52 64.09 2 Roehanie 26.36 33.33 33.33 3 ADVANCED Cobus Rory Jacques Peter MASTERS Neil Stuart Ernie Ozzie

64.35 62.46 64.35 1 51.74 56.23 56.23 2 45.65 50.87 50.87 3 36.16 28.91 36.16 4 69.72 63.22 69.72 1 63.56 0 63.56 2 58.17 60.17 60.17 3 42.33 0 42.33 4

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WESTERN CAPE AEROBATICS - LEAGUE 4

FAR FAR FAR AWAY! HRF

22 MAY

STUNNING CONDITIONS “ WITH VERY CLOSE COMPETITION, IT’S JUST GETTING BETTER AND BETTER

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3 ROUNDS AS PER THE SPORTING CODE WAS AGREED AT THE LAST COMPETITION AND SO TO ROUND FOUR. Sportsman class Michael Borcherds not only take fantastic pictures but is getting better at his flying as well. Michael won all three rounds ahead of an improving Maurice. I think he was trying a little to hard on round three which left the door open for Maurice, not quite though but still great competition.

Advance class was dominated by Cobus. He had to leave early due to family commitments and only flew two out of the three rounds

but he still managed to win the class. Schalk was in his first competition for many years and realised how difficult Pattern was, but he still managed second ahead of an ever improving Jacques from Stellenbosch. Mike from TMFC made a welcome return took fourth ahead of Peter Aldridge, also from TMFC.

the field. Phew!

The “big” boys class, Masters was last to go.

Stuart took a convincing round one win ahead of the rest of the class. Ozzie was flying his IcePoint with a trusted os140 for the first time. Not sure if he will fly

it again though. The plane really showing its age.

Taking of age, it was fantastic to see John Calefato joining in the fun and in the Masters Class. He had engine issues and had to withdraw after the first round.

Peter really found his nerves too much, or was it the piercing eyes of the three Judges for Peter to completely loose his way on the second round. In fact no of us could see it anymore as it was out of site. Only the keen eyes of Ernie, his caller, gave calming instructions to Peter and the plane made its was back to “Please Mike, you must get it right next time”

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WESTERN CAPE AEROBATICS - LEAGUE 4 Ernie took the second round ahead of Neil and Stuart, Rodney improved in fourth, so did Ozzie.

So with one round each for Stuart and Ernie, the battle was on for the third round win. Don’t count Neil out, he could still win the class if he pulled off one of his great flights.

But he didn’t, scoring a ‘0” for one of his maneuvers left the door open for either Ernie or Stuart.

Ernie has a very good flight and threw the gauntlet down to Stuart.

Scoring two ‘0’s in the flight is not going to win the class, leaving Stuart with a 56 and giving the win to Ernie, but only just.

Neil third and Rodney, ever improving for fourth.

Now the Masters has been approved for HRF in October, it’s going to be a real fantastic event if the competition is the same as it was this weekend.

round 1 round 2 round 3 FINAL

% % % % SPORTSMAN Michael Borcherds 63.33 62.27 55.61 62.80 1 Maurice Grapendaal 55.91 59.09 55.15 57.80 2 ADVANCED Cobus Malan 63.26 63.26 0 63.26 1 Schalk VD Merve 53.70 52.46 57.54 55.62 2 Jacques Botha 56.38 51.88 52.90 54.64 3 Mike Rabeling 51.96 14.28 51.59 51.78 4 Peter Aldridge 44.78 2.75 47.17 45.98 5 MASTERS Ernie Smith 56.50 65.11 63.33 64.22 1 Stuart Nix 64.78 62.56 56.50 63.67 2 Neil Allen 62.94 63.56 62.83 63.25 3 Rodney Potter 46.67 56.67 62.44 59.56 4 Ozzie Parenzee 34.17 48.28 49.44 48.86 5 John Calefato 28.56 0 0 14.28 6

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Thanks to HRF and it’s members for the use of the club, to the three judges, Martin, Kas and Bernus, thanks.

Also thanks once again the Michael for some great pictures, (and no Angel)

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FOR EVER COMPETITIVE SMAA

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OVERCAST “ CONDITIONS

SOON CLEARED TO BLUE SKIES, NO WIND AND WARM WEATHER

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June already and league round 5. Time goes by so fast when you having fun!! Well for some anyway.

That was not the case for Maurice who had two failed rounds out of three. Dead stick on rounds 1 and 2. He finally found the problem and pulled off a fantastic score on his third flight. With that kind of flying, real shame he had problems.

A very competitive class, shame only three entries.

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WESTERN CAPE AEROBATICS - LEAGUE 5 Jacques pulled off an astonishing score for his second flight showing Michael that he is not having it all his own way, Michael looked a little shaken after round two. I am sure he stopped breathing on his third flight producing a smooth and graceful flight to win the class ahead of Maurice and Jacques.

The Advanced class is going to be really competitive if all three Sportsman pilots move up, Cobus watch out!.

Advanced class had 6 entries but only 4 took part on the day. The class was won by Cobus but shows that loosing the way on round two can open the class up for anyone to win, it just take one mistake.

All the pilots improved from the first round to the third. The conditions were very hard for everyone on round one, dark clouds finally cleared to blue skies. Cobus however didn’t seam to mind the dark overcast conditions scoring the events highest score for his first round.

Like the sportsman class, the Advanced is very competitive with not much between all pilots.

And finally to the Masters class.

Rodney won round one with a big smile on his face ahead of Ernie.

All battling with the conditions.

Round two was back to normal

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(sorry Rodney), Neil was a great flight and score just ahead of Stuart who also had a great flight, Ernie improved but could match there flying. Rodney didn’t improve but Ozzie did but he still hasn’t reached into the sixties yet.

So the seen was set for a battle royal in round three. Neil had another great flight throwing the gauntlet down. Stuart took to the skies, pulled up into his first maneuver only to have no power and aborted the round. (0). Could Ernie challenge Neil. Nope… could Rodney… Nope. In fact Neil was on his own, Rodney did improve his score but with a failed Rudder Servo found the going tough.

So Masters winner, Neil ahead of Ernie, second and Stuart, third.

Stuart had the batteries checked after and found one dead cell, (dam!!)

A great competition, thanks to Jacques Botha who had spent the previous weekend setting out a new flight line, it worked really well.

Nic your venue is looking better and better and to our three Judges and CD, Martin, Ludwig, Kas and André thanks you all.

Next event, League round 6 at TMFC, 3 July.

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“ I guess, after a score of 70% you can be relaxed and read the paper”

Thanks to Michael for some great pictures.

round 1 round 2 round 3 FINAL

% % % % SPORTSMAN Michael Borcherds 57.73 67.42 69.39 68.41 1 Jacques Borman 53.79 70.45 57.88 64.17 2 Maurice Grapendaal 11.52 10.91 65.15 38.33 3 ADVANCED Cobus Malan 64.78 50.80 68.26 66.52 1 Jacques Botha 52.97 59.20 62.97 61.09 2 Schalk VD Merve 44.20 42.68 58.70 51.45 3 Mike Rabeling 41.31 46.74 55.80 51.27 4 MASTERS Neil Allen 47.56 68.61 67.00 67.81 1 Ernie Smith 55.67 60.61 60.44 60.53 2 Stuart Nix 51.61 67.67 0 59.64 3 Rodney Potter 59.00 57.06 49078 58.03 4 Ozzie Parenzee 43.39 47.22 49.39 48.31 5

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FREEEZZZZING MORNING TMFC

3 JULY

VERY COLD START TO “ THE MORNING GAVE WAY TO WARM, CLEAR BLUE SKIES AND SOME REALLY GOOD FLYING

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11 entries and 2 Judges braved the extreme cold at Tygerberg flying club.

As water dripped from the shade cloth, only to make ice on the wing of Stuarts’ Mystery.

It was no Mystery in the Sportsman class to see Michael winning again ahead of Jacques and Maurice.

third rounds but Michael just had the upper hand with a personal best score in round three. His smooth flying paid off.

Once again Maurice had engine issues on his first round but managed to sort it out for the next two rounds and produced two very good scores, not quite in to the sixties but I am sure he will at the next round.

The Advanced class next season is going to be a real cracker with Michael and Jacques joining in and Cobus had better watch out.

Jacques improved all day and showed some really good flying, scoring high sixties in his second and

Yes Cobus had better watch out, not only to the Sportsman pilots but to the Advanced regulars as well.

Jacques scoring high fifties and low sixties is improving at every competition.

Mike as well, scoring high fifties as well. Both I am sure with a bit more practice will soon be on the heals of Cobus. Peter was a lonely fourth, still finding the Envision and electric hard to get used too.

In the end, Cobus was the clear winner, winning all three rounds.

The four regular Masters pilots had rather a close battle on round one. Stuart and Ernie making silly mistakes behind Neil and round one winner Rodney.

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WESTERN CAPE AEROBATICS - LEAGUE 6 Neil was now flying his Passport, got it all together for the second round and was ahead of Stuart, Ernie and Rodney. Rodney not feeling his best tried to convince the others, that was why his scores got worse but we didn’t listen.

The third round was lead by Neil until the very last flight of the day, when Stuart produce a great flight to win the round.

The day produced some really great flying and high scores for all the pilots, smooth and graceful is the key to getting high scores.

Thanks to Martin and Bernus for sitting out in the cold and to the members of TMFC for allowing the event to take place.

Next event is League round 7 at HRF, 31 July only three weeks before the Western Province Championships.

round 1 round 2 round 3 FINAL

% % % % SPORTSMAN Michael Borcherds 64.77 62.27 71.14 67.95 1 Jacques Borman 57.73 64.77 68.86 66.82 2 Maurice Grapendaal 11.14 57.80 56.36 57.08 3 ADVANCED Cobus Malan 64.06 65.33 70.87 68.10 1 Jacques Botha 51.43 61.30 58.04 59.67 2 Mike Rabeling 3.91 57.80 58.37 58.09 3 Peter Aldridge 50.43 42.39 0 46.41 4 MASTERS Neil Allen 62.25 70.00 66.33 68.17 1 Stuart Nix 61.08 67.25 67.11 67.18 2 Ernie Smith 61.56 64.25 60.33 62.90 3 Rodney Potter 62.83 61.50 57.43 62.17 4

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Western Province

s p i h s n o i p m a h C Helderberg Radio Flyers

20 August

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HEAVY RAIN AND STRONG WINDS FOR THE SUNDAY, THE PLAN WAS TO FINISH ON THE SATURDAY

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WESTERN PROVINCE CHAMPIONSHIPS The 2016 Western Province Championships held at HRF once again organized fantastic weather for just one day.

As the 11 entries and 5 officials arrived at the club, it was cold with a moderate breeze. Rodney was busy in the kitchen preparing breakfast, wearing his red apron, didn’t put anyone off from his great cooking.

After pilots briefing and breakfast the first round started with the Sportsman class.

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Michael was first to go “If only the wind was the other direction” he told me he didn’t like flying into the South Easter but had no choice which did show on his score.

mad with himself and decided to fly his ‘Chocolate Side’ for the remaining rounds. What a difference, his consistent and smooth flying blow the competition out of the water.

Jacques was on great form with a stunning flight and high scores to win the round.

Michael was the clear winning of the remaining rounds ahead of Jacques.

Maurice somehow thought that getting a bunch of ‘0’s might fool the judges but nope, his 39% was a try reflection on his flight.

Maurice improved really well with a second place on the final round, if only he had improved on round 3 as well, he might have come second.

So Jacques was the round one winner and that made Michael

Jacques had better watch out for the final league next month.

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In the Advanced class Cobus was the clear winner but Rory had put in a load of practice over the past couple of weeks which really showed, in fact he was just behind Cobus on round one.

Peter with his Envision was improving all the time and put in some really good flying. I think he is getting over the nerves of a new plane. A great score in round four but still could match the flying of Cobus and Rory.

Next season, together with regulars Mike and Jacques it is going to be a real cracking class with Michael and Jacques moving up from

Sportsman class.

In the Masters class the scoring is becoming very close. Neil has had it most his way this season but the others are close behind.

Stuart winning the first round but only just of Rodney who has been putting in a load of weekly practice, which shows in his scores. Ernie battled most of the day and didn’t break into the sixties.

Ozzie, flying for the first time, Craig Bells monster told me it was the best plane he has ever flown, well his scores were the best all season, maybe it was true.

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WESTERN PROVINCE CHAMPIONSHIPS The remaining rounds were won by Neil but Stuart and Rodney not far behind, “if only” I heard Stuart say after his final flight scoring a zero on the three turn spin, that might have won the class.

Rodney also dropped a percent on the final round, maybe with the competition so close they were trying too hard.

Anyway great competition in all classes, the standard of flying is really great, the best for some years and showing great growth.

Most of the pilots have

qualified for the SA Masters and together with entries from northern provinces should be a fantastic event.

Congratulations to Neil, Rodney, Stuart who achieved Western Province Colours.

Thanks to all the Judges, Martin, Kas, Ludwig and Bernus, trainee Judge Jacques Botha for there dedication, also André keeping the event to schedule.

Finally to HRF members for giving up a day of there flying for this great event.

Special thanks to Rodney for organising the food and cooking breakfast and lunch, just brilliant.

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Round 1 SPORTSMAN Michael 57.27 / 952 Jacques 60.15 / 1000 Maurice 39.09 / 650 ADVANCED Cobus 64.78 / 1000 Rory 63.04 / 973 Peter 46.96 / 725 Mike 0.00 / 0 MASTERS Neil 58.78 / 905 Stuart 64.94 / 1000 Rodney 63.11 / 972 Ernie 57.61 / 887 Ozzie 49.17 / 757

Round 2

Round 3

Round 4

FINAL

67.58 / 1000 56.52 / 836 38.33 / 567

62.58 / 1000 54.24 / 867 48.48 / 775

65.00 / 1000 65.05 / 3000 1 59.39 / 914 58.69 / 2781 2 59.55 / 916 49.04 / 2341 3

65.58 / 1000 58.91 / 898 45.80 / 698 0.00 / 0

66.45 / 1000 59.93 / 902 50.07 / 754 0.00 / 0

11.67 / 189 65.60 / 3000 1 61.74 / 1000 61.57 / 2875 2 56.01 / 907 51.01 / 2386 3 0.00 / 0 0.00 / 0

65.61 / 1000 60.56 / 923 65.11 / 992 59.89 / 913 46.17 / 704

68.00 / 1000 65.94 / 970 62.00 / 912 50.94 / 749 50.89 / 748

62.61 / 1000 60.89 / 972 59.67 / 953 55.06 / 879 50.67 / 809

65.41 / 3000 1 63.93 / 2942 2 63.41 / 2917 3 57.52 / 2679 4 50.24 / 2315 5

Fantastic pictures once again from Michael Borchards

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WESTERN CAPE AEROBATICS - LEAGUE 7

THE RE-SCHEDLED JULY LEAGUE “ ROUND WAS HELD AT THE WILD

CLOVER FARM NEAR STELLENBOSCH, FLYING FOLLOWED BY THE WPMAA AGM, LOCALLY BREWED BEER AND LUNCH. WHAT A FANTASTIC DAY

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RELAXED NO PRESSURE SMAA - WILD CLOVER FARM

3 SEPTEMBER

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The last league competition of 2016 and the last event before the SA Masters was held at Wild Clover.

A good entry of 11 had entered but due to other issues Michael had to miss the event. That left Jacques the clear winner of the Sportsman class.

Jacques got lost of his first flight but did improve on the remaining rounds to score a best average of 59, not bad despite no competition.

In the Advanced class Cobus once again was the clear winner, winning all three rounds with consistent flying.

Second was local man Jacques Botha, improving all the time and just ahead of Rory who decided to go back to 2-stoke for this event due to breaking

Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 SPORTSMAN Jacques 13.18 58.94 59.09 ADVANCED Cobus 63.41 63.12 63.62 Jacques 58.91 55.58 52.17 Rory 54.57 56.81 56.09 Mike 56.74 56.38 40.80 Peter 53.70 42.83 49.35 MASTERS Stuart 65.11 62.28 57.67 Rodney 61.06 62.50 58.28 Ernie 59.06 56.00 54.72 Ozzie 50.83 55.28 51.61

the landing gear on his other plane last week. A very close fourth was Mike, always improving and keeping ahead of Peter Aldridge.

really tough right now. Ozzie the non stop thinker and talker, (our ears are bleeding) finding his new Oracle a real beauty!!

A well supported and competitive class, next season with Michael and Jacques from Sportsman, it’s going to be a real cracker of a class.

Thanks to Nic and his team for allowing us to take of this Sunday as an extra date. Thanks to all four Judges and Judge in Training Jacques Botha.

The normal four entries in the Masters class, this time without regular winner Neil saw some very close flying between Stuart and Rodney. Rodney winning two of the three rounds but only just as they each scored a ‘0’ on there last round, so thanks to Stuarts first round score that made him the class winner ahead of Rodney, Ernie and Ozzie. Ernie finding the going

The weather forecast was stop-on, sunny and warm with no wind. Lets hope they get it right for the Masters in October.

After the comp, we held the second WPMAA AGM which was well accepted by all who attended, then for a couple of us, beer and lunch at Wild Clover restaurant. What a great day.

FINAL 59.02

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63.51 58.91 56.81 56.56 53.70

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63.69 61.78 57.53 53.44

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MAASA - SA MASTERS - OCTOBER

WE ARE ALL WINNERS

HELDERBERG RADIO FLYERS

15-16 OCTOBER

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SAHME L DAE RSBTE REGRS R A D I O F LY E R S

STORY BY: RODNEY POTTER PHOTOGRAPHS BY: MICHAEL BORCHERDS

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FOR THE FIRST “ TIME, THE SA

MASTERS WAS HELD IN CAPE TOWN AT HELDERBERG RADIO FLYERS

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The SA Masters 2016 has come and gone. Wow what an event! Not my opinion alone, just about everybody that attended whether as pilot, helper, official or as a spectator.

F3A WINNER, ANDRÉ STOCKWELL

This year’s Masters was the event it was always intended to be. The most prestigious Pattern Aerobatic event of the national Pattern calendar. The culmination of many hours of practice, monthly comps, league comps, provincials, nationals. Fixing, aligning, setting, adjusting and then some more of the same. For the Judges sacrificing many hours in the wind and sun.

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Finally the SA MASTERS! Hosted for the first time in the beautiful city of Cape Town, (and was She kind to us).

fridges were well stocked, the club house cleaned after each day’s flying etc and the runway swept each morning.

taking care of the sales of refreshments.

But before I wax lyrical, let me once again thank some special people who were responsible for making this such a well organised, professional event.

Then a special thanks to Erika Steyn (Ludwig’s wife) for preparing and serving a great breakfast of bacon and eggs with rolls and coffee/ tea the salads to go with the lunch time burgers.

Michael Borcherds for his donation of the prize for our raffle which raised R9 000.00, which was a great contribution to this event.

Firstly to the HRF committee and its members for giving up this fantastic facility for 4 days, making sure the

Our thanks also to Francois Geldenhuys for the braaing of the burgers for lunch, and to Jack for

Bernus, for his donation, much appreciated.

Rory for the donation of the case of wine, which realised R1000.00.

MAASA for their financial and other assistance.

I know this sounds cliché’d, but please forgive me if I’ve left somebody/s out.

Thursday the 13th Oct, first practice day saw the first pilots trickling in. These guys and their wives or girlfriends or Mother, had made the lonnnnggggg journey from the north. For some, a journey of +/- 1600km. A gentle South Easter and sunshine were there to greet them, and welcome them to the most beautiful City in the World.

One of them, Len De Villiers and his lovely wife Hanilie, were a bit wiser. He sent his airplane and equipment down with Neil Twomey, and he and his wife flew down to the Cape (clever man).

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MAASA - SA MASTERS Calvin, Michael and Sebastian decided that seeing more of our beautiful city would be much more rewarding than spending the day practicing something they already were so good at. Evidently it was well worth it (check out their facebook pages for the pics). Roston decided sleeping late into the morning was something he had to experience in Cape Town. I think it did him good as he ended the weekend in second place (F3A). Well done Roston.

Friday 14th, and the second practice day saw more pilots arriving. It developed into a reunion after the Nationals, which was held earlier in the year at Klerksdorp.

Friday evening arrived and it was time for the official start to the SA Masters. This took the form of a magnificent Banquet held at Boschkloof Wine Estate in one of the scenic valleys in Stellenbosch. Thanks again to Jacques Borman for hosting and sponsoring the evening. The banquet included a most beautiful sunset, as much wine as you were brave enough to consume, a tasty lamb spit with veggies, followed by a warm desert.

The SA Masters will never be the same again (unless of course it’s again hosted in Cape Town).

For the benefit of those readers who are unaware, the pilots in the Cape now belong to a registered Federation with the CT Sports Council, namely the WP Model Aerobatic Association.

So, this year for the very first time (legitimately), our Judges and pilots (Masters class and F3A only) could, if all criteria were met, achieve their Provincial colours.

Enter our special guest Mr Richard Buckley, chairman of the CT sports Council, to present the 4 Judges: Ludwig Steyn; Kas Hamman; Bernus van der Westhuizen and Martin Knoetzen with a signed certificate, a badge and a tie with the appropriate Disa and WP insignia, proud moment indeed.

PROVINCIAL COLOURS

Ludwig Steyn

Kas Hamman

Bernus vd Westuizen

Martin Knoetzen

Next to receive their Provincial recognition were the 3 pilots who qualified. Namely Neil Allen, Stuart Nix and yours truly, Rodney Potter.

Once again a really proud moment, and maybe we’ll be inspired to work harder and smarter to reach the next level!

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Stuart Nix

Rodney Potter

Neil Allen

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These awards were followed by the main course and desert after which I called on Clinton CarterBrown, chairman of MAASA, and Stuart Nix regional rep for MAASA in the Western Cape and hugely responsible for this most successful event. These two gentlemen, besides heaping well deserved praise on our host Jaques, proceeded with the pilots briefing and draw for flight order. This done, we slowly drifted off to our cars, homes, bed, for a good night’s rest and the start of the contest.

In the F3A class there was lots of pressure as it was the second of 3 team selection events. There were 6 pilots competing in F3A, one of which is our junior, Michael Sacca.

The 5 senior pilots were Roston Dugmore, Calvin Schroll, Grant Brooke, Clinton Carter-Brown and last but not least Andre Stockwell.

Saturday morning started as planned at 7.30 sharp. Our CD, Andre Vogel, did a splendid job keeping the pilots in the ready boxes (thanks again Andre). Before we knew it the first round had been flown by all classes. If Andre doesn’t start flying next year he could be Oom Danie’s replacement!

10.30 on day 1 and it was time for a cooked breakfast of bacon and eggs courtesy of the cook, Erika Steyn.

There was enough even for some of our visitors/spectators. Enjoyed by all. Thanks again Erika.

Special note here, especially to those who did not make it to the Masters for whatever reason and for future hosts of this event, all meals including the Banquet was free, gratis.That’s 1 x supper; 2 x breakfast; 1 x lunch, for all pilots, callers and officials. There was also no entry fee for pilots. It was a return to the glory days of pattern, with an extremely well organised event complete with a banquet Anyway back to the serious business of flying.

Nerves seemed to have settled slightly with the first round behind our backs. Breakfast was followed by round two for all classes.

Lunch time arrived in the form of the best burgers in town, as braaied by Francois (HRF member and volunteer) with salads by Erika Steyn. Thanks again guys, you are brilliant.

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Well done to all pilots who qualified and who participated. Congratulations.

We know it takes a lot of practice and effort. I hope to see you all at the Nationals 2017 (God Sparing us).

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Up to this point the judges were doing a great job out there in a gentle breeze and sunshine. There were enough judges to allow a fair amount of rotation, and avoid judges dozing off in the warm sunshine. Well anyway, they thought they did a great job.

I’m not going to elaborate, ask any of the pilots. I’m sure depending on who you ask, they’ll give you a fairly colourful opinion. Especially, if like me, they didn’t end up in the top 3 of their respective class. Haha Round three was the final scheduled round for the day.

What we, ie pilots not in the F3A class and all spectators, were looking forward to was the F3A ‘F17’ schedule. This is hectic, firstly you have to buy or install more RAM so you can remember the schedule then you’ve got to fly it!

Boy oh boy, did these guys put on a display of some serious pattern flying, including our junior, Michael Sacca. You just have to congratulate all of them.

It takes hours and hours of practice, not just to fly these complex manoeuvres, but to fly them technically correct, accurately and with the grace with which they did it. They made it look so simple! Whichever of these 6 pilots makes the SA team next year, we know you will do us proud. Good luck to all of you from all of us.

Ross Netterfield did get work assisting Stuart with the scoring, ensuring that results were posted timeously after each round.

Thank you Ross.. It was clear after 3 rounds that for the Sportsman and Masters classes that the winner was already decided. In the sportsman class (my personal man of the Comp) Joshua Twomey had already won all three rounds, and hence was the clear winner of that class. In the Masters class the veteran from KZN, Neil Allen, was also already the clear winner, with 3 straight wins. Once again well done to both of them.

We decided that we would not have any function at the venue for the Saturday evening so that all our visitors could have an opportunity to explore our wonderful city. I hope they took full advantage of the opportunity.

Sunday got off to another early start for the

SPORTSMAN Joshua Twomey Hugo Erasmus Len De Villiers Michael Borcherds Jacques Borman ADVANCED Pieter Botha Nico Erasmus Cobus Malan Rory Netterville Mike Rabeling MASTERS Neil Allen Stuart Nix Chris O’Connell Ernie Smith Rodney Potter Ozzie Parenzee F3A Andre Stockwell Roston Dugmore Clinton Carter-Brown Calvin Schroll Grant Brook Michael Sacca

Round 1

commencement of the 4th round for all classes. Once again some really great flying all round.

each to the winner of each class. Thanks Neil, a nice gesture, but then he is a nice guy.

Breakfast, very simple, hot dogs and then the prize giving. Thanks Stuart for organising really smart trophies and certificates. I really wish I could have won one of those, damn zero on the stall turns…..say no more.

A special prize of R1000.00 was awarded to Joshua Twomey who won the Sportsman class by a huge margin. Watch this kid, he is going to go places.

Thanks again to all the judges; Bruce Clark; Martin Knoetzen; Kas Hamman; Ludwig Steyn; Bernus van der Westhuizen; Chris O Connell.

A box of wine was donated

by Rory Netterfield and was raffled off. We raised approx.

R1000.00. Thanks Rory.

The raffle was won by Neil Allen (who’s been winning a lot in Cape Town), and he in turn donated a bottle of wine Round 2

Round 3

The Trophies were as smart and classy as the whole event. Congratulations to all the recipients.

In this report I’m not going to mention the names of the winners and runners up etc. if you’re interested in that, read the previous report which have all the results.

That report by the way was intended for one of our local newspapers who wanted a brief report on the event.

As my mate Stuart would say, all pilots that took part in this event are winners.

Round 4

FINAL

70.15 / 1000 67.88 / 1000 70.30 / 1000 71.36 / 1000 70.61 / 3000 1 61.67 / 879 66.52 / 980 60.45 / 860 65.91 / 924 64.70 / 2783 2 60.61 / 864 65.91 / 971 63.03 / 897 58.94 / 826 63.18 / 2731 3 63.18 / 901 35.15 / 518 58.94 / 838 57.12 / 800 59.75 / 2539 4 40.00 / 570 61.67 / 908 57.12 / 813 53.48 / 749 57.42 / 2470 5 64.28 / 1000 65.14 / 1000 66.38 / 1000 69.20 / 1000 66.91 / 3000 1 63.12 / 982 61.09 / 938 64.06 / 965 66.52 / 961 64.57 / 2908 2 59.93 / 932 61.38 / 942 62.61 / 943 62.61 / 905 62.20 / 2818 3 57.10 / 888 51.74 / 794 52.54 / 791 58.41 / 844 56.01 / 2527 4 43.55 / 678 19.06 / 293 55.51 / 836 55.80 / 806 51.62 / 2320 5 63.22 / 1000 62.61 / 1000 65.17 / 1000 59.39 / 955 63.67 / 3000 1 63.06 / 997 61.67 / 985 59.22 / 909 62.17 / 1000 62.30 / 2982 2 60.39 / 955 60.06 / 959 61.50 / 944 60.83 / 979 60.91 / 2893 3 59.17 / 936 60.72 / 970 61.67 / 946 60.44 / 972 60.94 / 2888 4 59.11 / 935 59.00 / 942 60.44 / 928 55.89 / 899 59.52 / 2805 5 51.22 / 810 51.61 / 824 52.61 / 807 56.11 / 903 53.44 / 2537 6 74.83 / 1000 74.67 / 1000 68.86 / 990 75.57 / 1000 75.02 / 3000 1 70.50 / 942 72.50 / 971 69.57 / 1000 70.86 / 938 71.29 / 2913 2 71.94 / 961 73.22 / 981 67.24 / 966 66.67 / 882 70.80 / 2909 3 69.28 / 926 71.17 / 953 68.76 / 988 71.48 / 946 70.64 / 2887 4 70.89 / 947 68.44 / 917 65.00 / 934 66.24 / 876 68.52 / 2798 5 65.44 / 875 66.44 / 890 41.76 / 600 60.86 / 805 64.25 / 2570 6

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3rd Sportsman - Len De Villoers

2nd Sportsman - Hugo Erasmus

1st SPortsman - Joshua Twomey

3rd Advanced - Cobus Malan

2nd Advanced - Nico Erasmus

1st Advanced - Pieter Botha

3rd Masters - Chris O’Connell

2nd Masters - Stuart Nix

1st Masters - Neil Allen

3rd F3A - Clinton Carter-Brown

2nd F3A - Roston Dugmore

1st F3A - Andre Stockwell

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Well done to all pilots who qualified and who participated.

Congratulations. We know it takes a lot of practice and effort. I hope to see you all at the Nationals 2017 (God Sparing us).

I contacted a few people who attended the event to hear in one or two sentences their opinion of this Masters weekend. Here’s what some of them had to say.

Len de Villiers: “Baie dankie vir ‘n fantasties event. Die organisation was 100%. Ek en my vrou Hanlie het dit vreeslik geniet. Ons sal weer daar wees.

Susan Miller (Roston’s mom): “Best ever. Very well organised.

Everyone was so friendly, made us all feel very welcome. Will definitely come again”.

Nico and Petro Erasmus: ‘The banquet set the tone for probably the best ever SA Masters. Dit was grand. Die Kaap is a wondelike plek. Very

well organised right down to the way the CD ran the show.

You guys did a fantastic job”.

Neil Twomey: “Fantastic event.

So smoothly run, no hiccups.

Such a hospitable bunch of people. We were really made to feel at home”.

Calvin Schroll: ‘Die event was seker die beste ooit. En die Kaap is net te wondelik, daar is nog so baie om te sien. Sal weer kom al is dit nie n team selection event nie. Weereens baie dankie vir alles”.

Roston: “best one yet”.

Claude Mackrill: “Its been many years since I took part in the SA Masters, I was very impressed by the standard of flying and the total professional way in which this was run It was also great to see all the “Vaalie” boys in town...

Well done Stuart & Rodney and everybody else that was involved in the running of the great event, Cape Town Rocks.

Sorry to disappoint, there were no negative comments.

In conclusion, I would once again like to thank the MAASA committee for accepting our bid to host this year’s SA Masters. It was a great privilege for all of us. Especially great for many of our pilots who have never had the opportunity to fly against pilots in their respective classes from other regions, and also to witness first-hand the skills of our F3A pilots. Also, a final thank you to all who assisted and donated even a packet of sugar. All of you, pilots, officials and not forgetting spectators made this a most successful and memorable event.

Two wrongs don’t make a (w) right but two (w)rights make an aeroplane Rodney

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