RAFMAA CHAMPS/FLY-IN 2011

This year the champs had a major overhaul with a completely new look and feel to it. The committee decided to try a few new things but still trying to keep the emphasis on fun. We had a new camp site, new completions, a new flying site layout and this year we trialled an off the peg flying area.

The event its self was held at RAF Honington near Thetford in Norfolk. As in previous years the staff on camp where most helpful in enabling us to run such an event seamlessly. This year’s camp site was based inside the wire; this gave us access to your own model storage/charging room, a competition HQ and our very own T-bar/Crew room. There was plenty of room to do some shockie flying on the camp site and the brave amongst us even tried their hand at some night flying.

The event started on the Thursday the 1st Sept, everyone was on hand to set up the completion flight line, flying off the peg line, glider flight line and the control line area. This was completed in record time and once a very quick intro to the event and a pilot’s brief was done people were quick to head to their area of choice and start flying. The comp line started off with a light hearted fun fly comp. This was well subscribed with a variety of models being used, from out and out fun fly models to shockies and even a clip winged cub. After a good day flying everyone retired to the camp site for the "meet and greet" BBQ and Beverage. This was a great social event with people swapping build tips and model stories. It is a great opportunity to glean information from the more experienced modellers within our futurity. There was also a bring and buy with the usual bargains up for grabs.

As you can see the meet and greet went well on into the hours of darkness. A great evening had by all, it’s a shame it had to end, but end it must as there was more flying to be done the following day.

Friday saw more flying with the scale and freestyle aeros taking place. Again these events where well subscribed and much fun was had by all. The scale event saw a variety of aircraft taking part, there were war birds, electric twin and triple powered aircraft and a few aerobats as well. It was a great competition to watch as each aircraft picked different manoeuvres to try and show their pride and joys to their best. The freestyle event consisted of the usual overpowered hooligan machines displaying a variety of different of manoeuvres. This was a great event which enabled each pilot to pick manoeuvres to suit their ability. The gliders continued to make the most of the great flying conditions with some good flight times being achieve from a winch launch. Of course let’s not forget our control line brethren, who were also getting plenty of flight time. With around of each completion and plenty of flying off the peg carried out, we returned to camp and onto the AGM.

Saturday was the conclusion of the competitions. An event packed day with 2 rounds of scale and 2 rounds of freestyle areos completed. One of the competitors had a problem with his aerobatic model so he bravely competed with his electric clipped wing cub, which was piloted excellently. With all the competitions completed the scores were toted up, we headed off to the fork supper and then on to the presentation evening. The trophies were handed out with the addition of a few extras. This year saw a few prises allocated to people for shall we say “entertaining moments”, these moments were for things like ignoring the laws of gravity but realising them just before the model found terra firma.

Robin Gowler the chairman of the BMFA had helped out throughout the event carrying out judging and alike, and was also on hand to present the trophies. I would like to thank robin for all his help, as he gives up his own time every year to help out at our event.

Sunday saw the end of the event, personnel broke camp and headed straight back to the flying field to grab some last minute flying. This was a great way for everyone to meet up and say there farewells before travelling home, in some cases to the other end of the country. Again with great flying weather some people were reluctant to leave with the diehard not leaving until late afternoon.

To all those who attended, I would like to thank you all for your continued support. I believe that fun was had by all. To all those who did not make it, we look forward to seeing you next year. The dates for next year’s champs are the 30th august 2012-2nd Sept 2012.