by George Dawe
The success of first annual "The Pearl Harbor Combat Classic" took us by complete surprise! Despite Mother Nature’s inclement weather, which dampened the flying field the morning before the big event, the mission day featured clear sky’s, calm winds, although slightly chilly in the morning, which warmed to an impressive day for combat!
Seventeen pilots stepped forward to risk sacrificing their combat ships to the airplane gods. Indeed the gods did not go hungry. Several spectacular mid-airs highlighted the 704 competition, although the Open Combat competitors managed to complete the event unscathed. The recently implemented rules changes, which brought us more in-line with ASDA rules, proved for a safer and more exciting competition. The seven minute flight rule, was introduced at this event with no problems as pilots had been adequately warned to switch to a larger tank if necessary. All of the combat events consisted of three heats, one semi-final, and a final heat. Some confusion occurred as an oversight in announcement caused many pilots not to realize they were flying in the semi-finals! (We always try to do our best, but oversights do happen.)
The 704 event featured a five pilot final, with Jeff Weiss (AirKill Products, Sacramento, CA), Jim Bodnair (Vandenburg Air Force Base, CA), George Crandall (Sacramento, CA), and Kevin Crandall (Orange County, CA), and Palomar’s very own Scott Bilinski, all competing for top honors. Early into the final heat a five airplane melee occurred in which Scott Bilinski appeared to cut Jim Bodnair’s steamer, dashing Jim’s hopes for victory. But controversy loomed! Kevin Crandall also claimed the same kill based on information from an "unknown spectator" who supposedly "witnessed the kill from a clear vantage point on a nearby grassy knoll." (Note: This controversy was cleared up later when, after a diligent inquiry by the CD, the kill was in fact awarded to Scott Bilinski! There always has to be some controversy!)
Near the closing of the final round, more controversy occurred when Jeff Weiss claimed a "kill" that literally sent George Crandall’s ship spinning into the ground. Suspecting a midair, the line Marshall, Dave Truax, ordered Jeff Weiss to land his ship--no marks were found on Jeff’s beautifully finished Bearcat and the airplane had all its functions. As such, Jeff was allowed to climb back up into the sky to continue his quest for victory. The CD ordered the cut judge not to score Jeff’s kill until all airplanes had landed and a thorough investigation of George Crandall’s Sea Fury was completed. The action continued furiously for the next two minutes with several near cuts and several more near mid-airs. When the klaxon signal the end of the competition, the dust had cleared, and a thorough crash site investigation revealed no evidence of mid-air, Jeff Weiss was awarded his kill.
Jeff and Scott tied in kills during the final. Therefore, CD Bob Lang, relied on the scores of the previous semi-final heat to determine the winner of the event. Scott Bilinski’s semi-final score gave him the victory over Jeff Weiss. Jeff was awarded second place, and Kevin Crandall took third. (In case anyone is wondering, the author’s 704 airplanes were plagued by poor hand launches, engine trouble and a structural failure of a tail surface.)
The final cumulative standings for the 1998, 704 Combat Event are as follows: 1. George Dawe 30 points 2. Scott Bilinski 25 points 3. Ron Stark 20 points 4. Jerry Sheldon 15 points 5. Gary Thompson 10 points 6. "And the rest of the Palomar R/C Combat Flyers!)
Only club members are eligible for standings. Points awarded as follows: 1st place = 15 points, 2nd place = 10 points, 3rd place = 5 points. It should be noted that Jeff Weiss finished the season with 25 points and Kevin Crandall finished with 10 points.
The Open Combat Competition saw the introduction of the author’s new "terror of the skys" combat airplane apply named the "Eliminator". The author prematurely dubbed the ship "Eliminator" prior to its first flight not knowing if it would crash and eliminate him from competition or whether it would eliminate the competition. The airplane had made its maiden flight during the windy Saturday afternoon preceding the Sunday combat event. Needless to say, the aircraft flew flawlessly in the event. Considering it cost only $4.50 to make, uses a $50.00 engine and inexpensive standard radio gear and took only two three hour sessions to build-this is the way to go! You should get to see the ship at the January meeting’s "Show and Tell".
The open competition had nine competitors competing in three heats, one semi-final and one final heat. In the final event, none of the competitors could score the ever illusive kill. The winner was determined by the semi-final point totals. Scott Bilinski emerged in first place with Tony Solo finishing third. Kevin Crandall took fourth and Darrin Albert placed fifth. The "Eliminator" had to settle for second place.
The author wants to thank all of our sponsors who participated in the event. Once again Hobby Shack generously donated several prizes and special thanks go to Ron Stark for his assistance. Jeff Weiss of Air Kill products also sponsored this event and several of our other combat events this past year. (AirKill’s Aircraft always seem to finish high in the combat events that I have witnessed!) The author also wishes to thank new sponsors Donny Weiss of K&B engines and Randy Linsalato of RJL Industries for their generous engine prize donations. K& B is re-introducing its quality high performance 0.21 engine to pick up the lack of available engines in that size. RJL produces the Conquest 0.15 engine which Scott Bilinski used to propel himself to victory!
In the coming year I expect many of our members to come aboard the combat band wagon. Remember to build light, but strong! Again I encourage newcomers to join our event. As I stated before, this is the only event I know were you can sweat off 10 pounds through your palms, and where seven minutes feels like seven hours of flight time. Combat is a "sensory" rewarding event! This is what RC flying was made for! I hope that the new year brings even more exciting combat events!
Until next time, be aggressive but please fly safely!
George Dawe