Newsletter May 2016

contact – editorTMAC@gmail.com

Roger Hutson’s new jet undergoing CoG checking.This is Roger’s new Xcalibur Jet. It is around 1850mm wingspan, and fitted with a Kingtech K100G turbine. The motor has a thrust of 10Kg which gives a thrust to weight ratio in excess of 1 and a speed expectation of 250 kph. Fitted with Intairco electric retracts (with brakes) and requires 11 channels to fly. More details next month.

Introducing our new committee. At the AGM, four committee members were elected on the night. In accordance with our Constitution, these elected members then met to pick a team to manage the club for the next 12 months. Most of these faces will be familiar to our membership, but you may not know the man behind the face. Its very easy to turn up at the flying site, exchange a few words about models, and then go home again without ever knowing much about with whom you have been flying.

Bill de Renzy - President “I grew up in Hinuera near Matamata and came from a farm where I got my all my childhood entertainment, my prized possessions were a pushbike and a rifle. I also built, flew and chased free flight gliders all over the countryside on my pushbike. The models were built on the dining room table under the guidance of my father who was also an aviation enthusiast - owning a glider at Waharoa and being a tow pilot for the local gliding club. As a teenager, I worked on Saturdays on an orchard next door to earn pocket money to go flying on the Sunday - going solo at the age of 15 and getting a national gliding award (Silver C) while still 15 years old.

I joined the RNZAF as an airman cadet after leaving school, where I continued my technical schooling as an airframe mechanic and continued to build and fly model aircraft at the Woodbourne air force base. Going to Ohakea for a stint of everyday life in the armed forces, I then returned to Blenheim for my airframe fitters course which passed successfully and then went straight into a Technicians course which qualified me to work on everything on aircraft except instruments and electrical. Back to Ohakea until I decided that Airforce life just wasn’t busy enough and I got out of the service. Returned to Matamata and started an engineering shop with a mate, I worked at this for a few years until my partner bought me out. Coming from a farming background, I bought an agricultural contracting business which I had for a few years. A great life style which gave me time to gallivant around – I was president of the Matamata Skydivers at that time and spent most of my time falling out of aeroplanes in Matamata and all around the country. I sold the contracting business and was seconded to Hydraulic Machinery company where I ran the special projects division until they sent me off to Australia as a hydraulic specialist. I stayed in Australia for a number of years - returning to New Zealand - Tauranga in 1994. I bumped into John Dolphin on my return he got me all enthusiastic again about model gliding and I have been a member of the Tauranga club since 1994. I did most of my flying with John and several other gliding enthusiasts, I only flew at the Apata site once and that was pretty much all the encouragement I needed to continue to stay away. I build and fly gliders, mostly larger models and I started the NZ Aero tow group in 2005. We held our first official

aero tow in Hinuera. I currently have several 6.0 mtr models of 1/3rd and half scale. I am building a 30% size Pawnee (3.3 m span & 120cc twin cylinder petrol) at the moment as I do not have any tow plane in Tauranga or close by. Most of the events I fly at are away from Tauranga and I am often away during the early part of the year. I fly thermal competitions to make up numbers and enjoy myself. I like to participate in most facets of our sport including the odd bit of power flying. I have been on the TMAC committee for the past 20 years and president for the past three years. This year my expectations for the club are the rejuvenation of both runways and to help the committee with the auction and look for possible funding sources for new machinery. For those newer members who I haven’t yet met – I look forward to seeing you up at the field and at club nights.”

Mark Sibley – Vice President “I dipped my toe into model flying in the UK in the late 80's but working away from home and small children awaiting my return I had very limited flying time so after a few years I gave up. Moving to NZ in 2006 with grown children and after settling into my new life I decided to get into model flying again. I have been a member at TMAC for 4 years, I started with the mandatory high wing trainer moving onto my first low winger about 12 months later which lasted 6 about months before my ambition exceeded my ability. Still a bag of bits only means a reason to buy a new model. Since becoming comfortable with the standard low wing model I have a hanger of 9 planes from the aforementioned low winger (still in one piece) to my latest addition a 35cc gas Nemesis sports model. I enjoy building as much a flying and have 2 models on the go a present, a Pper Apache nearing completion and I am about to start a Bird of Time. So the coming auction will see a few of my early models up for grabs to free up some room for the ever changing Hanger”.

Roger Peddle - Treasurer/Membership Secretary “I come from a farming family where children went to boarding school at a young age, in my case I was only eight years old. Aviation has always held a special interest in my life and when I came home from boarding school my mother would buy me small rubber band model to keep me entertained during the holidays. When I was about ten she bought me my first IC engine, an OS 10FP which I still have, and it still runs. During my working life I managed a sheep and cattle station and then bought a small kiwifruit

orchard. In 1986 I started in the Life Insurance industry and went on to form a successful business which was subsequently sold in 2010. I became a member of TMAC in 2014 and for my sins was immediately recruited as Treasurer. In the last twelve months I have taken over the membership role as well and I enjoy both of these roles although it does get quite busy. I have a passion for enrolling new members and helping first timers to learn to fly. To this end I am in the throws of establishing a Flying Academy where new pilots are matched up with experienced pilots and taken through to Wings Badge status. We are so lucky at TMAC to have a beautiful spacious flying field available and a huge vote of thanks must go to past and present members for their foresight, courage and financial backing in developing TECT Park to what is today. My dream is to continue to develop our field to be the best it possibly can”.

Dave Marriott –Secretary “I grew up in Gisborne on a sheep station where I flew control line by myself using a hand made release

mechanism. I subsequently graduated to control line combat with a “Gig Eifflander special” works tuned PAW 19D. In those days this was power unleashed ! Main subjects studied at school were surfing and science. My career has revolved around being a professional mechanical engineer, but with a commercial focus on managing technical entities. I have been in CEO roles, advisor to governments, newspaper journalist, and now semi retired, I run a small consultancy helping technical businesses under stress.

I have been a member of Gisborne, Levin, Tauranga and Kapiti Model Aero Clubs. I gained my ‘Wings’ at TMAC (at Apata) under the tutelage of Roger Hutson and Neil Attwood, and then disappeared back to Wellington where I have been Secretary of the Kapiti Club for 4 years before returning to Tauranga in July last year. When my son was at high school we joined Levin Club and he got his wings while I acted as builder, mechanic, pit crew etc. We flew sport aerobatic, gliders, foamy slope soarer combat. It was not until he left for University that I contemplated learning to fly RC. My main interests in aeromodelling are RC fixed wing sport flying and semi

scale. I enjoy building as well as flying. Outside of aeromodelling I assist at Classic Flyers, keep a watch on aerospace development, cycling, and when the swell is right, go waveski surfing. As a newbie to the Committee, I will endeavour to further progress the establishment at TECT Park (we have only just started !), develop a growth plan for the Club, encourage new members, and build relationships with our partners.”

John Leonard – General Committee “Originally from London (Croydon Airdrome, Biggin Hill) Worked my whole career as Instrumentation and control systems design engineer. Started 1965 at the dawn of transistors. Started out about 1960 with rubber power (Kiel Craft) and jetex powered models, more dreaming than flying. Discovered diesel power PAW, ED Racer. Many happy hours in the shed getting high on ether. Start of control line flying. Took me a while to figure out the you hold the handle vertically, first plane took off, lines went slack, plane goes vertical and plows into the ground

behind you. Motor bikes, girls, cars, girls. Occupied most of the next couple of decades Moved to South Africa in 1973 but only returned to modelling in !982. Started with Gentle Lady glider, fitted a power pod and 5 channel JR radio control (cost a fortune as I remember. Managed to teach myself to fly (not totally under control more like gentle nudges) Now I got ambitious, Built a fully acrobatic model ( I sure the word Bullet was in the name) OS 40 FSR motor (See attached). Off to a farm in the Northern Transvaal. Took off, cleared a barbed wire fence by about foot, 200 ft full power, total panic, managed to do 3 circuits before heading for the deck. Two hours latter the african kids were still bringing me bits. Left SA and came to NZ in 1987. Joined Roskill Modelers in 1998 and finally started to get some good advice. First a PT 40 trainer, then an Astro Hog. Move to Tauranga 2014 and joined TMAC. My main interest is fixed wing aircraft both Sports and Scale, I prefer to build from plan but have some ARFs for instant gratification. Preferred power is 4 stroke IC but electric has snuck in on a couple of models. I am currently building racing drones as the technology is really interesting, my drone piloting ability is sadly trailing my ambitions. For the club, I would like to attract, assist new members, set up a good instructor program based on Buddy box leading to wings badge and assist in developing a user manual for NOOBs”.

Trevor Prince – General Committee “I took a year out about five years ago and my wife and I travelled in a High Top Hiace around both Islands. It was a great opportunity and we had plenty of time to get to know each other as if over 30 years of marriage wasn't enough. We settled in Tauranga at the end of that year and unexpectedly our son and his partner moved here via Christchurch ( including earthquakes) and Auckland and produced our only Grandson who is nearly two years old. My interests cover Cycling, Jogging, Tramping and sharing a tinny with my son. During the last year I have been on the club mowing roster and hope to help where I can in the future. I have just begun to fly solo with my Electric Stick thanks to John Leonard and his encouragement and willingness to forge ahead with repairs I have needed on many occasions.”

Snippets Nuts, bolts, fasteners, from 2mm up. – Bulk Bolts and Fasteners Ltd, Unit 4 33 Oak Lane, Judea Industrial

Centre, Ph 5789954

Paulownia Timber. Its like a heart grade balsa. Use for leading edges, spars and structural bits. There is a

grower/supplier in Northland - Woodsworks Scale Stripwood Supplies, tel. 09 432 3060, Whangarei, NZ. Email - woodsworks@slingshot.co.nz.

Welcome back – Paul Ellison has rejoined the club as a family member with wife Fiona, son Nathan and daughter Hayley. Paul used to fly at Apata.

New Members – please welcome family members Ben and Caleb Day, from Waihi Beach. Who was it that changed his receiver, gave his Cloudsfly a full check and then launched, only to describe a

high speed arc in the sky ending in a crater. Turns out the pre-flight check showed the rudder was working, but didn’t check the direction - oooops!

Links Drone racing - a deal has just been signed between IDRA and EPSN to broadcast the event/races live. There

will be a NZ team present. Pretty exciting to have model RC flying on a major network globally. Drone racing is becoming a high dollar spectator sport where spectators can “tune in” to individual pilots FPV feeds. https://www.facebook.com/droneracingassociation/videos/1770418359854204/?pnref=story

RC combat – now if the planes were fitted with paintball guns . . . . .? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-XSqkZo11eA&feature=youtu.be

Nothing to do with model planes, but a great demo of technology – anyone for a jog? https://www.youtube-nocookie.com/embed/M8YjvHYbZ9w?rel=0

Interesting colour photos of wartime Mosquito assembly - https://www.warhistoryonline.com/military-vehicle-news/mosquito-best-warbird-wwii-color.html?utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=postplanner&utm_source=facebook.com

NASA conducts multi drone traffic test http://www.nasa.gov/feature/ames/nasa-marks-success-for-most-complex-drone-traffic-management-test-yet-at-faa-test-sites

Andy Avgas –Roving reporter Model Flying NZ plans to introduce a new Constitution to be voted at the July AGM. Details will be revealed in the May Model Flying World. Andy anticipates that much of the change will be to accommodate the pending changes to the Incorporated Societies Act. Andy muses over the current MFNZ Constitution and whether the new Constitution will clarify the roles of Clubs and flying members. When the MFNZ was first established (then called NZMAA), the Clubs were members and had voting rights. Under changes made to the Constitution in 2005 this was changed such that Clubs were no longer members. Clubs are now “affiliated” to MFNZ (what does this mean ?). Clubs can send an observer to MFNZ meetings but have no voting rights. Andy has talked to many long standing members and has not found any correspondence which preceded the adoption of this change. What this means is that if you want something changed at the MFNZ AGM, don’t expect the club to vote on your behalf. They can’t. You must make your vote as an individual, in person or by proxy. It puts the Clubs in a strange position, of collecting funds for and administering MFNZ policy and processes, but in having no say at Club level of how MFNZ is to be run. Clubs cannot put a submission in on the proposed new Constitution – it is up to individual members to do this. A complication is that while the MFNZ insurance scheme provides protection to the individual flyer, it does not protect the Club, as a legal entity, (eg being sued by ACC or CAA for running an unsafe activity). Andy finds this very mysterious and confusing.

New “Wings Test’ and the introduction of an ‘Advanced’ qualification. The latest “Model Flying World” gives details of changes to the “Wings” qualification scheme. This follows overseas practice. The “Basic Power” wings test is a bit like gaining your car licence – it means that the system has judged you able to operate safely without supervision, but the real skills development is yet to come. Other than the addition of some more questions covering CAA rules, the test is largely unchanged. The advanced test is similar to an IMAC routine. In some ways it mirrors the outdated “Aerobatic” badge, which some of our members may hold. It consists of flying a pattern covering the following elements:

a. pre-flight tests b. takeoff, circuit and overfly take off area c. figure 8 at constant height d. inside loop into wind e. outside loop (bunt) downwind f. two rolls into wind g. two rolls downwind – opposite roll rotation

h. stall turn i. three turn spin j. landing approach and overshoot k. circuit in opposite direction below 40 feet l. landing approach and landing within limits m. post flight checks and questions.

The elements must be flown to a higher standard than for the ‘BP’ test. While many of our members routinely carry out these manoeuvres in isolation, it will be interesting to see how many can fly a complete pattern sequence , without error. This will certainly put an incentive on more precise flying. The advanced test will not be for all. If you just like stooging around and making some random shapes in the sky, then a BP is all you need. ( 3 turn spin? – I’ll have to start so high I can’t see the plane ! – Ed)

Of colour schemes – Dave M.

My eyesight is the single biggest limiting factor in my flying. My optician says that my contact lens prescription is at the “limits of optical technology” ! The next step would be thick glasses which would probably need a tripod to take the weight. This means I have to be careful to pick a colour scheme for my models which enhances and does not erode my spatial awareness.

I came across an interesting article by Dr Robert Suding which covers a lot of points in making your plane more visible. These include:-

At long range you will be using the rods in your eyes and not the cones, to provide orientation and depth perception. Rods respond to grey scale and not colour.

Colour ‘opposites’ – red/yellow, blue/green etc do not work. What is needed is dark/light. Preferably light upper and dark underside.

Simple geometric shapes show up better than detailed fiddly colour schemes eg starburst on the top, and plain colour beneath. Most ARF’s look pretty, but are a flying optical hazard.

Use hi-viz colour leading edges to assist in landing. Take note of the prevailing background – if it is shrubbery/trees then green is not a good choice. Similarly white may not be good if the background is normally overcast sky.

Hi-viz wingtips help orientation during manouevres

Sunglasses – red or yellow reduce the image to high contrast shades of grey. Grey, light blue or light green tints are preferred as they give better colour rendition and increase the visual perception range.

For more information search for “Don’t colour me gone” or go to http://www.airplanecolor.com/links.htm and look for “Colouring R/C Aircraft – Dr Robert Sudings suggestions”.

Prof Fred Flapbracket on inverted (glow) motors All my planes have the motors mounted upside down. Why – because I like it that way!. It may be a hangover from control line team racing days, or perhaps because I just like the aesthetics and hate seeing a big blob of cylinder head sticking out at some random angle. Which do you prefer?

Recently I was approached by a fellow flyer who said he had owned a plane similar to mine, but could never get the inverted motor to run right. He went through all kinds of gymnastics such as turning the model upside down to start the motor. I’ve never seen this done with full size aircraft ! The following are Fred’s suggestions for working with an inverted motor.

Engine choice – engines with dual needle valves have better and more reliable fuel draw than air bleed type carburetors. Similarly, engines with remote needle valves are not preferred as they are more prone to air leaks into the fuel line.

Tank position. This is crucial. When mounting a motor inverted, make sure that the top of the tank is just above the centerline of the carburetor venturi. With the motor inverted this may mean mounting the tank considerably lower than for an upright motor. This is necessary to avoid flooding.

Inverted Streamlined Aesthetic Scale looking Cool

Upright Lots of drag Butt –ugly Looks like an afterthought Uncool

? ?

Coming ? Coming ? Going ?

? ?

Going ?

??????

Glow plug. When an inverted motor is idling, excess oil will run down inside the cylinder and can quench the glow plug. This can cause the engine to stop before you get to the runway, or a deadstick in flight. There are several ways of addressing this.

o The first is to make sure you are using the right reach of plug. This is particularly the case for ASP and other generic Chinese motors which are sold without a plug. Many modelers will simply screw in an OS 8 and be perfectly happy with an upright motor. The OS plug is a mid reach. ASP motors need a long reach plug. Using a shorter plug creates a pocket in which oil can accumulate and quench the plug. If in doubt, remove the cylinder head and check where the plug comes to. It should sit flush with the inner surface of the cylinder head.

o Use a hotter plug. (the heat setting of a glowplug, or spark plug, is related to the temperature at which the plug operates – use a ‘cold’ plug in a racing motor, and a ‘hot’ plug in a small or sport motor.) A convenient solution may be to install a 4 stroke plug – eg OS ‘F’. (Make sure there is no interference between the plug and the piston)

o Check with the manufacturer to see if they have a recommendation for a plug for an inverted motor. In the case of ASP, always use an ASP plug – they seem to be optimized for the ASP motors and give reliable performance.

When starting, always turn the motor over by hand before using an electric starter. This will alert you to engine flooding which can cause a hydraulic lock and bend conrods. I use a start sequence of first hand crank, then electric start. If the motor doesn’t prime, I put my finger over the exhaust to pressurize the tank, while cranking, until it fires.

Use a grunty glow driver which can burn off any fuel which may accumulate during the starting process. Preferable to have a glow driver with an Amp meter so you can get an instant check of whether the plug is working or not.

Remote glow adapter. I use a remote glow adapter so that I can plug my glow driver in from above, without having to reach under the plane. They cost about $3 and reduce the risk of losing fingers while trying to detach the glow driver.

That’s all for this month – please keep those contributions coming.

Dave Marriott

Editor