Fling Competition Report: May

25 May 2008.

The May 25th "Fling" day was a good day for all participants, 10 "Flingers" had a "Fling". The weather was warm and sunny, the sky cloudless and a deep winter blue in colour, We started at about 10:3Oam, wind from the S/E varying to South, it changed speed and direction several times, although not enough to warrant changing the take off pegs position. (thank goodness we never took off into the sun) It was a testing type of day, sometimes flights of a minute, at other times 5 minutes plus, some sink , some lift, but never from the same parts of the field. So we were kept working it out for each flight (Good) This meant that all flight techniques and all areas of the field were used. All "Flingers" would have benefited by participating! The one constant point learned by the writer was that the height gained on take off launch was a paramount advantage. The highest launch got the best time in most flights, so Bungee equipment , technique and practice is important. (I recognize that some pilots are much more skillful than others at all aspects of flight). The flying day was a good one for all. No line tangles (well little ones), no sun blindness and only one pilot suffered a mysterious electronic failure, from which he landed safely. Chris Elterman again did the timing and control, Scott will calculate the results, for which we all thank them. One thing "niggled "the writer, remember that there are no NATIONAL rules for 'Fling" contests (Thank goodness) so we can make up our own and keep it simple)! Why do pilots INSIST on walking to the landing spots after their " Fling" flight has landed and CONGREGATING in a gaggle on the LANDING SPOT, whilst other pilots are still in the air over their heads? This gathering on the spot spoils the landing concentration needed by those still in the air, it is dangerous and unsporting, threading your way through Pilots' MOVING heads. (not a fair go in Strine) Lets make it a rule that Pilots are NOT to advance on the spot to retrieve and measure their "Fling" until ALL flights are down ie no movement from the launch area. This would be simple, safer and make spot landings more competitive, less a lottery. The only minus point about this idea is that "Flings' would be on the ground near the spot, thus subject to a possible landing on. However the chances are low for a "Fling to "Fling" contact. 2 spots, some land outs, and at least 10 different landing skills means a spread is most likely. Lets give it a try, next time.

James Spencer.