NATS '78: CL Carrier
NAVY Carrier flying at Lake Charles has always been an unhurried event, and this year was no exception. The relaxed atmosphere existed because of the low turnout in all classes, but the flights offered plenty of excitement. Flight scores were good with two records established, and some really close scores kept people gathered around the scoring table, particularly during the Profile Carrier event. Since the 1975 Nats, Navy Carrier activity has been increasing in Louisiana, but there are still only a few Carrier competitors within about 600 miles of Lake Charles. The distance and warm climate apparently discouraged many normally active Carrier fliers from making the trip. Junior and Senior fliers made up almost a third of the entries, which is an encouraging trend, even though overall participation was low.
CL Navy Carrier
THE Navy Carrier events this year were outstanding in a number of ways. There were many different airplanes, many of them new, and the large number of contestants provided many opportunities to meet new people and renew old friendships. The competition was keen, and the action nonstop, with 182 flights over the two days of competition. The Carrier events were flown over uncharted seas, requiring skilled navigation on the part of the pilots to find the deck. The site was hidden away behind fuel storage tanks and maintenance buildings on a small patch of concrete barely large enough for a pit area and one circle. The isolated location meant few spectators for an event that normally draws a crowd, but the lack of engine noise from other events made slow flight easier, and spectator traffic in the pit area was low.
Control Line: Navy Carrier
THE LETTERS I receive seem to center around three subjects: what airplane to build, what engine to use, and what kind of control system to use. This month I'll be discussing each of these. I'll include a list of designs worth considering, some general guidelines for engine selection, and some maintenance tips on control systems. I'll end up with the answer to the obscure Carrier aircraft problem I left you with last time.
Control Line: Navy Carrier
I HAD the distinct pleasure last January of attending the King Orange International (KOI) at Jacksonville, FL. It's a contest I've wanted to fly in for quite some time, but it never seemed to fit into my schedule. I still didn't get to fly, but did have an enjoyable time renewing old friendships and meeting a few Carrier fliers whom I had not known before.
Control Line: Navy Carrier
For Class I, the engine that has been a hot topic of conversation in the RC Pylon Racing circles is the OS Max. 40VR-P. This rear-induction, rear-exhaust ABC engine is designed specifically for racing, and although it obviously uses some of the same molds and has the same bore and stroke as the .40 VF front-intake RC Pattern engine, the similarity ends there. There is little interchangeability of parts.
