Stressed as heck!!!!

[Extra260]

Well my first imac event is coming up in two weeks. To tell you the truth my hands start to sweat when I think about it. What was your first event like??? Any tips to help it??? Also this is the albuqurque imac challenge, will any of you be there that I could hang around with and get a little guidance. Thanks for your support. I need someone to lean on

[Divesplat]

Am planning on being there. Couple of things that will help.

1) Make sure you pack everything, including AMA card, Transmitter, Wings, chargers then double check it all.

2) Show up there on Fri if you can as Alb has some unique landing quirks. Nothing terrible but it helps to get your bearings and set up some landmarks in your own mind. At the same time ask someone to go through the sequence or just help with a few things. Not too much, just a few things as it can be overwhelming also.

3) Don't take anything for granted!! Make sure your ailerons are hooked up, do a range check after first assembly. Ask everyone how the frequency board works and check it frequently (Friday) Go through your normal routine so as not to forget something. If someone comes up to chat while putting your plane together, walk away from the plane, finish chatting, then without interuption, finish assembly.

4) You should be at approximately the same altitude so engine should be tuned pretty close and feel of ail/ele should be about the same.

5) Alb field faces the west so make sure you have dark sunglasses for flying in the afternoon. Try to fly with a spotter if the sun is a problem and if anyone else is flying.

6) As a part of your equipment, bring a box even(I have a tool box from Lowe's) that has ALL the extra supplies you may need, CA, 5min epoxy, clear packing tape 2-3in variety, wheel collars, extra servos, foam etc etc etc. When competing you will find a need for all those things you don't usually need at the local field. Coming prepared will also help you to relax.

7) Don't be afraid to ask questions. Just be respectful. If someone is getting ready to fly, let them fly. Once they have sat down or finished their flight, then ask.

You should have fun, and it is exhilarating to fly in front of judges. Nervousnous is a normal part of it. I was always told, the flight you aren't a little nervous is the time you should quit.

CYA there.

Ed

[dubd]

Make sure you remember Ed's comment about having fun. That is what it is all about.

[Dangerous Dan]

Get there at the crack of Dawn on Saturday, and get a flight in . Fly your known sequence one time and do it as if you were being judged. have somebody stand yight behind you fly. Then land, gas up your plane and find a comfortable chair so you can relax until its your turn to fly.

[Huckeneer]

Wow good things to know. I am going to my first on this weekend in Columbus, OH. I am shaking already!

[Andy540T]

Extra,

In New Mexico the crew there are top notch. Although I don't get to their contest, I get the opportunity to fly with them at the Las Vegas and Arizona contests. Super Dave (Dave Anderson) is a FG member. He is one hell of a nice guy and I am sure he would be willing to help you through your first contest.

Just don't worry about how you do on your first event, there will be plenty of time to win at other contests, just go out, do your best and first and foremost, HAVE FUN.

[Shawn Berkheimer]

Bofore the contest take and have your sequence/call sheet laminated. It will help your caller when he has to hold it in the wind.

On Saturday morning the first thing is to find the sign up table. Here you will pay your entry and sign an AMA waiver. Grab 4 score sheets and fill them out. Fill out 2 of them as round 1 and 2 of them as round 2. Place the round 1 scoresheets and your sequence between the fin and rudder of your airplane and relax until it is time to fly.

MAke sure the CD knows it is your first contest. He will most likley ask for someone to assist you. Ask that you be placed at the end of your class and then watch and learn as the other guys go before you.

And yes..........have fun

Shawn