2007 Pattern NATS Wrapup

[RC_Pattern_Flyer]

Well, I am going to spare you the story of leaving around 6 pm saturday afternoon, driving in shifts between Mark and myself till 4:45 in the am, grabbing a nap in the parking lot of a little exxon redneck type station. Waking up at 7 am, heading out to the sound of a a FLAT TIRE! Changing the tire, driving on the donut for 2 hours till a Wal-Mart opened to get a new tire. Let me tell you, 55mph SUCKS.

So.. here you go, I share with you first a picture of our FAI TEAM.

[RC_Pattern_Flyer]

The following standing are courtesy of the NSRCA.

Please visit the NSRCA website, the Special Interest Group that promotes pattern flying.

[RC_Pattern_Flyer]

[RC_Pattern_Flyer]

Here are the Advanced Final Standings. I want to take a moment and recognize a friend of mine... Jon Lowe. Traditionally, plaques are awarded through 5th PLACE. We were all unaware that the number of plaques awarded are directly related to the number of entries in the class. Therefore, because we had under 20 pilots, John Lowe did not recieve a plaque. Jon, I want you to know that we enjoyed your competitive flying and know we will get the chance to duel it out in the air again.

Congratulations, 5th Place finish at the 2007 Precision Aerobatics Advanced Class.

Chuck Hochhalter and all the Advanced Pilots and friends.

[RC_Pattern_Flyer]

Intermediate
1. Marcio Jorge 3980.7941
2. Jack Li 3947.2841
3. Gary Courtney 3946.3255
4. Brandon Landry 3894.2959
5. Richard Rosinski 3881.1965

Sorry, this is the best i can do for Intermediate, i can't find the files or pics I took of the complete results. my apoogies.

[RC_Pattern_Flyer]

So, let me talk a little about the classes.

Intermediate:
What a fine group of flyers, although we had a few stand out in the top 5, all of the competitors showed a desire to compete, and try harder. It was great to see some of the Masters and Advanced and FAI pilots that were coming down to help/call for/check on and support the upcoming pilots in the lower classes. I was Very pleased to see the likes of Jason Shulman, Dave Stodart, Cameron Smith, Mike Hester, Erik Newsholme, Chip Hyde last year, BW Ponder, Don Ramsey, Glen Watson, Arch Stafford.

Do you recognise these names, most of them were in the FINALS in some class or were winners in others. This is fantastic for pattern to grow our sport and be available.

Congrats to all the FIRST TIME NATS flyers, its a diferent atmosphere and they all handled it well, for those who did not perform to the potential, PRACTICE PRACTICE PRACTICE and next year could be your year.

Thanks for a great week, I spent alot of time on SITE 4 and got the pleasure to meet many of the pilots and get to know them. Thanks for a great NATS.

Chuck Hochhalter

[RC_Pattern_Flyer]

Advanced:

WOW.. what a fine group of flyers.. to have to compete with these guys makes me try a little harder. Its tough to compare yourself with others by looking at scores across the country. BUT.. nonetheless, we show up, we fly and we do our best.

The top 5 all were in Interdemiate last year and finished near the top half there as well. This group is competitive but i tell you what , I dont think Site 3 (masters) is going to be ready for the laid back goofyness we get away with on Site 4. Of course, we know that its a whole new ballgame of talent in masters and to be honest with you, I am not yet up to the challenge.

Ryan, Eric, Blaire, John, Robert, Jim, Luis, Dennis.... thanks for a fine display of sportsmanship, support for your fellow competitors and level of competition. I personally look forward to competeing with you guys for years to come.

BTW.. Eric... i am gunning for you *GRIN*

I thought we should have had a flyoff... what do you think Marcio?

Chuck Hochhalter
2007 NATS Advanced 3rd Place
Team 2DOGRC
Team INSIGHTRC

[SuperDave]

ANDREW!!!! Awesome! Chant: AN-I-MAL AN-I-MAL

[RC_Pattern_Flyer]

Masters:

WOW.... amazing talent in this class.. to be in the top 15 is a challenge, to be in the top 10 is a huge accomplisment, to make the top 5 some consider a dream, and to be NATIONAL CHAMPION in MASTERS is something we all hope to acheive and cherish.

Glen Watson came out on top this year, what a fine display of flying, geometry, wind correcting and concentration. Consistent execution is the key to being on top. I get the pleasure of flying with Glen at local contests and we all take someting away from his approach and dedication to the sport and what he is trying to achieve. An example of this is the fact that Glen also won the FUTABA Flight Achievement Award. Glen flew the most close to perfect round, what each of us tries to do every flight.

I can say it was a shootout in the finals, Arch Stafford flew incredibly well with his new airplane and Jeff Carders own design which won runnerup in the Concours D'Elegance award was a treat to watch.

The return of George to the pattern community is a wonderful thing as he took time to help rebuild a YS engine during his contest day for a fellow competitor in a lower class. He is a true reflection of what our pattern group is like.

Jerry Budd and Mark Hunt, Lance and Steve all flew fantastic rounds and it was a pleasure to spend the day on the Masters Flight Line missing out on the team trials completely.

Thanks guys for a great experience.

Chuck Hochhalter

[RC_Pattern_Flyer]

Well, i cant say much about FAI, but i believe the picture on the front of this thread and the smile son their faces says it all.

GO TEAM USA.

[mavacpjm71]

Congrats to Jason, Quique and Andrew.....TEAM USA is looking super strong!! Way to go all!

[50%plane]

thanks Chuck!!!!


Go team USA!!!


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