TAS – Preparation from an International Perspective

[NormJB]

The two 72MHz Futaba Receivers and the 72MHz Transmitter module arrived from the USA today - whoopeee another item to cross off our list of "Things to Do".

The plan is to install them in the models after last practice and range testing only - with engine running on the ground. Chrisb will not be able to test fly with the 72MHz modules - In Australia we use the 36MHz band for RC Aircraft.

Chrisb made some stickers at school for the boxes to assist the baggage handlers with finding the tops of the boxes - think he made enough for both Troys and his model boxes.

[3drat]

norm your a great father to let your son follow his dreams 10 out of 10.
chrisb from what i have been told & seen on videos you are a great assett to our sport keep it up.I wish you & troy the best of luck with your goals in IMAC overseas.Remember we will be cheering for ya no matter where you place which i hope is up the top.Ian sounds like you have helped this kid out in a positive way 10 outa 10 to.
KEEP THE DREAM ALIVE
The rhino kill switch is a a1 product & i will allways use them in my big dollar planes
cg

[fredo]

You guys are a great story. And I really wish you Chris and Troy best of luck in States. Btw, great write up Norm.

[NormJB]

Took a trip out to Brisbane International Airport today mainly to see Steve Brodrick off who is heading to the USA and Canada on Business but also to conduct a recce of the airport.

Must say I am glad I did - while Steve was checking in, Troy and I spoke to the QANTAS information desk at the airport and we clarified with the very helpful young? lady behind the desk what we would be doing with the two model boxes in two weeks time. We were then pointed to the Oversize Baggage Supervisor and after again explaining what we required he confirmed the process we should follow when we check in.

Basically the aircraft boxes will be checked in as our normal baggage allocation (Two bags each weighing less that 32kg each) and so long as the boxes weighed under 32kg (which they will) each and engine and batteries are removed and the contents of the box were clearly identified all will be cool. The boxes are checked in at the counter and after they are barcoded and labeled etc we take them over to Oversize Baggage to be loaded onto the aircraft - it is that simple.

Arrived back home to find a parcel had arrived from West Wylong - it would appear that what "Big Ted" can do "Little Ted" can do and after unpacking him he was rearing to inspect the aircraft boxes and gave us the big thumbs up. "LT" is very excited about his pending trip to Tucson and is hoping to join "BT" in whooping up a storm in the US of A.

Oh dear I can see those two are going to be a handfull.................

[rcdart]

Now you've dunnit Norm, I was keeping this Tucson trip a secret from BT, I was trying to slip out without him this year, now he is jumping up and down all over the house at the prospect of another OS trip!

[NormJB]

Took "LT" out ot the practice field today - talk about a pushy little blighter couldn't wait to climb into the cockpit of the 2.6 260 to inspect Chrisbchips rudder servo repair - was quick to give it the thumbs up though

A great days flying with both the 3m sequence machine and the 2.6m freestyle machine - good to have Troy practice with us - and of course RCDART who was out there with both Chris and Troy coaching calling and being a great member of the Aussie support team.

[feral63]

I'm too lazy and tired from Albury to sign in under my own name, so I'll just reply under Marks. Thanks for the photos Norm, looks like "LT" is at home in a plane. Glad to see he got there in one piece, hope Chris likes him and they have a good time together. ( Don't let "BT" lead him astray!). Have a great time at TAS and post lots of piccies. Letitia

[rcdart]

Just spent the final day of practice with Chris and Norm, before the big trip, I'm sure Norm will jump on in here and update the preparation side of things, so not to steal his thunder I'll leave it to him. However, 2 points of note that I am sure he will over look, first, Norm was holding the CD player behind Chris and I whilst he flew his Freestyle practice, at one stage Norm inhaled so sharply that it sucked my hat clean off my head! Second, was the speed in which Norm reacted to start packing up the freestyle plane when Chris said he thought he had done enough freestyle practice. LOL, Norm, you can now relax, both planes safely in the trailer ready to be packed and shipped. Its been an awesome amount of effort for you guys to get to this stage, well done, you should be very happy with yourselves.

[chrisbchips]

Great day today!! realy starting to get fired up now! Got some great practice in and managed to keep the planes in (relatively) one piece.. Pulling the engines/fuel tanks/fuel lines/batteris out as we speak!

[NormJB]

We're going to Tucson with two planes - and I swear I will sleep that much easier tonight - as will Howie I think

We had all sorts of contingency plans in place, one of which was Mick had very kindly offered his model as "backup" after July 1st and Chrisb had set up a model in his transmitter for Micks plane and had had a couple of pratice flights with Micks model. I certainly would have been much less stressed if Chrisb had agreed to put his models away after the DA Challenge but that was not to be.

Mick is right - when Chrisb said he had had enough freestyle pratice I did not give him a chance to change his mind and after another two IMAC sequences - one unknown - I certainly did not wait for him to say OK before I started dismantling that model also. Yes I will admit that I still occasionally take slightly deeper breaths than normal - and yes they do normally coincide with certain crazy freestyle manouvres mm off the ground - but I am getting better really......

Well we installed the two 72MHz RX's and the TX module and range checked both models with engine running - Chrisb was not leaving anything to chance - we had to use hand signals he was that far away. We then drained remaining fuel from the system disconnected the fuel lines and started the engines and ran the fuel out of the carbs - cleaned and polished the models and packed them away in the trailer.

At home now - batteries have been removed from both models - engines unbolted - fuel systems removed and more cleaning of fuel residue from the fuelsage. Engines, tools, spare parts leave on Tuesday - Mick reacons we have enough parts to build three aircraft over there.

Sorry no pictures from today but I forgot to take the camera - had other things on my mind - doh

[Troy]

Sounds like you had a good day guys.. I did much the same.. Did some final practise and fitted a 72 MHZ reciever into the plane and range checked with engine running.. I actually think i get more range with 72mhz than 36mhz.. Also ran engine completely out of fuel.. once home removed engine and batteries and wil take them down to Norms place in Brissy along with a new fuel tank all made up.. Also fitted some stickers to the plane to liven it up a little.. It was plain but looks better now.. I can't wait.. Just have to throughly clean the plane and pack it into the boxes..

[chrisbchips]

I reckon I get more range as well Troy! Less people interfering on the 72mhz spectrum I guess.

[Troy]

Most probaly right there chris.. Heres some pics of the stickers.. Now you'll be able to relax till we get to Tucson i suppose..

[chrisbchips]

Those look awesome Troy!

[Troy]

Yeah something different..