FAI/AMA Contest in Tampa?

[ErichF]

OK Guys,

Concerning our idea of hosting an AMA/FAI RC Helicopter contest in Tampa, what's the consensus on sanctioning the event?

Some would rather just host a contest "get together", where newbies to FAI style flying can get their feet wet, and get some pointers on contest flying from the big guns in the business. We would still run the contest per AMA rules and regs so it'll be a "real" contest...but without all the AMA paperwork. If a good success, it could evolve into a full on, sanctioned event every year.

We have also considered running an integrated scale contest in concert with the FAI contest, since we have two flightlines. Any thoughts on doing this?

I chatted with the club pres, and he's in full support of the event. We would have full concessions and all the logistical support.

I look forward to reading your thoughts on this matter. If we hold this event...I want it to be as much "YOUR" event as possible.

Cheers,

Erich

[daves]

Eric,

A Heli Contest in the Fall in Tampa would be great. Note that I said "Heli Contest" not FAI Contest. FAI is just one of the 4 classes that are generally included in a heli contest. There are 3 AMA classes (Class 1,2,3) and FAI.

By all means get it sanctioned if you want the contest guys to show up. The best help and experience that an interested pilot can get is from participating in a sanctioned contest. You'll find that, contrary to popular belief, contest pilots as a group are more than willing to give ANY participant any and all help needed/desired including radio and helicopter setup, coaching, etc.

f you aren't familiar with running a heli contest, get some help organizing it. BTW, most contests now use contestant judges (ie. FAI judges Class 3, Class 3 judges Class 2, Class 2 judges Class 1) so you won't have to worry about judges.

I'll be glad to provide some names and email addys for several guys down your way that are very familiar with heli contests.

I look forward to hearing that you have decided to move forward with a sanctioned contest. And, if you do, please make sure that you get the word out in a timely fashion.

Dave Sellars
Tallahassee
:noteworthy

[ErichF]

Dave,

Thanks for the info. I was using the term FAI in a broad sense, as I do mean all AMA classes as well as FAI. While this would be my first heli contest, I have helped run several IMAC contests in the past five years. Have done so, I'm also familiar with contestant judging and the issues associated with it. I am working with Nob M. and Rolando Perez on the contest proposal, and should be formulating something this weekend. I have also been contacted by Cliff Hiatt and Wayne Mann, who have pledged support.

We hope to have something firm in a couple weeks to get the word out. The proposed time frame is February of 2006. This would offer great weather here in FL and an excuse for some northern guys to head south.

Cheers,

Erich

[WayneBrown]

I hope to be there!
Be a great learning experience, and kinda going back to my roots.

[3Dgonnabe]

Good idea. There's sooo much talent out there and FAI seems to have a fairly low profile. Anything to bring on future talent in these classes is a good thing.

Publishe the dates early so we can plan on being there!

[GM1]

I would sanction it just for the formality as some guys wouldn't come if it's just a get together. Also, I would set a date and start advertising it ASAP. Many guys from up North would LOVE to come to Florida in the winter. It gives them a chance to legitimately get away from the gray skies and the cold. The sooner this all begins, the better the chances are that folks can and will come.
Gordie