It was decided in 2008 that the Society organize an aeronautical event as a challenge to its members and other aeronautical enthusiasts to participate in which after some careful thought resulted in a challenge involving model aircraft. The event was intended as a fun competition to encourage interest in both aviation and aeronautics amongst learners and students although there was no age limit. It took place in the 28 Squadron hangar at Waterkloof Air Force Base on the 18th September 2009.

The competition was split into two parts, free flight glider competition and an indoor radio controlled model aircraft competition. Both competitions had two prime objectives, and that was to demonstrate designs that could operate at two extremes of the flight envelope. For the gliders it was to demonstrate flight distance and also endurance, thus the combination of flying the furthest and also the longest would win the day. Similarly the radio control models had to demonstrate the fastest possible flight over a racecourse pattern and then do the same as slow as possible, all with no airframe changes being allowed other than trim.

A total of nineteen gliders and twenty radio controlled models arrived on the day. Some flew very successfully, some not. Happily there were four teams from the Waterkloof Hoerskool with learners from as young as grade 8 that competed in both classes under the guidance of a passionate teacher. The other invited schools didn’t manage to put any teams together some quoting the closeness of the event to their exam period as an excuse.

The event started on time with many of the teams arriving earlier to practice. The allocated time was insufficient primarily due to there being so many contestants, but at least everybody eventually had an opportunity to fly. Prizes were awarded in eight different categories in the glider competition and nine in the radio controlled model competition.

The glider Teams

 The overall winners in the glider competition were from Denel Saab, followed by Matt Hirst of Frasers hobbies and third the CSIR B team. The radio controlled model winners were Matt Hirst, followed by the Wits team “Useless” and the UP team “AFBA” third.

Overall the competition went off very successfully with close on 90 people attending either as competitors or as spectators. From a safety viewpoint some spectators were hit by the gliders but not by the radio controlled aircraft. No injuries were reported due to the low flying mass but this is something that should be taken into account at the next venue.

Thanks to Rob Hurlin for both his assistance in running the event as well as that of his learners who took the administrative load off the CSIR helpers that were brought along. Thanks also to Rob Jonkers for his help throughout the event and for handling the prize giving. Esther as always assisted with the certificates, prizes and catering.

Col. Chris Oosthuizen of the SAAF Siyandiza programme is also to be thanked for arranging the hangar for the competition.

While the organisational aspects were quite onerous and there were some last minute hiccups not the least being the entries spreadsheet, the competition appeared to be a success in what it set out to do. I would recommend that, if repeated, the event should be held earlier in the next year.

I will put together a “lessons learnt” paper for whoever organises the next event if the council intends hosting one again

The Electric Power Radio Control Teams