Re: A program to support and promote F1D in the US (v2018)

From: David Goorskey <david.goorskey_at_gmail.com>
Date: Wed, 4 Apr 2018 14:08:51 -0400

Hi,

I've been listening in on the discussions for a while now. I coach the
Wright Stuff event for Science Olympiad at a middle school in Centerville,
OH (near Dayton, OH). Last year, I grew interested in learning how to
build and fly F1D planes and have been stoking interest in the kids I coach
as well. The problem for us is that we don't really have anyone to teach
us how to do anything here. We have learned so much on our own and from
some help online, but even our 7g Wright Stuff planes are not exceptional.
We have done very controlled experiments with changing propeller pitch,
changing rubber thickness (as measured by linear density), and even
changing to flared propellers we build ourselves. Nothing seems to boost
our performance into the next level.

Another local team does have help from someone who has mentored students in
F1D before. In fact, one of those students was on the US Junior F1D team
at the World Championship in Romania some years back. However, that person
does not want to compromise the ability of the middle school team he
coaches to beat up on everyone else in the flying events so he is
understandably reluctant us. It appears to me that to get into F1D is
enormously difficult without serious mentoring. We are nowhere near the
point of needing top-level rubber, but some of the kids and I would like to
get into F1D this Summer after the Science Olympiad competition season is
over. Of course, we would like to improve our times in Wright Stuff as
well.

David Goorskey
Watts Middle School Science Olympiad
Centerville, Ohio

On Wed, Apr 4, 2018 at 1:26 PM, Don DeLoach ddeloach_at_comcast.net
[Indoor_Construction] <Indoor_Construction_at_yahoogroups.com> wrote:

>
>
> Great idea John. I applaud your efforts.
>
> DD
>
> On Apr 4, 2018, at 10:15 AM, john_kagan_at_hotmail.com
> <john_kagan_at_hotmail..com> [Indoor_Construction] <Indoor_Construction_at_
> yahoogroups.com> wrote:
>
>
>
> One of the hurdles to becoming a serious contender in F1D is acquiring the
> tools and materials necessary. Some of these resources are available,
> though obscure – requiring a scavenger hunt to locate and collect the bits
> and pieces. Others are more of a challenge, such as tools that are no
> longer being machined or materials no longer in production.
>
>
>
> 5/99 rubber falls in the latter category. It alone will not catapult an
> average flyer to the top ranks. In fact, there is only a marginal
> difference between it and other top batches, including the most recent
> Super Sport vintages. But, when everything else in your program has been
> refined, a small improvement can make a difference.
>
>
>
> A batch of 5/99 from anonymous source was brought to my attention, and I
> decided to put together a program around it. The goal is to promote F1D in
> the US, and support new and existing US F1D participants.
>
>
>
> A patron, who also wishes to remain anonymous, was willing to front funds
> to purchase the rubber.
>
>
>
> Approved candidates will be given the opportunity to purchase rubber, with
> the proceeds used to repay the patron. Successful candidates will
> demonstrate both a need for the rubber and an aptitude and significant
> interest in F1D. The goal is to provide an incentive for participating in
> F1D, as well as to help develop and support promising US F1D flyers.
>
>
>
> The cost will be $200/lb, plus postage as applicable, in increments
> between 1/4 to 1/2 lbs. The intention is to balance “distributing the
> rubber to worthy candidates” with “stretching the supply as long as
> possible”.
>
>
>
> Please bring candidates to my attention. The US F1D Team Selection
> Committee will vote on candidates, with a simple majority of voting members
> required for approval.
>
>
>
> The Team Selection committee is being used only as a convenient voting
> group. This 5/99 rubber program is not part of the US Team Selection
> program, and is not "team rubber".
>
>
>
> The patron reserves the right to cancel the program and sell off the
> remaining rubber to minimize losses if, for example, a new superior batch
> of rubber become imminent.
>
>
>
> Thanks,
>
> John
>
>
>
>
Received on Wed Apr 04 2018 - 18:08:55 CEST