Today was the UFO's Over Roswell Fly-in. 17 registered pilots, and lots of flying. We only had 1 frequency conflict, but both pilots still flew a lot. The wind picked up to about 18 by 9:30 or so, but that simply made "slow flight" an interesting effect. The "Most unique Flying Object" was flown by Frank Burchart of Carlsbad, NM - a "platelet" or something. had a standard fuselage, but the wing was a reflexed-airfoil with a circle planform, the same diameter as the fuselage length. The wing was made from 1/4 inch foamboard, formed with a rolling pin, and edged with 1/16 x 1/4 balsa to hide the foam. Flew a LOT better than the old "Round Tuit" or Stop Sign, and actually would glide (Dead-stick with Stop Sign or Tuit is a semi-controlled crash) Frank took home an Edge R/C "predator" kit for his craft. Gene Garcia took second with one of the "tailless wonder" things, but he lost the rudder during a flight. He took home a UFO T-shirt and toothpicks... Pete Agular of Roswell took the Pilot's Prize of the GP Realflight simulator system and add-on vol. 1, and Tom Hill of Santa Fe got the raffle prize of a "Funtana-S" ARF. Gene Garcia of Santa Fe took home the flight draw prize of an O.S. 46 FX engine. Mr Pompas of Albuquerque continued the tradition by at least taking home a drawing prize. He's managed to win something every year.
Lots of flying, even in the wind. One of the fellows from Las Cruces, NM, wowed everybody with his Helicopter antics. It's not everyone who can hover inverted a foot or so off the deck under those conditions. Or do an inverted autorotation to nearly ground level before rolling out.. Our resident heli expert performed his first ever autorotation when his tail roter failed at 30' up...minimal damage. Good job, Jim!
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Roger