M.A.N. Whangarei Inaugural Precision Aerobatics (6, 7 June 2015) By Noeline Craighead The Model Aviation Northland club (MAN) operate from the Whangarei Glider Club field at Puhi Puhi, 25km north of Whangarei. Significant improvements have been done on the property since MAN first started flying there and they continue to develop the flying site. The location of the field means it is suitable for flying most disciplines. Helicopter and Pylon have already had meetings there. Precision Aerobatics had the privilege of being invited to hold a competition up there. On Saturday 6 and Sunday 7 June, after a period of unfavourable weather, we lucked-in with two fine days. A reasonable contingent of pilots traveled from Auckland and the Waikato to compete, with the locals making up an entry of 10 pilots. Sportsman had four entries and once again, had a ‘newbie’ pilot fly. Jake Somersall- Weekes is a true novice junior pilot flying a Little Stik type model under the strict guidance of his tutor, Grant Plaisted.

 Jake had never flown the Sportsman schedule and, in his first flights, didn’t fly all the manouvers but as his confidence increased and the competition progressed, Jake attempted all the manouvers. The Sportsman schedule is suited so ‘anyone’ can have a-go. Father & son team, Grant and Jonathan Shaw, dusted off their model after 12+ months on the shelf and the youth and talent of Jono prevailed to take 1st place from his father. This was the first competition that the new Advanced A-16 and F3A P-17 Schedules were flown. Advanced had three entries - Paul Stairmand, Paul Tomlinson and Gwyn Avenell. Considering this schedule was new to them, all pilots flew some nice manouvers and enjoyed flying the new schedule. The practice revealed with Paul Stairmand securing 1st place from Paul Tomlinson. Advaned had three entries - John Knox flying his BJ Craft BiSide, Ross Craighead flying both his BJ Craft Essence and BiSide models and James Danby flying his BJ Craft Nuance. After an absence from the judges’ chair, we welcomed Mike Johnson back to join Paul Stairmand and myself to judge. Given this was the first time John, Ross and James had flown the P- 17 in competition, they flew some encouraging manouvers and, like the Advanced pilots, seemed to enjoy the new schedule. Although P- 17 doesn’t appear too difficult, it will require a great deal of accuracy for maximum points. James was clearly more practiced with the new schedule and after five rounds took 1st place with three 1000’s ahead of some very close competition from Ross with two 1000’s. A huge thank you must go to the MAN club for hosting the event and for their fantastic hospitality and a well prepared flying strip. Also to Tracy and Martin for the BBQ lunch both days and a delicious dinner at the clubrooms on Saturday evening.

Thank you too to Atomic Hobbies - Grant & Emma Plaisted, for the scrummy breakfast on Sunday morning and a big Thank You to Grant Plaisted for all his effort in ensuring this competition was enjoyable and ran smoothly. And last, but definitely not least ~ Thank you to Shelley Knox, Dianna Johnson and everyone who endured the cool winterless north as scribes and Judges. The facilities at the Gliding Club rooms are excellent with a huge kitchen, dining and lounge plus the conservatory and bedrooms. We look forward to having another competition up there in the summer. The next competition is on Saturday 11 July at Cambridge.