NZ Team Returns from Heli World Champs
George Schneider

Of the 4 rounds of Schedule A that we flew in, the 3rd round was our best. As each manoeuvre was completed, we moved smoothly onto the next. From where I was standing behind Aaron, I was in a prime position to get a fairly good view of how things were going. And each manoeuvre looked better and better! With a super looking final manoeuvre- the 180degree Auto, it was a great finish to a great round. After calling "complete" to the judges and thanking them, Aaron turned to me and said how happy he was with that round, to which I agreed. Then the time keepers called to me and pointed to the time clock- of the 9 minutes allowed for a flight- we had 9 seconds remaining!!!! But with such a smooth clean flight, that was plenty of time.
Our final placing was 60th out of 68, a position that we are very pleased with. This was the first time in maybe 8-10 years that NZ has sent a team to the Heli WC, and for a first time effort, we are very happy to have been there, competed against the rest of the world, and come away well placed.
As everyone knows by now, the New World Champ is Curtis Youngblood again, his 3rd time with that title. It was a very close final round, with both Curtis and Hashimoto, the former Champ, tied dead even!!! The tension for the final flights was intense. While Hashimoto was very good, some of his manoeuvres weren't as crisp and accurate as they could have been. When Curtis stepped up, the field became silent, while everyone was riveted to what was going to happen. Curtis well deserves his top placing, because his routine was textbook stuff- crisp, clean sharp. A real thrill to watch.
The WC's were followed by the World Heli Jamboree, I believe it was the first time that these two events were done back-to-back. While we were impressed with the organisation, the large number of flying areas, demos and manufactures on display- many folks there were disappointed with the small turnout. The last number I heard that had registered was 170 pilots, where last year the number was double that. Two possible reasons for a smaller turnout were- a strange event schedule (Sunday through Wednesday), and the unfortunate troubles in New York and Washington, just 5 days before.
Also lined up along the flight line, were the many "popups", the small tents that everyone in the States seems to take to the field. Us Kiwi's were able to borrow some space inside the spacious, well appointed tent of Steve Kaluf, the AMA Technical Director, who was there taking a few well deserved days off after the World Champs. Steve and his team were very helpful to us in our preparation leading up to the event, and it was nice to spend some casual time with them- they are some good folks.
There were 12 flying sites along the flight line for any pilot of any skill level to get into and have a go- it was a very impressive sight to stand and look up and down the flight line!!!
Plus the vendors that did come along, were offering many fine deals on many different machines, and all the bits that go with them. There did seem to be a brisk trade at the stands, and just two notable ones were Rick's RC Heli's, and Gr8t Lakes RC, I think their name is.
All the people there, fliers, pit crews, and spectators that were there, were all having a great time, in some perfect weather, on a great site.
Then after 2 days and maybe 18 hours of flying, Aaron and I arrived back in Auckland. And best of all, all the gear and helicopter box arrived as well!!! This was a great finish to a super trip. We set out for America with a list of things we wanted to accomplish. We got all these things done, plus a few more things as well. All the experiences we have had, plus the people we have met, have made this trip very special. It was a special thrill to have the chance to represent New Zealand, and I know we have made many new friends around the world.

I want to close by thanking some folks that provided some support to Aaron and myself and helping to make this trip possible. They are-
Leisuretime Developments / NZ Kyosho Importer
Briggans / Futaba supplier
NZ Helicopter Technical Committee
Wellington Model Aeroplane Club

Morgan Fuel

And to all those other folks that helped and supported us, who I have missed out here, I apologise for this, but thank you just the same. While Aaron and I were with the folks in Muncie, we knew we had the support and best wishes of many New Zealanders behind us