Bob Smith
I only took up RC flying three years ago; I bought all the foamies, and spent the first two of those three years flying aimlessly around in circles. However, I really wanted to re-discover the skills of my earlier years when I flew control line precision aerobatics (stunt) to quite a high standard.
During last year, I saw a Facebook post for the Introduction to Aerobatics (ITA) sessions at Buckminster and I thought all my birthdays had come at once. My first visit took me back fifty years as I watched the mentors flying and teaching students precision aerobatics, and I was immediately hooked. So, from previously flying aimlessly around in circles, after just a couple of sessions at ITA, I was learning precision aerobatics again, but this time with a transmitter, not control lines.
I’m slowly getting there and my goal for this year is to fly the Clubman schedule, and all the mentors at ITA are helping me to do just that.
Now, here’s something I still can’t quite understand about ITA, but yet I’m so thankful for. Ashley Hoyland, John Morton, Al Williams, Barry Buxton, and Vince Beesley (the mentors at ITA) give up their time freely, every month, in all weathers, and with enthusiasm children at Christmas would envy, to spend their time with flyers with no skills, basic skills, and some who are honing their skills for their next competition. Good on you, guys.
All I can say is, if you’re interested in learning RC aerobatics, or want to improve your aerobatic skills, just go along to the next ITA session. You’ll get a very warm welcome from everyone there, and you certainly won’t be disappointed.
On a personal note, I have made some great new friends at ITA… but would you believe this? In my twenties, while I was flying control line aerobatics in my local park in Sheffield, there was another enthusiast flying control line aerobatics in another nearby park in Sheffield; one Ashley Hoyland. (Thank you Bob. We would never have met if it had not been for BMFA Buckminster. So sorry we were not able to fly control line together in Sheffield all those years ago. Ashley)
Steve Smithey
Although I was enjoying my model flying it was becoming routine. Blasting round the local club field lower… lower…. Etc… we’ve probably all been there.
I needed a new challenge and wanted to improve and polish my flying technique. Looking in the BMFA news I came across an advert for the ITA days held at Buckminster. This was great just what I was looking for and an opportunity to visit and fly at our fantastic national centre.
The atmosphere at these days is genuinely very relaxed with plenty of excellent mentors only too happy to help with any aspect of flying you may wish to practice or learn.
It is a good idea to have some idea of what you would like to achieve/improve on these days weather it be setting up a model on lesser weather days or any aspect of flying, everyone is there to help.
Try it – you’ll go back for more.
Garry Nunn
I had a Really good day at Buckminster doing the ITA (Introduction to Aerobatics). It was 15 gusting 25mph at 40 degrees to the runway, a cross wind I would never entertain however after a few tips I was flying cross wind pattern manoeuvres like never before. I thoroughly recommend going, but try & go in pairs to cut fuel costs & it’s only £10 for the day. It doesn’t matter what level you are at as they tailor the instruction to your level. Really relaxed atmosphere and the mentors were all keen to help. My mentor Alan Williams is a competition judge and one hell of a pilot. I have lots of info to share including tips on how to properly trim & setup your plane so just give me a shout if you’re interested.
Gary
CMFA Chairman
