It is good to see Arizona Electric Soaring Group welll represented by 4 of our members.

Iain

My impression of watching ALES mixed into a TD format is it fits great, 150 meters looks to be an average winch launch or maybe just a bit less, 200 meters is just too high and not necessary, after the motor is off they are like any other glider, I will be ordering an E Aspire fuselage very soon since I already have an Aspire ST I can interchange the wing, since the current format is open class I would much prefer the performance advantage of a full molded ship with which offers full trailing edge camber and ailerons compared to an RES ship, the E Aspire was actually a bit lighter than my C68 version which is just superb. If the rules change and they have an RES ALES class, then maybe an E AVA would fit the bill.

We had a great time flying the ALES this past weekend on Friday. Thanks to Kent and Mark for spearheading this and making it happen.

The setup of ALES is fun, and can be challenging. Rules need to be a bit reformed in my view, but I believe over time that will happen. With F3J, skegs are not needed since you can simply "dork" the plane in at the end. With spinners and props and potentially a bit more weight, this can't be done resulting in unpredictable slides and helter skelter landings that can be potentially unsafe.

Maybe a couple of classes might be a good thing. Foamie or simple aircraft and open class where rules can be a bit more "open" allowing the sport to advance.

Having said that, if you haven't done it, do it. It is the best. MOM is essential here (although I believe the landing should be included in the 1000 point normalization). A lot of fun trying to figure out the right combo to get to 200M in 24 seconds and keep it as light as possible.

I am flying a Supra spread tow with a Supra electric fuselage, a Hacker A20-6XL 10 pole, a 15.5/10 RFC Carbon folding prop, a Castle Creations Ice Lite 75, and a 1,000 mAh 65C Genesis battery from Banana Hobby ($15 each). The plane gets to 200M consistantly in 24 seconds allowing for a bit of ranging or wind if needed. My second ALES sailplane is an AVA Pro Super withe the same motor, battery, esc, and prop configuration. It gets to 200M in 25 seconds. Oddly (due to balancing), the electric version of my AVA is 4 ounces lighter than the straight sailplane version.

Yup, no doubt the rules need to be tweaked, but with time and experience they will evolve.

If I was making the landing rules spot landings for these things is not right, a runway center line with a 3 foot ruler measuring from the center line in inches is all you need, further than 3 feet go fly some other form of aircraft. Also I think a foamie unlimited ALES class would be great!

Dennis:
The stand alone ALES contest on Friday used a 5M tape.
The Visalia ALES class within the TD contest used the circles because there was no other way to do it. Also the limiters were supposed to be set to 150M. That made the ALES class a "modified" ALES format. If you think it is easy to get within three feet with no skeg, I'd like to watch you prove it.
Mac

Originally Posted by Mac37

Dennis:
The stand alone ALES contest on Friday used a 5M tape.
The Visalia ALES class within the TD contest used the circles because there was no other way to do it. Also the limiters were supposed to be set to 150M. That made the ALES class a "modified" ALES format. If you think it is easy to get within three feet with no skeg, I'd like to watch you prove it.
Mac

right on Mac! I flew "modified" Saturday morning , put my E-Ava down three feet in front of the outside circle, in the wet grass, and blew right past the safety line

Al

Mac, I meant a center line meaning something like a 20 foot center line in length and trying to get as close to the center line as possible, this will mostly stop the possibility of sticking the model and damaging the motor shaft. I realize they couldn't do that Sat. and Sunday.
( although I like the center line idea for all landings!) ( and you are right, it is very difficult to spot land an ALES model without doing damage to your motor!)

Oh, and I will bring my Radian in 2 weeks and we can set up a runway centerline as I said, I bet you a beer I can get within at least 2 feet of the centerline! ( this is getting serious! )

Dennis:
ALES does not use a centerline. It is a 5M tape pinned at the one end and graduated in 10 0.5meter increments. The 50 spot is a 1M diameter circle. Skid your Radian into the the 50 spot three times in a row and I am good for a one month supply of the berveage of your choice.
Mac

OK, in 2 weeks after a few beers, I will try to convert you to MY version of ALES. Just call me rebel!

Originally Posted by Mac37

Dennis:
ALES does not use a centerline. It is a 5M tape pinned at the one end and graduated in 10 0.5meter increments. The 50 spot is a 1M diameter circle. Skid your Radian into the the 50 spot three times in a row and I am good for a one month supply of the berveage of your choice.
Mac

Mac,
One, I'd like a piece of that landing action with my Radian. You game?

Two, ALES (Altitude Limited Electric Sailplane) is type of sailplane that launches via electric motor to a preset altitude within a time limit. It is NOT an event. An ALES sailplane can fly any task that can be imagined by a CD. This can be the ALES league type of event (MOM, 10 min task, 200M limit), or it can be an event where ALES planes are integrated into winch launch contests flying the same task/landing as the winch launched planes. The point is that these are all ALES class events. This is a critical difference that must be understood for the ALES class to evolve, or it will die as a competitive class after the novelty wears off.

JT

JT, perfect explanation. And by the way, I like Hanger 24 double IPA, Ale Smith IPA and any Ale Smith winter brew! ( just in case there is a beer challenge coming)

JT:
My challenge was for Dennis. I knew that he couldn't do it.

You on the other hand are a different story. I have seen you do it.

But:
If we can agree on what a months supply is and what I get if you fail then we are on.

I can't make it for the October ALES contest at Davis, but I do plan on being there for the one on November 3.

Dennis if you want a part of this show up at Davis on November 3.

Mac

Mac, I have to attend a Rodeo per the "boss"(grandkids) on that day around the Sac. area, otherwise I would love to attend.

Originally Posted by Mac37

JT:
My challenge was for Dennis. I knew that he couldn't do it.

You on the other hand are a different story. I have seen you do it.

But:
If we can agree on what a months supply is and what I get if you fail then we are on.

I can't make it for the October ALES contest at Davis, but I do plan on being there for the one on November 3.

Dennis if you want a part of this show up at Davis on November 3.

Mac

Mac,
I wouldn't hurt your wallet too badly, maybe one 6-er. So how about 5 landings for 3 in a row?

And I wouldn't count Dennis out, he's old soaring guard and been landing 5-6M scale ships for many, many years at many different locations. Do I hear Calcutta?

JT

JT:
Okay with the following provisions:
Landings must be part of a contest task.
Nose must be inside the 50 point circle.
The plane must be flyable after each landing.

I'll bring a 6-er to the November ALES contest.
Let me know the brand of your choice
I hope the weather cooperates.
Mac