Im shamelessly copying this thread idea from Hand launch guys who have been running a thread like this for a while now.

The idea is to hopefully have one place where clubs and groups from BC, Canada through Washington state and Oregon can post their ALES contests for the up-coming year.

The basic idea being to help promote ALES and help get it going strongly in this area.

To the best of my knowledge, there is only one club that has been holding regular ALES events in our area. Id like to see many more this coming year.

One of the clubs I belong to, EFLAPS in Port Orchard, is planning to hold our first ALES contest sometime this spring. We haven't picked a date yet, but Im thinking it will be late March.

So, any of you ALES flyers or potential ALES flyers that are planning to hold a contest in 2012, post the dates here and hopefully you can draw more flyers to attend than just the ones in your club.

If your club is like ours, only a few are on the band wagon so far. Getting flyers from other clubs to attend will make it much more fun.

Im looking forward to flying with many new friends this coming year!

How does the ALES contst work? What are the tasks and how do you win? I understand the limited electric launch but is it MOM or open window? Is there a landing task?

Dave
It is MOM. And there is a landing task.
Our club has had four contests in Littlerock (Just south of Olympia).
We have used a 10 second launch window followed by an altitude/time limited motor run. Each plane is equiped with a CAM unit. We have kept the time task within everyones ability to keep it fun. We are all new to gliders. The landing is a 10 meter tape 5 points per meter.
So far we have been having a ball learning some new skills. We run a contest every month. Now that we have a few under our belt we will be publisizing them more. I think this thread is a great idea. Thanks Larry!

Mark

We are not in the real Pacific N.W., but we are active in ALES. We held two contests last year with about 10 entrants each time. We shall be holding monthly contests from May to Oct. Next year, and we would welcome any modelers from the Interior of Wa. State.Our field is in the village of Okanagan Falls, B.C. It is right in the village, close to cafes, stores etc.My club is the Penticton Model Aviation Club, and I would be glad to answer any enqiries about our events.Ken Gregory.

Originally Posted by davidjensen

How does the ALES contst work? What are the tasks and how do you win? I understand the limited electric launch but is it MOM or open window? Is there a landing task?

Mark answered your questions pretty well. For more details, proposed rules, video links to mass launches and landings, etc, here is a long thread discussing the contest format and various other details.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1330889

The altitude limiting devices we are using are the CAM units sold by Soaring Circuits.

http://www.soaringcircuits.com/

That device seems to be the preferred one here in the US. Thats the one our club is also going to use. We plan to order several at the same time. You can get a discount for group orders.

There is also a Yahoo group with lots of info, spread sheets on power systems, flight profiles and lots more.

http://groups.yahoo.com/group/RCALES/

I attended my first contest at Marks club back in October and was instantly hooked. Its a blast!

Our EFLAPS club is located in Port Orchard, but we will probably hold the contests at a private field in Gig Harbor. We need to clear that with the property owners first though.

Larry

Originally Posted by knormang

We are not in the real Pacific N.W., but we are active in ALES. We held two contests last year with about 10 entrants each time. We shall be holding monthly contests from May to Oct. Next year, and we would welcome any modelers from the Interior of Wa. State.Our field is in the village of Okanagan Falls, B.C. It is right in the village, close to cafes, stores etc.My club is the Penticton Model Aviation Club, and I would be glad to answer any enqiries about our events.Ken Gregory.

Thanks for the invite Ken! Thats a long drive for me, but you never can tell

We are hoping that there may be somebody down around Wenatchee or Moses Lake who might be interested in soaring. Th closest American group at present doing ALES, is in Montana. That is also a looooooong drive !. Ken.

How do we get this as a sticky so it stays near the top?

Mark

Should be some interested folks in Spokane and Pasco, WA.

There are two versions of the CAM available, 100, 150, 200 and 50, 100, 200. Anyone have any recommendations?

Gary

Any body have a link to ALES contest schedules in the NW?

Originally Posted by GaryO

Should be some interested folks in Spokane and Pasco, WA.

There are two versions of the CAM available, 100, 150, 200 and 50, 100, 200. Anyone have any recommendations?

Gary

I think it depends on how you want to use if for practice mainly.

So far as I know virtually all contests are being held at the 200 meter altitude setting, so the lower settings are for use however you would like. The 50 or 100 meter settings would be good for landing practice for example.

of course, the contest CD can always set the altitude for any given contest to what ever altitude is desired. Im not sure why there would be the difference in the lower level settings though.

Originally Posted by Rayven

Any body have a link to ALES contest schedules in the NW?

You are in the right place to get that information - but so far there isnt any firm info to give you

My club - EFLAPS - will be meeting late Jan to set a date for our first contest. I will post that as soon as we have it firmed up. Im guessing late march, but we may start earlier.

The TCMAA guys are having one every month so far, weather be damned! Im sure Mark will be posting a date as soon as they pick one for January.

They have been pretty lucky weather wise so far. The Dec contest weather was outstanding for Dec this time of year. Sunny, dry, light winds and not freezing cold!

Originally Posted by Mark Anderson

How do we get this as a sticky so it stays near the top?

Mark

I have no idea Mark. Maybe ask a mod? Dont know how to do that either

Edit: Figured it out. Report a post in the thread and one of the options is to ask for it to be "stickied" I did that, so lets see if it works

TCMAA in Littlerock (near Olympia, WA) is planning to run an event on January 14. Weather is obviously a factor but, as Larry said, we've been very lucky so far. Open to all AMA members. We have 'loaner' CAM units available if they are needed.
>Thom

Our first event! Thanks Thom

You guys still planning to start about 11AM?

Yes 11:00 pilots meeting. Thurston County Miniature Aircraft Association field. About 30 minutes south of Olympia.

Mark

Ah ha! We are a sticky!

I would like to observe your flying on Jan 14th. I am in Oregon can you post directions or a link to where the event is. Thank you, Dave

Hi Dave, If you Google "mima mounds washington", the first link has a map.

http://www.wta.org/go-hiking/hikes/mima-mounds

The flying field is on the west side of the park off of Marksman Rd.. That will get you in the ball park. I'll let one of the club members give you detailed directions - I dont know the streets/landmarks that well.

Bring a plane! You can watch and fly. Thats the best way to get a real feel for the way it goes

1. Go no onto I-5 towards Olympia / Seattle - 12.3 mi.
2. At exit 95, turn RIGHT onto exit ramp towards Wa-121 / Littlerock / Maytown -
0.3 mi.
3. Turn LEFT (West) onto SR-121 [Maytown Rd SW] at bottom of the exit ramp,
back under the freeway. - 0.2 mi.
4. Turn RIGHT (North) onto Maytown Rd SW, go past Farmboy restruant. Follow
road to stop sign at Littlerock Elementary. - 2.8 mi.
5. Go straight .01 mi. the road turns to left, but keep STRAIGHT past the Chevron
Station onto 128th Ave (SW) to the top of the hill - 0.8 mi.
6. Keep STRAIGHT past the Chevron Station onto 128th Ave (SW) to the top of the
hill - 0.8 mi.
7. Turn LEFT (South) onto Mima Rd SW - 1.3 mi.
8. Turn RIGHT (West) onto Bordeaux Rd SW (first road to the right) - 0.7 mi.
9. Turn RIGHT (North) onto Marksman St SW (first road to the right) - 1.3 mi.
10. Follow Marksman until you see a yellow mobile home, turn right onto gravel road
in RV area of the Evergreen Sportsman gun club(almost turns back onto itself).
11. Follow the road to the "the brush", there will be a cable gate that is 'open'. As a
courtesy, please sign our guest book located in the green shelter just inside the
gated area.
12. Follow the gravel road along our runway and observe 10 mph speed limit. Please
be cautious and watch for landing/departing aircraft.
13. The parking lot/pit area is at the end o f this road.

We had a club meeting tonight and set the entry fee for our monthly contest at $5.00 including a hot dog and drink at noon. We are finalizing the schedule, but most will be the Saturday after our meeting which is the second Wednesday of the month. We are also looking at putting on a bigger contest later in the year. There is also some talk within the Puget Sound Silent fliers about getting involved.

Mark

Guys,

Once you get your schedule firmed up, send it into alesleague@gmail.com and we'll get you posted on the league website.

Randy

Guys,

There is a proposal for the creation of a ALES forum here:
http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1572466

Let's get our own forum so that threads don't get buried. Spread the word.

We need 50 yes votes, but the more the better.

Gary

This mornings event was rained/blown out. We have rescheduled for January 28th. Pilots meeting at 1100.
Thom

Thom,

It's going to be interesting how you do the landing points No diving in the snow? With the rain coming, it will probably be diving in the mud.

Lots of luck from AZ.

Gary

The RCGroup administrator has published a formal poll on establishing the ALES forum.
The results of this poll will determine whether it happens or not.

Please go to : http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1580604
and express your opinion. Note that you must vote "yes or no" in the poll at the top of the thread, not just post.

Thanks,

Gary

Today’s TCMAA contest in Olympia, WA went very well. This was the do-over for the event that was cancelled two weeks ago. The day started out cold and breezy but settled into cold, calm, overcast conditions later and the competition got hot. 14 flyers from 4 different clubs in the Northwest came out to fly. At the end of the day, only 40 points separated the top 4 finishers. Those finishers and their planes were;
1st – James Henderson – bone stock Radian
2nd – Tom Gallagher – Spectra
3rd – Thom Martin – Pegasus
4th – Sherrell Steinhiller – AVA

Our field was made up of 8 foam planes, 7 built-up planes, and one sheeted foam/fiberglass/warmliner thingy.

Thanks to those who came out to help and those who came out to fly. Hope to see you next time.
>Thom

Fourteen fliers for your first contest and 4 clubs represented was a fantastic first ALES event. Well done. How did the CD job go?I am delighted to see you get things going out there. Ken.

This was my first ALES contest, and I'm flying my first powered glider, which I maidened yesterday after a hasty build. I had a blast despite shearing my motor off on the second landing. Thanks to thin CA, I managed to sneak in three more decent flights. Looking forward to dialing in the Steven's Aeromodel Helium and becoming at least marginally competitive. I will admit that DLG contests still seem more challenging because of the necessary strategic thinking, athletic dimension, and the sheer number of times pilots make physical contact with the glider during heats (ladders, etc. vs. up/down in ALES) but ALES has the altitude and handicapping / field leveling appeal that's missing in DLG. In other words, I'll never compete with 20 year old Norwegians hand launching 200+ feet, but I can imagine parking my Helium on a dime in 5:59. I got within 3 feet today at 6:02, so there's hope.

Thanks organizers for a truly fun day!

-Matt

These are very easy contests to run. Thom and I kind of Tag teamed the C.D. job. I think this was our 5th contest and it is cool seeing the pilot skills improve and the contests get more competitive. Some regulars were not able to attend this rescheduled event so next months should be bigger.

Mark

Originally Posted by Mark Anderson

These are very easy contests to run. Thom and I kind of Tag teamed the C.D. job. I think this was our 5th contest and it is cool seeing the pilot skills improve and the contests get more competitive. Some regulars were not able to attend this rescheduled event so next months should be bigger.

Mark

Mark, you are so right. We ran two contests last year, and the ease with which the new fliers slipped into a 'comfort zone' in the second one was quite noticeable. I think this is the beauty of the simplicity of ALES, new contestants soon find themselves laughing and relaxing even as they fly.I have had my say recently on here about ALES rules, and I am pleased to see that most of the people who have participated and/or CD'd an ALES contest agree that the present rules are OK. So lets KISS ! This promises to be a 'banner' year for ALES.My new OLY IIs is nearly ready to cover. Where are those thermals? Ken.

I drove down from Tacoma to attended Saturdays event as a spectator and ended up helping as a timer. I came home and got the parts coming to convert my Gentle Lady so I can fly at the next event. It was fun to see the great diversity of planes and pilots and all have a chance at a win. Thanks for getting this going in our area Mark and Thom.

Hey Ken, It's only 6.5 hours between Olympia and Okanagan Falls. Mark and I drive farther than that to go slope soaring. When's your first contest?
>Thom

Originally Posted by olythom

Hey Ken, It's only 6.5 hours between Olympia and Okanagan Falls. Mark and I drive farther than that to go slope soaring. When's your first contest?
>Thom

Our first contest is on Sunday May 13th. If you are coming in any kind of camper, you can come over Saturday and park at my place in Okanagan Falls for the night. No overnight camping allowed at the park.We would be delighted to have you come and join us.We usually register from about 8am until 9 am. Then pilots briefing, first round after that.We do have a provincial campground about 3minutes away on the river.If you ever want to stay there let me know and I can book you a spot.I know the other fliers would be thrilled to have some of our American neighbours come and fly with them.How long a drive would that be for you?
Ken.

May 13th is Mother's Day. I'm pretty sure I'll be staying home for that Sunday.
>T

Originally Posted by olythom

May 13th is Mother's Day. I'm pretty sure I'll be staying home for that Sunday.
>T

Thom, No problem. We are having contests on the second Sunday of every month May thro' Oct.Results go to the ALES League.Ken

Olythom, I sure hope we can get a Northwest Ales International going sometime this year, and develop it into an annual event to be alternately in the US and Canada?The Canadians from the Ont. area area look like being regulars at the Polecat event already.I shall do my best to try and get a few of us over to one of your events this year, so please keep in touch.Ken.

Our club (TCMAA) has set aside the weekend of September 15/16 as our "Big", "Regional" ALeS contest. I plan on advertising it around the area and trying to make this an event that will draw flyers from a wider region. I am hoping to put on two one-day contests with raffles, BBQ, camping, etc.

We'll be working with other clubs in the area and have at least one event per month planned for the entire year (through November).

Several of our members have already started to talk about 'road trips' to compete at other venues. Your location would be great fun. I've been there for soccer tournaments with my boys.
>T

Oly, that Sept two day event looks good. I shall talk it up with the gang and maybe we can bring 3 or 4 Canucks to your ALES event.Send me the dates of your monthly events. You never know?Ken.

Wow! This is exciting! It looks to me like we are going to have a great year for ALES in our region. Cant wait!

2/18, 3/17, 4/14, 5/12, 6/16, 7/14 (site to be determined), 8/11, 9/15-16 (regional?), 10/13, 11/17..........

Some of these dates will probably be hosted by other clubs in the region. The July event will definitely have to held elsewhere as our field is closed that weekend.

These dates should show up on the AlesLeague website soon.

Oly, as you will not have field for July maybe you could make it to our July 8th contest.We could make that the first NW. ALES International ?We would have trophies for that one then, and make it one of our major events.We had ten entries both times last year, we expect a few more local guys this year and if some of our American neighbours came we could have a pretty fair turnout ?Think about it anyway. We have to make a start somewhere !. Ken.

So far the TCMAA team guys are leading the field nationaly in the ALES league scoring

Of course, they are almost the only ones posting so far...

Its still a great way to start off the new year!

Well done on a great start!

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/...EE&output=html

Thom,

Just a suggestion: Look at the surrounding club schedules for date conflicts with hlg and TD events, as well as ALES dates.

In the SouthWest, many of the hlg and TD flyers are also flying ALES. I know I will be doing so when I get back to Olympia. It's a pain to resolve conflicts, but if possible it's probably worth it. I don't think the PSSF hlg dates are set, contact Russ McMillian for info, but I know that the Seattle Area Soaring Society has their contest schedules posted on their website, and I suspect that the Portland folks have as well.

For two day events, you certainly might draw from those clubs, but not if there is a conflict with dates they have established.

See you in the spring with my Oracle.

Gary

Hi Gary. You are correct. Scheduling is a challenge. We built this season's schedule based on the info that was available at the time. We felt some urgency to get a schedule posted so maybe other clubs could see it and work around it if there is enough interest.

Have you flown in any of the events down there in the "thermal zone"? I can tell you that this time of year can be a challenge for locating thermal activity up here but we manage to find enough to have fun.

Maybe our schedule will even influence your return date???

Two things.
First - Gary - Russ and Matt Haugh came to our last event and I think Matt had fun. Russ brought a LDG and some of our guys showed interest in that as well.

Second - Our Feb event is THIS Saturday!

Thom, I doubt I will be able to make it down Saturday. Im still recovering from surgery, so you guys have fun without me!

In the mean time Im trying to reach our landlord up here in Gig Harbor for permission to hold some contests here. As soon as I get word back, hopefully positive, I'll get with you on scheduling.

Oh, I talked to one of the PSSF guys. Sounds like they are trying to put together an August ALES contest at their annual fly-in.

Now if we can get some of the Seattle guys going on this too....

Thom,

I sort of thought they might show up

What on earth is a LDG?

Gary

Oh, You haven't heard about Russ' new thingy... It's a DLG for guys with dyslexia. You have to spin backwards to make it fly.
>T

Heavy, persistent rain forced the cancellation of yesterday’s TCMAA AleS event. We are re-scheduling for next Saturday (2/25) with hopes of better weather, Larry’s healing process, and some guys finishing new planes so they can join the fun.
Gates open at 0900. Pilot’s mtg at 1100. At least 5 rounds. Trophy for first – ribbons for top 5. Lunch and entry - $5.00
See ya there.
>Thom

Originally Posted by Thom Martin

We are re-scheduling for next Saturday (2/25) with hopes of better weather, Larry’s healing process, and some guys finishing new planes so they can join the fun.
>Thom

Sorry to hear about the cancellation, but I'm secretly glad because I've been vacationing with the family in San Diego and was bummed to miss the fun up there. I've rebuilt the front end of my Helium and it's waiting for me at home. Hope to see everyone Saturday! -Matt

I need to get this in under the 2 week window, so Im anouncing our EFLAPS clubs first ALES contest.

It is tentatively set for Saturday the 7th of April. That day may change depending on how things go with the TCMAA schedule. Im working with Thom on that and will announce any changes ASAP.

The contest will be held at our clubs Gig Harbor field. Current AMA is required by our landlord so be prepared to show your AMA number.

Start time will be 10:30 AM pilots meeting at 9:30AM.

Landing Fee is $10 which gets you some drinks and Pizza for lunch!

Im working on a map and directions to the field now. Anyone wanting to attend please PM or e-mail me for detailed directions etc.

This is not an improved field. Its a private horse pasture that we have access to so its a bit primitive. We do have a Port-a-John though If you need work tables or anything like that you will need to bring your own. There will be ample parking at the field but depending on wind direction we may have a bit of a walk to the most distant landing zones in order to keep things safe.

If I can figure out how, I will post a Google Earth link showing the field....

UPDATE: next contest date is 30 June 2012

I have no idea how many people to expect. The TCMAA guys have been getting 15+ flyers at a time.

We have 7 in our club who are committed.

It would help my planning if anyone thinking about coming could RSVP to me by PM or e-mail.

Thanks!

Larry

I was against the formation of the new forum sub category, but now that its here I guess we have no choice but to play along.

I'll - reluctantly - ask to move this sticky to the new forum.

Oops! I goofed. We are going to have to move the date of the Gig harbor contest to the 31st. Thats still tentative until I hear back from Thom.

Sorry guys!

Larry

The TCMAA event that was set for today has been rained/blown out. Our next event will be held on March 17th. I fully expect a bunch of our guys to drive up to the Eflaps event that Larry (MrE) is planning for March 31st. This sort of inter-club activity is exactly what I was hoping to see in the upcoming year. What fun!
Thom

Im hoping a bunch of you guys can make it up!

Ive sent out invites to all the local clubs. Im hoping for a big turn out and hoping we can handle it as gracefully as you guys do!

Sorry guys, the date for the Gig Harbor event has slipped again! We are now planning on 7 Apr. Ive changed the post above.

Hopefully, this is the LAST change!

May I suggest that you post it to the ALES forum? I'd think in the future, that will be the first choice for ALES stuff (I hope).

Looking forward to getting up in the NW and flying in some of those events.

Gary

Gary, I asked to have this thread moved.

I guess the mods have been taking a day or two off

I'll give it another day or so and ask again.

With all the weather issues and scheduling concerns, TCMAA in Littlerock, WA has changed the date for our next event. Our next monthly event will be held on March 10th (NOT March 17th as earlier mentioned). Pilots mtg at 1100. $5.00 entry includes lunch. See ya there.

Due to overwhelming excitement about the AleS format and the fun we’ve had so far, Change of plans......... TCMAA is happy to announce that we will be putting on two events in March. The first will be on March 10th and the second will be on March 17th. As the days are getting longer and the sun is rising earlier, we will hold the pilots meetings for both events at 1030am and try to get planes in the air before 1100am
>Thom

Originally Posted by olythom

Due to overwhelming excitement about the AleS format and the fun we’ve had so far, Change of plans......... TCMAA is happy to announce that we will be putting on two events in March. The first will be on March 10th and the second will be on March 17th. As the days are getting longer and the sun is rising earlier, we will hold the pilots meetings for both events at 1030am and try to get planes in the air before 1100am
>Thom

I'm in Austin TX the 10th, but so far it looks like I'll be in town on the 17th. The Helium snout is rebuilt with cheeks and a skid chin, glassed, and ready for another contest! -Matt

TCMAA in Littlerock WA is hosting an event this Saturday 3/24/12.

Flying will start at 1100. $5 entry gets you a dog, a drink, and chips - with dessert (ok.ok... it's just a couple of cookies).

See ya there. Long range forecast looks good and a few more guys have finished planes. I'd love to see a really good contest and it will tickle my heart to see ABJ win.
>Thom

We had 16 pilots and blue skies for our contest yesterday. The winds made conditions a little challenging at times but we had a great time and flew 5 rounds.


Top 5

Mark Anderson Bird of time
James henderson Radian
Sherrel Steinhiller AVA
Jim Black Radian
Thom Martin Pegasus

Long Live the Bird of Time!

Awesome! I'm glad you folks had a great time.

We have our first contest of the season next Saturday, Montana weather permitting.

Curtis

Curtis
Are you still getting snow? My son is in Havre and had snow a couple of days ago.
Our top 3 were seperated by 8 points! Very diverse aircraft and experience levels in the top 5. We are having a really good time with this format, and are looking forward to other clubs contests to start up.

Mark

Originally Posted by Mark Anderson

We had 16 pilots and blue skies for our contest yesterday. The winds made conditions a little challenging at times but we had a great time and flew 5 rounds.


Top 5

Mark Anderson Bird of time
James henderson Radian
Sherrel Steinhiller AVA
Jim Black Radian
Thom Martin Pegasus

Thanks for organizing such a great event. Wish I could have stuck around for the awards but life got in the way. Next time I hope to be more competitive. Stupid sink! -Matt

Originally Posted by Mark Anderson

Curtis
Are you still getting snow? My son is in Havre and had snow a couple of days ago.
Our top 3 were seperated by 8 points! Very diverse aircraft and experience levels in the top 5. We are having a really good time with this format, and are looking forward to other clubs contests to start up.

Mark

Havre is a neat town. Have you been through the underground tour? That's pretty neat.

We had 4" of snow last Monday then Thursday was 60 degrees. Friday we had 2" of snow and Saturday and today are foggy and in the 30's. They called for 50's yesterday and mid 60's today but the inversion has us in the deep freeze!

I'm really enjoying the Man on Man format too!

Curtis

Olythom, Some time ago you mentioned that you had a month this year when you could not use your own field for an ALES event? Is there any chance that you could find a club between Okanagan Falls and Oympia where we could have our two clubs meet for an ALES contest in that month?How about Wenatchee, I believe they have a club, but I do not know if they have any soarer nuts? Thinking along these lines, Maybe Curtis from Montana might be interested in joining us.?Ken.

Originally Posted by CloudyIFR

Havre is a neat town. Have you been through the underground tour? That's pretty neat.

We had 4" of snow last Monday then Thursday was 60 degrees. Friday we had 2" of snow and Saturday and today are foggy and in the 30's. They called for 50's yesterday and mid 60's today but the inversion has us in the deep freeze!

I'm really enjoying the Man on Man format too!

Curtis

Curtis, I have just contacted OlyThom out west in Olympia, suggesting a central meeting place(I suggested Wenatchee, where we could meet annually for an Inter Club Contest. That is if we could get the use of a club field. I know this is a BIG idea, but I am sure that many of our 10-15 fliers may be interested. Maybe you can think about it anyway. Ken.

I think this is a great idea, but Wenatchee may not work. Their field is 2.4 miles from an airport. Max legal altitude for us would be 400 feet.

The club is the Red Apple flyers.

http://www.redappleflyers.org/index....&id=7&Itemid=9

Might be worth contacting them to be sure though.

Originally Posted by MrE

I think this is a great idea, but Wenatchee may not work. Their field is 2.4 miles from an airport. Max legal altitude for us would be 400 feet.

The club is the Red Apple flyers.

http://www.redappleflyers.org/index....&id=7&Itemid=9

Might be worth contacting them to be sure though.

I t is just an idea. I have told Curtis about it so that he may come up with something. I f we can't do it this year, maybe we can do it for 2013?
Ken.

Well this is an interesting idea and I do have the answer that selfishly suits me. It's also a fair and even drive for us all.

This is the annual Alpine Soaring Adventure.
Joseph, Oregon.
July, 5th - 8th
http://www.alpinesoaring.com/Alpine_Soaring/Home.html

If you've never been to Joseph or Lake Wallowa this is one awesome place. It's a hidden little secret of the Northwest. You'll think you're in Switzerland. We fly at a golf driving range in town, 4,000 feet above the Snake River canyon at Memaloose and at the top of the mountain on the worlds steepest tram at Mt. Howard.

Most of the Helena folks will be there and have been going for many, many years.

I don't think me or anyone else would be interested in a two day ALES contest but a one day low key contest would be great. I think it'd draw considerable interest too. What I mean by low key is that we teach folks who have not flown ALES or Man-on-Man what it's all about and not be a stickler on launch windows etc. When we call the next group and everyone is ready to go we can do a three second countdown and 10 second launch window. But as far as having three minutes to hussle out to the line and get ready that just won't work at Joseph. This is a vacation for the whole family. Seriously. I've seen folks leave their family behind and regret it. There's that much to do. Parasail, hike, bike or horse ride, feed the deer, swim, fish, shop, eat, drink and be merry!

Google Maps says it's 8hrs 10min from Okanagan Falls, 7hrs 33min from Littlerock, WA and 8hrs 26min from Helena, MT. I win!

Wil Byers from RC Sport Flyer Magazine puts this together each year.
http://rc-sf.com/ and I've contacted him on several occasions but he has not replied to any of my requests for a one day ALES clinic. I believe that Wil isn't interested in having a contest/clinic as this is a vacation. Which is why I'm more than will to do everything involved in a one day ALES. There really isn't anything to do. Oh, prizes would be just the pride of having flown, that's what I mean by low key.

Here's a teaser of Joseph I put together a few years ago from one of my trips there:

Alpine Soaring Adventure 2008 (3 min 44 sec)

If this draws some interest I'll get on the phone and chat with Wil and see where we can take this.

At the beginning of this lengthy post I said selfishly that it would work here is that I don't have any vacation left after this Joseph trip and a wedding in Boston I'm attending.

My other thought was seeing what the folks in Spokane are up to. I know they fly string launch contests so they have the real estate for an ALES. That's a fairly even drive as well.

Okay, enough rambling.
Curtis
Montana

Oh, don't forget about the two day ALES in Helena, MT on July 28th-29th.

Curtis

Curtis, even though my finances wont let me make that kind of trip, I think thats a great idea.

Hi folks,

Ive up-dated post 53 with more details on the field where our EFLAPS club will be holding our first ALES contest on 7 Apr.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...9&postcount=53

Ive added driving directions, map, and some field pics.

We will have a sign out on the road at the driveway entrance to the field.

PM me if you have any questions.

Are we ever going to get some flying weather? Rain, wind, and cool.!!Looks like we will be halfway thro' April before we get a decent day EH! Ken.

I know! We are having a really wet "spring" here too. The long range forcast shows rain every day between now and our contest day.

Im getting worried our field may be too wet to have the contest. Parts of it flood when it gets saturated and it might take a 4x4 just to get through to the pits area.

I am sure glad that we scheduled our first contest for the 2nd Sunday in May. I guess it could improve by then? ken.

The EFLAPS ALES contest in Gig Harbor, Wa is a GO for this Saturday.

Details in post #53 above.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...9&postcount=53

Hope to see a bunch of you guys there!

Larry

Our EFLAPS club held our first ALES contest today under some very challenging wind conditions but I think it was a success. On the plus side, it was a gloriously sunny and mild day

We had 12 pilots starting out flying everything from bone stock Radians to an Ava and 2 BOT's, my Mirage and several other built up models.

Congrats to James H. on the first place win flying a Radian!!

Yes, the Radian beat out an Ava, 2 BoT's my Mirage and several other built up models. Way to go James!!

Dont let anyone tell you Radians are at a severe disadvantage in windy conditions either. It was blowing 12 to 15 mph most of the day with gusts to 21 and the Radian still placed first.

Actually, I guess we have to give pilot James H.a little bit of the credit

As I said, the winds were a real challenge today and unfortunately we had some casualties along the way. The wind caught my Mirage and flipped it damaging one wing tip badly and we had two or three other planes with significant damage.

But - no one landed in any of the cow patties!

Thanks to everyone who attended and to my fellow club mates for their invaluable help. We will do this again!

Larry
We had a great time. Can't wait till next time. Hope you can get your plane repaired and drag a couple of your guys down to our contest next week.

Mark

Mark, you guys kicked our butts today but we had a blast

I forgot to post the contest results....

Thanks guys for a great day. I hope that you will do it again.

Im glad you guys had fun even with the lousy wind conditions. Im polling our club now to pick a date for next month and I will post it as soon as we come to an agreement.

Im tentatively shooting for the 26th but I want as many of our guys as possible so that may change.

It looks like 5 May works better for more of our guys for the next EFLAPS contest, so thats what we will do. Hope to see you all again then!

Ive up-dated post 53. All details are the same as last time.

Thurston County Miniature Aircraft Assn will be putting on their May event as scheduled on May 12. Pilots meeting at 1000. First heat at 1030. Flying site is the TCMAA club field in Littlerock, WA. Web site for directions is TCMAA.net

10 meter tapes / target time adjusted to conditions per CD discretion / single (open) class event / AMA membership required / $5.00 entry includes hot dog lunch / trophy and ribbons / loaner CAMs are available.

Come on out and join the fun. This is a fun, low pressure event and flyers of ALL experience levels are welcome.
>Thom

Just a reminder, the EFLAPS club next ALES event is this Saturday. Pilots meeting at 10AM start by 10:30.

$10 entrance fee gets you PIZZA for lunch and sodas and water to drink.

Ive up-dated post 53 above with new directions for how to drive through the property to get back to the flying field. Its not too different than last time. We will have the road marked.

http://www.rcgroups.com/forums/showp...9&postcount=53

Weather looks to be much nicer than last time

Hope to see you all there!

Larry

Hey Larry. Sorry to miss it. 40th anniversary.
Thom

I understand perfectly Thom

We'll save a spot for you next time!

Our EFLAPS club second ALES contest went very well today

We had a fairly small turn out, only 6 pilots with flyable planes and one non-starter with a bad esc.

The main thing was - the winds were decent and the lift varied from ok to fantastic at different times AND no major damage to any planes AND no one stepped (or landed) in any of the surprises the horses had left for us

Unfortunately I didnt get any decent pics. We did have someone take a group shot and as soon as I get a copy I'll post it here.

See the attached pdf for results.

Larry

We're expecting a good turnout and the weather forecast looks great!!! Lots of sunshine (and thermals!!) for this Saturday's event at The TCMAA field in Littlerock WA. Easy to find - directions at TCMAA.net

10:00 pilots mtg - contest flying starts at 10:30 - $5.00 entry fee will include a nice lunch and a shot at the first place trophy. If you're careful and work hard, you might even win the infamous (4th place) pink ribbon.

See ya there.
Thom

I was pleased to see a Mirage took 1st place, Oly, as I have the plan for one on my workbench. If Larry would be so kind, I would like to ask him a few questions about his Mirage, before I start on mine. Do you think you could ask him to contact me? Ken Gregory.

I PMed you Ken.

Hey Ken. You'll like the Mirage. Larry flies his quite well - he kicked everyone's tail in the 'all up - last down' flight at the end of the day. Hopeful, you've hooked up with him in PMs.

We had a good day yesterday with 13 pilots. And, what a shock, a Radian flown by Jim Black took home them first place trophy. Another very close contest and we, as a group, continue to learn at a rapid pace while having a GREAT time.
Thom

Hi Oly, yes I have hooked up with Larry, and I have my Mirage fuselage started. It is our first ALES event next SundayI am wondering just how many contestants we shall have. I don't hold out much hope of a significant increase yet. Maybe later we may see a few more from other clubs.I have just switched the CAM in my OLY for a Sky Limit. Now I shall be able to read off launch height, time and maximum altitude at the end of each flight, just by plugging in the programmer right at the field!!!!
Watch for our results on here next weekend. Hope you have a successful season. Ken.

Penmac held it's first contest of 2012 on Sunday. We had only 9 contestants, flew 5 rounds, not one glider damaged all day,and a fun time was had by all.
the results were:-

Ist Bill Jones Flying a Renny 1.000 points
2ndDave King " Sensor 977 "
3rdRod Mcrae " Magellan 949 "
4thKen Gregory " Oly II 924
5thDave Johnson " Cularis 916
6thMax Slight Eclipse 900
7thBruce Johnson Spectra 789
8thPaul Nazaroff Uhu/Chip 696
9thDave Milton Vista 672



I have photos but don't know how to put them up.
On Saturdy 26th May we are travelling to a fun fly at Kamloops to give a lunch break demonstration of ALES. The Kamloops club had 12 members buying CAMS this month, all for Radians-I think.
We hope to see some of them at our monthly competitions this year.
Ken Gregory.

Congrats Ken!

How the heck did you manage to have an ALES contest with NO radians??