In this video segment, Terry Dunn introduces a new series called “Nats Newb,” where he explores and learns about the AMA Nationals helicopter competition for the first time. He interviews Mike Goza, an experienced competitor, who provides an overview of his helicopter, the SAB Genesis, and explains the nature of the F3C competition. Mike describes the technical specifications of his helicopter, including its electric motor and battery system, and elaborates on the precision aerobatics required in F3C events. He explains how maneuvers are judged, the complexity of the routines, the environmental factors affecting performance, and the transition from nitromethane-powered to electric helicopters. Mike also shares insights about upcoming world championships in Romania, the competition format, scoring system, and some top competitors. The interview offers a detailed introduction into the technical and competitive aspects of precision helicopter aerobatics, emphasizing the skill, concentration, and endurance required to excel.
00:00:00 - 00:00:54 Introduction and helicopter overview
Terry Dunn introduces the first segment of his 'Nats newb' series, sharing that he is new to the AMA Nats event and unfamiliar with the proceedings. He is at the helicopter line with Mike Goza and asks Mike to provide an overview of his helicopter and recent activity with it.
00:00:26 - 00:01:54 Details on SAB Genesis helicopter
The speaker describes their SAB Genesis model, which has a custom paint job different from the factory standard. It is powered by a Contronic motor and speed control using a 12S LiPo battery, producing about 10 horsepower. This model is used for the F3C competition, an international event, with the World Championships taking place in Romania in about three weeks.
00:01:11 - 00:02:27 F3C aerobatics competition explained
The F3C competition focuses on precision aerobatics judged by a panel scoring each maneuver from 0 to 10. Scores are summed and mathematically normalized to determine the winner. Deductions occur for inaccuracies, such as a round part not being perfectly round or a simple loop where the entry and exit altitudes differ.
00:01:48 - 00:02:57 Complex maneuvers and hovering challenges
The speaker explains that in aerobatic maneuvers, any imprecision such as not achieving a perfect round shape results in a deduction. They describe complex maneuvers like the outside Cuban 8, which involves rolling to inverted flight and performing half rolls at crossover points. These maneuvers require continuous concentration without any moments of relaxation, highlighting the difficulty of maintaining precision throughout.
00:02:24 - 00:03:47 Precision and prescribed maneuvers
The speaker explains the process of drawing a pattern with a model using flags as markers. The model must be positioned precisely over each flag at a specific height and orientation. These maneuvers are prescribed and standardized, with no guesswork involved. For the F3C competition, there is a preliminary round consisting of a defined set of maneuvers followed by a finals round with another set of maneuvers.
00:03:05 - 00:04:13 Environmental factors affecting flight
The speaker discusses environmental conditions that can affect performance, highlighting wind and sun as major challenges. Rain is also mentioned as a disruptive factor, with the note that flying in rain is generally avoided. The conversation then shifts to the common use of electric power, noting that most people now use electric systems.
00:03:39 - 00:04:56 Electric vs nitro power models
The speaker explains the evolution of model aircraft fuel from nitromethane-powered engines in the 1960s, which started with 60 size models and expanded to larger sizes, to modern electric motors. Electric motors offer advantages such as better power-to-weight ratios and no need for tuning based on altitude or temperature, as they simply consume varying amounts of electricity. Typical flight durations range from 7 to 8 and a half minutes.
00:04:17 - 00:06:35 World Championships and competition format
The speaker discusses the upcoming World Championships in Romania, mentioning favorites Itto from Japan and Ino from either Sweden or Switzerland. The competition combines individual and team events, with the first four rounds serving as preliminaries where team scores are summed and individual averages determine who advances. About half the competitors move to the semifinals, and only 14 reach the finals, indicating a highly competitive and selective process. The conversation ends with a thank you and a note on the complexity and seriousness of helicopters, followed by a sign-off encouraging viewers to stay tuned for more episodes.
