Hey Guys,
Just getting home from a solid 3 weeks of traveling to 2 3D events and the F3A Pattern Nationals. I'd like to give a shout out and thanks to Gary for all of his support and accommodations in getting me to these events. Without Gary we wouldn't have 3DRC Forums or events like the ones we've recently enjoyed. Gary, 3DHS, Extreme Flight and Tail Dragger RC, thank you for your support and making these events possible for us to enjoy! It takes a lot of time and effort for you all to contribute to a hobby we all love so much. So again, we thank you.
A few weeks ago, Gary and I made our trip up to New Jersey for the 3DHS FLI and 3DRCF 38 as I previously mentioned.
After getting home from that event, my Mom and I began planning our trip to Muncie Indiana for the F3A Pattern NATS. We hooked up our Toy Hauler, loaded up some pattern planes and set off first to Baton Rouge, LA to meet with my Pattern coach Bryan Hebert. For 2 days we practiced and prepared to send me off to the NATS. After saying ou goodbyes to Bryan and friends, we started our 16 straight hour drive to Muncie. We arrived about 6:30 Sunday morning and began our setup. I managed to grab a couple practice flights that morning and evening. Competition started Monday morning. 23 pilots flew in the FAI (International level) and showed up to compete. 2 rounds of our preliminary schedule were flown and the first day was over. I had placed a very solid 12th place. 2nd day of competition, 2 more rounds of prelims were flown. I moved up to 11th place. 20 pilots made the Semi-Finals on Wednesday where we flew our more difficult F (finals) pattern. 8 finalists would proceed to the Finals on Thursday. I managed to move myself into a very respectable 9th place, missing the finals by only 20 points! I was honored to then be able to fly the "warm-up" flights for the Unknown sequence on Thursday. Over all this was a very successful year for us. We went expecting to place middle of the pack, and exceeded our expectations. For having limited practice and time on the airframe, we are very happy with the result!
On our trip home, Gary invited us to stop by the Extreme 3D Fly Low In, in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Chad at Tail Dragger was extremely kind and welcoming. He let me fly 2 of his 100c airframes to the extreme of their abilities. Chris Hinson was also very welcoming and let me fly 3 of his beloved airplanes. One of which isn't even in production yet! Thank you again for your kindness and letting my fly your awesome planes! On Saturday Jacob, Joe and I flew noon time demos, followed by Extreme FLight doing an awesome demo with their Outlaws, Chad again let me fly his 108" GP 123 powered EG Aircraft Slick in the noon time demo. I really enjoyed flying the plane and I hope I put on a good show!
The last thanks I would like to extend is to my Mom. Without her none of this would be possible for me. For 10 years she has supported me in every single way she can. Mom, I love you and I am grateful to have you every day!
Thank you all again!
Brian Strachan