Extract of Article in Radio control Model World. Dec.07  

 Author: Ben Jones        Photographer: Ben Jones

F3D Pylon World   Championships

UK Competitor Ben Jones reports from the Academy of Model Aviation

  The 2007 F3D Pylon Racing World Championships were held at the International Aeromodelling Center, in Muncie, Indiana, USA. F3D is in effect an open discipline with regards to the engine, the main restriction being that the swept volume must not exceed 6.5 cc (the same as any 40 size motor).  Any combination of tuned pipe and propeller (normally carbon fibre) may be used, resulting in an output of approximately 4 horse power at 30 000 rpm, using standard straight fuel (0% nitro). Each model entered was required to pass a rigorous scrutineering procedure before the competition. FAI regulations allows three pilots per national team, each with a mechanic or caller. The GB team was Bruce Illingworth and his caller Mick Illingworth, Dean Gibbs with Maurice Barker, myself Ben Jones and caller Geb (my father). In total, 16 countries were represented at the Championships. The competition began with Team GB recording two clean times out of three, The Americans and the Australians occupied the top spots in both the individual and team events, with Team Italy in third place overall.

Team GB started the second day well when all three members recorded clean times in the first two rounds. Starting the final day Team GB was in 11^th place, with Bruce Illingworth 39^th, Dean Gibbs 40^th and Ben Jones 20^th individually. Ranjit Phelan of Australia, lying fourth going into the round, posted the fastest time of the meeting, 59.41 seconds, becoming only the third person inside one minute. It was not to be for Ranjit as it was the American Randy Bridge who, with a final time of 60.01 seconds beat fellow American Travis Flynn.   Defending World Champion Chris Callow of Australia cut the number one pylon during his final flight, thereby carrying forward an infringement and adding 10 per cent to his heat time. This unfortunately dropped him to fourth overall.

Team Great Britain

Newly crowned World Champion Randy Bridge of the USA (left) and his team-mate,

 second placed Travis Flynn, are all smiles shortly after the final round.

RC  Model World  Recommended reading - December 2007 issue of R/C Model World has published a great report penned by Ben Jones on this years, F3D pylon world championship, from Muncie Indiana USA. Great photos and a blow by blow account of what it takes to compete at this premier R/C model flying event. Get a copy from your local Newsagent or Click Here and order direct, its worth every penny.