F2B Team Trials

Control Line Aerobatics

By Joe Daly | [email protected]

As seen in the April 2024 issue of Model Aviation.

ON OCTOBER 7-8, 2023, the F2B Team Trials were held in Houston at the Dick Scobee Control Line (CL) field within George Bush Park. The flying field is one of the finest in the US and features two paved circles and two grass circles, with only a few trees in close proximity.

The US F2B team (L-R): David Fitzgerald, Orestes Hernandez, and Matt Colon. Congratulations and best of luck at the 2024 F2 World Championships! Photo by Jake Moon.

The contest director, Frank Williams, received assistance from John Hill, and the team performed admirably throughout the entire weekend. Special appreciation goes to those who hosted the 2023 F2B Team Trials. Without the volunteers, none of this would have been possible.

Several of us arrived in Houston on Tuesday afternoon, eager to start practicing; however, the weather had other plans, bringing heavy rain for a few hours early Wednesday morning, followed by sunshine. Despite the intermittent rain, many of us managed to practice for a few hours that afternoon. The pattern of rain continued until Friday, and we skillfully squeezed in practice sessions between storms.

On Friday afternoon, we gathered at West Houston Airport for processing and the pilots’ and judges’ meetings. Processing at a small airport with a view of airplanes taking off and landing added a cool touch to the event.

Saturday marked the beginning of qualifying, with warm and sunny weather, albeit quite windy for the 16 Senior competitors who were vying for a spot in the final 10 on Sunday. Qualifying consisted of four flights on two circles, and the scores were determined by the best flight on each circle added together. As the day progressed, the wind grew stronger, posing a challenge for some, while others experienced seemingly calm conditions. I personally enjoy flying in the wind because it adds a challenge to flying precisely and pushes both the pilot and machine to the edge.

US F2B Junior member Gabe Alimov, with Frank Williams congratulating him. Best of luck at the 2024 World Championships, Gabe. Photo by Matt Colon.

Returning to qualifying, at the end of the four rounds, the top 10 finalists—Matt Colon, Joe Daly, David Fitzgerald, Joe Gilbert, Todd Lee, Howard Rush, Doug Moon, Steve Moon, Frank McMillian, and Orestes Hernandez—emerged in no particular order.

Sunday saw the determination of the F2B team, with the top three from Senior and one Junior who will represent the US at the 2024 FAI F2 World Championships for Control Line Model Aircraft in Muncie, Indiana, at the International Aeromodeling Center (IAC). The finals involved three flights on one circle, and the final placings were determined by the best two out of three flights in front of all six judges.

The weather conditions were nearly perfect for the field of 10, which included nine pilots who have finished in the top five at the Nats, six who have been on US F2B teams, four national champions, and two world champions. It was indeed a tough field of pilots.

Orestes and David showcased their prowess, leaving one spot open for the third team member. It was a close competition between Matt, Todd, and me. After the dust settled, the Senior US F2B team was formed by Orestes, David, and Matt, with Gabe Alimov representing the Junior category. Congratulations to the team! We are confident that you will perform well in Muncie this summer.

A heartfelt thank-you is extended to Frank and the team for hosting the 2023 Team Trials. Special appreciation also goes to the judges: Mark Overmier, Doug Patterson, Howard Williams, Mark Hughes, Kim Doherty, and Dennis Nunes. Thank you, gentlemen!

After the contest, a few of us exchanged flights on each other’s airplanes. I had the opportunity to fly David’s Thundergaze. It proved to be an excellent aircraft and provided a lot of fun. I also asked David, Doug, and Matt to fly my airplane, and they seemed to enjoy the experience.

First-place finisher, Orestes, is at the bottom corner of the Square 8 during practice on Friday. Photo by the author.

Joe Gilbert holds a nearly perfect inverted flight during the finals. Photo by Todd Lee.

Matt’s official flight during qualifying on Saturday was rock steady, even in the wind. Lee photo.

(L-R): Jake Moon, David, and Steve Moon pose for a picture just before David took Bob Gieseke’s 2003 Bear for a flight, which was the highlight of the day for many! Colon photo.

The highlight of the fly-around was when Steve asked David to fly Bob Gieseke’s 2003 Bear. After the flight, David was all smiles. He must have enjoyed it. It was a delightful and pressure-free experience to relax and fly some of the best-trimmed airplanes in the country. After all, this is meant to be fun, and I believe we all had a great time in Houston!

The 2024 F2 World Championships will be held at the IAC in Muncie on August 11-17, 2024. Mark Weiss is the event director, with Paul Walker as the assistant director for F2B. They are looking for volunteers to help. It will be a great opportunity to see the world’s best pilots and provide much needed support for a great event.

If you are interested, please reach out to Mark. His email is listed in "Sources."

SOURCES: