My 2020 Journey to the Judges chair (Or how Graham Kennedy went fishing for Judges)

 

My Journey to the Judges chair (Or how Graham Kennedy went Fishing for Judges) 2020

Because of covid restrictions this year the first competition Dave Knott & myself attended was Buckminster 18th of August, this time for me it was different as I would not be competing but would be assisting Dave as he was fielding his new large Hurricane & space was limited. I found that whilst walking up the flight line I was not being recognised by everyone and got a lot of surprised looks when the penny dropped, I was sporting a lockdown beard. Not flying gave me the opportunity to watch the guys in good weather conditions, the flying std was very good, as I had not flown since September 2019 I was rather pleased not to be competing against them.. during the lunch break I got into conversation with Brian Wood, while he was sorting a problem on his Thunderbolt.. Having watched his first round flight I advised him of the errors he was making regard the calling of maneuvers, to late on starts, too early finish calls, leveling of wings & not reducing throttle after take off before calling finish, as it happened his wife could not do his calling for the second round so, I did i. I'm pleased to say he was very much improved, he however had retract problems on landing, but even tho without those points he still scored higher than a complete first round score, This proves that you should have a frank debrief afterwards with you caller..

Baiting the hook

I believe my pep talk helping Brian, impressed Graham so much so because I received a message from him looking for suggestions for flight Judges at Druids on the 4th of September for The comp on the 6th, He already had Pat Blenkingsopp in the bag, I suggested Tony Bull and John Thomas I even called Steve Fish but he had other commitments and would not be there.. Graham messaged me back, Tony isn't available, and not sure that Thomas was active at that time,

So I messaged back, if your really stuck I would be willing to have a go although i'd never done so. But I have been a good critic in the past!!

Another message just to set the hook, Thanks Pete. Really appreciate it, perhaps I could get you and one other to do a round each, Well I have to say I spent time reading up on the

judges notes and rules plus watching videos of full size planes in flight cruising and aerobatics, of note all the Tiger moths did egg shaped loops not round..

Dave Knott and I got to the Druids comp a little late due to a diversion, because of a good turn out, Graham started the comp early having seconded Tony Bull to judge with Pat, I watched the flying & called for Dave when it was his turn to fly,

Round two my time in the judging chair started, clutching my Dave Knott supplied professional clip board I carried my chair out to join Pat on the fight line,

Being worried I asked if he could keep an I eye on me so after about four flight I showed my score sheet to him too my surprise we were only 1⁄2 a mark different. See, he said its just like riding a bike ..

Both Pat & I noted the flying was of a very high std that afternoon in almost perfect conditions, I Particularly enjoyed Martins Fardell flying his Giant Moth performing in a very realistic manner.

There was only one Query made re my scoring, That was resolved in my favor by the Cd

so ended my first comp as an official, was I going to do it again ?

Well that question was soon answered by another Whats App message from Graham asking me to do so again as I was not competing at comps but going anyway with DaveWould I like to judge at Warboys flying scale & Ripmax trophy comp this would mean Dave, Cary & myself would have to set off very early to arrive on time, he confirmed that was fine.

On the day, I was with Steve Kessel The day was cool and dry but a stiff breeze (I use the term loosely) competitors did struggle with the conditions that day in particular the biplanes and the Giant moth of Martins he put in a heroic second flight, I can say I was willing each to do well confirming the center point had changed for the 2nd round to be very aware of the drift the wind strength causing most of the lower power & slower models to drift well right of the centre point ..

Being a Judge out in front is a very dangerous place too, as on the day the runway had a bumpy area that cause a few bounces 2 models bounced & veered towards us one So close I almost abandoned my position.. of note at the end Mine and Steve's scores compared well worst case 2 points in it .. Had A great time although I did feel chilly at one point 'must be an age thing' as Steve sat there in Shorts

At the end of the day most were acceptive of the scores in those less than perfect conditions By that I mean I was not called names at least I never heard any, For me I was very pleased with the new flight score sheet easy to follow in order the maneuvers making marking quick for those who did some turn around flights.

The hardest part I thought was the Realism in flight, flight display maneuver selection

One would expect warbirds / Aerobatic types to do just that those, and at least one slow dirty pass as an option to show off the full flight envelope maybe, touch and goes only as a last resort as the chance of that going wrong is very high & approach landing points lost ..

Its my opinion that all those who compete have a go at judging noting mistakes being made and translating that to improve their own flying ..

Its not easy, I know to well some of my flights as they say “all the right maneuvers but not necessarily in the correct order'.. brain to fingers glitch ..

so in all did I enjoy the experience being a judge of my peers in competition Yes I Did.. lets hope for a better year 2021..

Pete Fullard .

 Link here for  Scale flying at Rollestone (Druids) BMFA Scale day Rollestone 2020