2013 World F3P championship, GERMANY

Finally it is official, very first FAI F3P championship is here! I am writing this short article from Coburg, Germany. Each day I will try to upload set of pictures we made, here are the first ones, enjoy.

Today (2013.02.02) was very first day and most of teams were here already. Competitions staff made very well organised practice, we looking forward for two more days of practice and then competition will start. Total 49 pilots will participate in this competition.

Today (2013.02.02) was very first day and most of teams were here already. Competitions staff made very well organised practice, we looking forward for two more days of practice and then competition will start.

Total 49 pilots will participate in this competition.

Today was second day in Coburg. Another well made practice and model processing was done. After this opening ceremony was held in nice orangery outside town. After teams presentation and short nice speeches from officials and people who made this competition reality.

Mr. Michael Ramel opened first F3P world championship! After opening ceremony we visited www.hoelleinshop.com store. It is located few kilometers from Huk-Coburg arena. I can say it is simply awesome hobby store (one of these days we will visit it and make some pictures for you guys).

On the evening organizers offer nice tour around city with a local guide. It was interesting to see that such small city as Coburg have really nice old town and history.

Today was final day of practice. For me it started great, but ended up with unexpected problem. During last flight training flight, elevator spring brake down in my JR12 radio.

Naturally I could not finish flight. It is good to be surrounded by such a good company. Immediately Finish, Japanese, Russian and Italian teams offered their help to solve my problem. I know opening JR12 is bit risky, it is sensitive and fragile radio, so I decide to make spring replacement at home. My good friend from USA Dave Lockhart saved the day and guided me step by step how to fix this problem. And for sure opening JR12 radio was really tricky.

In any case problem is solved and my radio is working again. Special thanks again to Janne (Finland) for spare spring! Hopefully everything will be good tomorrow. Very first preliminary flights starts tomorrow. Usual picture report, with few first videos:

Today competition started for me and rest of participants. I was bit worried how my radio will fell after spring change. Felling was very close to what I am used to so I was very confident and happy about my flying, lets say rest is history…:) All pilots flew 2 rounds.

Tomorrow two more rounds waiting for us. I really admire some people and friendship in Coburg hall. Organizers congratulate Mr. Onda with his birthday, it was nice touch to hear “happy birthday” song during tough day that was run strictly by schedule. For flying it self I can say it is certainly hi level we see here.

Personally for me group of Finland pilots leave very positive impression, there must be some special training system developed by Mr. Kimmo ? Other wise I can not explain how such young pilots can fly so well and mature.

Also French and Italian Juniors made solid flights. So fight for world champion title in Junior class will be very close.

Preliminary rounds are done!  We all flew 4 rounds, and now 10 finalists are selected. It was tough fight and allot of hi quality flying was done in last few days. Personally for myself I am happy about my flying.

Few tiny mistakes in each flight were made same as in each flight by any other competitor. For forth round I felt disturbed air, most likely someone was opening door at the time of my flight…. To bad Lithuania team is so small and all small details can not be covered…. For example I saw today Finish team working together and blocking entrance doors during Finish pilot flight to avoid possible turbulence.

In any case this is lessons learned for future, I made in 4th place to finals! After team manager meeting, I get really good starting place for finals, I will fly as number 9.

Before Friday finals we will get chance to practice tomorrow and Friday morning, so total of 5 more flights before fly off’s. My personal big congratulation goes to Team France, for winning first place, also young Teo Cathros is very first junior world champion, he will fly in finals as well. Also Finland deserve kind words, finally hi flying level is noticed, two Finish pilots will represent they’re country on Friday.

I have many videos, some interviews and top pilots flights. I next few days I will post it on my youtube channel.