F3B Radio Control soaring is a multi-task international FAI model contest task that is an exhilarating experience for pilots and is very demanding in precision at the top level. A format that has been traditionally more popular in Europe and Australia – but in recent years there has been a resurgence of interest and F3B activity in the USA. The 2011 USA F3B team was Kyle Paulson CA, David Klien CA and Tom Kiesling also of CA. These very talented flyers traveled to the world championships in China in 2011 to represent USA. The Team Manager was Darrell Zaballos also of CA with helpers Gordon Buckland FL, Glauco Lago MO and Tim Traver of CA. Details of their daily performance can be found at the official F3B Team Web site. The US Team finished 2nd to Germany with Kyle finishing 4th, David 6th and Tom 8th.
The inaugural Gator F3B multi-task soaring event was flown in fantastic weather on Feb 25, 26 and 27, 2011 as a practice event and fund raiser for members of that 2011 US team. The US Team members and world class competitors from all over USA attended the event. 4 pilots from Germany also came across the Atlantic to participate and catch one of the final Shuttle launches from the Cape.
Five local Florida pilots with limited experience also entered and many other soaring pilots were there to assist as helpers during the three days. It was a great opportunity for those who haven’t seen F3B to get involved and try their hand at this most demanding discipline of RC soaring with plenty of experienced F3B pilots to provide assistance.
F3B does require a little more work to count laps and call turns as the aircraft arrive and turn at base B during the distance and speed tasks but usually contests are flown with 3 man teams so as one pilot flies the other two assists him etc.
The second annual Gator F3B is on March 2nd 3rd and 4th 2012 at the same venue on the Space Coast at Cocoa. This event is now on the World Cup F3B list and is attracting more attention from pilots in Europe who enter in the many Eurotour events. Come and watch the most exhilarating soaring you will see in Florida. You could either fly in the event or assist the other pilots with timing and calling turns at Base B etc. or just watch. The excitement is building as this is a “must attend” event for all sailplane enthusiasts. Everybody is welcome regardless of your skill level.
The beautiful 1st place trophy created specially for the F3B World Cup events.
