EVENT
RED FLAG 2018
All the linkages in jets of this size are strong stainless steel that mate to ball link ends. Plus they use double control horns on the control surface to avoid twisting of the horns.
This photo shows you how direct and positive the connections are between the servo’s arm and the control surface’s horns. No slop in these systems.
Arriving in Lakeland, I checked into an AirBnB.com accommodation. The shared home was quite beautiful, on a lake, and near the airfield, so I hurried out to the contest site. Upon arriving at the airfield and parking the car, none other than Frank Tiano greeted me! The weather was looking a bit threatening. Accordingly, not much flying was happening. I took this break in the action to ask Frank about the event and the format. He explained, “Red Flag is a lot of things, but it is “Not” for the timid, it is not for the procrastinator, it is not for the average pilot, and is not for pilots that don’t have a competitive spirit.” Further, he underscored that “Red Flag is a second-year jetpowered aircraft event that is hosted at Lakeland Florida’s Paradise Field.” Paradise Field—on the south side of Lakeland Linder Airfield—was created by Frank and others as an RC airfield for hosting significant events such as Top Gun, Red Flag, Florida Jets, and 12 O’ Clock High. Red Flag is a scored event, meaning a competition, with the emphasis on aerobatic routines, with some attention given to aircraft craftsmanship and appearance thrown in. It is an invitational, but pilots who think they may be qualified can ask for a competition slot. Alternately, competitors may be recommended by others that believe the pilot has the skills and craftsmanship to be entered. Also Frank told me, “There is a purse
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RC FLYER NEWS • Sept/Oct 2018
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