Team Trials for the Control Line Aerobatics 2012 World Championships

Written by Model Aviation staff. Photos by Liz Helms. ModelAviation.com online exclusive feature.

Team Trials for the Control Line Aerobatics 2012 World Championships team took place at AMA’s International Aeromodeling Center in Muncie, Indiana, the weekend of September 10-11. Thirteen flew for the chance to participate on the team, and three—plus one Junior member—will represent the United States in Bulgaria next September.

Dave Fitzgerald, Paul Walker, and Orestes Hernandez will represent the United States, accompanied by Junior Matt Colan. Bill Rich is the first alternate and Brett Buck is the second alternate. The others who tried out for the team included Jose Modesto, Eric Taylor, Allen Brickhaus, Josias Delgado, Matt Newmann, Kenny Stevens, Dave Trible, and Bob Whitley.

Wynn Paul CDed the event; Bill Lee was the FAI adjudicator.


The 2012 CL Stunt team is (L-R) Paul Walker, Matt Colan (kneeling), Dave Fitzgerald, and Orestes Hernandez.


Team Trials for the Control Line Aerobatics 2012 World Championships.


Bob Whitley’s Oracle is emblazoned on his shirt.


Bob Whitley’s Oracle is emblazoned on his shirt.


Bob Whitley’s Oracle is emblazoned on his shirt.


Brett Buck awaits Dave Fitzgerald’s signal to release.


Brett Buck squeegees off the circle between rounds on Sunday. It rained early in the morning, but the clouds gave way to bright sunshine around noon or so.


The final set of scores for the Team Trials.


Don Herdman with grandson Matt Colan preparing for Matt’s flight.


Matt Colan’s body language says it all.


Legendary Bob Gieske (R).


The line-up of observers on Sunday morning.


Team Trials for the Control Line Aerobatics 2012 World Championships.


Team Trials for the Control Line Aerobatics 2012 World Championships.


Josias Delgado.


Orestes Hernandez making a flight on Saturday morning.


Dave Fitzgerald (R), accompanied by Matt Colan, leaving the circle.


Judges.


Judges.


Paul Walker makes a flight early on Sunday morning.


Jose Modesto adjusts his hat before heading for the circle.


Matt Neumann (L) makes a few adjustments before his flight.


Matt Neumann (L) makes a few adjustments before his flight.


Dave Fitzgerald retrieves Matt’s airplane.


Jose Modesto (L) crouches as Dave Fitzgerald lifts his lines over the top.


Josias Delgado and Orestes Hernandez.


Team Trials for the Control Line Aerobatics 2012 World Championships.


Bill Rich’s final flight put him into the first alternate position.