The video features a detailed interview with Doug Kilibru, the contest director for the pylon racing events at the AMA National Aeromodeling Championships (NATS). The conversation provides an insightful overview of the ongoing pylon flying competitions, specifically focusing on the Super Sport Quickie event, which is part of a six-day series of races. The discussion covers the structure and rules of the races, the speed and precision required by pilots, the roles of the support teams, and the international nature of the competition.
Doug explains that the races involve flying model planes around three pylons positioned approximately 607 feet apart, which equates to about two football fields. Pilots complete ten laps, covering about 2.5 miles in roughly one minute, with speeds ranging from 140 to 150 miles per hour on the current day and increasing to around 200 miles per hour on subsequent days. The pilots stand close to the pylons during the races, and a team of judges monitors each pylon to ensure that planes correctly navigate the turns without cutting inside the pylons. Cutting results in penalties, including flying extra laps or disqualification after multiple infractions, which can severely impact overall scoring.
Doug also highlights the crucial role of “callers,” team members who assist pilots by launching the planes, tracking turns, and providing real-time information via electronic panels to help pilots maintain their focus during races that require near-perfect concentration. The competition attracts a diverse group of participants from across the United States, Canada, Central, and South America, emphasizing its wide appeal and high level of competition.
Additionally, the video touches on the technical side of the races, such as the standardized fuel used in certain classes, which contains 15% nitro to balance performance and engine longevity. The fuel is generously donated by a sponsor, ensuring fairness and consistency in the competition. The interview concludes with a plan to get closer to the action by donning helmets and observing the pilots up close.
00:00:00 - 00:00:58 Introduction to AMA Nats and pylon events
The episode begins with the host introducing the show 'Nats Noobs' at the AMAN Nationals. The host is joined by Doug Kilibru, the contest director for all pylon racing events. Doug explains that the current racing event is the Super Sport Quickie, which is taking place on the second day of a six-day pylon racing competition.
00:29 - 00:01:40 Overview of event schedule and speeds
The speaker discusses recent events at the NATS, mentioning a completed event called Sport Quickie on Sunday and Electric Formula 1 on Monday, which was event number 421. The current event is number 426, taking place over two days. Tomorrow, the speed increases significantly from around 140-150 mph to nearly 200 mph on Thursday and Friday. The speaker notes the challenge of flying around pylons at these high speeds.
00:01:06 - 00:02:14 Race course layout and pilot positions
The speaker describes a course consisting of three pylons spaced 607 feet apart, roughly two football fields in length. Pilots complete 10 laps around these pylons, covering a flying distance of 2.5 miles in about a minute. The pilots stand directly underneath the planes during the flight.
00:01:39 - 00:02:37 Pilot positions and upcoming speed increase
The speaker describes pylons positioned at the far end where planes fly between them at speeds up to 200 miles per hour, roughly a football field per second. They explain that judges are stationed at each pylon to ensure planes correctly navigate around, not inside, the pylons.
00:02:08 - 00:03:12 Judging and lap counting process
The video explains the roles of officials during a pylon race, including a judge at pylon 2 and four people at pylon 1 who confirm each plane's turn with button presses. Additionally, there are four lap counters, each assigned to a specific plane to track laps. The process requires several workers to manage accurately. A penalty is imposed if a plane fails to complete a turn around the pylon; the pilot must then fly an extra lap.
00:02:40 - 00:03:44 Penalties for missing pylons
The speaker explains that if a competitor receives two cuts in a race, they are disqualified from that heat and score zero points, which is detrimental over the 10 rounds of the two-day competition. The discussion then shifts to identifying the team members involved on the flight line, mentioning the role of a 'caller' as part of the team operation.
00:03:12 - 00:04:53 Role of callers on the flight line
The caller plays a crucial role in the race by holding and launching the plane, then running back to call out each turn and provide real-time updates to the pilot via an electronic panel. This allows the caller to serve as the pilot's eyes and ears during flight. Flying requires intense concentration, as even a small distraction can cause the plane to fail. The competition is fierce, with many skilled pilots from across the United States, Canada, and Central and South America participating.
00:04:19 - 00:05:33 Fuel regulations and competition details
The discussion covers the use of glow engines in the competition, highlighting that the fuel is provided by Richard's Brew Fuel, which is generously donated. The fuel used is 15% nitro, a regulated amount to prevent engine damage. All participants share the same fuel to ensure fairness. The segment ends with plans to get helmets and take a closer look at the event.
