by Wayne Matthews, Chairman  --- 

The 2009 season is well underway in the Southern regions. The Northern regions are just about thawing out & activity seems to be stirring with judging schools abound in preparation for competition. The IMAC Sequence Committee (ISC) has already processed twelve (12) weekends of contests worldwide. Forty eight (48) Unknown sequences have been sent out by our two librarians to various contests within the USA and also Australia, Brazil, Chile and New Zealand. These guys have been working to keep the “kitty” filled with Unknowns so that CD’s can sleep peacefully with regards to the Unknown program.

The new system on the IMAC website has been flowing smoothly. The request process, which was outlined in detail in my last report, works properly if the CD’s follow the required guidelines. Our two librarians, Andy Kane (NE) and Dean Nistetter (SC) dispatch Unknowns on the Sunday night/Monday morning BEFORE the requested contest. This should give the Unknown Manager enough time to have them printed and ready for the contest.

We have received several queries regarding the availability of unknown catalogs which, in the past, were downloadable from the IMAC website. Because of copyright infringement probabilities these were taken down by request from Aresti Systems Inc. Subsequently, IMAC had to request permission for use of the Figure 9 logo and we are happy to report that IMAC is the ONLY organization at this point that the Aresti Systems Inc., has given authority to use the Aresti figure in any logo. IMAC is at present working with Aresti Systems Inc., to arrive at an R/C Scale Aerobatics Unknown Catalog which will be used worldwide. The consultations have been conducive and we have forwarded the latest Family 5 (Unknowns) rules that the ISC has formulated for use within IMAC. The initial and final rule structure was spearheaded by our own Tom Wheeler. Eventually, the Unknown Catalogs will be available internationally through the Aresti Systems Inc. website.

At the last judging school in Jacksonville FL two IMAC members indicated their interest in learning about sequence construction and eventually being on the ISC. They are Ted Barrette from Canada & Curtis Cozier from Georgia. I will be working with them through a “training” period & then we will see if the “pressure” is bearable.

The ISC is dedicated to excellence and we do have a lot of work in front of us. The NATS is just around the corner as well as the rest of the competition season worldwide.

When you receive your Unknowns at a contest, try NOT to moan & groan, but look closely at what the author of the sequence wants you to do and try to fly within a small footprint. Work it out overnight in your mind as to how you will show the judges as clear as possible what is depicted on the Aresti flimsy.

See you all on the line!!!