Basingstoke NPOD - report by Richard Christopher. Sorry this report has taken so long to materialise – I couldn’t let the day go without mention. It really was a fantastic day. The weather was kind although the wind steadily increased during the course of the day, making it difficult for some of the lighter models. Nine members of the Basingstoke MAC took part at this NPOD, with several other club members coming along to watch and help with the BBQ! We began the day with a short briefing to explain the format for the day. With 2 mentors available at the start of the day we divided the pilots in to two groups and performed a demo of the Clubman schedule with an E-Flite Brio. The first brave pilot to fly was Neil, who was flying a Kyosho Osmose. Neil decided to give the Clubman schedule a try and, despite early nerves, soon began to improve and adapt to the challenges of flying a turnaround schedule. As with all the NPOD’s held so far, a wide range of models were used. Power plants included 4 stroke, 2 stroke, electric and petrol. Models included F3A designs, some EPP foamies, Sports models and also an O/D biplane based on the Pasedena Special which performed very well with its quiet petrol powerplant. Pilots also had a wide range of experience – it was great to see a recently qualified “A cert” pilot have a go at some of the clubman schedule with his Uno Wot. Clearly very nervous, he soon got the hang of the manoeuvres even those he hadn’t heard of before. Indeed he won a great deal of admiration from us all and just goes to show the Clubamn schedule really is a great introduction to F3A without having to invest anything other than some dedication and time! Mark Webster (who was the driving force behind organising this NPOD) was flying his Shinden 2m with Plettenburg motor. Mark has already been practicing the Clubman schedule, and I hope we will see him at some contests next year (along with some of the other attendees too!) With our 3rd mentor arriving shortly before lunch (Stuart smelt the BBQ I think!!), we had a fairly constant flow of pilots eager to have another go and put some of the advice in to practice. Clearly we had an attentive audience as without exception the quality of flying improved during the course of the day (despite the wind strengthening!). The Intermediate schedule and Clubman schedule were demonstrated by Andy halfway through proceedings and at lunch time I was asked to demonstrate an FAI schedule so I flew the F09. While all this was going on Stuart was able to point out our mistakes! It was great to see the sense of satisfaction and enjoyment on everyone’s faces – indeed rather than flying tailing off as it got colder, there was a sense of wanting to keep flying (particularly Brian, who was really starting to enjoy the challenge – see his big grin in the photos!!!). To have so much interest for F3A within one club is brilliant. I’d like to take the opportunity to thank the BMAC committee for providing a warm welcome, lovely venue (and very welcome BBQ), Mark Webster for making the necessary arrangements with the club, Andy Waterhouse and Stuart Turrell for “mentoring” and lastly ALL the BMAC members – they made the day so enjoyable. We were also asked to hold a similar event at the Alton club in Spring 2009, so keep your eyes on the forum for a date in the New Year.