Free Unknown 1

After having submitted the figures, each team can design a sequence using the ten figures from each team, plus up to four simpler linking figures (each with a score of just 6k).

Part of the skill of sequence design is fitting the figures together so that the sequence flows naturally from one figure to another, retaining energy throughout and enabling good positioning in the box. We found that in our early attempts to design a sequence based on the figures submitted, the main challenge was to work out how not to be flying in ground effect after the first 4 or 5 figures. We came to the conclusion that a high start was required. But as it turns out we were not entirely correct. John avoided much of the height issues by fying the french sequence, designed around the CAP 232, the aircraft flown by the French team and John.
Paul put in the best flight out of all of us, with a near perfect outside square loop thrown in for good measure. But he, like the rest of us, was hammered for positioning, as we had to start at 3800' to avoid planting our aircraft into the turf. We also started to realise that the judges claimed they couldn't see us if we were any further back than centre box and penalised us if too low or close. This meant that our flying should be conducted in an area of sky just 500m high x 300m deep x 1000m wide, smaller than we had always thought it seems.
John was second in Team GBR behind Paul with David and I following closely behind.