So, as the big day dawned for the BMFA Centenary World Record Attempt, we, adjacent the South coast, awoke to leaden skies and pouring rain. Not, perhaps, ideal conditions for model flight!
Led by Phil Burton’s superb “It’ll-be-alright–on-the-night” enthusiasm, eleven members turned up at our soggy flying patch to give it a go. Though, truthfully, expectations were not great for an improvement in conditions.
Gazing through the wet clubroom windows at 11:30, we became aware the rain had actually ceased! There followed a mass exodus toward the pits followed by the flying area. Models were lined up at 11:55 and a rather impressive phased launch sequence ensued under Phil’s coordination. Darren and Geoff’s gliders were first, then Peter and Simon, then your scribe, after which my concentration was aimed solely at keeping MY eyes on MY Pulse XT60! A potential problem for myself and club-mate Graham was that we had turned up with identical models. We agreed he would fly to the West and me, the East; we did and thankfully no identification issues ensued!
All went well with only one mishap of a minor collision between Geoff’s and Peter’s models; both remained airborne and landed safely after the magic hour.
Club member David Bintcliffe subsequently prepared a short dissertation summarising the event which has been forwarded to the BMFA as a record of our Club’s contribution to this fine Centenary record attempt and celebration. It is reproduced below; thank you David!
Gratitude is also due to members Phil and Roly for their time and organisation skills.
David’s BMFA Report
PHOENIX MODEL FLYING CLUB WAREHAM
This enthusiastic Dorset club were keen about helping to get the record of as many model aircraft airborne at 12 mid-day on Sunday 15th May.
Much pre-event fettling was done, so that all was prepared under the good leadership of Phil Burton… Two flight teams took off one after the other at about 2 minutes to 12. It was quite a sight with all 11 planes circling together…( had to be left hand circuits as some members are challenged by Right hand ones! (No names, no pack drill…Peter!) My trainer foamy had a wobbly nose wheel but took off the tarmac ok, in the stiff wind.
All went well until the aforementioned left circuiter crept up behind Geoff’s slower glider which bit it!…. A bit of Fin Foam rained down…. they had had a midair! Both planes kept flying! The glider was a bit grumpy and the EDF Jet converted Multiplex Twinstar will need a new top section of its fin ….Anyway no lasting damage!
All planes landed safely and we retired for a photo, then for a natter in the club caravan! The Event was different / exciting and Fun!
David Bintcliffe
So there you have it, a successful outing for those who were able to make it; let’s hope the World Record was achieved. It may be interesting to note – all models flown at PMFC(D) were electric powered!
