We Got FLYING!!

[billscottni]

A few of the members of NIMSA and East Antrim MFC met up yesterday for a little slope soaring. An easterly 12 - 16 suited the Bowl site perfectly  and a good couple of (COLD) hours were had!

[gerryb]

Hi Bill, looks like ye had a great day out on a fabulous slope.
Am I right in saying that’s a Fillon Champ in the air? Looks familiar because I’m building one myself at the moment.
Stay safe lads, regards, GB

[billscottni]

Yes Gerry it's a Fillon Champ belonging to Loudon Blair of the East Antrim MFC. It's a lovely slow flying machine which we've also aerotowed. I had a couple of flights with it on Sat, (I forgot to put my TX in the car!)

[gerryb]

I first saw the champ in an old aeromodeller mag from about 1988 and logged it as a ‘must build’ at some time. Recently I’ve been watching John Woodfield gliders on YouTube and sure enough, there’s the champ, flying beautifully over the cliffs in Cornwall. Well worth a watch if you’re interested. I found out that Belair Kits do a laser cut part kit, so I bought same and I’ve just about finished the build and it’s ready for covering. Is that where Loudain got his kit? I notice he seems to have a taller fin/rudder than the original, I modified mine, same as John Woodfield did, just enlarged the fin. I also plan to fit airbrakes, too big a wing span to try and land without them.
If I get time tomorrow, I’ll put up a few photos.
GB

[billscottni]

I think Loudons is aplan build Gerry. I've seen the John Woodfield stuff - you retirees get all the fun