Page 45 - MFW June 2024

There were at least half a dozen models in the air
continuously through the day, often more given the ample
airspace at the Levin Club field.

The range of models on display was quite extensive.
Given that most people had two or more models, it is
estimated there were at least 70 gliders at the Levin field
through the day. While not a complete list, to give a flavour
of the wide range of models present the writer observed
foamies including several Radians, Multiplex Easy
Gliders, Phoenix’s, Bixlers, ASW 28’s, an Excalibur and
an FMS 2200; discus launch gliders including a 1 metre
Hobbyking dlg, an Elf, numerous Snipe variants including
the electric version, a Yoda and a BAMF 2; two metre
models including Gentle Ladies, Olympics, Spirits, a
Paragon, Challenger, Tori, Goldberg Electra, Sigma and
two Oz eRES models which were what the numerous
Medinas present were derived from; larger RES (rudder,
elevator, spoiler) models included an Aquila’s, Super
Aquila, a Skytech, Sagitta 900’s and a huge 10 foot plus
Sunbird; full house soarers included a Topmodel 2.7m
Marabu, 2.7m Hyper by Vladimir’s models, Topmodel
3.5m Gracia, 3.5m Kappa 35 and a 4m Plus X.

Electric soarers outnumbered unpowered gliders by a
significant margin which is a reflection of the strong growth
of electric soaring.

In the spirit of bringing out older models, Kevin Daly flew
his Super Aquila which he built in 1976 as a sixteen year
old. He built it well as it looks just as good today as it did
back then and is complete with its original covering.

Dave Crook came down from Waverley and got a full day
of flying in with a number of very nice models. In particular
Dave maidened his 3.5m span Kappa 35 which showed
great potential.

John Ellison from Kapiti flew his large Sunbird with a
revised CG and more battery cells than when it was
maidened at a previous Levin Glider Fun Fly. The model
flew brilliantly in the new configuration and had great
character in the air.

MFNZ President and Soaring SIG Chairman Kevin
Botherway (Rowdy) came down from Napier for the day
and flew a number of models. His very low launches of his
4M span Plus X only to thermal away each time showed
how the top fliers with modern designs can use the
favourable conditions we had on the day.

The Levin Club again turned on a sausage sizzle at lunch
time and with the BBQ positioned upwind of the flight line,
a queue soon formed. Linda Lambess had things well
organised and Brian Stewart did a great job cooking for
the large numbers.

The next Levin Glider Fun Fly will be in Spring or early
Summer with the date to be advised.

Pictures from top to bottom:
Kevin Daly (Levin) launches his Super Aquila on the bungee.
Ian Sheppard (PNA) did a lot of flying with his beautifully built Sagitta.
Wayne Elley (Kapiti) with a Hobby King DLG.
Dave Crook (New Plymouth) with his Snipe and Great Planes Tori.

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