World distance without power record attempt- Snake/3DC
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- Опубліковано 17 лип 2024
- On the 15th June 2018 David Broom successfully flew 34.54km engine-off in the Airplay Aircraft EuroFly Snake/Grif 3DC nanolight sub-70 flexwing.
If ratified by the FAI this should become a new British and World Record. No previous record has been set in the solo flexwing class.
David says "I wanted to show hang/paraglider pilots that their core flying experience can be enhanced by flying a nanolight trike. After self-launching from Sandy, Bedfordshire I used only thermals to fly back to near my home airfield. I even landed out in a small farmer's field to demonstrate that this is still perfectly feasible with a trike unit, before restarting the engine to fly home and avoid a prolonged retrieve.
The Grif 3DC and Snake combination offers glide performance broadly similar to a good intermediate hang-glider. The supine seating position is very comfortable for long periods and makes keeping an adequate lookout much easier than with a prone harness. Aside from using the engine to self-launch, it's much more fun flying to/from your favourite site than driving there!
The claim now needs to be ratified by the FAI to become a world record; a process that often takes months or even years. There can be no doubt that the flight took place as claimed; I carried 3 separate GPS trackers and filmed the entire flight in addition to arranging the required official observers. However, the approval document hasn't been updated for years and doesn't contain any procedures for video evidence. The quickest way for me to force the point was to do a flight and make a record claim!
34km is actually quite a modest distance and the aircraft is capable of much more. I was a bit late taking off and was racing to keep ahead of some overdevelopment. If I'd been a bit earlier I'm confident I could have easily reached the coast.
I'm hoping that the FAI will now update their record procedures and this will make it easier for pilots in all classes to show what they are capable of." - Авто та транспорт
I must try for an official record myself one day. I have done engine off flights of up to 100km in my Thistledown nano here in Australia in inland New South Wales. A 30k flight is just a normal day out!
well done David and we can't wait to take delivery of our Snake and try this ourselves - thanks again for your excellent tuition, which is great value as part of the package that we purchased
Dave, nice record. I loved the Happy and sad face in the video. I remember them from my first ever xc. I bet it was great to just fly back afterwards. Brilliant achievement.
Congrats David and Thank You for sharing and for the parameters! Happy landngs and tailwind on cruise:)
Cheers, P.
World Record now ratified by the FAI: www.fai.org/record/18612
Looks like fun :-D
Have you tried to restart the cold engine in the air? Is there a primer/cholke you can access in the air? Thanks.
Hola buen dia
Alguien me explica
El para el motor en aire y se desplaza sin motor ?
No entiendo donde esta el record ?
just wondering as a yet non-flyer if the type of prop that folds back when not running would help? looks like a great way to fly through. both powered and gliding. hoping to learn in the spring.
Folding props do exist and offer a small reduction in drag; although not as much as you might think. They're generally not worth the extra cost and complexity in most applications.
Good luck with your training!
all fly motor off...fake