CRAZY FUN AT FREE FLIGHT (UK BMFA Nationals 2015)

[@williamwillis4049]

If anyone is wondering - this is the British equivalent to the Spanish "running of the bulls".. almost. But seriously, I think many free-flighters enjoy this format for nostalgic reasons.. I was taken by my father back in the 60s to Hornchurch aerodrome most Sundays as a kid, and believe me it wasn't much different to this - just less spectators (and beer). Everyone was flying free flight models, there was scant effort at a flight line, and you needed your head on a swivel and your ears open to avoid all the planes in the air at once! Happy Days...

[@bigmikelongwood3276]

Wat a great time had by all who attended for sure

[@ColinWatters]

I flew some rubber powered free flight models with my young twins at a few of the Nats evening sessions. Fantastic fun. After it got dark we would head into the nearby hanger for some indoor RC flying. We camped on site and just while we were there my boys were allowed to eat what they like. One one of them opted for a bacon and egg sandwhich for 7 meals in a row ! Free flight at Shuttleworth on summers day is also not to be missed.

[@umbongonights]

I'd love to be wrong but I don't think the BMFA ever intend to run a Nationals ever again.

[@reconphil]

Slightly dangerous is what makes it fun. As long as no one gets hurt... badly. Once clubs in more "civilized" areas make all their rules, they suck the fun out of the hobby. Some areas won't even let you fly nitro anymore calling the planes flying bombs.

[@snipereliete]

Fantastic.takes me back to when I was a kid at the flying field with my deceased father.in between tearing up the field with my half A's and ugly sticks I would terrorize the patron's with my little Cox powered free flight.it was a little biplane that one of the old guys I was close to built for me.it was very very unpredictable and every flight was a new adventure.one day I put too much fuel in the eye dropper I used as a fuel tank and the little Bastard got a massive thermal and flew off into the thick scrub that surrounds the club.we could not find the little Bastard anywhere.about a month later someone crashed a plane into the bush and Lowen behold I found that little bigger about a half a km from the club.those were some of the best days of my life and I thank my dad for taking me flying every weekend for 15 years.i still fly today 40 years later.RIP dad

[@EssentialRC]

Thanks for sharing buddy. Sound like fantastic memories. All the best. Cheers - Dom (Essential RC)

[@gullywompr]

I had a similar experience going to flying fields with my dad throughout his life. I still have a few kits in the boxes, but I was never the modeler he was. But massive fun, every time.

[@patbaxter6588]

Fabulous. takes me back to the 1940s when the hobby was called aeromodelling!!!!!!!!!!!

[@EssentialRC]

Glad you enjoyed it Pat. Was the funniest hour I have had watching RC flying. Hope to be repeated next year. Cheers Dom (Essential RC)

[@roxximusik8958]

Takes me back to a glorious summer's evening in 1959 or 60 watching some early r/c 'superheterodyne' pioneers on Hounslow Heath. For a rubber-band kid of six or seven, it was truly magical and inspiring.

[@deekaxel8760]

A wonder that nobody was injured. This is almost an air raid. But as long as nothing happens it is great fun.

[@andrewallan6802]

Me, looks round carefully to see if there’s anyone around before starting the motors and lifting my multirotor off the ground. Everyone in this video. Just lob it 😳 Also, anyone want to buy a Cox Babe Bee? From my unsuccessful foray into Control Line many years ago.

[@garygullikson6349]

Flying is fun, retrieving is good exercise if you have good mobility.

[@roxximusik8958]

Not so much fun if you can't find it. Great exercise - yes !

[@roxximusik8958]

Ah, such memories ! The sounds, smells, barked fingers, mess and frequent heartache of old FF as a young teenager. Never got on quite so well with fussy diesel motors. Guess I'd been spoilt by the exquisite engineering, reliability, and sheer performance of those U.S.- made Cox 'glow plug' engines. My favourite still has to be a tiny Pee-Wee TD something or other ! (Bit surprised they haven't yet banned that glorious high methanol fuel. Must be shockingly expensive..) 👽🛩

[@glennstubbs8232]

I’m embarrassed by how many of those designs I remember (wrecked) back in the days of my youth.

[@pikecollisionllc9868]

What a crazy free for all. Just toss a gas powered plane in the air while everyone is bunched up together and no one is watching the planes.

[@amelierenoncule]

As a pre-teen, mon amour, in Marseilles (France), I too did fly these 'out-of-control' aeroplatforms. Mine was called 'The Willybugger'...perhaps you have heard of it...oui? It WAS quite well known. It did frighten many a person. 💋

[@thewatcher5271]

I Thought Your Comment Was Interesting Because I've Never Seen A Girl Play With Model Airplanes & I Searched For Willybugger & Couldn't Find Anything On It . . .

[@amelierenoncule]

@@thewatcher5271 I would not, mon ami, expect you too, as it was only the toy of an amateur. Have you also never seen a woman French Infantry Marine?: i.imgur.com/cmaWZgb.png Or one that was 'Racy'?: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3PPdGqGfq-XhKs i.imgur.com/ruTpjg0.jpg Ta Ta !

[@thewatcher5271]

@@amelierenoncule Enchante'! To Answer Your Question, No, I Have Never Seen A Female French Marine. But I Do Want To Thank You For The Link To All The Interesting Photos & Videos. Merci!

[@Edubarca46]

It seems to me that free flight sport is king of aeromodelling. There is nothing like a well built free flight design flying around with no controls at all, hoping for the best. Cheap, relaxing and very exciting!!!

[@EssentialRC]

Certainly exciting! You have keep your eyes open for sure in case anything heads in your direction. Cheers Dom (Essential RC)

[@vintagebalsa6440]

Brilliant, well done.

[@jeremysargent5037]

Model fuel with an open cut really makes the man.

[@flyingtonyw]

Did Paul ever get back from retrieving the model from the next county?

[@EssentialRC]

Yeah. He enjoyed the exercise. The downside of having a relatively good free flight model. 😂

[@flyingtonyw]

@@EssentialRC Maybe he should stick to the running and drinking beer, because as you said his earlier launch was a bit drab.

[@titikalagan3024]

Congratulations from france 🇫🇷. All this people sharing fun . Great !

[@scottfw7169]

Dolphin after 15:17 is pretty cool, something I've not seen before.

[@richardhewitt3470]

I think the design might be Eric Clutton's "Fishface". He had a few novelties of this type published in the modelling press.

[@rbeckhoff89]

This is fantasic . I love the UK , and her people , Everyone is having fun In a self-induced Battle of Britain haha. I wish I was there. I have flown free flight and R/C.. but this event looks like a blast

[@Abderrahmane_Aitouche]

.................... ............. 👍🔦🌷🎓💨

[@stevengreenhough4232]

11:55 This guy had the right idea. He wore the brown pants!

[@kenmilne2379]

Boy oh boy, what a bunch of kids !! Haha! Havin' the time of yr lives ! Must have been quite a few near haircuts on the day ! Great stunt acting to !! Lot of fun ! Thnk u guys for showing us what happy means alongside floods and viruses !!

[@EssentialRC]

Thanks Ken! Have a good weekend mate 👍

[@luccianodeive6605]

Crazy fun????

[@jszeche]

One may call us crazy, but we know more abaut aerodynamics and Murphi´s law. And we can laugh until we land ond the ground!

[@cha3119]

Aaaah, a day out in the country for the asylum residents. Only kidding - fantastic a new crop of videos of the UK FF events are rolling in. I had watched those from last year so many times I was ready for some new entertainment. Cheers! I'll get there some day.

[@EssentialRC]

+Peter Gregory You should Peter. I was there 2 days and didn't get around everything. Bit of advice...bring a bike! Cheers Dom (Essential RC)

[@f4udhorn]

Way more fun than watching R/c. First time I've ever seen mass-launch gas models. Don't care if it was a little dangerous. U. S. Free Flight liability claims can be counted on two hands over 75+years. Our AMA insurance high costs are due to R/C claims!

[@1000frolly]

I liked the 'ISIS special' Headichopter at 6:20

[@davestambaugh7282]

Wow these brits really like to design the good looks into their planes. Not an ugly duckling in sight.

[@EssentialRC]

Anyone told you have sarcasm down to a fine art Dave? ;>) Cheers Dom (Essential RC)

[@herbertshallcross9775]

I would love to see plans of the flying dolphin. Are they posted online somewhere?

[@EssentialRC]

Sorry I don't know Herbert. Can only recommend asking in the free flight section of a few forums like rcGroups.com. Cheers Dom (Essential RC)

[@telmertemp1284]

Вот это я понимаю уровень: только механика и полная автономность. А с пультом радиоуправления каждый дурак летать сможет:)

[@Toscanto]

Retour 60 ans en arrière juste magnifique ...pas besoin de dépenser des fortunes pour passer des bons moments.... et rux ils sont des vrais modélistes... ils savent fabriquer les modèles réduits C'est pas du depron ......!! Hobby King.... Bravo ......!

[@JM18241]

Is this open for the public to watch or just participants who are allowed to go??

[@ColinWatters]

Very late reply but last time I went there was free flight most evenings near main camp site. Also indoor flying in the hanger. Details of future free flight events are posted on the BMFA and SAM35 website. I also recommend free flight events held at Shuttleworth Aircraft Museum. Join the BMFA (which includes insurance) and you can take a model with you, even if its just a simple chuck glider.

[@hollier002]

What a different Nats! A crowd of people dodging free flight models that really don't fly...and unsafe

[@EssentialRC]

+hollier002 This has been going on for many years. Those that attend this post-show gathering know the risks and take the precautions they feel necessary. Cheers Dom (Essential RC)

[@MesFlyST]

Dear Dom , you brought me back to my youth... Thanks so much.

[@EssentialRC]

+MesFlyST Awesome. Great to hear. More than welcome buddy. Cheers Dom (Essential RC)

[@paulshea7022]

Health & safety would have never liked this its too much fun.

[@davidgoodenough5810]

The all-in, free style, absolutely barmy, Nats 'Chuck-n-Duck' - should be considered a national treasure! I was very surprised to see a couple of 'Bumble Bees' buzzing around. Why? 'Cos I designed it! A joy to see others enjoying themselves with a model I designed as 'just a bit of fun' one afternoon in the 90's.

[@EssentialRC]

Great to hear from you then David! I remember the Bumble Bees. Very cute things to see flying around. Hoping we get to see them again next year assuming the Nats comes back from it's year off. Cheers Dom (Essential RC)

[@davidgoodenough5810]

Hi Dom, Does anyone fly the Space Shuttle I wonder? I know my other design was done in foam by one of the Peterborough club mob. Fingers crossed that a flying venue is found for the Nats, though I can't Bee (!) there myself, being based in France now.

[@EssentialRC]

David Goodenough I didn't see anything even vaguely Space Shuttle like David.

[@leifvejby8023]

The bumble bees! Yours!! They look like FUN!!! Any plans on the web to be had?

[@leifvejby8023]

Never mind, I found it, on peterboroughmfc's site. But thanks for designing it!! Dave Livesey's DL5, have you gotten it sorted out - I fly a rather light and long winged thing too, which needs quite a lot of rudder with the ailerons to behave. Might do the trick with your model too.

[@trexxed2012]

Brilliant fun a quintessential British institution roll on 2018 Nats.

[@DRsBBQ]

That looked like way too much fun! Thanks for sharing.

[@EssentialRC]

+Robert King It was. Unexpected highlight of the whole event. Cheers Dom (Essential RC)

[@kkteutsch6416]

Very interesting that most of the planes uses diesel engines !

[@EssentialRC]

Yeah...old school. Great fun.

[@rtfdxhb9836]

god fun im in this vid 7.17 on the electric bike lol good fun

[@EssentialRC]

+Reece Smith Excellent. Thanks for playing a star part Reece! Cheers Dom (Essential RC)

[@tomheetderks9997]

LOL! at 1:15 lady with dog oblivious to spinning propeller just a couple feet from her head. Interesting, some of these chaps might have had the same engines since they were kids. Quaint in a way..

[@AdrianHensler]

I enjoyed this video as well. The bee and dolphin planes were super. Thanks for sharing.

[@EssentialRC]

+Adrian Hensler Thanks Adrian. Most fun I've had at a show all year. Cheers Dom (Essential RC)

[@AustinPetDetective]

Dangerous and stupid ?

[@2wings1bird46]

awesome video, looks like such a fun time, low passes- crowd screaming, wish i was there.

[@EssentialRC]

+uguddabkiddn It was fun. Unfortunately the whole event is cancelled this year. Hopefully will happen next year. Cheers Dom (Essential RC)

[@tc19948]

Nicely-trimmed McCutcheon Charybdis at 6:35 approx!

[@tc19948]

And at 11:40

[@zippy1938]

Engine problems seem to be the rule. Is that typical of older diesel engines? Also, the flight patterns seem to be very erratic One moment all is well then suddenly it would head for the ground as if someone had magically given the plane full down elevator. It was a great video. Brought back the warm fuzzies of the 30's or 40's excepting WW2. Keep em flying.

[@villatengtravel]

These are amazing. They are so inventive. I liked the video

[@EssentialRC]

+villa teng Thanks. Appreciate your comment. Cheers Dom (Essential RC)

[@villatengtravel]

+Essential RC You are welcome and a big thanks to you too. Best

[@michaelhoughton6650]

Blimey, most dangerous r/c aircraft club I've ever seen , by a country mile !

[@spektrum33]

This looks great fun ,,,but I think crash helmets may be needed

[@SuperVorticon]

Trying this in the US would be a liability nightmare...

[@xzqzq]

Looks like fun.

[@SallehMdNasir]

Just wonder how the flight in control without remote...plse explain...boss

[@jimbrown7196]

What made me laugh was two blokes in hi-viz jerkins labelled "MARSHALL". WTF were they marshalling?

[@erickvillano2069]

Looks like everyone is having a great time, although launching a free flight model in the midst of a crowd is somewhatstrange to me. The lawyers in this country would have a field day. Keep up the good work, these videos are terrific! I just wishwe could fly like that in this country.

[@EssentialRC]

+Erick Villano Yeah, we don't have the same passion for sueing everyone in the UK. Everyone who attended knows the risks albeit they are quite low. Cheers Dom (Essential RC)

[@sassyrc1901]

Oh! So many big kids! looks so fun!

[@Allbbrz]

lol... cant believe no one got whacked by a propeller or the whole plane....

[@fosterwayne6684]

Later that day the local hospital was amazed at the amount of head lacerations they were having, seams to happen around the same time every year.

[@EssentialRC]

+foster wayne Nobody got hurt that year and everyone that attends knows the risks. Same as driving a car or crossing the road really...but I'll take a helmet if there is a next time. Cheers Dom (Essential RC)

[@fosterwayne6684]

No doubt about it, it looks extremely fun, but insanely dangerous. Be safe.

[@heartsky]

What happened to the boomerang? British pilots are the best!

[@powerhousepaperairplanesrogers]

Id have to use an electric motor.

[@flysomethingdamitdotcom8788]

Definitely fun but I feel that almost non of these guys know how to "trim" a free flight model plane!

[@ignacioxxi]

Benny Hill show

[@saerhoga7643]

бухие! )))

👍👍👍👍

[@mehanikgaikin6726]

Страшное это дело маятники в толпе

[@stevebroughton4787]

....yet R/C is classed as dangerous !.

[@charlesbola1971]

very fun

[@AlistairGale]

I guess it’s appropriate that the cameraman is as bad as British engine tuning

[@Ian-Hall]

Iv'e just watched the quad racing video you made and find it really funny that the BMFA made them wear high viz vests and fly from behind a mesh screen. Yet free flight is basically... 'keep your eyes open as you might get hit ':-) BMFA member 26 years

[@EssentialRC]

+Ian Hall Quads look a lot more dangerous to me so I can understand the precautions and especially with them being their first year at the Nationals...but it's a subject that will have people that are very pro Free Flight and those against due to the 'risks'. We could argue the risks for hours I suspect. Cheers Dom (Essential RC)

[@grealmilthaler2523]

Ian Hall vv

[@jorgenelsonfelix52]

👍👍👍👍👍

[@skaterboi8494]

Why are they all diesel motors?

[@ColinWatters]

They won't all be diesel. Ive flown rubber powered and electric free flight models there with my kids.

[@SirHackaL0t.]

With all the warnings about flying quads safely you then show how to not fly properly.

[@EssentialRC]

+Clive Flint Really?! You are comparing quads with free flight? That's funny but thanks. Dom (Essential RC)

[@EssentialRC]

+Clive Flint Really?! You are comparing quads with free flight? That's funny but thanks. Dom (Essential RC)

[@SirHackaL0t.]

They have a prop on them, and, from what I can see, they aren't controlled. If you were hit by one surely it could do as much damage as a quadcopter.

[@NickNameNick2]

+Clive Flint They are much MUCH lighter than any comparably sized quad, using .015 engines at the most. They are also much slower.

[@SirHackaL0t.]

It does looks like a lot of fun.

[@svpetarSR]

Madness!

[@thomasmiller1286]

VIOLATION CITY, WITH EVEN A DRUNK..

[@oscarzt1652]

oh i see to minimise retrieval distance

[@EssentialRC]

+Oscar Thorpe Yes. My mate got it wrong. Thankfully I had my bike with me...but carrying a wing and fuselage while pedalling is not easy! Cheers Dom (Essential RC)

[@f4udhorn]

We all use motorbikes here in U.S. Except for the FACers.

[@bax81]

haha XD nice

[@AlpineMusicSchool]

Good vid.

[@sibylvane75]

Nobody is worried to have a model on his had or to kill someone ? Beer is on the table!

[@Dbassman999]

I was hit by a Taube eindecker. Wonderful!

[@maverick4573]

Where's the flight line LOL

[@EssentialRC]

Eh, everywhere! Cheers Dom (Essential RC)

[@maverick4573]

Essential RC Lol

[@specialized29er86]

WTF, engine powered and you just let free, why not at least a 2 channel RC setup.

[@GrafDe]

Nothing crazy nothing funny!

[@oscarzt1652]

why were they holding their models with the engines running for a few seconds before the flight?

[@EssentialRC]

+Oscar Thorpe I think to ensure that they don't have too much fuel remaining when they are launched...otherwise they might have to walk a long way to retrieve them. The idea is to climb for few seconds and then glide for a lot longer. Cheers Dom (Essential RC)

[@imken2392]

God...get a motor that runs half way decent anyway.

[@stanburdick9708]

can you say HARD HAT AREA!!!

[@cesarjulioquimbaya301]

Relax para no caer en la locura todavia

[@ponyboy5.0coyotewild63]

Accident ready to happen

[@DL6UK]

seems rather chaotic

[@EssentialRC]

+DL6UK I think that's an understatement. A lot of fun though. Cheers Dom (Essential RC)

[@ytdhable]

Are they all diesels?

[@EssentialRC]

+ytdhable Yes. The majority are diesel. A very small number are electric that run for a preset time. Cheers Dom (Essential RC)

[@ignacioxxi]

what a mess

[@zippy1938]

Bedlam

[@EssentialRC]

Yup, but bedlam in a good way Tom. Cheers Dom (Essential RC)

[@beeleo]

I know this was from 2005 but it's still not THAT long ago. However, I DO remember a long time ago when my friends and I were flying free-flight models. I also remember when people were excited to have one channel and two channel radios. As soon as three and four channel radios came out, we left U-control and free-flight behind and never looked back. When watching this and other free-flight videos, I'm astounded at the disregard these people have to the safety of other people and property. They lean out their engines and toss away their planes. I lost count of the people I saw having to duck out of the way. These planes aren't 29¢ Guillows gliders that will just bounce off someone. RC flyers, model rocketeers, model boaters and everything else I can think of have organized events focused on safety. What's wrong with these people?

[@f4udhorn]

Why are we trimming all these high-wing cabin jobs to fly left under power and many appear nose heavy and trying to "0" out with their decalage? Is it all a part of the grand plan to add fun and excitement? Whatever the case, its working! I loved it as well as all the (beautiful) spectators! KUDOS! Looks like the object is to have the silliest flight!