F3 next generation floater

A small window of pleasant flyable conditions opened up and got to get my second soaring flight on the F3 177 ME prototype. The design utilises the F2 160 frame with minor modifications. Super excited to explore the handling characteristics. Light and responsive but still very much a floater. The next gen floater for pilots. Videography by my lovely wife Ela.❤️

[@davesmith9365]

Wow, it turns quick!

[@billpain]

Yes it sure does. It was only the second soaring flight on this glider so it has much more to offer for me to explore.

[@SeeBird686]

Is that a VG cord trailing behind Bill?

[@billpain]

Yes indeed.

[@mexikids]

What is a "floater" exactly? (made for "dune gooning"?)

[@billpain]

Floater refers to the single surface easy and forgiving gliders that came back to favour in the 1990s starting with the Wills Wing Falcon. It was a resurgence of the light weight low hasle and low stress flying we had moved away from. They also catered as a novice wing and that has continued. My glider is in this vein but tuned for more experienced pilots that will enjoy the forgiving flight characteristics but with lighter faster control with a bit more zip. This makes it unsuitable as a novice wing but great for the intermediate and advancing pilot. Because I am a small one man band outfit I am freed from overly commercial forces and I can indulge in exactly how I want to express my flying experience.