Laois Championships July 25, 2009
By Paul Fetherstonhaugh
Photos from this event can be viewed in the gallery -- click here.
As a tribute to the first flight across the English channel by Louis Bleriot on 25th July 1909, it was appropriate and timely that Laois MAC should hold their Scale Championship some 100 years later to the day. A commemorative painting was commissioned by the Club to mark this day and completed by renowned artist and sculptor Eamonn Keenan.
Although July has been a thoroughly wet and windy month, Laois MAC struck gold again, when the only good day as forecasted by Met Eireann held true, with calm conditions and pleasant sunshine. Regrettably, the wind got up as the day wore on, but nevertheless the day held well overall.
The number of entrants was a tad disappointing, but those who came were rewarded with a relaxed and good humoured day. The committed flyer is the enthusiast who brings out the best of what is good about scale flying, and is always eager to share new ideas and projects.
The F4C pilots were first off the block with Dave who flew his Dart Kitten, and although an early engine glitch spoiled the first take off, it was in double quick time that Dave overcame this and flew to success.. The Dart Kitten in red and silver colours has a perfect scale speed and the flying by Dave was impressive and deft.
Paul flew his De Havilland Beaver, powered by an OS 48 four stroke, which while steadfast in early calm conditions, was thrown about in the later wind. Turbulence on approach and landing was a challenge for lightly loaded models.
Eamonn the wise flew his Decathalon to his enviable high standard, a plane which penetrated the later wind with ease. This high standard is hard to match.
In MACI Scale came Walter Reno with his excellent Storch built to a high and exact standard. Nothing less for Walter will do. This was Walters first outing in scale competition, and his flying skills matched his building capabilities, both well performed and measured. It has been said before - watch out for Walter.
Clubmans is the class of hot contest, and this event didn’t disappoint. First was Steve with his Piper Arrow who narrowly pipped Kieran to second place. Kieran flew his new Seagull PC9, after a recent recovery from an out landing in dense adjoining woodland, a result of dreaded dead stick and power glow failure. Martin flew to the delight of all his newly acquired Spitfire, a marvellous sight to behold with a convincing scale engine note. In the bigger class of scale, a clipped wing Piper Cub was flown by Andy which captured the attention of all, and a superb sight on low pass and wing bank manoeuvres showing off it’s blue and white sunburst pattern.
All three rounds were flown, the day much enjoyed, and a special thanks to all those who came, and to our perpetual workers, Steve-CD, Aoife-Champion Cook, Denis-number cruncher and our Judges.
| Pilot | Class | Round 1 | Round 2 | Round 3 | Static | Final Score | Position |
| E. Keenan | F4C | 1594.0 | 1711.0 | 1739.5 | 1277.0 | 3002.25 | 1st |
| D. O'Flaherty | F4C | 1149.0 | 1254.0 | 0.0 | 1228.0 | 2429.50 | 2nd |
| P. Fetherstonhaugh | F4C | 1279.0 | 1259.0 | 1523.5 | 128.0 | 1529.25 | 3rd |
| S. Elster | Clubman | 1675.0 | 1651.0 | 1682.5 | 1678.75 | 1st | |
| K. McEvoy | Clubman | 1036.0 | 1711.0 | 1645.0 | 1678.00 | 2nd | |
| M. Sweeney | Clubman | 1665.0 | 1579.0 | 1624.5 | 1644.75 | 3rd | |
| A. Ryan | Clubman | 1158.5 | 1290.5 | 1281.5 | 1286.00 | 4th | |
| W. Reno | Novice | 985.5 | 1540.0 | 1489.0 | 1514.50 | 1st |