F3M-Air-Models Cup in Bulle

Three days of competition under ideal summer conditions in the idyllic setting of the Gruyère region ensured that the events in the junior, national, and international divisions ran smoothly. Thirty-two pilots from France, Germany, the Czech Republic, and Switzerland took part.

Some very talented young pilots were in attendance, including Daniel Hrachovec, who placed second in the international series.

The Bulle club and its president, Rolland Galley, pulled out all the stops to promote F3M (see the latest issue of MFS) and showcase the spectacular, artistic, and athletic aspects of this discipline to the public. They also sought to convince modelers that getting started in this category isn’t all that difficult. Accompanying guests were also able to enjoy related activities while exploring the region, happily combining double-cream Gruyère and chocolate. An international event like this requires about thirty members to pitch in over three days to set up the infrastructure. This is worth highlighting, and they deserve our thanks.

Two well-known routines, two unknown ones, and two freestyle routines followed one another. For both newcomers and seasoned spectators alike, the free routine—enhanced by music, smoke effects, a shower of glitter, and fluttering banners—is a true aerial spectacle that stands in stark contrast to the repetitive nature of the compulsory routines. It’s hard not to associate music with aerobatics. Thus, the performances remain etched in viewers’ memories, set to songs by Pavarotti, Muse, Ennio Morricone, Evanescence, the Red Hot Chili Peppers, and many others...

Julien Devilliers at the starting line.

F3M models range in wingspan from 2.10 m to 3.50 m, but most competitors fly 3-meter aircraft weighing 17 kg and with 160 cm³ engines (3W, ZDZ, or DA). One exception to the rule was the sole electric aircraft flown by Yves Emery from Sierre in the national competition. In the international competition, the cream of the crop (known as “double cream” in Gruyère) delivered a series of flights scoring over 900 points. Of note was the local competitor, Emilien Galley, who finished 4th with his small 2.60-meter Katana—which the French described as “matchstick-thin.” A larger version is currently being tested. It’s also interesting to note that in the freestyle category, spectators who let their hearts guide them as they’re swept up by the music and the emotions often (as was my case) reach the same conclusions as the judges—and that’s a good thing. To round out this report, I invite you to check out the dioramas by Jacky Parant (http://fr.youtube.com/watch?v=76bjLDsRL0w) and Walter Hofer (http://www.gmr-gruyere.ch/f3m/photos/coupe%20d'europa%20F3M.wmv) and check out the photos and rankings at http://www.gmr-gruyere.ch/.

Julien Devilliers' "Woody Woodpecker" suffered a minor mishap during Sunday's free skate.

32 competitors registered in the junior, national, and international divisions.

F3M: Art at Every Level.

Czech Dragon on Tomas Dvorak's Katana.