----- The home of Electric Thermal Soaring in the UK ----- FAI F5J and BMFA eSoaring height limited RC thermal soaring glider contests for beginners and experts alike

This site is for promoting FAI F5J and BMFA eSoaring - electric R/C thermal soaring competitions that use flight recorders, controlling Motor run timers or Height Limiting devices. These events are fun, a good test of thermaling skills, and do not require an expensive model, powertrain or winches.


BMFA Approved Height Limiter switches are available from Here

Martin Bell mastered this very nice introductory video into eSoaring.

 




Who are we?

We are growing band of forward thinking electric radio controlled glider fliers who are trailblazing new forms of thermal soaring contests. About ten years ago it became clear to Mike Proctor that the then current BEFA and BARCS rules were not a good test of thermal soaring skills and he and subsequently Neil Stainton and others ran some experimental events limiting the electric motor’s power and energy. These were well received but running the contests was a nightmare, with time consuming tests required to ensure all the entrants complied with the power limitations.

When in 2008 height limiting switches became easily available they solved the two remaining problems, ensuring all contestants start the flight a the same height, and eliminating powertrain checking. Martin Bell championed the RC Electronics devices, checking their accuracy and reliability with test events and lab equipment, and started making them available to UK fliers. Martin drafted a new set of rules, and after much discussion these were adopted by the BMFA as an approved UK event. In 2009 we ran a UK league to these rules with many eSoaring contests being held in England and Scotland. In 2010 we ran around 30 events countrywide which has grown through 2011 and 2012 during which we also ran two F5J events in the UK which proved very successful.

For up to the minute news about all UK altitude limited competitions please visit our forum - you will find help, technical information, and stimulating discussion.


Why enter eSoaring competitions?

  • Competing is fun, and a great way to meet other like minded modellers and improve your modelling skills.
  • The class is suitable for all sorts of model gliders, powered by any type of battery and electric motor. Just by fitting a height limiter the model can comply with the rules.
  • Unlike most previous rule sets, this class allows all sizes of electric RC glider models to be competitive, allowing larger and more enjoyable models to be flown on an equal footing with lighter, smaller, less expensive soarers.
  • Unlike any previous competition this class limits the launch altitude to 200m (656ft), so having 20/20 vision isn't a prerequisite.

Don't think that you have to have a model capable of achieving the 10 minute flight time before you enter. The point of these rules is that thermal help will be required to obtain a max. If that wasn't the case the event would lose its main purpose as a test of thermaling skills and turn into another landing contest.

So please enter these competitions if you live the UK - all fliers are welcome, as long as you have BMFA insurance. Non UK fliers wishing to enter, please check with us first to confirm your insurance will cover you.