If I Had a Dream

France is the motherland and beginning of VTPR Glider Aerobatics. And it just so happens that, very fine wine grapes have been a part of the French landscape going back centuries to the Roman Empire. And one particular appellation in France that is probably the center of the fine wine universe is the region of Burgundy. The finest Pino Noir is produced here as in this photo. In one certain vineyard of only 2.5 acres, each grape can be valued as high as $5.00 each - $10,000 a bottle of 2015 vintage!

In addition to motocross bikes and RC gliders, I have an interest in fine wine "tasting" as a hobby sommelier. Not drinking but rather studying the viticulture and science behind just why each vineyard around the globe has distinct tastes and aromas. All of this is very technical but what it comes down to is, enjoyment among special friends. This photo I modified to encapsulate the finest of these two worlds. Burgundy vineyards and the dream of me VTPR'ing my Sonic 2.5m over them. It just doesn't get any better than that, In My Dream...

Le Sonic in VTPR & Totale

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A new video of Mike Ball and his rare Sonic 2.5m glider which he love's to fly. He demonstrates some very nice low French VTPR and some clean and fun aerobatics in Totale here. Did you notice the inverted tip and tail drags? Very awesome and true to the VTPR rule of "low" as it should be performed. And with an expensive cruchy bird to boot. This is what it means to take a "real risk" performing VTPR aerobatics putting it all on the line. Stay tuned for more Sonic VTPR coming from Southern California, USA.

Crunchy VTPR Rocks!

LQQK at this awesome shot of Le Sonic in total VTPR mode taken recently from a new video I filmed at Glider Point slope for the 2012 Slope Aerobatics contest. With the help of "video capture" techniques the Sonic and its pilot Mike Ball are displayed really doing it to it crunchy VTPR style!

As you are probably already aware we here at VTPR Aerobatics promote the really risky side of Slope VTPR perfectly willing to put our prized Sonic's and other crunchy ships in the danger zone for maximum thrill. We enjoy some of the foamy version models and they have served well training us towards this goal of crunchy VTPR. But the foamies just dont cut all of the mustard when it comes to beautiful, clean and risky VTPR. The payback is virtually no comparison. And thanks go to a handful of French pilots that have inspired myself and Mike to persue this dangerous yet fun style of RC aerobatics. There's no turning back...

See the video... Eric





LEROYER Flys Again!

Giullaume (William) Leroyer is one of the worlds top Voltige Totale and VTPR pilots. There are other videos of his masterful flying on this blog. I have had the priveledge of knowing him and his dad Michel through email while building my personal SONIC 2.5 glider. And I have grown to have great admiration for their flying and modeling skills but also their kind hearts and willingness to freely help me and others in modeling.

This is a brand new video Michel took of his son while on vacation in June flying some classic French VTPR on the coast of northern France after a 2 year layoff from flying anything RC. Here are his comments:

"After 2 years expatriated in CANADA for work, I've never touch a RC gliders, For my first return in town I was really excited to fly again with my old Sonic 2.50m, just to know if I lose my level in VTPR, Finally, with my father, we were near to the Menez-Hom in Bretagne and the weather was perfect for the spot called "Le chateau d'eau." All the feelings were there... RC gliders is like bicycle, you can't forget it... Sorry for the bad quality of the movie, I'm going to do my best in two years..."

As you can see this is some fantastic stuff in the higher air speed realms which Guillaume loves so much and he didnt miss a beat! We often talk about "slow and low" VTPR which we also see beautifully done by other great French pilots on the Menez-Hom slope. Guillaumes style is a little bit different utilizing the full speed range of his trusty blue-flame SONIC. He has admitted to me that he loves the faster elements of VTPR as it is more dangerous and allows more precise flight paths low to the ground with a composite model. Another way he puts it - "I like speed, I like to fly on the edge and touch the grass and to do that faster as possible because it will improve the challenges and reflexes..." To him and this author this style of VTPR is the ultimate in thrill, danger and satisfaction.

     

VTPR Fun-Fly, 2012

Video of some of the flying and photos of last weeks VTPR Recontre. We had a small turnout but loads of fun. The "limbo" was especially a great time with the lightweight PSP's. Had a real laugh and the planes got a real workout. No damage, just pure fun! Until next time, enjoy. EJ

Slope VTPR is center-stage on M.A.N.

I am very pleased to announce the new VTPR Aerobatics article by yours truly is posted on MODEL AIRPLANE NEWS, the #1 RC aircraft magazine in the world! Hats off to Debra Cleghorn for publishing, the greater VTPR community including Pierre’ Rondel of Planet-Soaring out of France. Steve Lange of SlopeAerobatics.com and the long list of dedicated slope aerobatic fliers and modelers for their contribution to the style.

Click here to read the article.

The American VTPR scene is now on track to a bright and growing future of which could not have been possible without the French European influence of such names as Gerard Prat, Eric Poulain, Remi Le Besque, Benoit Paysant-Le Roux, Guillaume Leroyer, François Cahour, Erwan Laurans and our own Dawson Henderson. These stalwart and innovative model designers and pilots are who VTPR hobbyists such as myself look up to for inspiration and example. The roots of VTPR is forever planted with such as these...

It’s been quite a ride and inspirational being a part of the VTPR vision here in America the last 2-1/2 years of which I’m very humbled. Let’s keep this train rolling and new models built and flying!  

Good Lift… Eric
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SONIC build video - Cool !

Was late last night-this morning putting this video together but I'm letting the cat out of the bag to show you "some" of the innerds of this rare ship. Big props go to Michel and Guillaume Leroyer for their assistance and information allowing me and my partner to build a pair of "true Breton" version Sonics. It was a very fun and challenging build, but even more fun to fly. I swear they cut the air like butter!

Dueling 2.5's at the Menez-Hom!

Eté 2009 au Ménez-Hom by PLP35

Most scenes are snuff on a slope behind the Menez-BICHEM (camping Pentrez).
The slope is facing south-west and the view is superb (and more is a field of corn!)
We are well vented that day. Judge for yourself! Man oh man what FUN!!! AAA+

Good VTPR fun between friends

Vol de Pente au Menez-Hom (VTPR) by PLP35

A great example of fun at a meeting of VTPR (very close to terrain flight) between good friends at Menez-Hom. The French really know how to do it... A+

VTPR Banne d'Ordanche (Auvergne)

VTPR Ã la Banne d'Ordanche from Pierre Rondel on Vimeo.

Another great Sonic VTPR video of Erwan Laurans flying his Sonic at the Banne d'Ordanche.

Guillaume Leroyer VTPR genius

VTPR Sonic from Pierre Rondel on Vimeo.

Another fantastic display of VTPR beauty performed by William the Great! Thanks to Pierre Rondel of Planet Soaring this was filmed. Another early influence on this writer that has driven me to build the rare Breton Sonic and I'm glad I did. Through many conversations with the elder Michel Leroyer Guillaumes father we were successful building the ships. I owe a great debt of gratitude to the Leroyer family for their assistance. I hope you enjoy this incredible talent as he shows us how it should be done. The Standard...

Sonic VTPR practice session #1

Some new VTPR action with two very rare SONIC 2.5m models last weekend. Weather finally turned around this new SoCal season to greet us with the first real aerobatic outing on these majestic ships. I found the Sonic to be very friendly and just a joy to fly in full confidence. Stay tuned for more outings Sonic style.

Pilot review:

This model is an evolution of the famous Quartz of François Cahour. The design of the airframe is more modern and presents a lesser trail. Sonic has existed since 1997 and revolutionized the world of stunt flying in the same capacity as Excalibur in thefts VTPR. In effect, it allows a definite and academical piloting for those who want it but he also excels when it is a question of producing completely removed and deranged faces. David has said himself, "The plane was not an idea but an evolution". Since they found nothing valid in epoch in trade and that the style of "Breton" theft was really a bit special, the idea was simply to have a glider adapted in the lead and in all craziness which they could imagine!

Sonic is considered to be the glider of stunt flying par excellence. Its qualities of theft and its low weight allow it to be agile in all weather conditions. It enters extreme performance in no time after launch and enters very well in strong weather conditions. This model will enrapture all keen pilots of modern stunt flying or not.

By permission, Michel Leroyer, Guillaume Leroyer, 2010

Sonic maiden flight

First flight of the new Breton Sonic at Glider Point slope, SoCal. Everything went without a hitch. A little elevator trimming and she flew beautifully.

Breton SONIC debut in US!

The video was put together on a sunny afternoon over at CptMike’s place once the pair of birds were completed. It was a very exciting day to be able after months of planning and building these ships to see the culmination of a fabulous project between longtime friends come to fruition. I don’t know about you but I enjoy the process of a build project as much and sometimes more than actually flying them. This especially holds true when it’s a difficult build to make all the pieces of information and parts come together from across the globe when there are no free sources. Dedication and commitment and the desire to own one of the best aerobatic models ever produced were the driving forces on this one. And of equal importance was the continued strengthening of our friendship through the process. Sure we had disagreements and many questions needed attention but through it all Mike and I both have one great ship in our quivers.  To sum up, this plane is gonna be a lot of fun flying now. Can’t wait to explore more VTPR action with my new friend…

Sonic in the raw

In case your curious what a Sonic looks like bare naked check this out. Lightweight FG Breton fuselage, veneer balsa white foam core wing panels, carbon fiber canopy. A recipe for many doses of VTPR fun!

Guillaume Leroyer VTPR Sonic

WELCOME TO POST #1 @
VTPR AEROBATICS

Your going to be hearing a lot about the 2.5 Sonic here. Guillaume (William) Leroyer is one of the worlds best VTPR pilots from France. It was he and his trusty blue flame Sonic that inspired me to get into the sport. In this ocean front video we can see just how incredible a pilot Guillaume is handling very low lift conditions like the pro he is... Fabulous!