Flying

	Kestrels MFC membership is diverse in age, experience and expertise. With a range of pilots from beginners to experts, instructors and BMFA examiners, we have something for everyone. Join us and enjoy safe flying for fun. The Club is affiliated to the British Model Flying Association (BMFA), Club number 2505.
	Our flying site is not locked (we have recently improved the entrance), has plenty of open space for safe flying/landing and can be used every day. If the weather is particularly bad on a Sunday afternoon we have use of the local hall for indoor flying.
	Since we fly near the border between Northern Ireland and Southern Ireland, we welcome modellers from North and South and can provide BMFA membership, insurance and benefits to all Club members.

Our flying site is a huge field beside the lake at Muckross, Kesh and particularly suitable for learners. We have a 'buddy box' system where dual controls allow an instructor to help beginners safely into the air for those first critical flights. We encourage all pilots to work towards the BMFA achievement certificates and have 2 active Examiners for aeroplane and helicopter tests.

Visit the Jet powered helicopter page and the L-39 Jet photograph page.


Harry gets the Boomerang away again with a tremendous roar from the Jetcat P80.
	The Harpoon has flown - in the strong winds over the weekend. Vectored thrust makes this an extremely agile aircraft.
The next project is almost complete - this is the F15 Eagle. Two engines, ailerons and all moving tail surfaces.
	1/3 scale Pitts, petrol engine power makes a fantastic sounding fly past.
And then inverted, a beautiful aircraft.
	Christopher and Shane from Letterkenny MFC have fitted the brushless motors from their indoor aircraft into these two Piper Cubs.
Little and large: Bossanova and Mini Bossanova. OS55 power on the left, electric power on the right. Both flew together through the afternoon.
	This is the third 'Vanquish' to arrive at the flying field. Electric power - 15 minutes with a 4 cell pack and unlimited vertical performance. A beautiful model for precision aerobatic flying.
Lots of T-Rex bling; two 450's, a 500 and a 600.
	And two more 600's ready for a few more flights.
This Tiger Moth has been converted from IC to electric power with great success.
	A low pass (inverted just didn't look right).

Great flying weather recently and longer bright evenings. The L39 flew at the field on Wednesday evening; the Wren 44 started up and ran perfectly. The sound of the turbine attracted a few extra onlookers and the addictive smell of jet fuel had everyone flying till dusk.
	Sunday weather was fantastic for flying so there was a good turnout and a few more new models. This 'Black Horse' trainer is electric powered and very well built and finished.
Here it is on the strip heading out for a test flight.
	It was busy on the flight line as more prepared for take-off. Back at the lane there were others arriving.

The latest ARTF model from Chris Foss at the front. Helicopters, wings and aircraft everywhere.
	These young pilots put on some snappy flying displays.
And were always around to offer some help.
	Look carefully for the aircraft coming in to land.
Hard to believe that this was only last week!

Easter arrived with better weather, longer evenings and the winter projects which have been waiting patiently for their first day out.
	This is the Hirobo Chinook test flying without the bodyshell fitted. OS50 powered, it looks and sounds great.
Another Hirobo model, the Lama is powered by an OS32. Very realistic scale.
	This Hughes 500 is built around a T-Rex 600 with electric power.
A slow fly past as the light fades.
	Scully complete with her ID at the controls!

The Boomerang gets another outing, plenty of power
from the 46 engine.

Someone trying a spot of Sunday afternoon fishing.

Heli training can be very demanding and requires
a lot of concentration.

Very nice model cruises down the strip on Sunday afternoon.

Electric power, over 6ft span and flying well in a breeze.

Davey is really enjoying his jet powered Boomerang.

Excellent weather for Jet practice on Saturday.
L39 in front followed by Avonds F-15 and Boomerang
ready for take-off.

A relaxed day's flying at the Kestrels site on
Sunday. Here's Nigel, very pleased after his third
successful landing.

This is the 'Rising Star', an excellent trainer.
Hi-visibility colous and great fun to fly.

Jack always enjoys a flight with the Boomerang trainer.

Davy is progressing well with his Raptor helicopter.

Smooth pirouettes and circuits in both directions,
steady nose-in hovering - could be another B test soon!

This Prangster gets a lot of flying at Kesh and beyond.
OS46 powered, JR radio.

SE5A - a famous WW1 aircraft

A Flair SE5A powered by an OS52 four stroke engine.
Near scale and a delight to fly.

Anything you want to know about autorotations - just ask this man!
	Gordon proudly accepts the Denis O'Hara Perpetual Memorial Trophy on behalf of Kestrels MFC. Presented by Howard, Chairman of the NIAA.
Jet powered Boomerang ready for takeoff.
	Low and fast, it's tricky getting a few pictures !
Finishing off a gallon of jet fuel after a very successful day's flying.
	A perfect touchdown on the grass strip.
Our flying site is perfect for those learning to fly with good all-round visibility and lots of open space. Buddy box dual controls in use here. Ian (on the RHS) is trying to teach Eric how to fly left hand circuits, but Eric looks concerned....
	Electric powered T-Rex on the left, Wren turbine powered Predator on the right.
Modellers gathering for a weekend flying session.
	The drastic way to cut some grass!
Water flying is popular, with helicopters too.

An aerial photograph of the flying site, plenty of room for learners here.
	Edward has just completed his first evening of solo flying - straight in to take-offs, then landings and finally solo in just a few hours!
Ken on his chair now confidently hovering his Raptor helicopter, buddy lead no longer necessary. Excellent progress in just a few months.
	Seamus adds some weight to the Shock Flyer, saying that it helps the prop hanging....
SE5A takes to the air again, thanks to Harry for the photo.
	Jetcat P80 powered Boomerang - sounds superb!
A selection of the indoor fleet, there are over 30 models at this Thursday evening meeting. Warning: indoor flying is addictive and can seriously improve your flying skills.

Flying

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