When the RC pilots at Europe’s largest model aviation show say “extreme giant scale,” they really mean it. All model aviation in France is managed by the Civil Aeronautics Agency, the same organization that manages full-size French civilian aircraft. There is a group of models known as Class III. Class III model aircraft have a minimum weight that is the same as our Academy of Model Aeronautic’s (AMA) maximum weight – 55 pounds.

In the US, models weighing over 55 pounds require special AMA issued registrations if they are to be covered by AMA liability insurance. Insurance is both usually required to fly at most model airports and a good thing to have with aircraft this large. But there is no government regulation as to model size at this time.

In France, no model over 55 pounds can fly without a government issued airworthiness certificate. Each Class III model must also pass an annual inspection just like full-size aircraft. But once certificated and inspected, these behemoths can fly anywhere, at any time.

It is these giants that are the subject of Propwash Video Production’s newest video: La Ferte 2003. The La Ferte Airshow is known all over the globe as having the most interesting and largest scale models on display. The 2003 La Ferte show had the most models ever, over 240 RC aircraft showed up to fly. Scales ranged from one-quarter size through almost full size (1 to 1.1).

 
Photo 1     Photo 2

Werner Kopp is your host and guide through this stunning modeling event hosted by the French division of the International Miniature Aircraft Association (IMAA). Some of these aircraft are amazing and fly very well. The Me-109E pictured in photo 2 is 50% scale. That means it is half the size of the full-size fighter.

 
Photo 3     Photo 4

This video also has some unique viewing perspectives. Carrying a video camera, or even carrying several cameras, is not a problem for models of this size. This video has many unique in-flight perspectives like the straight ahead shot in photos 3. But there are also in-flight shots from a wingtip or from the rear. Some of the rear shots look forward while others focus on where the model has just been. The sheer size, and great flight performance, of these models is incredible. We sometimes joke about our 30% scale models carrying a child. But these aircraft can. Just look at photo 4. This 80% scale Caudron Adelante Racer can do just that (only on the ground we hope).

 
Photo 5     Photo 6

Some of these larger models are almost as tall as their pilot’s (photo 5). Others are so complex that they require an entire crew to manage and three pilots to fly like the 17% (1/6) scale Constellation in photo 6.

 
Photo 7     Photo 8

In addition to all the great flying action, this 110-minute video covers the entire Airshow action. How about a strafing run from a giant F-4U Corsair (photo 7)? A lot of bombs are dropped during the “Warbird” part of the Airshow (photo 8). During the attack, the ground defenses are shooting back and the sky is filled with flak and anti-aircraft fire (photos 9 and 10). These monitor photos do not do justice to the excellent quality of this video. Everything is always in focus and there are so many close-ups that it is easy to feel that you are there.

 
Photo 9      Photo 10

This video has detailed close-ups, pilot interviews (in English) flying shots and technical information on 28 of the very best aircraft that were at La Ferte. There are also a few aircraft covered from the 2002 Airshow that were so impressive that they just had to be included. We will not spoil the fun by showing all 28 aircraft, but you might be interested in looking at a few before ordering this great video.