Montpezat 2002

In June 2002 I visited with my wife a Flying Flea meeting in Montpezat (south of France). I had two days of pure happiness. I brought with me a model of one of my ideas, the "Scarab". It was a very basic model made by some of the pupils of my class. Guys, the model had success. Thanks for your help.

Just a few pictures of some moments I will remember for live.


I got to talk to Pierre Mignet (right), the son of Henri Mignet and the designer of the HM 1000 Balerit (propably the HM 1100 Cordouan too). I showed him my model "Scarab" and we discussed a lot about it. He liked the idea. I was super happy. Just look me smiling.
One of my sketchbooks is on my lap.



A digital version of my Scarab-sketch like it was draw in my sketchbook on 14-05-2002.

For better view I deleted in this sketch the rudder at the wingtip in front.
Otherwise it would be impossible to see the engine.
The green thing is the BRS, the red thing is the fueltank. In this sketch I placed no landingear.
A remark to the Pou du Ciel experts: I used two similar wings (same span) at needed to place the CG at 40% between the C/4's. Mr. Rousselot, a expert on Pou du Ciel design, told me that I placed all on the right place. I grew 1 inch after that remark.

The purpose of the Scarab would have been to use it in a club to get disabled youth (wheelchair users) in the air. The cockpit is better accessible than the normal Flying Fleas. I still keep a close heart for this design, but I am working on another project for the same youth. A Pou du Ciel glider. It will cost less.


Next to the HM163 of my friend, Hans Engels, I placed my wire model "Scarab". Although it was not the same in size and design of the HM 163, it was capable to draw interest of people like Paul Pontois (right), a known person inside the Flying Flea world, and Bruno Corbeau (middle), a known calculation guy and concept thinker too. Me happy again.


I was able to study the HM 1000 Balerit, a favorite of me, from very close.
I am not sure if this picture was taken before or after the next one. 
Honestly, I guess after. I do not touch airplanes without knowing the owner.


Then it happened... The owner of a HM1000 and I got talking. And he suggested to have a flight in it.
A dream comes true.


This picture was taken after the flight. I truly enjoyed it. And it proved that the rumors of the Flying Fleas are right. It actually steers like a car. SUPER EASY.
I asked to see the famed parachutal descent and the pilot did it without hesitating. Weird experience. You still feel the stability of the airplane, but you are sinking rather fast. Waaw.

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