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Where to fly? I live in one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Finding somewhere with enough free space to fly isn't that easy! Here are some of the places where R/C aircraft have been observed on the wing: |
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Where to fly? I live in one of the most densely populated countries in the world. Finding somewhere with enough free space to fly isn't that easy! Here are some of the places where R/C aircraft have been observed on the wing: |
| Fortescue |
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The sea-cliff at Fortescue (sometimes called College Savannah) runs roughly north-west to south-east. The photo shows a spot somewhere between Conset Point and Bell Point. The Atlantic breeze crosses the coast at this point to find itself in a curving rock prison. It has nowhere to go but up. Lots of lift for slopers, but not exactly ideal territory for an emergency landing. Razor coral, sea grape bushes... and for the more distant crash, a watery grave. |
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This rather poor photograph looks north-west into the setting sun and shows the lay of the land -- and sea. Pilots usually chuck their craft over the edge about halfway around the curve of the bowl. Back behind the edge is a dirt road and about 200 yards of short, salt-grass before you get to the houses in the distance. There are enough coral heads (like the one in the left foreground of the picture) sticking out of the salt-grass to make landing just a bit butt-puckering! I love flying here. It is an absolute hoot! Landing is a bit hairy, but the actual piloting is thrilling. With a good breeze there's bags of lift! Click here to see a few of the aircraft that I've spotted at this slope! |
| Merricks |
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The strip at Merricks (also known as River because it is on River Plantation land) is operated by the Barbados Model Airplane Club of which I was once a member. (I would have remained a member, but can't afford to be a member of more than one club at a time.) There is a modest club hut to get out of the rain under, and a nicely graded strip (two, actually!) which with the help of a little rain and a little work would be first class. It is lovely and long, and wide too! But it's rough and tends to crack in the dry weather. Recently filled, graded and levelled after the drout... A little more rain and the application of the roller should give it a smooth, grassy finish! Until the next dry spell... |
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Taken from atop a low escarpment to the south of the strip, this photo looks almost due North. (The Ragged Point Lighthouse is visible on the skyline, just a little to the left of the club hut.) Fields of sugar cane occupy most of the background area. The strip(s) run from the hut to the right, into the prevailing wind. Note the typical St. Philip landscape -- flat and dry! |
| Congo Road |
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This is quite a nice shot of the Congo Road clubhouse and airstrip where I fly. I've been a member here for a few years and really appreciate it. it's a great clubhouse, great strip, and a great bunch of guys (and gals!). |
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The strip is the home of the Barbados Scale Modelers Club, and is 328 feet long at the time of this writing, and is immaculately kept. It's secluded, and quiet, and there is always a bottle on the bar for those who wish to indulge. |
