Brit girls light up Acrofolies

The solo podium at the second Acrofolies event in Annecy at the end of May was a completely Spanish affair with Raul Rodriguez, Felix Rodriguez and Horacio Llorens in first, second and third places. Synchro acro placings were led by Raul and Felix again ahead of Guillaume Chatain and Emmanuel Chanceaux and the Sol Tribal Acro Team (Renato Goncalves and Renato Lopes). Acro is fast becoming part of the main competition circuit and is attracting more spectators from outside the sport than the established disciplines of accuracy and cross-country flying. In addition to the well publicised Red Bull Vertigo event at , other events are now coming to the forefront. The take-off used is the well known Montmin launch at Col de la Forclaz above Lake Annecy. During the acro runs a take-off marshal assures the competitors of guaranteed launch windows. The pilots fly out to a section of the lake next to the beach marked out for the display. Spectators are on the beach and anywhere else where they can see the action, with commentary provided by Pierre-Paul Menegoz, Xavier Murillo and David Eyraud. The weather obliged and five tasks were flown in over four days in both solo and synchronised categories. The crowds were treated to dynamic full stalls, SATs, helicopters, McTwists, Misty Flips and the ultimate manoeuvre, Infinity Tumbling. At the end of each flight the pilots attempted to land on the pontoon in the lake, sometimes with the most incredible spin or helicopter landings. A small exhibition saw local dealers coming together with manufacturers and magazines to showcase their wares. Three new British women pilots opened the Sunday programme. Kat Stanland, Laura Lea and “Squash” Simmonds flew down to land on the pontoon in front of the crowd. Laura and Squash hit the pontoon dead centre and Kat missed by just three metres, despite the fact that that they are all novices. Laura started flying last year and Squash started this year and was flying for the first time in the Annecy valley. Their exemplary approach and landing skills carried the flag for the UK and the audience was very impressed. The climax on the last day, watching the Rodriguez brothers doing synchronised infinity tumbling, was amazing - all from a beach in very pleasant sunshine. One to put in your diary for next year! see www.flymicro.com

 

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