What is F5D Pylon Racing?

F5D is an international class ratified by FAI (Fédération Aéronautique Internationale) The World Air Sports Federation. This class involves racing Electric-powered model planes round a 400m triangular course for 10 laps. The model with the fastest time over a Number of heats is the winner. Up to 4 models are flown simultaneously at speeds of around 200 mph. The FAI F5D Rules can be viewed here.

What levels of competitions are there?

A UK National league is run through the year from April to October, events are held once a month at RAF bases round the country, and a round is held at the British National Model Flying Championships. Results from the years competitions are used to select the best 3 competitors for the next World Championships or European Championships the following year. The next World Championships will be in Muncie, Indiana USA 2010.

What costs are involved in competing?

Each model consists of many components which use cutting-edge technology and are consequently expensive. Each competitor requires at least two models for national competition, and around 3- 4 models if attending a World championship event.

Here is a rough cost for one F5D model including supporting equipment

Airframe cost
Airframe  £350
Brushless Motor £100
Speed controller £100
Servos (x3 per model) £60
Receiver £50
Limiter & flightpack £45
Total cost for One Complete Model £750

Additional one-off support items
3 x Lipo Battery packs @ £50 each £150

Battery charger/discharger and analyser £75
12v field Battery £50 
Total for One-off items £275

What can pilots gain from flying F5D?

Unfortunately there are no big pay days or prizes to be won. There is though, plenty of adrenaline to be gained from flying a model 200 mph, 10-15 meters above the ground. F5D is against the clock but most of the excitement comes from the close racing with other F5D models in your heat. There is also the frill of setting new personal best times or even national or world records.

The UK league is in its infancy but has seen growth each year. Interest is coming from Electric flyers who crave a little speed & also interest from IC pylon flyers who want to get into electrics but continue the excitement of pylon racing. If you crave a little speed in your flying then you could well be on your way to joining one of the UK's most exciting competitions.

The competitions are relaxed & friendly with everyone willing to help out. If you would like any more information on F5D please browse this site & Join the forum.