MAAA Wingspan - Quarterly Magazine

29 AUGUST WING SPAN MAAALogo. In an extraordinary achievement, at this year’s AFFS Championships at Narrandera, (the largest FAI free flight model event) Kathy Burford became the first woman ever in 41 years to take home the Champ of Champs trophy. Out of the five events, Kathy placed first in the vintage and catapult glider events and second in the F1H, E36 and combined percentage (flying E36) events. She soared over the competition when her first flight went a whopping 2.6km. The Brisbane Free Flight Society first took notice of Kathy’s talent back in 2011, when she won an F1H two-line glider competition. Despite being her first competition and the first time she had flown, (let alone seen a F1H glider) she beat all four males. Kathy then moved on to catapult gliding (CLG) and it wasn’t long before she was winning in that class too. She won the CLG class in the Victoria State Champs and the Omarama Cup in New Zealand in the same month. Kathy also set a New Zealand CLG record, eight seconds off a perfect score. However, it unfortunately couldn’t be recognised, as she wasn’t a New Zealander. Malcolm Campbell of the Brisbane Free Flight Society said Kathy is an invaluable and sought-after team member. “She knows what has to be done and is a good overseer,” said Malcolm. “She’s often sought after to launch other competitors’ gliders, both here and overseas. Though Kathy often beats me in events that we both fly, it’s great to see her fly and do well.” Clearly liking the challenge, Kathy flies vintage gliders, where she tows up her 65-inch glider using a 100m line. However, Kathy’s favourite class to fly is the F1H. She has flown these models at both national events and at the annual Lost Hills event in California. Kathy’s also picked up the fast-growing electric class E36 and has created her own unique launch style. Though she avoids IC powered models, finding them too noisy and oily, she has also tried P20 and P30 rubber classes, winning on her first outing. She’s even had a fleeting go on the sticks and docile RC model. Kathy now flies in five free flight classes, having successfully competed in CLG, F1H, Vintage Glider and E36, and is dabbling in F1A. Gliders are her main interest and she loves the challenge. “Her consistency [as a pilot] won her the Champion of Champions trophy at the AFFS Champs, a perpetual silver trophy,” concluded Malcolm. FLYING HIGH: KATHY BURFORD THE FREE FLIGHT PILOT BECOMES THE FIRST FEMALE TO TAKE HOME THE AFFS CHAMP OF CHAMPS TROPHY