F1M

Introduction

F1M (a.k.a. F1D Beginner) is the European class roughly equivalent to Pennyplane. The rules specify a maximum span of 46 cm = 18.2", a minimum weight of 3.0 grams, a maximum rubber weight of 1.5 grams and any covering other than microfilm. High tech materials such as boron or carbon fiber and VP props are permitted and mylar covering is normally used. Biplanes are allowed now but steps are in hand to prohibit them.

It has proved an excellent class for beginners, perhaps better than EZB or Limited Pennyplane because it is robust yet slow flying due to the big area and low rubber weight. On the other hand, there is plenty of design freedom and challenge for experts because there are few restrictions and VP props are permitted.

A Limited Pennyplane flying with a 1.5 gram motor would meet the rules for this class.

Rules

View or download the F1M Rules (0,3 Mb pdf)

Dimensions:

Maximum wingspan of the monoplane model aircraft: 460 mm
Minimum weight without rubber motor: 3.0 g
Maximum weight of the lubricated rubber motor: 1.5 g

Plans

There are not many plans for F1M models on the internet, but a Limited Pennyplane flying with a 1.5 gram motor would meet the rules for this class. Plans for F1M, Limited PennyPlane and Open PennyPlane can be found on indoornews.com if you look under Downloads.

Records

F1M junior record Jan Massinkhal (ceiling less than 8 m)

Sebastiaan Olij
March 16, IIFI 2008
7 min 36 sec

F1M record Jan Massinkhal (ceiling less than 8 m)

John Killpatrick
March 29, IIFI 2009
11 min 46 sec

F1M World record Cat I hall (ceiling less than 8 m)

16 min 44 sec
Date of flight: 06/05/2001
Record holder: Akihiro DANJO (Japan)
Course/place: Tokyo (Japan)

F1L World records Cat II, III, IV halls

Ceiling 8m - 15m: 18 min 14 sec
Date of flight: 26/04/2001
Record holder: Akihiro DANJO (Japan)
Course/place: Kanagawa (Japan)

Ceiling 15m - 30m: 19 min 40 sec
Date of flight: 01/10/2005
Record holder: Akihiro DANJO (Japan)
Course/place: Saitama (Japan)

Ceiling over 30m: 21 min 57 sec
Date of flight: 10/09/2008
Record holder: Akihiro DANJO (Japan)
Course/place: Akita (Japan)