Venus 40

The first Venus 40 owned in Guernsey didn't fare too well.  It was owned by Andy Best, had 3 flights and crashed twice.  So, would this one last any longer?  After I lost my Giles to Shane's lasher on our 2004 fun day, I had to get a new plane.  It was either another (Heavy, tricky to fly) Giles or this.  The Venus it was.  Fitted with the Irvine 61 previously in the Giles, it is amply powered.  In fact only half throttle is require for level flight.  Only in climbs is full throttle needed.

It has more than a 1:1 power to weight ratio, and will climb vertically out of site (especially on a cloudy day).  It is very smooth, accurate and an absolute joy to fly.  A total opposite to the Giles, which could be made to look smooth, but you had to be 110% on it the whole time.  This model even managed to get me 4th place in the recent C.I. Championships, very close behind 3rd place.  Maybe a bit more practice would have made the difference? Maybe next year?  (More chips?)

It is of course an ARTF, and it is built very well.  The covering job is superb, with 9 separate colours and a very striking combination.

I really like this plane, and if anybody doesn't, shame on them.  Even if the bottom is pink!!