Why build a Phase 5?
I learned to fly on a Middle Phase nearly 30 years ago at Butser Hill. One of the guys that helped me out was Joe Brazier who was a huge Foss fan and had built most of Chris' designs. My favourite was his Phase 5 and when I progressed onto ailerons Joe would let me fly it occasionally as a reward for good behaviour. I have very fond memories of the Phase 5 as the performance was unbelievable compared to my scruffy orange aileron Middle Phase.
I always wanted a Phase 5 of my own but it had a reputation as a difficult build so I never got around to it. I then discovered blue foam and vacuum bagging with my friend Eric Henderson and we went off Open Pylon racing and all thoughts of anything as old fashioned as balsa ribs went out of the window.
About three years ago my interest was re-kindled so I contacted Chris and got him to send me a plan. The project has been on the back burner since then for various reasons but this year I decided to go for it. I was lusting after an aerobatic plane and decided on a bit of balsa bashing rather than cutting foam and mixing epoxy. Didn't fancy spending too much money; Vectors and VoltiJs are all very well but how many Phase 5's do you see about the place?
I have now made a start. I spent an interesting hour or so in Mainly Planes n Trains with the plans in one hand selecting the balsa and spruce needed to build the airframe. Not something I have done in a long time!
More soon once the actual building starts.
