STOL competition: interview with the winner!
News from 25 July 2020. Last updated on 28 July 2020: some information may have changed. Latest news
Below you will find the reaction of the winner of the STOL competition of 4 and 5 July 2020 at Belmont St-Affrique, Eric Grare-Berthault. Discover the profile of a microlight enthusiast and a very good STOL pilot.
A few words to introduce yourself...
Eric GRARE-BERTHAULT, I am 53 years old. I got my pilot certificate in 2013. With an aerodrome 45 minutes from home, I quickly became interested in STOL, flying from my doorstep. I prepared to reach my goal with a first entry in an international competition held in Belgium in 2018. That was my first result, with second place. The movement was started in France by a first contest at Galvez. I took part in that event in 2019 and took first place on the podium. Then at Belmont-sur-Rance in 2020, where I held on to first place. That was the first official competition, and the movement is under way.
What are your impressions after winning the Belmont STOL competition?
I am very happy to have taken part in the first official event, which will be the start of a great adventure. STOL makes for a spectacle with little risk, plenty of intensity and an enthusiastic audience.
What is your aircraft and what is your history with it?
It is based on a Yuma (three-axis) that has been completely reworked with the help of E-props and the team that has always supported me throughout my powered flying career.
How did you prepare for this competition?
I spent a lot of time in the workshop, with a microlight that was running like a dog the day before the race. These settings are decisive, and I was helped by my friends, Eric and Christophe.
What did you think of the organisation of this competition?
Roland, Serge, all the volunteers and the French Microlight Federation did a fantastic job.
They managed to draw together all the competitions I had taken part in, to reconcile them and strike a good balance for this event. There are of course a few points to improve or develop, which they have noted.
The current COVID situation prevented the event from being promoted, which is a real shame.
The crowd was very limited; otherwise it would have been a guaranteed success.
What are your future plans in microlighting?
I want to take part in new races. I have been approached by several manufacturers who want to invest in the project and share their expertise.
Video of a landing by Eric Grare-Berthault
