In 2004, Marc decided it was time to get his own plane. That’s when he met François Lescure, owner of an MCR-01. At that time, he learned that a new aircraft was about to be launched: the MCR-M, a model designed for mountain flying, equipped with a classic landing gear, excellent performance and a very attractive price as a kit. Immediately attracted by the aircraft’s elegant design and technical promises, Marc made up his mind. And in September 2005, he received his kit in Darois.

Thus began a unique adventure: building his own aircraft. In a hangar in Darois, with the support of his wife, Sylvie, and advice from the manufacturer – notably Éric Fumey – Marc built the fuselage and mechanical parts himself. Determined to move quickly, he called on DAES to finalise the assembly.

Marc loves his aircraft so much that he decided to register it as F-PPIT, a nod to what he considers to be “Pépite” (gem). With serial number 321, his MCR-M is powered by a 100 hp Rotax 912 ULS engine. Today, the aircraft has logged around 600 flight hours. In terms of equipment, nothing has been left to chance: GPS/PFD/Dynon Skyview engine parameter controller, ICON radio supplemented by a backup radio equipped with an external antenna, ADSB IN already installed (an ADSB IN/OUT will soon be added), airframe parachute, and our latest flap control system, which Marc was one of the first to request for retrofitting.

Although he had initially envisaged an original paint scheme, Marc ultimately opted for simplicity: a white body, embellished only by a sticker representing two dogs and a four-leaf clover. A discreet and symbolic touch, true to his style. He also expressed a wish for the future: the installation of low-pressure tyres, which are better suited to the sometimes chaotic alpine terrain. An idea that did not fall on deaf ears…

Based in Darois today, but soon to relocate to Brittany, he flies his MCR-M for both local flights and magnificent getaways. Jura, the Alps, Méribel – where he took part in the first edition of the “Fête du vol en montagne” (Mountain Fly’In) last July – are some of his favourite destinations. But his greatest memory remains an educational adventure: a ten-day trip with one of his students to improve his piloting skills. “For advanced training, it’s an extraordinary aircraft”, smiles Marc. “You can really improve a student’s precision. And the aircraft worked perfectly. I was very happy”.

At SE Aviation Aircraft, seeing a customer like Marc Bertolini, with his wealth of exceptional aeronautical experience, find an aircraft in his MCR-M that meets his high standards is a source of immense satisfaction for us. Every time we see one of our aircraft contributing to such stories, we are certain that the passion that guides our work is truly meaningful.
So, have a good flight, Marc. And may your “Pépite” continue to shine in the sky for a long time to come.

Many of our customers love their MCRs deeply. Ron for his part has developed an almost intimate relationship with his, to the point where he loves flying to SE Aviation Aircraft, where his story began. Returning to Pontarlier, where Heide Tigers was born, is like retracing his history. Each flight to LFSP takes on the feel of a pilgrimage, an emotional return to his roots.

When Marc speaks about his MCR-M…

I am a happy customer because, despite a few minor mechanical issues – which, ultimately, force me to take a fairly scientific approach to my aircraft – I still enjoy flying it just as much. The MCR-M is a “pilot’s aircraft”, and that’s exactly what I like about it. It requires you to plan your flight, which I think is a great thing. What’s more, it’s fast and fuel-efficient, which is a real advantage. I really like it. Despite a few minor issues, I would never sell it. I love it too much.