Talking Shop – An Integral Part of the Culture

Friday (the day we arrived) started off on a gloomy note, with a thunderstorm front moving across Switzerland and heavy rain falling. But then, as the afternoon wore on, the rain clouds drifted off toward the northeast. We had already packed our car and set out on our journey to Huttwil.

When I asked how they manage the weather in Huttwil, I was given an explanation. “At the MG Huttwil’s annual New Year’s fly-in, they always ‘order’ good weather for the homebuilt aircraft meet in Huttwil.” Perhaps so early in the year, St. Peter hasn’t yet allocated all the sunny days, or maybe the club members are still sinless at the start of the year, so the heavens can’t refuse this reservation.

As early as Friday, the first participants begin making their way to the model builders’ mecca on Huttwiler Berg. The “Grüebli” is already slowly filling up with vehicles, RVs, and the like, and guests are arriving from neighboring countries as well. The volunteers from MG Huttwil are extremely well-organized and are still busy with final preparations. What this club accomplishes every year deserves great respect and is therefore highly appreciated by both participants and visitors.

Saturday is reserved exclusively for homemade models. Over 50 participants have registered, and some model builders are spontaneously displaying their models in the aircraft park. This park is even larger this year, as the landowner has planted his cornfield elsewhere, thus making a bit more land available. In other respects as well, the MG Huttwil enjoys a great deal of understanding from the residents living around the airfield. During the briefing,

He was advised to stay within the authorized airspace as much as possible.

Not all models are flown; some are still under construction, while others have not yet made their maiden flight. For many participants, the main goal is to display their homemade models to the public, and they have no intention of flying them. The majority, however, won’t miss the chance to showcase their “works of art” in the air.

Flight operations are well organized; the system has been working smoothly for years. Every pilot who joins the waiting list knows pretty much exactly how long it will take before they can present their model aircraft to the spectators.

In Huttwil, however, talking shop is an important part of the gathering—people are happy to share information, and experiences and ideas are exchanged; this gives everyone a big boost of motivation for future projects.

That’s exactly why there’s no need to worry about the DIY model-building meetup in Huttwil. There are many model builders who indulge in one of the most wonderful hobbies there is in their workshops.

Unlike last year, the air show can take place on Sunday this time; there are now only sporadic reports about COVID-19. This draws a large crowd of spectators, who are treated to a rich program of events. As usual, some participants head home as early as Saturday evening, since they only want to present their projects at the homebrew meetup and, in some cases, have a long journey home—

to contend with. On Sunday, several new pilots will join the lineup. This guarantees a varied program featuring many models that will put on a spectacular show in the sky.

Unlike at most flying events, you’ll also get to see small models in Huttwil. That’s why this type of event is so appealing to both adults and children—because affordable models are showcased, not just very expensive ones that might deter potential beginners due to the cost. What makes this gathering truly special is that it’s not just about watching model airplanes in the sky—unlike at any other event, you can walk right up close to the models through the model park. The model builders are happy to answer questions and explain the details of their homemade creations.

The volunteers from MG Huttwil are extremely well-organized; every year, they prove that they are a well-coordinated team. The work this club does at the DIY car meet deserves great respect and is therefore highly appreciated by both participants and visitors.

Stingray, Rodito's flying ray.

Congratulations are in order for the MG Huttwil; they are a prime example of a harmonious model flying club, and their hard work has once again paid off 100% this year. We’re all heading home satisfied and hope to see everyone again in 2023.