Aerobatics in the “Ländle”—A Success Story

If 12-year-old Günther had used the money he’d earned in 1957 to buy a model train set—as his father Ludwig initially suspected—the history of model aviation in the “Ländle” would likely have been quite different. As it turned out, however, not only was young Günther immediately fascinated by model aviation, but so was his father.

Their enthusiasm endured, and on May 13, 1961, the Matts founded Liechtenstein’s first model aviation club—the Modellfluggruppe Liechtenstein (MFGL). Ludwig served as president, while Günther and his brother Wolfgang were among the first of the 13 founding members. In the club’s early days, the pilots focused primarily on tethered flight with gasoline engines. Günther, now 75, recalls: “Craftsmanship played an important role back then—because elaborate repair work was just as much a part of our sport as flying itself.”

Günther not only flew, but also loved designing, developing, and building new airplanes. The mechanical engineer, who played a key role in establishing Liechtenstein’s natural gas supply, has lost count of how many airplanes he has built in his lifetime—there are

Hundreds. While he initially competed himself in the F3A category—motorized aerobatics—he soon began pulling the strings more and more behind the scenes. He supported his brothers Wolfgang and Norbert, as well as other ambitious club members, by eagerly producing new models and continuously refining them with their help. Back then, unlike today, there were hardly any off-the-shelf model airplanes available for purchase: not least because the designer’s skill was what ultimately determined victory or defeat. “I realized that I was contributing more to our success in competitions this way than if I were flying myself—and I enjoyed designing and building the planes anyway,” says Günther, explaining his decision to work primarily behind the scenes. Modest words that reflect an unparalleled success story: Wolfgang and the MFGL team won everything there was to win. Wolfgang became a two-time world champion and a five-time European champion in the F3A category, to name just the most significant milestones. In 2000, he was named Liechtenstein’s Athlete of the Century for his achievements. His youngest brother, Norbert, achieved a remarkable 8th-place finish at the 1975 World Championships in Bern, and at the same time, he became vice-world champion with the team. “Without Günther, none of this would have been possible,” Norbert and Wolfgang confirm, “he not only equipped us with outstanding model airplanes, but also tirelessly supported the team whenever and wherever we needed him.”

To make these outstanding models available to other pilots as well, the Matt brothers produced some models in small batches. In Günther’s model airplane shop—which he ran as a side business for nearly 25 years—around 200 units of the “Matt Superstar Model” (1969 to 1973), among others, were sold.

The Liechtensteiners had chosen an idyllic spot for the asphalt runway, built in 1962. It’s located in the Rhine Valley, with a view of the mountains and no neighbors who might be bothered by aircraft noise. The infrastructure is also impressive: what began as a small shack has, thanks to the great dedication of the board and club members, grown into a comfortable and cozy clubhouse. The kitchen is remarkably well-equipped—no wonder, given that several events are on the schedule every year. The International Friendship Fly-In is now regarded as a sort of unofficial world championship in aerobatics and even attracts pilots from Japan and New Zealand. Unfortunately, this year’s event has fallen victim to the COVID-19 pandemic, but next year, numerous spectators and pilots will once again take over the picturesque airfield.

The club, which has over 100 members and has been a member of the Swiss Model Flying Association and the Swiss Aero Club since its inception, has no shortage of young talent. “Even though competitive flying doesn’t seem to be as popular among young people anymore, motivated juniors keep finding their way to us,” say the Matt brothers happily. Twenty-seven-year-old Stefan Kaiser has already followed in the Matts’ footsteps with great success.

Anyone who thinks Günther will be taking it easy after his resignation clearly doesn’t know him well: As vice president, he’ll be actively supporting the new president, Daniel Schierscher. Günther will never be bored anyway: The grandfather of four—unfortunately, none of his grandchildren share his passion for model aircraft—also cuts a fine figure on the dance floor. He dances standard and Latin American dances with his wife Marlies and has been president of the Liechtenstein Dance Club—how could it be otherwise?—for 20 years. When asked about his extraordinary dedication, Günther doesn’t take all the credit for himself: “Without my wife, this decades-long commitment wouldn’t have been possible at all; she has always supported me and actively helped out.”