Arnold Degen Has Died

It is difficult for our generation to fully appreciate Arnold Degen’s work—if that is even possible. We know that after the war, together with other comrades, he was one of the main driving forces behind the model aircraft movement of the Aero-Club of Switzerland. Back then, model aircraft flying was not a consumerist pursuit, but rather a philosophy. It required an indomitable pioneering spirit. This encompassed not only the technical and aeronautical aspects but also the social ones: groups had to be founded, and their affiliation with our umbrella organization, the AeCS, had to be organized. With today’s information resources, this would certainly no longer be so difficult or time-consuming. But we must not forget that practically nothing existed back then. There was a lack of technical books and magazines, and airfields had to be reached by bicycle or train. Groundwork had to be laid everywhere—work that today is taken for granted by both the AeCS’s expert committees and every single member. Arnold Degen designed model airplanes, manufactured model kits, organized building and flying courses, and hosted the first competitions and championships, including the very first RC aerobatics world championship (F3A). In addition, he wrote technical books, authored technical articles and building instructions, conducted wind tunnel tests, and even hosted a model flying and building course on the radio.

Arnold Degen was able to handle this enormous workload, in part, because a forward-thinking AeCS club leadership had created the position of senior expert for model aviation, a role Arnold Degen faithfully held for 35 years. He must have weathered many ups and downs and severe turbulence along the way; directors (now known as central secretaries) came and went, not to mention the editorial staff of *Ärgerrevue*. He knew how to step in wherever needed—he even had to take over the director’s post on an interim basis. His versatility, initiative, vitality, and above all his unshakable optimism were almost boundless. Even in the most seemingly hopeless situations, he found a way and always knew how to inspire and enthuse others. He did this not only with words; thanks to his great manual dexterity, his keen sense of technical relationships, and his quick and imaginative problem-solving skills, he had a great deal to offer. With dedication and commitment, sound arguments, wit, and irony, he repeatedly succeeded in winning over key figures in government, politics, and business to the cause of model aviation.

At just the right moment, he managed to persuade a police officer—who was adamant about issuing a ticket—to drop the charge, and eventually the two of them were seen laughing and chatting as they struck up a friendship right then and there. He’s been able to save the day in many seemingly hopeless situations. At Bruno Giezendanner’s first F3A World Championship in Corsica, we forgot the start number in the heat of the moment. Bruno’s engine was already running, and the start had been announced, when the judges began to grumble and protest loudly and wanted to call for the jury. “We won’t score points without a start number,” they said laconically. Arnold Degen, however, quickly calmed everyone down and promised each of them an ice cream, “but don’t make a fuss now!” This offer clearly had the desired effect in the sweltering heat: In any case, the judges eagerly set to work, and a short time later, they could be seen relishing their ice cream... For Arnold, the idea that nothing should stand in the way of a model airplane pilot seemed to be an unspoken law. His openness, his straightforward way of tackling problems, and his willingness to call a spade a spade did not spare him from heated confrontations. He didn’t always show his diplomatic side in such situations. Especially in sports, he often took a hard line, which earned him some enemies. But the major sporting successes during his tenure ultimately proved him right, as he was directly or indirectly involved in a wide variety of world championship titles won by Swiss model aircraft pilots.

After stepping down from office and public life, Arnold Degen once again pursued a goal with great diligence and dedication: having turned from model-making to sculpting, mosaics, and enameling—and, thanks to his exceptional craftsmanship, imagination, and tenacious perseverance, he has created an astonishing body of artistic work that has gained increasing recognition and acclaim even among experts in the field.

Nevertheless, he never quite gave up model flying: He played a key role in the model flying veterans’ movement and led it together with Werner Koelliker. It was a joy to listen to Arnold as he, with his sharp mind, energetically and passionately brought veterans’ conferences to life. Many of our aviation pioneers really came alive again there, and the old days were brought back to life in a colorful and vivid way through Noldi’s words, helping more than a few people get through the gray days of everyday life a little better. Many model aviators will never forget him; I also hope that Arnold Degen’s pioneering spirit will live on in Swiss model aviation, as will his optimism.

E. Giezendanner