The Sportflyers—an idea outside the framework of sports associations

Instead of complaining about who should be doing what—such as promoting young talent in RC model aerobatics—a small group of aerobatics experts got together and developed new maneuver catalogs. Since the traditional FAI maneuver programs are presented in Aresti aerocryptography, a graphic designer had to be brought in to make the maneuvers understandable even to laypeople using a simple ribbon diagram. The idea was that in Switzerland,

such Sportflyers competitions should take place freely at various locations. In addition, training sessions are held at different locations. Aerobatics training is nothing new. Some take place regularly, but none of the “trainees” ever make it to a competition—I wonder why? In the Sportflyers concept, training and competitions go hand in hand—they enrich each other. The interest and influx of junior participants has surprised us all.

Sportflyers competitions consist of two skill levels: Sportflyers Basics and Upper. The latter is based on the F3A Advanced programs. We observed that as soon as juniors were able to take off and land reasonably well on their own, they almost automatically began flying loops—almost a kind of “beyond-

"mutsreflex." This exuberance needs to be channeled, which our coaches are exceptionally skilled at. Both programs are designed as turning-figure programs according to the FAI format. It’s always interesting to see which level the juniors choose. The results are astonishing: Participation numbers have shifted from “Basics” to “Upper.” Participants are voluntarily choosing the greater challenge. This observation clearly contradicts the nonsense about a lazy youth that’s glued to their smartphones.

Without any major negotiations or FAKO discussions, Sportflyers has established itself in three regional associations: the Bern, Oberland, and Valais (BOW) region; Northwestern Switzerland (NWS); and the Northeastern Switzerland (NOS) region. It’s not entirely clear why other regions are hesitant to adopt this concept—which would be the simplest solution (though other ideas and variations are possible). Is it mere envy, incompetence, or simply passivity—as in, “Young talent isn’t my concern. Let the others deal with it!”

You have three options: Sportflyers Region NOS

RC Aerobatics for Beginners and Advanced
Pilots—August 23, Nänikon Airfield (MG Uster
) www.modellflug-nos.ch
Contact: Emil Giezendanner,
ebi.giezendanner@bluewin.ch

Sportflyers Region BOW

September 6, Riggisberg
Aerobatics for beginners and advanced
pilots daniela.schmitter@bluewin.ch

Sportflyers Region NWS

September 13, Erlen
Airfield, MG Breitenbach
: Aerobatics for beginners and advanced
pilots felix.andres@bluewin.ch

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the people listed above.