FESSEFLUG SCALE/SEMI-SCALE SWITZERLAND: A SCENE COMES TO LIFE!

Swiss tethered model aviators had long intended to revive their scale/semi-scale scene. In 2015, words were finally backed up by action. The first Scale/Semi-Scale Cup was advertised as an “open” competition—and to everyone’s great surprise, several competitors from Germany and Austria signed up right away. This was a stroke of luck, as they brought with them the know-how needed to run such a competition. Only three Swiss pilots were at the starting line. They ended up at the bottom of the rankings. But the first step had been taken, and their ambition was sparked.

First, a set of Swiss semi-scale rules was drawn up—based, of course, on the FAI scale rules—but significantly simpler. After all, potential newcomers to semi-scale flying shouldn’t be deterred by overly demanding regulations. Several Swiss tethered model pilots subsequently began building semi-scale models. And, fortunately, more competitors took part in the Scale/Semi-Scale Cup every year.

But as in many other areas, the years 2020 through 2022 brought a hiatus in travel and participation in competitions across national borders due to the pandemic. As a result, the international portion of the Scale/Semi-Scale Cup had to be canceled in 2022. In the meantime, however, the national semi-scale scene had grown to the point where there were enough domestic competitors to hold a Swiss championship for the first time in 2022. Yet no one had ventured into the more demanding scale category until then. But that was soon to change. In 2025, the annual competition in August featured not only 7 Swiss semi-scale pilots but also 5 Swiss scale pilots. And there’s no end in sight to this development, as more models are currently under construction.

Swiss scale model aircraft pilots have now made their mark on the international stage as well, securing top spots in international competitions. In 2026, a Swiss tethered-flight pilot will even compete in the Scale World Championship in England for the first time. And for 2028, the clear goal is to be able to send an entire Swiss team to the Tethered Scale World Championship. But for now, let’s stay focused on this year.

On August 22–23, 2026, the International Scale/Semi-Scale Cup will once again take place at the “Schwalbennest.” Anyone who has ever participated in this competition knows that it’s a fantastic event. On the one hand, precision and skill in the construction and flight of semi-scale and scale models are meticulously evaluated; on the other hand, there’s also plenty of opportunity to exchange experiences and expertise. And there’s no shortage of socializing, either.

The Swiss Tethered Flight Club looks forward to once again welcoming numerous Swiss and international scale and semi-scale pilots to the “Schwalbennest” near Breitenbach for this special event.