52nd Idro F3A/Semiscale International Competition

A must-attend event for fans of the sport, the traditional hydroplane competition organized by the Lugano Model Aircraft Group (GAL) took place on September 10 and 11, 2011, on the shores of Lake Ceresio at the Monte Generoso Campground in Melano. The event was a huge success, attracting not only the usual loyal fans but also a good number of new pilots. Unlike previous editions a few years ago, when the “F3A” (acrobatic flight) category dominated, the “Semiscale” category is gaining more and more traction, to the point where it nearly matches the more technical specialty in terms of the number of competitors. A total of 27 pilots from Germany, Italy, France, and Switzerland gathered for the event. The ideal weather conditions

were ideal, allowing for three flights per category; thus, there was no shortage of work for the three judges, who, in addition to evaluating the flights for both categories, also assessed the static displays for the “Semiscale” category. Especially in this category, spectators were treated to stunning model airplanes—faithful and accurate replicas such as the Savoia Marchetti S.65 (Hans Hirschberger, Werdenfels, Germany), the Pilatus Turbo Porter (Olivier Bonvin, Crans Montana, CH), the Yokosuka E14Y “Glen” (Günter Hückl, Ismaning, D), and the De Havilland Beaver (Andreas Bischel, Weilheim, D). In the F3A category, Fabrizio Albonico of the GAL decisively outclassed the competition in each of the three launches, thus winning the competition ahead of Georg Thanner (D) and Ludwig

Stork (D). The GAL was also well represented by Moreno Bernasconi (9th place) and Elvio Garganigo (13th place) in his first appearance in the category. The Semiscale title, however, went to Andreas Bischel (D), an unbeatable driver who, in previous editions as well,

he has consistently finished in first place, ahead of Klaus Daimer (D) and Günter Hückl (D). A report, rankings, and photos of the event are available on the GAL website at www.gal.ch.

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