Tall ships—always fascinating

On May 27–28, 1989, the Large Glider Enthusiasts’ Association (IGG) gathered at the Liechtenstein Model Aircraft Club’s airfield in Bendorf, Liechtenstein, for its annual lowland flying event. With good flying conditions, participants flew extensively on both days and enjoyed each other’s company.

In 1982, the IGG was founded as a loosely organized association of model aircraft enthusiasts dedicated to building and flying large glider models. At that time, there were no events where large glider pilots could meet. The rapid growth of its membership soon proved that the IGG was filling a genuine “market niche.” Today, over a hundred model aircraft enthusiasts from Switzerland and several neighboring countries are listed as active members in the IGG’s records, and a large number of them regularly attend the IGG’s three annual events. In early summer, members first indulge in aerotowing on a flat-land runway. This is followed in late summer by a gathering at a good slope-flying site. The season always concludes with a get-together in November. But even outside of these organized events, IGG members stay in touch with one another and visit each other at their respective flying sites. At its organized gatherings, the IGG is welcomed as a guest at various sites throughout the country—something that is by no means a given, given the increasing restrictions on flight operations.

At the end of May, the IGG left Swiss airspace in response to an invitation from the MG Liechtenstein. The Liechtensteiners made their superb airfield and its infrastructure available for two days, and they even suspended their own club’s flight operations—for which we would like to express our heartfelt thanks here. The IGG reciprocated this generous hospitality with intensive flight operations. The lineup of aircraft assembled at the airfield was truly impressive. No fewer than ten tow planes stood ready to launch the more than forty gliders—some of them of impressive size—into the

To transport them to the heavens—but, unfortunately, sometimes also to the afterlife. In fact, during one of the first takeoffs on Saturday, a new tow plane was lost in a crash—due to a battery malfunction, as it later turned out. Otherwise, however, there were very few incidents to report, which is astonishing given the roughly 300 launches per day—especially when you consider that in the rarest of cases had the two tandem pilots practiced tow-flying together beforehand. Once the thermals kicked in, up to a good dozen gliders were in the air. Vintage gliders circling leisurely, Superorchideen gliding majestically, and speedy racing gliders all circled together beneath the strongly developed cumulus clouds. The fact that they each reached their takeoff altitude in a short time was thanks to the hard-working tow pilots. They flew aircraft that have clearly become more powerful and capable compared to earlier years, yet still did not stand out for producing unpleasant noise. Among the gliders, on the other hand, one could observe the same high technical standard that has been evident for several years now. Further development in large gliders seems to be taking place only in the details and in small steps.

A welcome interlude—contrasting beautifully with the tranquil world of gliding—and at the same time one of the highlights of the weekend was undoubtedly the brilliant flight demonstrations by Wolfgang Matt. On Sunday, he performed a flawless F3A routine, followed by aerobatic maneuvers that were enough to make spectators’ heads spin. And no sooner had the aerobatic plane taxied off the runway than Wolfgang Matt started his helicopter and used it to paint such incredible figures in the sky that one’s mouth simply dropped open in amazement.

Even after seven years, the IGG concept is spot on. This is proven by the following spontaneous responses from some pilots whom the roving reporter caught off guard during flight operations with the question of why they had traveled to Benden for the IGG meet.

Ernst Reiff, who had traveled from Germany and was flying a beautiful, majestic ASH 25 with a 625 cm wingspan and a perfect scale build, said: “I enjoy the relaxed flying without competitive pressure or contests. I’d have opportunities for tow-in flying at home, too. I came here because this is exactly what I consider gliding to be. Here, I can take off as often and fly for as long as I want.”

Paul Grütter, who had arrived with a large Wilga that, despite its 13 kg flying weight, had no trouble towing even the heaviest gliders thanks to a 60-cc engine, explained: “Large gliders fascinate me. I built the Wilga so that I could do aerotow with my son. We enjoy coming to the IGG meet because you get to see other airplanes here and find inspiration. Large-glider flying isn’t very common where I live.”

Björn Fehse, who didn’t shy away from the long trip from Basel and remained in good spirits despite losing his glider, which had come apart in midair, said: “I just love the camaraderie among the IGG members. You meet up again, see what everyone else is up to, and exchange ideas. I didn’t miss the competition at all. I enjoy the casual flying.”

Hans Messmer, an outstanding tow pilot who, from his wheelchair, tirelessly maneuvered one glider after another into a steady climb beneath the clouds with his Robin DR 400/180, was thrilled: “I really enjoy towing. I like the hustle and bustle; I love it when the gliders are lined up in rows and things are busy. It’s good that there’s no competition. There’s no friction—it’s just a different atmosphere than at a competition. The glider pilots’ skill level is very high. I hope the IGG keeps it up.”

Hans can rest assured. The IGG will keep it up!