Daniel Ziegenhagen brings young players to the club

If you Google the term “learn model flying,” one of the first links that appears leads to the Model Flying Association’s website, specifically to the subpage “Learn Model Flying in Clubs or Model Flying Schools.” However, some people end up contacting Daniel Ziegenhagen, who heads the department, directly. “Most people want to know where and how they can get started with model flying.”

The SMV’s efforts to promote youth participation mainly involve informing potential model aviators and connecting them with clubs that can provide a good introduction to the hobby. “We’re a kind of contact hub. We also support clubs that offer programs, such as summer camp activities. In addition, we occasionally help students with project work or high school graduation projects related to aviation.”

Because of its role as a facilitator, the SMV’s efforts to promote youth development aren’t immediately apparent to everyone. For example, in response to his call to “Raise awareness of model aviation among young people” in the editorial of Issue 4/2024, the editor-in-chief of this magazine received several responses along the lines of: “People don’t realize that the SMV is promoting youth development.” Ziegenhagen understands this perception. “We work behind the scenes, and people have to reach out to us. But we’ve recognized that we need to make our work more visible.”

It’s important to him that those interested in model flying know who to turn to. He’s also happy to offer advice when it comes to buying a first model. “It’s a shame when someone interested buys a model from an online store that they can’t handle. Model airplanes aren’t toys. If an inexperienced person flies a model they can’t control, they could, in the worst-case scenario, endanger others. That would cast a bad light on model flying,” says Ziegenhagen.

His father was an excellent model builder. Although the magnificent model ships he launched impressed Daniel greatly, he really wanted a model airplane. So he urged his father to buy and build one for him. His father set a few conditions—“just like in the old days,” Ziegenhagen recalls. In the end, he had saved up the money himself to buy his model outright. “My father ended up enjoying it just as much as I did. He just couldn’t fly it. That was left to me, and for me, it was the ‘gateway drug’ to aviation.”

Model flying teaches you skills that can be useful for your professional career, he says. “If you start model flying at 12 or 13, you already know what torque or bending moment is—whether in school or later in your training—and you have a sense of mechanical relationships. It helped me make those connections.”

At age 16, Ziegenhagen began glider flight training; powered flight came later, before he initially pursued a career as an air traffic controller and later earned his commercial pilot’s license with an instrument rating. However, during his aviation career, he had to give up model flying due to time constraints. He sold all of his beautiful model airplanes.

When he had to give up his aviation career a few years ago for medical reasons, it was very hard for him. However, after some time, he found another job where he can put his skills to use. He instructs on flight simulators at two companies, primarily for events, but also to help prepare candidates for airline and Sphair selection processes. “I started at 40% and am now practically working full-time—but it’s fun!”

Motorcycling or model aircraft flying? That’s the question he asks himself when he can enjoy his free time in nice weather. “Sometimes it’s too hot for both—so you end up retreating to the workshop again.” Though that probably doesn’t happen often, since he’s particularly fond of seaplane models. “When it’s hot out, it’s very pleasant to stand in the lake and fly the Canadair CL-215 model. Plus, it’s really exciting and helps you unwind. It’s not about going fast or performing aerobatics. You just fly a few laps, do some touch-and-gos, and land again.”

Ziegenhagen wants to share his enthusiasm for aviation in general and model flying in particular. Nine years ago, he helped the late Jörg Wille bring his “WeFly” program to life. About seven years ago, he took over the youth development department at the SMV. He’d like to do more with it. “At the moment, though, I’m mostly just managing the position,” he admits. But he has ideas. “There are good concepts within the groups as well, so I’d like to organize a brainstorming event where representatives from interested clubs can exchange ideas and offer each other support. “We also want to start attending more trade shows again.” One approach that many clubs use is participating in ‘Ferienpass’ or ‘Ferienplausch’ events. Girls and young women participate in these events as well as in the Pro-Aero youth camp (Jula), where Ziegenhagen introduces model aviation to young people interested in aviation. But getting them interested in model aviation is difficult. Daniel Ziegenhagen doesn’t know why only a few women get excited about model aviation. One thing is certain: women are just as welcome as men—if the latter are welcome at all. Ziegenhagen doesn’t understand how some model aviation groups complain about an aging membership while at the same time clearly signaling that they want to remain exclusive. “This can lead to a situation where, one day, a single person is the last remaining member of a group. Under certain circumstances, this could mean not only the end of the club, but also the loss of a model flying field,” Ziegenhagen cautions. ■

The interview was
conducted by Andrea Bolliger