Hands-On Model Aircraft Course at the SME in Viganello

During the 2007–2008 school year, as part of the hands-on classes that students at Viganello Middle School take in their third and fourth years, the teacher in charge decided to offer them a series of lessons introducing some

new concepts. While maintaining the core focus—namely, working with materials—the collaboration with Marzio Quadri of the Lugano Model Aircraft Group made it possible to build a model aircraft over the course of the entire school year

school year. It is a radio-controlled glider made entirely of wood, with a wingspan of 150 cm and controlled via the rudder and elevator. After initial assessments, it was decided to build the model “from scratch,”

so Marzio prepared a construction plan and built the templates for all the balsa and poplar wood parts that make up the model airplane. Under the watchful guidance of the homeroom teacher and the instructor, the students

After preparing and assembling the various parts, the curved wings and the fuselage were finally covered with clear heat-shrinkable film. With enthusiasm from all participants, the project concluded last May with the unveiling of three flight-ready models. Unfortunately, unfavorable weather conditions prevented us from testing the model airplane before the end of the school year, so everything was postponed until the fall. Thanks to the beautiful weather, the long-awaited test day was finally held last September at Monte Lema. To the great satisfaction of both students and teachers, the models took their first flight, and the students were able to fly them using dual controls. The experience was therefore enriching for both the class and the Lugano Model Aircraft Club. This initiative, like others of its kind, allowed the GAL to further expand its commitment to young people—a fact that was particularly appreciated by the City of Lugano, which shortly thereafter enabled the GAL to realize a dream it had been waiting for since 2003: to once again have access to a community airfield. gt