Try Out the Hinwil Model Aircraft Club

For the 18th time, the Hinwil Model Aircraft Club took on the organization and execution of this event, which is very popular among young people. On Tuesday, April 23, 2013, it was time once again. Due to high demand, two days of classes had to be scheduled once more. For the volunteers, instructors, and Gerd Vollenweider—the long-time chairman of MG Hinwil—this meant additional organizational effort, which they were happy to undertake for the benefit of the region’s up-and-coming model aviators. A total of 25 interested young people, spread over the two days, spent an eventful day at Bossikerfeld during their spring break this year. The chairman was pleased to note that among them were three girls who are enthusiastic about model flying.

This principle applies especially to the technically demanding hobby of model flying. In the equipment shed, which had been quickly converted into a classroom, a short theory session followed. Why does an airplane fly? How is it controlled? What do the many flaps on the wings do, etc.? Question after question—all of which could be clearly explained and answered at this point using projection technology. Not all listeners found the intricacies of “flying with machines heavier than air” immediately plausible.

In the theory classroom, a group of participants was struggling with the computers. An “Aerofly” flight simulator projected various aircraft models onto the screen in virtual reality, which were to be flown using a conventional radio-controlled remote. This low-wear technology had the advantage that, in the event of a crash resulting in a total loss, participants could quickly switch to a new model.

On the well-maintained lawn of the model airplane runway, the popular “teacher-student” flying sessions took place. An instructor launched the electric model airplane from the grass runway. Using his radio remote control, he brought the model to a safe altitude and then handed control over to his student. After switching to the student’s transmitter, the student flew the plane on his own. When the plane entered a critical flight attitude, the instructor switched back to his own transmitter and resolved the situation. A perfect landing concluded the exercise.

The final task required manual dexterity and precision. A simple model glider had to be assembled from scratch. These balsa glider kits were provided free of charge by the umbrella organization, the Northeast Swiss Model Aviation Association, for the “Ferienplausch” event. Two experienced instructors provided expert guidance to the aspiring model builders. The completed gliders faced their first real test during the afternoon flying competition.

The smell of grilled sausages served as a reminder that it was time for lunch. A seasoned grill master made sure that all the hungry teens were fed on time. The rather cool morning air made a hot bratwurst twice as tasty.

The students’ excitement and anticipation for the final distance-flight competition with their own models were palpable. They all lined up at the top of the runway. One by one, they launched their planes by hand into the air, against the wind. The objective was clear. Whoever could cover the longest distance with five throws would win. Now it became clear who had worked with precision during the building phase. The unpredictable light gusts of wind and the launch technique also played a decisive role in determining victory or defeat. After a free-flight session, the chairman announced the rankings in front of the equipment shed to conclude the introductory day. It was of secondary importance. Whether they ranked first or last, everyone was rewarded for participating in the introductory day with a gift certificate from a nearby model shop. →

As planned, cheerful and satisfied students were reunited with their parents in the early evening. An eventful day at the Hinwil Model Flying Club had come to an end. In closing, we would like to thank everyone involved—especially the eager-to-learn, disciplined students, the instructors, and the volunteer helpers of the model flying club—and, last but not least, Chairman Gerd Vollenweider for his tireless commitment to supporting youth and fostering the next generation.