Letter to the Editor: "La région n'existe pas!" – Of course it exists!

Dear Emil, I am referring to your editorial in the 5/06 issue of mfs. It is not clear which regions you are referring to; only the Italian language is mentioned, and I would like to share my perspective on that.

I have been flying regularly at the San Vittore and Lodrino airfields for over 35 years and, in addition to my membership in the MG Wehntal, I am also a member of the Molinazzo-Bellinzona Model Flying Club and am familiar with some of the model flying regions you mentioned. As for the regional board, all group presidents are also members of the regional board. This means that a presidents’ conference takes place at every board meeting

a presidents’ conference takes place—there are only five of them, after all. For us, this happens once a year.

Another unique feature is the fact that, in addition to the well-known gliding sites, there are two model aircraft airfields shared by all the groups: Lodrino and San Vittore. So when you arrive at the Lodrino airfield, you’ll meet people from the Lugano and Molinazzo groups, among others, and often Swiss German-speaking pilots who have found their way to these beautiful spots—not to mention the gliding sites. The groups are thus much more interconnected than they are here and are constantly exchanging ideas. The helicopter pilots are primarily based in San Vittore and have a very high

standard—see Ennio Graber. If you want to do indoor flying, you can go to the gym in Ascona every Sunday.

I don’t know exactly what the competition scene is like down there, since, as you know, I’m not all that involved in that. On the other hand, I do know that the air shows held in Magadino and Lodrino are top-notch and draw large crowds. I’d consider myself lucky if I had conditions like that for our air show. I’d also like to mention the international seaplane events organized by MG Lugano. As for keeping members informed, I can only say that I regularly

receive the entire annual program in writing, and the region’s website provides ongoing updates on everything that’s important. Incidentally, it’s the only regional website besides that of the NOS.

At the moment, there is simply no writer in Ticino and Misox—only model aviators, who are also actively promoting the next generation. Furthermore, they are geographically remote and tend to keep to themselves, but that doesn’t mean the region no longer exists. Not every hen that lays eggs clucks.

Best regards
, Pierre Bartholdi