25 Years of the Berner Elektro-Cup

With this competition, the three model aircraft clubs—Rohrbach, Burgdorf, and Münchenbuchsee—wanted to organize an event in which, in addition to flying performance, the exchange of ideas would play a major role. The event was first held in 1993.

Flight task, MG Rohrbach: two flights of 5 minutes each, followed by a precision landing.

Flight task for the Münchenbuchsee model flying group: 4 flights of 4 minutes each, followed by a precision landing.

MG Burgdorf flight task: 6 flights of 5 minutes each, followed by a precision landing.

Over time, the flight tasks were only slightly adapted to new capabilities.

In reports by a competition participant in the 1993 club chronicle of the MG Münchenbuchsee, the following is stated regarding the three competition tasks:

“The competition in Rohrbach took place under ideal conditions; the flight task was completed successfully.”

“The four 4-minute flights pushed the batteries to their limits on this day with no thermals.” “Six 5-minute flights—that was a challenge for the thermal specialists; the motors, batteries, and the pilots’ nerves were put to the test.”

The two best results from each of the three competitions were combined into an overall ranking—

summarized in a list. More important than the overall rankings, however, was a list of all participants, on which the “technical secrets” were revealed. The goal for the following year was to be able to keep up, if possible, as best as financial resources would allow. Major technical advances meant that the flight times were being achieved more and more frequently; the focus shifted to landing precisely on time. In contrast to

Unlike traditional target-landing competitions, which typically feature 3 to 4 landings per competition day, the E-Cup can involve up to 12 landings; the training benefit under relaxed competition conditions is correspondingly significant.

Looking back, the Bern Fun Electric Cup shows me what an era in model aviation history I was fortunate enough to experience firsthand: LiPo batteries and ever-improving brushless electric motors made dreams come true in model aviation.

Even though the era of major technical leaps in

Although our time at that level is probably over, I value the event as a gathering place for longtime colleagues. It’s also always a pleasure to see younger model airplane pilots take their first steps in competitive flying—and to do so with a reasonable financial and time investment, while still having realistic chances of success!

Even though participation numbers are declining, I hope that the Bern E-Cup can continue to be held as a competition for beginners and recreational fliers.

*Text: Res Dauwalder,
MG Münchenbuchsee*

*Photos: Various participants and
the MG Münchenbuchsee chronicle*