Information from Practical Model Aircraft Youth Programs

There is a lot of discussion about suitable model airplanes for young people. The key factors are generally:

1. Age (elementary school, middle school, or high school)
2. Objectives (sparking enthusiasm for the adventure of “flying,” fostering manual and technical skills—encouraging through challenge—learning RC flying, working with materials, etc.)
3. The budget
4. General conditions (type of event, time frame, school project week, vacation courses, camps, exhibitions and trade shows, number of instructors and number of registrations, facilities, etc.)

The NOS Youth Commission (chaired by Werner Erismann) serves as a hub for sharing experiences from the various model-building courses offered by our clubs. It soon became clear that one-day building courses—including test flights and dual-control flights—had been successfully implemented by a

the majority of clubs—partly due to limited personnel resources. This has led to a joint order for the SAL-Slipper balsa glider from Graupner. The models can be assembled in about three hours—without painting—and fly exceptionally well.

For the third time, the Pfäffikon Model Aircraft Club has organized an activity as part of its “Pfäffiker Halleflüge” event, where children (in first grade) built model airplanes and then participated in a simple competition. Unfortunately, activities designed to engage children during indoor events have not yet become widespread here, even though they are among the most rewarding ways to promote youth development. Initial experiences have been encouraging. The evaluation of suitable models is certainly not yet complete. Personally, I would prefer a simple rubber-powered model—like the ones used by the Japanese Aero Club. Even paper airplanes, which have unfortunately fallen somewhat out of favor, can certainly generate a great deal of interest.

Pierre Bartholdi
8157 Dielsdorf
T 044 853 05 41
pierre.bartholdi@bluewin.ch

The SAL Slipper glider from Graupner. The NOS region provides it free of charge to its clubs when they wish to hold youth courses. This year, no fewer than 285 kits were ordered. Assembly time: approx. 3 hours. It flies superbly and can even handle vigorous launching without any problems.

A large number of our model aircraft clubs make a tremendous, yet often unspectacular, contribution each year to promoting youth participation in model aviation. Unfortunately, the clubs often know too little about one another. This is one of the reasons why the Youth Commission was founded in the NOS region. In addition to its organizational and coordi-

coordination tasks, the Youth Commission also aims to connect the various stakeholders. The new website of the Modell Flugsport Foundation, www.mfs-newcomers.ch, can make a valuable contribution to this effort. Experiences in promoting young talent can be shared here, providing many valuable tips. Good luck.

E. Giezendanner

After a short construction period, the crowning achievement—the maiden flight—takes place.

Spectator barriers set up at the “Pfäffiker Halleflüge.”

The Candy wooden glider, also from Graupner, is quick to assemble—or rather, to glue together—and is ideal for trade shows, exhibitions, and festivals.

The Mini-Discus is a glider from Graupner made of durable foam material. It can also be flown indoors. It won’t break and won’t cause any damage. Unlike competing products, it comes completely unpainted and can be decorated with felt-tip pens. Important: The model is assembled entirely without glue.

The MFS Glider was relaunched by the MFS Foundation Board as an anniversary gift. The model kits, which include detailed instructions, can be ordered from the editorial office in quantities of 10 or more. Please send a prepayment of CHF 5.00 for postage and packaging to Stiftung Modellflugsport, Editorial Office, 8330 Pfäffikon, Post Office Account 87-715487-4.

Before the competition: Who do you think will fly the farthest, and who has the nicest plane?

Although folding and flying paper airplanes has gone a bit out of style, it's a great activity for large events at very little cost.