Without much fanfare

Obituary: Kurt Sager

In early January 2023, Kurt passed away. His health had been very poor in recent years. He has now passed away peacefully.

This was true to his nature. He worked quietly, without fanfare, but was always willing to share his knowledge when asked. Kurt was not only a model aviator but also a model builder who always kept up with the latest technology. He started at a young age with balsa models and progressed to very neatly built F1B models made of carbon fiber. He also designed several models himself: in 1962, the Emir 2, a small slope-glider model, which Kurt said he built and flew only once. Then it disappeared forever into the thermals.

I rebuilt the model in 2021 based on his plans, and it flies wonderfully. In 1964, the A2 model “Silentia” with elegantly rounded wings. In 1972, the F1A model “Mistral,” plain and simple, with angular wing geometry. This was my first F1A and my introduction to free flight. The approximately 40 F1B models he built over the years were all homemade. Achievements: 1968 Swiss F1B Champion and numerous podium finishes. In addition to building and flying, Kurt also served as team captain in various categories, as FAKO-F1 President, and on the CIAM F1 Subcommittee from 1992 to 2005, as well as in the SMV. In 1998, Kurt received the SMV Model Flying Merit Badge. Thank you, Kurt, for your work on behalf of model flying—and, in particular, free flight.

Christian Gugger