Markus Nussbaumer "nuessgi22"

We kids were often allowed to go to the Altmatt model airfield, where the Einsiedeln Model Flying Club had its airfield. Later on, my father even handed me the remote control once in a while. I’ve never lost my passion for model airplanes. After a few years’ hiatus, I started flying model airplanes again. That’s when I began equipping my model airplanes with cameras and taking video footage. That’s when I got hooked on another “addiction”—“filming.” I created a few short films related to model flying. While I used to edit Super 8 films as a teenager, the process became much easier with computers and much better cameras. So I bought a Sony Handycam and started attending model flying events.

I would say the 2013 Jet World Masters in Meiringen was a turning point in my career. I was able to get close to the flight line there and take some special shots. The videos I posted on YouTube generated a lot of interest. I gradually built up more and more good connections with model airplane pilots from Switzerland.

I chose my nickname, Nuessgi (which dates back to my youth), as my online handle, adding my favorite number, 22, to make “nuessgi22.” That’s how people in the model aircraft community still know me today. I’ve since built up a large network of connections with pilots all over the world.

In 2015, I was accepted into the Swiss Jet Scale Team, where my role is to take videos and photos. This stroke of luck opened more doors for me to the international model aviation scene, especially among jet pilots. A truly fascinating world has opened up for me.

Word has gotten around that I make model aircraft videos, so every now and then I get asked if I’d be interested in filming a maiden flight, a special model, and so on. That’s how I get to work on special projects—the best part of model aviation. What began as a dream for me as a boy is now a reality; I consider it a privilege to be able to be a part of this community. In addition to the unique footage, I’m particularly fascinated by the conversations with the model airplane pilots and their stories.

It’s only natural that I eventually started writing articles for model aviation magazines. I don’t want to keep the many experiences and unique models I get to see all to myself. Many projects created in hobbyists’ basements simply deserve to be shared with the public.

Markus Nussbaumer

As a young boy, my father introduced me to model airplanes.