40. The Bench Swing

You might be surprised by the headline—swinging has become the norm by now—the swinging of the models, mind you. The majority of the aircraft are launched into the air using the SAL method. This allows pilots to reach the best starting altitudes for the upcoming flight tasks. Nevertheless, the focus isn’t necessarily on rankings and performance; rather, it’s a relaxed, stress-free get-together where there’s plenty of time for gossip, small talk, and good company. Often, it’s also the last chance of the year to meet up again with colleagues who live farther away.

For many model pilots from the surrounding area and beyond, the MG Auenstein “Benkencup” therefore holds a permanent place on their calendars. It’s fair to call this a traditional event—this year marked the 40th time the competition has been held! The history of recent years is immortalized on the famous “Bänke-Schaltafle.”

Once again this year, competition director Ueli Amsler (traditionally wearing an SKA cap)

lively group of 69 pilots and numerous spectators on Benken. After the briefing, the first round got underway shortly after 10:30 a.m. The results ranged from short glide flights from start to finish to the brilliant completion of all tasks within the time limit. The rules were changed this year so that each pilot had to launch his own model, making Werner Günthör’s assistance unnecessary.

As is the case every year, in addition to launch altitude and flying skill, good tactics and a bit of luck were also necessary. Anyone who “stalled” before reaching the slope had no chance of reaching the landing points and was forced to take a long walk—unless they chose not to use up the entire time limit and landed nearby. A few pilots also had to be rescued from “tree trouble.” The types of models used ranged from the simple “Zagi” to the fully equipped SAL four-flap glider. While there was a clear preference for the latter, that by no means meant one wouldn’t have stood a chance with a different model. Above all, the numerous junior pilots in attendance

old-timers with their carefree attitude, flying them away and into the “most expensive” landing field. Some didn’t shy away from daring maneuvers at grass-tip height and had to make a giant leap to safety in front of their own model gliders. After a generous lunch break with food from the grill, the second round began. Thanks to the now well-established collaboration between pilots and timekeepers, the competition proceeded smoothly, and the sun even came out just in time for the awards ceremony.

This year’s winner was Willi Ramsteiner with 948 out of a possible 1,360 points; he was the first to make his selection from the richly

table of prizes. But there was a prize of some sort for almost all participants. The organizers would like to take this opportunity to extend their heartfelt thanks to our sponsors, who support the Benkencup every year with valuable prizes. A heartfelt “thank you” to all of them, because without their help and the dedicated efforts of the club members, it would be unthinkable to hold such a friendly competition (with a minimal entry fee of just CHF 10).

By the way: the “Benken” always takes place on the first Sunday in November—including this year. See you there?!

Christoph Rufle