Model Aircraft and Sports

Most members of the Swiss Model Aircraft Association (SMV) engage in model flying purely as a recreational activity, which is perfectly fine. Model flying is one of the most rewarding and diverse hobbies one can imagine. However, very few SMV members also practice model flying as a sport. In sports, the goal is to peacefully measure one’s physical and mental abilities against those of others. Very few disciplines of model aviation require exceptional physical ability; instead, they demand all the more mental strength. Anyone, regardless of their physical abilities, can participate in competitive model flying and take part in competitions at various levels.

How about taking part in competitions this coming season and training for one or more disciplines in a playful way, yet with a certain degree of seriousness? The playful element is important, because if something is pursued too doggedly, the fun is lost very quickly. That would be the last thing these lines are intended to achieve. The sport clearly helps every pilot in model aviation to improve. You have to engage more deeply with the model—that is, bring it to peak technical performance by trimming it optimally, fine-tuning the components to work together, and so on. You don’t need an expensive “super-machine” to do this. Even a simple, well-tuned model is definitely more fun to fly than a “junk model.” The sport also helps pilots improve their flying skills. You learn to control your model or aircraft better; landings become safer, which in turn leads to fewer crashes and less frustration. Making a loop in the air is one thing; flying a clean, smooth loop is something entirely different. But the expanded social connections that the sport fosters are also valuable. At competitions, you get to know other pilots from the region or even other parts of the country and can exchange experiences, tips, knowledge, and more.

The SMV—comprising the technical committees (Fakos) and the Sports Department—aims to raise awareness of model aviation. To this end, newcomer and promotional competitions are organized across a wide range of disciplines. The national teams and elite pilots in each discipline will hold joint training days, to which all interested pilots are welcome. In Switzerland, we have several world champions across a wide range of disciplines who will be in attendance. The SMV website (http://www.modellflug.ch) provides more information. The organization of the competitions and training days is currently underway. This will take some time. If you cannot find an event in your preferred discipline right away, you will certainly be able to find a suitable competition at a later date. ■

The SMV Sports Department