NWS Region – Summer Activity Pass During a Challenging Time / Build and Fly an Airplane

Our excitement for the new 2020 Vacation Pass was already dampened back in the spring. Our hope that this nightmare would surely be over by summer was increasingly weighed down by the ongoing uncertainty and the consistently bleak outlook. The summer activity programs from the surrounding communities were continuously being canceled. When, in the end, only Hägendorf’s summer activity program remained, we no longer believed it would actually take place.

But shortly before summer break, we received word that the “Ferienpass” program would go ahead and that we had received many registrations for our course, “Build and Fly an Airplane.” So we reviewed our program and had to adapt it to meet the current safety and hygiene guidelines. The school provided us with two adjacent workshops so that we could seat the participants and instructors with sufficient spacing. On the most beautiful summer day, with the windows open, we did our best to comply with the required conditions as closely as possible. Unfortunately, some of the instructors who were in the high-risk group had to cancel.

Based on our positive experiences in recent years, we didn’t look for anything new and instead relied on the tried-and-true Aeronaut-Falke model. This glider, with a wingspan of 88 cm, can be built and decorated in a single day even by a complete beginner under expert guidance. Adjustments to ensure good flight performance are also part of the important final steps.

We spend the second day of the course at our model airfield conducting test flights, making final adjustments, and, of course, carrying out the first repairs. Above all, test flights—carefully launching the glider into the wind—usually take a beginner a few failed attempts to master.

As in previous years, eleven boys signed up for our exciting program. On the first day, each boy received his own building kit, and they were able to see what the day’s goal would look like by examining a finished model. Their sparkling eyes and a few spontaneous exclamations showed their anticipation and expectations for the next two days. Using the building plan and as they became familiar with the various materials and types of wood,

The model kit was unpacked. With the unfamiliar balsa wood and the right glue in hand, the construction phase began.

The rough assembly was already completed by the morning, so that in the afternoon the participants could tackle the finer details: assembly, sanding, and fine-tuning with lead weights. The participants had a lot of fun and showed great enthusiasm while applying lettering, painting, and adding their own personal touches.

To wrap up the day of building, the children learned about the various aircraft parts and the functions of the rudder and elevator using a small Styrofoam glider on the adjacent grass field.

After the first tentative attempts to launch their own gliders outdoors, more daring and powerful launches soon followed—and sometimes even crash landings. The instructors were now busy at the repair tables, working on both minor and major repairs. A small competition was held to choose the best glider. Next came the slingshot launch using a rubber band. Only now did the gliders’ excellent flying characteristics really come into their own, and we were able to watch a few long flights.

After a grilled sausage, a cold drink, and dessert, the afternoon program began. A few large-scale models left the audience in awe

admire, and the functions of the various control surfaces and the corresponding levers on the remote control were demonstrated. Of course,

the safety regulations and precautions at the airfield were also part of the program.

Now the student pilots could hardly wait to take off and try out their first flight in the remote-controlled motorized airplane.

Once again, we were assured that these young pilots will, in one way or another—perhaps much later on—come into contact with aviation with great enthusiasm.

Wangen Model Flying Club,
Youth Development
Department Text: Toni Käser
Photos: Jürg Beyeler