Swissliga: Precision Driving in Romont

The F3A category is one of the oldest categories in the FAI. The qualities required of a pilot align with the values that Switzerland seeks to promote abroad: quality, precision, rigor, discipline, diligence, consistency, innovation, and high standards...

The competition begins with a series of 3–4 qualifying rounds, culminating in a final featuring six pilots. The flight program for the final is identical to the one used in the finals of European or world championships, to prepare pilots for future international competitions. In addition, each year, the pilots on the Swiss team must also participate in a competition abroad. This year, it’s an international competition in Hainault, Belgium, where they’ll face European judges so they can gain insight into the differences in judging standards outside Switzerland. Swiss champion Sandro Matti is the current holder of the Belgian trophy, ahead of Christophe Paysan le Roux, a multiple world champion.

To reach a high level, pilots can complete up to 1,000 training flights per year. But a rigorous training program pays off, as Switzerland is also the European team champion. The judges who score and discuss the maneuvers with the pilots play an active role in the team’s success at high-level competitions. Seated in their tent a short distance away, they deserve our appreciation, as scoring the same maneuver routines all day long requires tremendous concentration for such a repetitive task. Their scores are instantly transmitted over the network and immediately visible to everyone online.

With one exception, the models were commercially available and electric-powered. The goal is to achieve symmetry (neutrality) in flight, which is why we see biplanes and, increasingly, monoplanes equipped with appendages above—and now often below—the wings that replicate the advantages of a biplane. Even the fixed landing gear contributes to the aerodynamic effects sought in these aircraft. The trailing edges are surprisingly thick to a novice, but this design choice is also beneficial. The construction is so flawless that it’s hard to tell the molded wings apart from the structurally integrated ones. As for the one custom-built model, it has my utmost admiration. The fuselage is cut from Styrofoam, encased, and then hollowed out!

What would a gathering in French-speaking Switzerland be without great food? The GAM Romont committee went out of its way to pamper its guests, treating them to a delicious meal in a warm and friendly atmosphere inside a beautiful cabin. The effort to bring together all these pilots—most of whom are from German-speaking Switzerland—in French-speaking Switzerland fosters hope that new talent will emerge here. Kudos for this initiative!

The second round of this Swiss League will take place in the Seeland on August 22–23.

(Results at: https://www.modellflug.ch/events.aspx?Event=5831&lang=FR)