Hang Gliding in the Zurich Oberland

Martin took over from Patrick Häusler, who had successfully organized the event in recent years. Martin was assisted by Thomas Wäckerlin, who, as in previous years, was in charge of takeoffs and the rankings. Since the Schufelbergeregg on the west side can no longer be flown at because the trees have grown too tall, the Tannberg above Goldingen (the official flying area of MG Wald) was selected as an alternative site. Once again this year, the weather forecast leading up to the event was anything but certain, so there were a few inquiries on Saturday evening asking for confirmation of the date. Nevertheless, at 8:00 a.m. on Sunday morning, under overcast, cool, but dry conditions, 17 pilots and 11 volunteers gathered at the Tannberg. Pilots and volunteers were delighted to be able to meet again after a four-year hiatus.

To welcome us, Claudia and Andreas Murrer, along with Thomas Wäckerlin, treated us to sandwiches and croissants.

Check-in, assembling and marking the gliders, as well as setting up the launch site and landing zones, were quickly completed. Before the launch, the gliders had to be carried 100 meters up to the launch site, where they were received by the launch assistants. The four launchers launched the gliders very reliably and with great expertise.

It quickly became apparent that the gliders were very difficult to see during the first 30 meters of flight because the contrast between the terrain behind them and the gliders themselves was very poor. As soon as the gliders reached the open sky, visibility was excellent. With the prevailing westerly wind, it was possible to fly effectively using slope lift, and the 5-minute flight time was generally no problem. The landing was a bit unusual, as it was performed into the wind and therefore downhill. With today’s modern gliders, which feature highly effective air brakes, this was easily managed. Since touch-and-go landings were not permitted, the landing zones were carefully selected. The three timekeepers performed their duties reliably and accurately. After four flights, the following pilots were awarded regional medals:

1. Manuel Peter ahead of Patrick Häusler and Sandro Peter. Young pilot Alain Schad took a very strong fourth place. The team trophy was once again won by MG Mörsburg. By the way: The weather held out until after the awards ceremony. Thanks to all the dedicated volunteers, the motivated pilots, and Leomotion—the sponsor of the prizes—the 2022 RCS Hang was once again a convivial, interesting, and challenging event that was a lot of fun and will hopefully continue next year.