Youth and Model Aircraft Flying

So, what might be the reasons behind the increasing youthfulness of many model aircraft clubs? I’ve given this some thought; these reflections are neither intended to be scientifically substantiated nor do they claim to be exhaustive. They are simply a collection of insights based on my own experience that I’d like to share with you here:

Although the quality and technical sophistication of commercially available model-making accessories have undergone tremendous refinement and improvement in recent years, numerous products—such as motors, remote controls, and plastic components—have become significantly more affordable in relative terms. Whereas just three to five years ago, there were practically no reliable remote-control systems available for less than 2,000 francs, today—thanks to modern electronics and industrial manufacturing—it’s no longer a problem to purchase such devices for half that price, even despite inflation. Efficient manufacturing methods, large production runs, and intensive research and development have made model aviation more accessible—even from a financial perspective—to young people and to the strained budgets of family fathers. Certainly, this development—like any so-called “progress,” for that matter—also has its drawbacks; nevertheless, making model aviation accessible to everyone, including young people, strikes me as remarkable and can become a genuine mission for us.

As is well known, modern agriculture is becoming increasingly intensive; in other words, our farmers—if they want to survive—are forced to produce ever-larger quantities from ever-smaller amounts of land. While it used to be rare for model airplane enthusiasts to have trouble flying their models in any open field, this is becoming increasingly difficult for the reasons mentioned above, because practically every square meter needs to be used as efficiently as possible, leaving hardly any space left to walk on. For most model aircraft enthusiasts, however, this means that if they want to pursue their hobby regularly, they face considerable difficulties in finding suitable practice areas. For this reason, joining a model flying club with its own or leased flying field is an obvious choice for many, and in most cases they are willing to accept that they must conform to the group’s rules, are only allowed to fly at certain times, must be considerate of other flying activities, and so on, which may curtail the individual’s personal freedom in various ways. This development, too, has its very specific downsides, but it can become a matter of survival for model aviation.

The current middle generation of model airplane enthusiasts—which likely makes up the largest share in terms of numbers—inherited from their parents, with relatively little resistance, the belief that professional achievement, so-called “getting ahead,” and the pursuit of material goals and success are the highest virtues. The certificate awarded to our father—“For forty years of loyal service at Company Y”—is still deeply ingrained in all of us, while today’s youth, in this regard as well (whether this is “better or worse” is not for us to judge here), adopt a more liberal attitude and unhesitatingly cast such values aside. Perhaps, however, this younger generation is showing us that, alongside outward, material success, inner, deeply personal inclinations also need to be explored and fulfilled. Herein might lie a starting point for placing greater emphasis on people’s leisure time—leisure as at least a temporary release, as a form of balance. Not too long ago, having free time was almost viewed with suspicion, and anyone who spent that time on “meaningless pastimes” was not taken seriously. Today, however, doctors, psychologists, sociologists, and other circles have recognized the importance of leisure activities for modern people. Young people should no longer be drilled one-sidedly for professional success but should be allowed to develop holistically, and that includes leisure time—something that had been left to chance for far too long.

Best regards

Emil Giezendanner