Honoring the 2010 Swiss Model Aircraft Champions

To mark the “100 Years of Swiss Aviation” anniversary, the AeCS proposed holding a joint awards ceremony in Grenchen for all Swiss champions in the AeCS air sports. Participants were informed before the start of their respective competitions that, in the event of a victory, they would be allowed—or “required”—to attend this celebratory event.

The ceremony took place following the Air Display 2010 at the Grenchen Airfield on Sunday, June 27, 2010. The festival tent from the previous day was decorated appropriately for the occasion to provide a fitting setting. A model of an 8-meter DG1000 stood out impressively beneath the tent roof, and on the stage, the Papyrus Hunter and a Hawk—both full-scale models—were on display for viewing.

The guest list read like a “who’s who” of Swiss aviation history and political figures. In this very exclusive setting, with approximately 200 invited guests plus the 56 Swiss champions in their respective sports, the AeCS’s contributions to Swiss aviation were highlighted, as were individual outstanding figures in Swiss air sports history. In a pointed comparison, former Federal Councilor Samuel Schmid noted that the safety standards and error management practices of aviation sports would likely serve them well in politics as well—

The FAI president even described it as a globally unique event—one in which all of a country’s champions are honored together—and expressed his hope that this example would set a precedent for other countries as well.

As president of the SMV, Yves Burkhard had the honor of recognizing the achievements of the model airplane pilots and calling them to the stage for the awards ceremony. All the pilots were undoubtedly more than surprised when they not only received the AeCS special medal for their exceptional achievements from former Miss Switzerland Xenia Tchoumitcheva, but also—as a special recognition—a very valuable watch from the main sponsor, Breitling, which, incidentally, every 2010 Swiss champion received.

The air show was opened by Swissair’s DC-3. Nostalgic memories came flooding back for some in the audience: “It really is one of the most beautiful airplanes…”

The flight demonstrations featuring an F3C helicopter piloted by Hans Emmenegger, a member of the F3C national team, were every bit as impressive as the performances of the originals, as were the demonstrations by F6A Swiss champion Jean-Claude Spillmann, who was given the opportunity to showcase his skills once again in his SU-29 as the opening act before the original performance.

The very well-organized and tightly run event was planned and directed by Organizing Committee President René Meier, but the outstanding work of the organizing committee team also contributed significantly to the event’s success.

We look forward to repeating this successful event… perhaps as early as next year? *rb/SMV*

Winners' photo with the Swiss model aircraft champions, from left: Peter German (F2B), Jean-Claude Spillmann (F6A glider), Andreas Böhlen (F3B), Nico Strebel (F3P-A and F3P-AM), Stefan Böhlen (F3J), Yves Burkhard (SMV President), Ennio Graber (F3C).

Missing from the photo: Gregor Kistler (F3K) and Dario Neuenschwander (F6A helicopter).

Most of the 2010 Swiss champions will be crowned later in the year, such as F1A and F1A-SK gliders, F1B rubber-powered models, F1E and F1E-SK magnetically controlled models, F3A aerobatic models, F5B electric gliders, F5C electric helicopters, F5D electric pylon racing models, F5A electric aerobatic models; RCS Acro, F4C Scale, Jet Scale, Heli Scale, and the rocket classes. Editor’s note