Model Airplane Flying in a Stunning Landscape

A week of flying model airplanes together in an area that leaves almost nothing to be desired for model airplane enthusiasts—the young pilots’ excitement for the days ahead on the Hahnenmoos Pass is clearly palpable: Fun at the “Bänkli” or “Skilift” launch sites, first daring flights on the steep eastern slope of the “Schalmigrate”—will I dare to try it? —or exploring new flying sites at “Laveygrat,” on the “Metsch,” or at “Luegli”—what will come true over the next seven days?

A cheerful, lively atmosphere draws our eyes toward the “Bänkli.” Numerous young model airplane enthusiasts have the airspace firmly under control. Older model airplane enthusiasts from Germany, Canada, and Switzerland watch the cheerful hustle and bustle with a smile. After all, this generation of model aviators has likely never experienced model flying in such a carefree and “dynamic” way, because they constantly feared for the safety of their balsa wood gliders—crafted over hours of labor—during daring flight maneuvers. “Foam planes”—whatever one may think of these models—simply allow for a somewhat more carefree approach to the pitfalls of model flying.

With a few exceptions, the weather during the last week of July 2010 was more suitable for the younger participants’ lighter models than it was last year. Light to moderate updrafts are ideal for beginner models and allow for long flight times without the models constantly reaching their limits. Should the youngest camp participants still be struggling with slope soaring, knowledgeable instructors are always on hand to offer advice. The same applies to repair or maintenance work in the workshop: straightening and reinforcing a dented fuselage here, overhauling a rudder linkage there, or reprogramming a controller for an electric glider, re-soldering servo wires, etc. The diverse knowledge and extensive experience of the team of instructors are

crucial to a successful week for the young model aviators. This is especially true for glider construction and competitions. The tips are gratefully received, as everyone wants to achieve the best possible result. It never ceases to amaze how much excitement such small, simple aircraft can generate in the “battle” to achieve as many seconds of flight time as possible. The Alpine Model Gliding Camp for Youth on the Hahnenmoos Pass is a unique opportunity to spend a week in one of Europe’s most beautiful model flying areas under the guidance of competent and helpful instructors. If any of the young people dare to look beyond the boundaries of their own interests—and this kind of model aviator can be found even among the youth

— then they’ll discover the beauty of the diverse atmospheres in the Bernese Oberland. Serene morning scenes, unique dynamic cloud formations, rock faces below the Ammertenspitz beautifully colored by the evening light. One could describe countless examples.

All of these experiences are only possible because, year after year, a team of leaders agrees to devote one of their few weeks of vacation to serving this camp, which is truly one of a kind. Even though the team—fortunately—gets to have fun during the week, taking responsibility for a group of young people in the mountains is a huge challenge. Most of the young campers are very grateful for this, even if they may not always be able to show it. It is very important to me—and I believe I speak on behalf of all the parents of the campers—to express our gratitude for this important and extremely valuable work. I sincerely hope that, thanks to your work, as many young model airplane enthusiasts as possible will be able to experience such precious moments—experiences and moments that money can’t buy. “Merci viumau!”

The next camp will take place from July 23 to 30, 2011;

Starting in February 2011, the registration form will be available at www.alpines.ch. According to the registration form, all young people between the ages of 11 and 15 are eligible to register. It’s a good idea to register early. If there are any older participants interested, information about group accommodations (or individual rooms) at the Berghotel Hahnenmoospass can be found at www.hahnenmoos.ch; as a model airplane enthusiast, you’ll be welcome and in very good hands with the Spori-Beutter family and their team! Young people, in particular, will

experience that they are warmly welcomed as guests—which is by no means always the case! Thank you very much for your understanding toward the young people and for your much-appreciated hospitality. Many young model glider pilots are already looking forward to unforgettable flights during the 2011 gliding season at Hahnenmoos.

Res Dauwalder,
MG Münchenbuchsee
Photos: Ruedi Steinle and
Martin Rieder