A Look Back at the 2007 F3B World Championships

The F3B World Championships took place in Emmen from July 9 to 14. Unpredictable weather caused the Swiss team to lose points early on, but they were still able to fight their way to second place in the team standings. Germany won the team world title, and Martin Herrig claimed the individual world title in commanding fashion.

Even during the preliminary competition leading up to the World Championships, it was clear that the German team—led by the Herrig brothers—was in top form. This set the stage for an exciting battle at the top. Unfortunately, things turned out differently: the World Championships began on Monday amid heavy rain at times. The Swiss team struggled right from the start in the time trial; none of the pilots were able to complete the full course. In the second round as well, Roland Hofmann and Stefan Böhlen suffered massive point losses again due to lousy weather, with Stefan Böhlen nearly losing his model due to a mechanical failure. The German team, on the other hand, came through the rain relatively unscathed and was thus able to build a lead.

Fortunately, the weather improved by midweek, allowing the rest of the World Championships to take place under good conditions—

conditions allowed the competition to take place. And here, too, the Herrig brothers excelled; they were virtually unbeatable, especially in cross-country flying. For example, Stefan Böhlen had to compete against Andreas Herrig in Round 3 that morning. In the previous group, a maximum of 17 legs were achieved; given the dead air, more was simply not possible. Stefan took off and flew an extremely clean 20 legs. Shortly after him, Andreas Herrig took off and flew 22 legs; in the following group, once again, no pilot managed more than 17 legs!

Together with veteran Reinhard Liese, the Germans pulled ahead in the team standings, and thanks to nearly flawless flights by the two Herrigs, the top two spots in the individual standings also seemed all but decided. This sparked an exciting battle for third place in the individual standings, with both Liechtenstein’s Fidel

Frick, the Frenchman Roland Heninot, and Andreas Böhlen all still had a chance. Unfortunately, however, Andreas Böhlen lost valuable points in a cross-country flight, allowing Fidel Frick—who has also been competing in the F3B circuit for several years—to secure third place. Martin Herrig won the World Championship, followed by his brother Andreas in second place.

Since Roland Hofmann and Stefan Böhlen quickly regained their usual form after a rough start, the Swiss team was able to secure second place in the team standings, followed by the American team. In conclusion, it’s worth noting that the World Championships were perfectly organized. Despite initially difficult conditions, seven rounds were completed without major complications—that’s 21 flights per pilot! So, a big compliment to all the volunteers

and the organizers—you did a great job! Detailed results and numerous photos can be viewed at www.f3b-wm.ch.

AeCS, SMV, the regional model aviation associations of Western Switzerland, Bern-Oberland-Valais, Central Switzerland, the Mittelland, Northwestern Switzerland, Northeastern Switzerland, and Eastern Switzerland, as well as the “modell flugsport Schweiz” Foundation.

Graupner, FMT, TUN-Modellbau, Weatronic Switzerland (Flytech GmbH), Brunschwiler Soft-Serve, Raiffeisenbank Lucerne, Hope-Modellbau.

To the Emmen Military Airfield and its helpful staff.