30 Years of Model Aircraft Flying in Bretzwil and the Surrounding Area

A major anniversary exhibition capped off 30 years of successful model aircraft building. At the same time, the MG Gauset Association decided to join the Northwest Regional Model Aircraft Association and, by extension, the Swiss Model Aircraft Association and the AeroClub of Switzerland.

MG Gauset provided a glimpse into its 30 years of activity. A wide variety of models were on display at a large exhibition in the Bretzwil gymnasium. The exhibition provided a good cross-section of model aviation. The range extended from small speed models to utility models and from meticulously built scale models to aircraft suitable for competition. The jet models were a special attraction. To the amazement of the audience, aerial photographs taken by a jet model flying over the airfields of the municipalities of Bretzwil, Reigoldswil, and Seewen were on display. In addition, various types of engines were on display, which clearly made a big impression on the large crowd in attendance. As a special bonus, young people

and old alike could gain their first flying experiences on the simulator. To round out the exhibition, there were demonstrations featuring a computer-controlled milling machine that cut fine ribs and skin panels from thin plywood with high precision. The president of the MG Gauset Model Flying Club, Peter Wagner from Bretzwil, was certainly pleased with the positive response the exhibition generated. The MG Gauset Model Flying Club was founded 30 years ago as an informal group. At the time, they had made do with a simple set of rules that briefly outlined flight operations. There were no club bylaws. Over the years,

the interest group grew to include over 20 pilots. The 30th anniversary of the MG Gauset Model Flying Interest Group was reason enough to submit an application for membership in Model Flying Association 7 “Nordwest.” Since April 1, 2008, the Gauset Model Flying Interest Group has been a member of the “Nordwest” Regional Model Flying Association and is thus also a member of the Swiss Model Flying Association, which is a division of the AeroClub of Switzerland. The club currently has 22 active model pilots. The members’ ages range from 15-year-old junior pilots to 70-year-old seniors.

A special guest reception on Sunday was held to

celebrated the anniversary and the club’s entry into the federation. The distinguished group of guests from politics, government agencies, and aviation circles was led by National Council member Christian Miesch of Titterten, who himself was a member of MG Gauset for some time in the past. The AeroClub of Switzerland sent Mr. Felix Kiser, Central Secretary, and Mr. Marco Schnyder to the event. The municipalities of Reigoldswil and Bretzwil were also represented by members of the municipal councils and school authorities; Hans Wüthrich from Reigoldswil, the landowner of the airfield, was also present. President Peter Wagner expressed special thanks to him for the consistently excellent rapport with the MG Gauset and his understanding of model aviation. The exhibition was a great success. Many visitors expressed the hope that such an exhibition should be held more often. The interest shown by many young people in this challenging hobby is particularly encouraging. We hope that the exhibition has paved the way and made it easier for many young pilots to get started.

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