Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the MG-Bassersdorf

All the safety requirements, regulations, permits, and reaching out to potential participants who have something to offer—that’s a mountain of work for the organizer… and what if the weather doesn’t cooperate? All for nothing, no revenue—and real frustration sets in among the volunteers. A year’s worth of work without the hoped-for reward in the form of spectacular flight demonstrations, satisfied spectators, and full coffers. Which of us model aviators isn’t familiar with this sad situation? But that’s all the more reason not to give up and to find new hope. It’ll work out. Nothing ventured, nothing gained! This is exactly the attitude the board of MG-Bassersdorf and its members adopted, and more than a year ago they decided: We’re going to hold an air show in honor of our 50th anniversary. The date was set, an organizing committee was formed, roles were assigned, and the countdown began. After the work was done, the “hard workers” treated themselves to a cold beer.

The program for Saturday included open flying with fellow model airplane enthusiasts from the surrounding area. The beautiful weather made the entire day a wonderful experience for all participants. There were lively flight demonstrations, and everyone had a great time. Invited guests from the community and local authorities attended the evening program, as did the event’s initiator,

Jürg Pfähler, founding member and first president of MG-Bassersdorf. All participants were generously invited to a sumptuous dinner by the host, MG-Bassersdorf. The president, Heinz Vogler, gave a fitting speech to mark the anniversary, welcomed the guests, and expressed his delight at the large turnout. Featuring a uniquely beautiful special show: night flying with at least six fully illuminated “Easy Glyders”—the possibilities are endless. And if the night is perfectly set with the moon and stars—all the better.

Early on Sunday morning, the first participants arrived for the anniversary air show. Setting up, testing, and getting oriented on the planned

The event was underway—one last chat with the colleagues; I’m sure there was a bit of nervousness mixed in—a glance up at the sky; everything looked good; a briefing from flight director Heinz; and then the first act kicked off at exactly 10:00 a.m. The first visitors were already there and were enjoying the performances kicking off the announced air show. The program was presented to

a very compact format, skillfully varied by the flight directors with well-coordinated show segments, and was presented to the numerous visitors in a professional manner.

Everything was on display, from simple beginner models to technically sophisticated models in the helicopter and fixed-wing categories—

Airplanes, glider acrobatics with a professional performance, accompanied by smoke flares and music for the freestyle routine.

The audience was thrilled by the diversity of the flight program and rewarded the performances with thunderous applause. Each demonstration had its own unique character and showcased the many possibilities of model aviation. Virtually every discipline had the opportunity, at one time or another throughout the day, to present itself to visitors and interested spectators. The air show drew to a close at 6:00 p.m. With a final display, the pilots and participants—who made this beautiful and successful air show possible—bid farewell to the spectators. It was one of the most beautiful air shows I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing in recent years. Everything went

went smoothly—no incidents, good discipline, and, what seems very important: model aviation in all its facets was professionally and impressively showcased to a broad public.

On behalf of the Model Flying Region of Northeastern Switzerland, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to all members of MG-Bassersdorf who worked so hard in any capacity for their dedication to making this wonderful anniversary air show a success.

I wish you all the best for the future and the continued existence of the club, and may your camaraderie remain strong.

Wishing you all the best,

Werni Erismann
, Event
Speaker, Vice President of the Northeast
Switzerland Model Aviation
Region, Head of Youth and Sports