Glider Aerobatics Carousel at the Schaffhausen Model Aircraft Day

At the “Faszination Modellflug” model aircraft day organized by the Schaffhausen Model Aircraft Club at Schmerlat, we glider aerobatics pilots had the opportunity to showcase the glider aerobatics carousel together with our tow planes.

The demonstration featuring four teams—each consisting of a tow plane and an aerobatic glider—thrilled the audience and gave us great pleasure. The number of aircraft made the demonstration particularly appealing to the audience, and through

The choice of program sequence ensures that the flights are both airworthy and safe. The announcer provides commentary as the aircraft line up on the runway. He also explains the sequence of the aerial display. As soon as all aircraft are lined up and ready to fly, the first tow team takes off to music. The remaining tow teams follow in stages, spaced 200–300 m apart in altitude. So, there’s a lot going on during the takeoff and tow phases at the beginning.

Once the first glider has reached its release altitude, the announcer directs the audience’s attention to its aerobatic display. At the same time, the other tow planes, one after another, climb to their starting altitudes and release their gliders. The tow planes fly to their assigned holding patterns outside the aerobatics box. Due to the altitude stagger, there are always 2 or 3 gliders performing their individual aerobatic programs with smoke at the same time. After the last glider pilot lands, the tow planes return from their holding positions, fly over the airfield, and then land in quick succession. →

With the glider aerobatics carousel, we want to give the air show audience an even better sense of the fascination of our sport. The demonstration is also a great team effort in which everyone can make their own personal contribution. Our previous performances in Lommis in 2021 and now in Schmerlat, along with the training sessions leading up to them, went well and fostered team spirit. We’d like to thank MG Schaffhausen for allowing us to showcase our carousel, and we’re looking forward to more air shows, such as the one in Hausen in 2022.

On behalf of SwissAkro Connection
and the Powerschlepp team,
Adrian Eggenberger.
All photos by Richard Auer,
MG Schaffhausen