Tethered Flight Day in Valais

Model airplanes were set up. A wonderful tethered-flight circuit had been prepared, staked out, and marked along the extension of the model airfield runway, and flights were already in full swing. In other words, we were greeted by a whole group of model aircraft enthusiasts who also actively practice tethered flight.

It was a day dedicated entirely to model flying. All day long, RC—

Claude Russbach, our very active friend from Valais, had taken the initiative and, after consulting with the board of GAM Sierre, invited everyone to a casual tethered flight gathering on their grounds. So, on this glorious fall day, the Swiss tethered-flyers gathered in Sierre for a friendly visit to introduce their colleagues to this special type of model flying. At least, that’s how the tethered-flyers had imagined it on their drive to Valais.

Upon arrival at the GAM Sierre model airfield, however, they were in for a big surprise. There was an impressive flight line of various Valais-style Fes-

Gliding, RC powered flight, helicopter aerobatics, and tethered flight—it was simply amazing! It was also wonderful to see that tethered flight is by no means practiced only predominantly

in northwestern Switzerland, but is still (or once again) firmly established in other regions of the country. As always at such friendly gatherings

flying events, the culinary and social aspects were not neglected either. By noon, the grill was already up and running, and we were able to cook our food while being treated to an aperitif. Later, a delicious Valais raclette was served at the GAM Sierre clubhouse.

What Claude Russbach and Yves Sedlatchek, along with their team, pulled off on this last Saturday in September deserves a huge thank you. We’d also like to thank the board of GAM Sierre for the generous invitation and the warm welcome at their fantastic facility.

*Daniel Baumann,
Tethered Flight Technical Committee*