Central Switzerland Regional Championship in RCS Slope Soaring at Engelstock

After several years of literal “radio silence,” the glider pilots of Central Switzerland were once again able to gather for a slope soaring competition (RCS Hang). As the host, the Schwyz-Uri Model Flying Club welcomed 14 pilots to their home slope at Engelstock.

The first of three rounds began as early as 10:00 a.m. Within a total flight time of eight minutes, pilots had to circle a marked triangle as many times as possible for four minutes. Afterward, the glider also had to land with pinpoint accuracy on a predefined area.

For some pilots, the first round was a chance to get a feel for the competition conditions. Others were already able to draw on their many years of experience. Regardless, everyone had earned their steak, pork chop, or some other delicious treat from the grill afterward. Barbara and Kari treated all the pilots and helpers to a

a sumptuous meal. With full bellies, everyone moved on to the next two rounds of the competition. As the thermals grew stronger, pilots were able to complete more and more circuits around the triangle. In fact, the weather couldn’t have been better. After a week that had been somewhat overcast and at times rainy, Sunday showed itself from its best side. The forecast of thunderstorms toward evening promised plenty of thermals. Naturally, the pilots “milked” these to the limit to gain as much initial altitude as possible for the flight around the triangle, which could then be converted into speed and thus into many laps.

As Markus Ramseier impressively demonstrated with his third-place finish, there are pilots in our ranks who can certainly hold their own against pilots from outside our club. In every respect, this RCS Hang was a successful competition—

Competition Air Show. And after the rigors of such a challenge, many participants had to stop by Kari’s Beizli once more to refuel and share stories of their achievements before heading home. We, as organizers, enjoyed this successful day and are already looking forward to welcoming even more enthusiastic model aviators to our next competition.

*Erich Baggenstos and Armin Schuler*