Supporting Young Talent Is Not a Priority

Model aviation has no reason to complain about the number of young members and juniors in its clubs. Where these organizations are open to young people and where model aviation enthusiasts introduce their children to the hobby at an early age, there are no problems with recruiting new members. Therefore, activities for children, teenagers, and parents do not necessarily have to be aimed at promoting the next generation of model aviators.

One of the main goals the model aircraft club aims to achieve with its indoor flying events is to put together a varied program for families. In addition to numerous flight demonstrations by local and visiting pilots, the event always encourages children to get hands-on. The fourth edition of the Pfäffikon Indoor Flying Event was attended by several hundred spectators. As always, the traditional model airplane building and the children’s competition proved to be major attractions. Over the course of about four hours, no fewer than 50 models were assembled and, in some cases, painted and decorated with great dedication and imagination. Three instructors from the MV Pfäffikon were on hand, and they involved the parents as much as possible—

an educational approach that has always proven effective in model aircraft flying as well.

At the four events held, the Pfäffik residents tried out various youth models. The main criterion is always that they must be built without glue. First, there were two electric models made of wood and foam, followed by fairly sturdy foam throw gliders. This time, the Arcus Newbie 500 throw glider from Robbe was used.

A nearly indestructible model with a magnetically attached wing and impressive flight characteristics. Waterproof markers had to be used to paint the foam. Time and again, children could be seen—sometimes with help from their parents—completely absorbed in designing their little airplanes. A jury set out to select the three most beautiful works of art.

Anyone who builds model airplanes with large groups of children and parents must also set aside enough time so that the planes can be properly tested in the hangar. It was a lively event with wonderful flights—but also crashes. Fathers shone with their in-depth knowledge of aerodynamics and made modifications—though not always for the better—while mothers gave it their all when it came to providing sports psychology support. The competition for the longest flight clearly showed that even our youngest participants weren’t always up to the so-called competitive pressure. Still, the measuring tape on the hall floor is one of the more harmless tools in our competitive world. Nevertheless, some succumbed to the dreaded “demo effect,” and as soon as the competition was over, the models flew beautifully again. That’s life...