Things really got going at MFV Gäu

On Saturday, September 8, 2012, the Gäu Model Flying Club held its 4th Open Fly-In at the beautiful and well-equipped model flying field in Oberbuchsitn, Solothurn. The event was given a new name, “Open Fly-In,” which means it is open to everyone.

Nevertheless, at least one participant demonstrated his unconditional friendship toward the MFV Gäu—and must surely be a model pilot himself: Saint Peter! Just as he had done in the three previous years, he had ensured the very best flying weather with plenty of sunshine. Even before the morning fog had cleared, the first participants arrived at the model—

airfield. By the time the event began, the club’s parking lot had already filled up considerably. The carefully stowed models were unloaded from the vehicles and prepared for flight, so that shortly after the briefing, the first pilots began flying. Then things really got going: one after another, without interruption, and well into the evening, the pilots flew their aircraft

Franz Walti, the 2001 Open Class F4J World Champion and multiple World Championship runner-up in various categories, demonstrated absolutely true-to-scale aerobatics with his L39 Albatros from the Russian aerobatic team. He thus proved that perfect model flying is by no means reserved exclusively for the younger generation of pilots. Pilots Maik Stuber and

Dänu Affolter of the Swiss Formation Team provided another highlight of the fly-in with their two Hawk Hunters; their formation flight performance not only captivated the spectators but even seemed to bring a friendly smile to the sky. Using their smoke systems, they conjured up perfectly round smiley faces in the air, which the audience rewarded with frenetic applause every time.

Incidentally, they took an excellent 2nd place at the German Jet Formation Flying Championship held in August 2012. Congratulations!

As an unexpected change of pace from model aircraft flying, a fully loaded Antonov AN-2 made a brief flyover

Elsbeth and Oskar von Rohr, MV Gäu, would like to sell their two large-scale JU-52 models due to their advancing age. The aircraft have wingspans of 4.5 m and 6 m, respectively. The model airplanes have docile flight characteristics and are particularly well-suited as display aircraft at air shows or other aviation events. Interested parties should contact Elsbeth von Rohr at 079 209 11 40.

stopped by the model aircraft field. This sightseeing flight was spontaneously organized by photographer Hermann Mettler—who had originally planned to attend the AN-2 Club’s hangar festival in Grenchen that afternoon—together with several members of the MFV Gäu. As a result, twelve participants in the fly-in got to take a flight—unharmed—in the world’s largest single-engine biplane. Some of them even had their first-ever flight on board.

The Open Fly-In was spared any major damage or even accidents, thanks in part to the measures taken by the organizers. For the most part, the pilots followed the instructions of the safety officers, who ensured orderly flight operations throughout the entire event. Both the organizers and the participating pilots deserve great praise for this.

The 4th Open Fly-In hosted by the Gäu Oberbuchsiten Model Flying Club is now history. The event generated a great deal of interest

came across. If there had been even more spectators, the juicy steaks would likely have sold out at an unacceptably early hour.

Unfortunately, mentioning in detail all the pilots and models that participated in this model flying event—which was a success in every respect—would go beyond the scope of this report. For more pictures, please visit www.telesys.ch

The Gäu Oberbuchsiten Model Aircraft Club will celebrate its 35th anniversary in 2013 and, to mark the occasion, will organize a special event for the second weekend in September. ■

Text: Daniel Bachem

Photos: Hermann Mettler