Thanks to the new airfield, MG Schaffhausen is back on track for success with its youth development program

With the opening of the new airfield in August 2008, MGSH also wanted to redouble its efforts to support young talent. Consequently, at the last general meeting, a “working group” was formed to develop a plan for supporting young talent and youth. The results were not long in coming. In addition to the focus on “youth work,” significant attention was also given to “adult beginners.” After all, the goal is to familiarize both age groups equally with the hobby and to (re)awaken their joy in model aircraft building.

As part of the City of Schaffhausen’s “Ferienpass” program, the MGSH put together a program:

• To demonstrate that building and flying can be a great—but also challenging—leisure activity.
• To build and fly a model airplane with like-minded people.
• Learning how to work with different materials and techniques.
• To experience perseverance and precision firsthand.

Contrary to expectations, the first course was fully booked shortly after it was announced. The program kicked off with 16 students as part of the “SNÄCK” vacation pass program.

As early as 8:00 a.m., the young participants were welcomed to the workshop and introduced to the day’s program. Divided into four groups, each with a group leader, they then set to work building the SAL Slipper (a Graupner kit provided free of charge to the groups by the NOS region). By noon, the assembly was complete, and while the glue joints were still drying, there was a theoretical introduction: “Why does an airplane actually fly?” After adjusting the center of gravity and performing a final check of the plane,

the group headed to the MG Schaffhausen airfield. Before the first test flights, participants were treated to sausages and drinks at the nearby forest picnic area. After the break, everyone eagerly began test flights, followed by a competition. The top three finishers were able to experience their first RC model flying sessions using the instructor-student system.

The working group can look back with pride on this day, which was marred only by the rain in the late afternoon. Another event is scheduled for mid-September—

A special day is planned. It will be dedicated to fostering a sense of community among the towns bordering the airfield. We’d like to take this opportunity to once again thank our volunteers.

*Walter Baumann*

The boys in the 6th grade at Büttenhardt/Lohn built the model airplane “Der kleine UHU” (1956) in their shop class last quarter. Based on old blueprints, material kits were prepared and, where necessary, cutting templates were made so that the students could build the airplane using these aids. The remaining challenge was finding a suitable location to test-fly the models. After consulting with the two school principals, the Schaffhausen Model Flying Club was asked if their Büttenhardt airfield could be used for this purpose. In the utmost—

As a result, this request was granted. Two members of the model aircraft club also spontaneously volunteered to help out at the air show. Under expert guidance, the models were balanced, trimmed, and launched. The boys were overjoyed when they saw their creations take to the air for the first time. It is important that a school project like this

does not simply end with the construction of the models, but that—in the spirit of sustainability—the final and decisive step is also carried out professionally. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Schaffhausen Model Aircraft Club, especially on behalf of the students, for their spontaneous and helpful commitment.

*Peter and Regina Lehmann*