Challenge Cup 2022

During that time, we built and designed most of our own model airplanes. For my model, I used Hanno Prettner’s “Dalotel” design as a template, which I adapted to my dimensions and also modified slightly in shape. A few of my clubmates had built replicas of this glider back then, and I named this model “Challenge.” That name was then also applied to our competition.

We then organized the first Challenge Cup in our region in 1993. There were 17 participants at the time, and we were optimistic about continuing to organize this event. However, we were a bit disappointed when, the following year, only seven participants signed up for the competition. What should we do? How should we proceed? Give up or come up with new ideas? The best idea from back then has stood the test of time. We opened the competition to all regions, and as a result, 20 pilots took part in the competition again in 1995. Over the years, the number of participants has ranged between 15 and 20 pilots. This number allows us to hold the competition in a single day.

We received 19 registrations this year, and 16 participants took part in the competition. Based on our experience with the thick morning fog, we postponed the start of the event by one hour. At exactly 11 a.m., the sky cleared up, allowing us to hold both rounds under excellent conditions.

The judging panel—comprising Emil Giezendanner, Walter Martig, and Claude Suter—spent about four hours evaluating 32 flights as well as the respective preliminary flights. By 4:00 p.m., both rounds were complete.

The winner of the Classic category was Marc Rubin, who has also won this category in recent years. Sandro Veronelli took second place, ahead of Matthias Bossard.

Ten pilots competed in this category. Patrick Drack won the Tucson class; he, too, had won the category in previous years. Jean Claude Spillmann took second place, and Phillip Schürmann came in third. Six pilots competed in this category.

Rodito Nussbaumer, 12 years old!, was the youngest participant and received the special prize from Arwico. →

New ideas are always needed to keep the Challenge Cup going.

At the suggestion of Matthias Bosshard, who coaches a junior group for the aerobatics category in the region

NOS, we plan to introduce a junior division at the next Challenge Cup. The goal is to

young talent in this wonderful sport. The Challenge Cup went well again this year, and I’d like to take this opportunity to once again thank all participants, officials, volunteers,

, judges, pilots, and everyone who helped make this event a success.

*Felix Andres*