The Fascination of Model Aviation: MFG Nidwalden

Even as a five-year-old kid, I was fascinated by aviation. According to my parents, I would stand on a chair by the window whenever a Mirage took off from the Buochs airfield. A little older, as a schoolboy, I would use my free Wednesday afternoons to go to the airfield. There I could marvel at the Hunter, Mirage, and the aircraft from Pilatus Aircraft up close. On weekends, too, I could occasionally be found hanging out near the gliding club. And that’s how I came into contact with the Nidwalden Model Aircraft Club, which was also based at the Buochs airfield. Today I’m a member of the model flying club, and as an adult I find myself wondering where this fascination comes from. Is it the primal dream of flying, which is as old as humanity itself? If so, what is the

appeal of model flying, when I myself stay on the ground? I wanted to find out from my fellow model flyers and made a short video about it.

For me personally, flying is what makes my hobby so appealing. Being able to safely take off and land my own plane. Controlling my various models with precision in every three-dimensional position. I practice new flight maneuvers and try to perfect them. That way, I can enjoy watching my models fly beautifully time and time again.

Before takeoff, I’m usually a little nervous, especially on a maiden flight. But during the flight, I enter a state of flow where I forget everything around me and focus one hundred percent on my plane. This state can also occur while building or repairing models.

When everything goes according to plan, the programming works as intended, and then—after a long build time—the model takes off for the first time on its maiden flight, soars into the sky, and lands successfully after a successful maiden flight... There’s only one thing left to say: “Fascinating!”