F5F/60" and Combat Slope Races

This year, the Locarno and Valle Maggia Model Aircraft Group (GALVM) decided to introduce a new format for the slope-soaring competition that is usually held at Cavaldrossa in early June. The RCS-Pendio format—in which groups of three to four competitors fly along as many sides of a triangle as possible within five minutes, followed by a landing within a rectangle—has shown its limitations, especially regarding the organization of staff to manage the competition (flag bearers, timekeepers, race officials). GALVM members participated in several F5F competitions in France—a discipline that is more dynamic and requires fewer staff than the RCS-Pendio—which inspired them to propose a similar competition here in our region.

On July 29, 2007, after several forced postponements due to unfavorable weather conditions, an F5F/“60 inches” competition was held on the slopes of Cavaldrossa. About fifteen competitors took part in the competition, representing groups from Locarno and Valle Maggia, Lugano, and Molinazzo-Bellinzona. Although the conditions were certainly not ideal, they did not prevent the participants from completing the competition; according to the organizers, the groundwork has been laid to host this type of competition again in the future. Special thanks go to Phil, whose automated system (timekeeping and ranking) not only minimized the need for staff (two judges and one chief referee) but also ensured the race was managed efficiently.

In contrast, the Combat competition—also organized by GALVM—took place in early September with a record turnout. A total of twenty-two competitors, mostly young people, gathered on the slopes beyond Ronco above Ascona. It’s worth noting that the courses organized by the Municipality of Ascona as part of the day camp program, along with GALVM’s commitment to promoting model aircraft flying, have borne fruit: a large group of young enthusiasts for slope flying is indeed emerging.

The competition initially consisted of four heats, each lasting 20 minutes; the top 10 competitors then competed in the final, which was marked by mid-air collisions. Fun was guaranteed! It’s worth noting that the winner, Fabio Belossi, only started flying this year. Photos of the event can be viewed on the GALVM website at www.galvm.ch.

Philip Hubert, Damiano Mäder, Gianmaria Tagliabue