20th Heliplausch 2006 of the MG-Falknis

For the 20th time, the Falknis Model Flying Club hosted its well-known and popular “Heliplausch” event for beginner, intermediate, and experienced helicopter pilots. A total of 16 pilots took on the challenge at this anniversary event. In addition to the actual competition, there is always plenty of “airspace” available for free flying, showcasing special models, or other flight demonstrations.

This was the fourth year in a row that this event was on my calendar, but unfortunately, only a handful of participants showed up in Balzers this time! Peter Krättli, president of MG-Falknis, and I wondered what might be the reason, since up until now, it has been precisely this type of competition that has been most effective at motivating model helicopter pilots. I was also convinced that MG-Falknis would come up with something special for this anniversary event—who knows? In this competition, the goal is to complete four tasks against the clock. The goal is to complete the course in the shortest possible time while avoiding ground contact as much as possible. The course is shown in Appendix 1 (not

(to scale) were recorded. There were some lively discussions when the bottles were knocked over regarding the skids mounted on the helicopter! As it turned out later, the winner’s model had a distinct advantage here due to the length of its skids. As usual, the official schedule isn’t taken too seriously at this event; the focus is on having fun, discussing, sharing experiences, and enjoying a relaxed atmosphere. With the briefing at around 9:30 a.m., President, Competition Director, Chief Organizer, and participant Peter Krättli began providing commentary and cracking jokes. Once again, his banter continued right up until the last participant. The only time things quieted down was when he himself flew his model through the course. No particular “victim” stood out; Werner Joller, for example, was absent. After the first round, attention shifted increasingly to Fritz Keller and his skids! The once again glorious summer weather and the unfortunately low number of participants raised the question of whether to hold three rounds.

After two rounds, the winner of the 20th event was determined and will not be allowed to compete as a contender the following year. The race at the top was a nail-biter. The deciding factor was the time lost—as mentioned—from knocking over bottles or lifting pylons. Peter Krättli’s threat to use the square

Expanding the wooden platform to about 1 m × 1 m is definitely going to happen, right, Fritz? After all, he has another year to train on his own or to compete outside the official competition next year, doesn’t he? The strongest nerves, a steady hand on the “stick,” or simply the best training will continue to set the top competitors apart. Of course, that necessary “bit” of luck is still a must.

No “Unlucky Participant Award” was presented—whether it was forgotten or whether no one stood out as a candidate this time remains to be seen. The brave participant with his ZOOM 400, who made it all the way to the ribbon loop and was the only one to use an electric helicopter, might have been a candidate? Earlier than usual, around 3:00 p.m., a wonderful day of model flying came to an end with the announcement of the results. Apart from the repeated, impressive 3D demonstrations by Marcel Gretener and the demos of the new F3C-FAI program by Theo Fäh, there were no other attractions. Unfortunately, there were no scale or semiscale helicopters present—a feature that had previously kept this event attractive and interesting. The 20th “Heliplausch” event at the Falknis Model Flying Club in Balzers was therefore heavily dominated by the club’s own members. As was demonstrated, there is certainly potential here, but that cannot be the purpose of an organizer. It’s clear that the club will be considering whether and how to proceed with this event in 2007.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the organizers and volunteers of the Falknis Model Flying Club, and I hope they won’t let this discourage them. Hopefully, in 2007, more model helicopter pilots will find their way to Balzers, including those from neighboring countries! Although the friendly competition ended without the anticipated highlight, it was once again an enjoyable day for me in the 2006 model helicopter scene. Bravo and many thanks. More photos can be found online:

*Walter Heller, MG-Rapperswil-Jona*