Helicopter (F3C) in Riggisberg

Before the end of the 2006 flying season, qualifying competitions were scheduled to select the F3C national team for model helicopters. The first qualifying round took place on September 16 at the MG-Willisau airfield, and on October 14, we met for the second qualifying round at MG-Riggisberg.

The start was scheduled for 8:15 a.m., so for us from Eastern Switzerland, that meant getting up early. I took the opportunity to carpool with Remo Hürlimann. We were accompanied by the young pilots Markus Schmid and Sandro Borner. Both have so far held their own at the top of the Swiss Cup F3C and plan to gain their first experience in the FAI program during the 2007 season. The briefing began a little late, around 8:30 a.m.; five of the six registered FAI pilots had arrived, and five FAI judges and the jury were ready. Team and competition director Peter Oberli welcomed everyone present, explained the planned schedule for the day, and referred to the valid FAI flight programs. In Switzerland, it has long been a tradition that, at NMA qualifying rounds, the valid FAI programs A/B/A/B are flown alternately over four rounds. And rightly so, as it had been reported that at the recent European Championships in England, some finalists had struggled to fly the B program!

The first two rounds were completed quickly in the morning; weather conditions were virtually ideal—with little wind—and the cloud cover was at an altitude that allowed for the extensive flight program. We had Patrick Kessler, the 2006 European champion, at the starting line, and Hans Emmenegger, another medalist in the team competition. Enio Graber was absent this time due to work commitments, but he had already qualified for the 2007 national team with his two results from the Swiss Championships and the 1st NMA. We were able to take our time during the lunch break and chat about current—or future—events in the helicopter scene. I was particularly pleased to see so many colleagues from MG-Riggisberg, whom I’ve met at countless helicopter gatherings or other

I recognized some familiar faces from past competitions. Gabi Gasser, Heinz Gasser, Ueli von Niederhäusern, Peter Reusser, and even “Rüedu” Hadorn showed up. I was pleased to see that they’ve remained loyal to model aviation, each in their own special way. The MG

Riggisberg for its formation flying, and we were treated to a sample of it that afternoon. Some young members of the MG Riggisberg are fully committed to the sport, and Ueli von Niederhäusern is determined not to fall behind and to continue supporting them in their pursuits. Heinz Gasser showed off his 3D maneuvers, but remarked beforehand that he doesn’t “get the hang of it” anymore and “can’t pull it off”! Right, Hänä? We’re all getting older, aren’t we? The MG-Riggisberg really spoiled us judges and the participants that day. Food and drinks were always available, and simple, good food was served on the grounds. The glorious fall weather also played its part in making for a truly cozy lunchtime. After lunch, two more runs were held. Although Andi Kessler had by then

Having traveled to the event, he chose not to participate in the NMA and devoted himself fully to his “role” as Patrick Kessler’s assistant. Around 4:00 p.m., everything was ready for the awards ceremony, and

thus wrap up the official part of the day. The results confirmed the performances of the individual pilots. It’s an open secret that the current FAI programs demand the highest

level and require a great deal of training. I find it wonderful that pilots keep coming back who haven’t quite got the hang of it yet but enjoy making small strides and simply taking part—such as Heinz Gerber or Theo Fäh. Their pleasant and easygoing nature has consistently brightened such events in recent years. With that, the 2006 FAI F3C season officially came to a close for us, and we can certainly be proud of the results we achieved. We once again produced the European champion and secured third place in the team competition. There is no doubt in my mind that the returning team leader, Peter Oberli, deserves credit for this—thank you very much.

Based on the three competitions this year, the following national team has been selected for the 2007 World Championships in Poland:

• 1. Patrick Kessler,
  MG Breitenbach – 40 points
• 2. Enio Graber, GESV – 39 points
• 3. Hans Emmenegger,
  MG Unteres Aaretal – 38 points
• 4. Remo Hürlimann,
  MG Dietikon – 35 points
• 5. Theo Fäh,
  MFV Falknis – 34 points
• 6. Heinz Gerber,
  MG Burgdorf – 32 points
• 7. Markus Rohrer,
  MG Sursee – 16 points

The top three pilots are guaranteed spots; reserve pilots ranked 4th through 7th will be selected to replace any of the top three in the event of a withdrawal. Congratulations, and best of luck for the coming year, culminating in the World Championships in late July and early August 2007.

Walter Heller, Rapperswil-Jona Model Flying Club