F3F Hang Gliding at Hahnenmoos

Slope flying is undoubtedly one of the most exciting disciplines in model aviation. Leaving your unpowered model to the forces of nature—usually against an impressive backdrop and, of course, out in the great outdoors—requires a great deal of confidence in your own skills and knowledge.

The FAI F3F class has actually been around for a long time, as have suitable models for it, but the first Swiss championship was not held until this past October. In F3F, the goal is to complete 10 courses along the edge of the slope in the shortest possible time. This course is marked out

and the turn markers are monitored by volunteers. If the model flies over a turn marker, the volunteer signals this to the pilot. The pilot then turns the model as quickly as possible to lose as few meters and as little time as possible. A beautiful morning and wind from the right direction await the participants on October 10 at the Schalmigrat on the Hahnenmoos.

Without further ado, the turning marks and signaling equipment were set up, and the competition was ready to begin. The 3 m/s wind speed required by the rules was only briefly undershot, so five runs could be flown, with one run serving as a discard. The wind fluctuated throughout the day between 2.5 and 4.5 m/s. These wind speeds created some uncertainty regarding the choice of model and ballast. However, the participants’ enthusiasm and excitement remained consistently high all day long. People cheered when someone flew fast and sympathized when someone “crashed.” The pilots themselves took turns serving as helpers throughout the event. After five rounds and some calculations, the results were announced at the valley station in Geils. The first Swiss F3F Champion is Stefan Knechtle with his Wobbegong. Raphael Jeger flew the fastest time of the day with his “Fräulein Rottenmeier,” clocking in at just under 54 seconds. It was an extremely successful and fair competition, which we hope can be held again next year. Many thanks to Raphael Jeger and Ruedi Schaub, who organized the entire competition via the platform www.hangflug.ch.

*Yves Staub*