46. GV at the Schwyz-Uri Model Aircraft Club

Last Saturday, January 27, 2007, the Schwyz-Uri Model Aircraft Club held a well-attended general meeting at the Sonnenberg Restaurant in Schwyz. After a turbulent 2005, the club was able to focus all its efforts on laying the groundwork during the 2006 club year. The existing structures were consolidated, allowing the club to pursue new goals as early as this year.

President Stefan Gamma reviewed several club-internal competitions, recreational and friendly flying events, as well as multi-day excursions. The board of directors remains unchanged from last year. The fact that the efforts and activities of the board and many members are paying off is evident not least in the fact that membership has been maintained at around 60.

Founded in 1961 by a group of students from the Schwyz College with the aim of promoting model aircraft flying in the region, the club is now in its 46th year. The approximately 60 members—half of whom come from the Uri region and half from the Schwyz valley basin—primarily engage in slope gliding. Our pre-Alpine topography is ideal for extended flights in slope lift or thermal columns. However, some members also fly powered aircraft. Thanks to our participation in national and international events, helicopter flying can be considered one of our strengths. We’re not standing still—we’re keeping up with the times, and the number of electric aircraft is on the rise. This type of flying produces no emissions and can still be enjoyed regardless of wind conditions, airfields, or the availability of helpers.

For more information, visit our website:
www.modellflug-schwyz-uri.ch

In recent years, many retail stores have jumped on the “model aircraft” boom. Often, the sale of such remote-controlled models is not these stores’ core business. Rather, these “cheap models” are included in their product lineup as a way to generate additional revenue. The level of expertise—and consequently the advice offered to beginners—is often less than satisfactory. This usually leads to a predictable crash, which ends the hobby on a frustrating note. To prevent this, model airplane enthusiasts organize themselves to work together to overcome initial challenges and help one another. Many have tried going it alone and have had to learn the hard way—at great expense.

Various safety precautions when handling remote-controlled models must be strictly observed, as this hobby also involves a number of dangers.

In Switzerland, strict regulations govern the operation of model airplanes and their radio control systems.

Building and flying proper model airplanes requires a great deal of experience. Flying cannot be learned overnight.

For the second time, model aircraft flying was featured in the Canton of Uri’s Student Vacation Pass program. Interest among young and old alike appears to be high. For this reason, the model aircraft club now owns a trainer aircraft on which students can gain their first flying experience under the guidance of an instructor.

As in most model aviation clubs in Switzerland, the current situation regarding airfields is a major topic of discussion. The Schwyz-Uri Model Aviation Group has been a “subtenant” of the Einsiedeln Model Aviation Group for years; the latter has its airfield on the

Altmatt. All members of the MG SZ-UR have unrestricted access to this field. In the Schwyz area, we have a very nice slope-soaring site at our disposal. Alternatives were found last year for helicopters and electric aircraft.

The goal of providing every member, regardless of their model flying discipline, with suitable facilities has thus been largely achieved.

Another milestone this year will be the hosting of the regional RCS-Hang (Radio Control Gliding) competition. Glider pilots and enthusiastic spectators from Region 3 (Central Switzerland) as well as from beyond the region are cordially invited to this competition. Preparations for this event are currently underway. Further information is available on the website of the Swiss Model Aviation Association (www.modellflug.ch).

Information from MG SZ-UR,
Armin Schuler

If you're also interested in this fascinating hobby, check out our website
at www.modellflug-schwyz-uri.ch

or send an email to:
info@modellflug-schwyz-uri.ch