5th International Scale Helicopter Contest in Interlaken

On the weekend of September 13 and 14, 2008, the 5th International Scale Helicopter Contest took place in Interlaken for the third consecutive year. In addition, the title of 15th Swiss Scale Helicopter Champion was awarded. Pilots from two countries competed in this year’s competition.

Once again, the 5th International Scale Helicopter Contest and the 15th Swiss Championship were held in Interlaken at the former military airfield. Interlaken once again stepped in at short notice because the airfield in Emmen was unavailable due to the European Soccer Championship (which served as the base for airspace surveillance) and the evaluation of new fighter jets. This year, as in previous years, competitions were held in all three categories: helicopter, F4C (fixed-wing), and jet models. The starting grid for the helicopter category was set up at a 90° angle to the main runway, just as it was last year. Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate at all this year. The rain fell quite heavily throughout both days. However, the weather gods took pity on us and granted us a “window of opportunity” late Saturday afternoon, during which we were just able to fly one round. Fortunately, the pilots and volunteers had two large hangars at their disposal, which offered enough space for the model display, the build evaluation, and the refreshment area. The build evaluation could thus be completed in all three categories without being affected by the weather. The field of participants consisted of 10 pilots, including our Czech colleagues Zikmund, Rut, and Kupilík. Under the critical eyes of the three judges—Markus Leupi, Freddy Eiddenberg, and Louis Erpen—points for both construction and flight performance were awarded. The final standings roughly reflect the current state and level of build quality as well as the flying skills of the individual pilots. This was also evident in the fact that we had no crashes to report—which would be particularly painful with such elaborate models. Several new models were on display. One was Roland Kaufmann’s Ecureuil AS350 B3, with a rotor diameter of 2.2 meters. It is powered by a Jakadofsky Limited turbine. Then there was the Swiss Air Force Super Puma by Michael Tschiemer, powered by a Zenoha ZG-23 internal combustion engine. Not to be forgotten were the two REGA EC145s, each powered by a Jet-Cat PHT-3 turbine.

Hugo Markes, a two-time Swiss champion, won the Haddrick and took home both the winner’s trophy and the challenge cup. As expected, Roland Kaufmann came in second. For the first time ever, Jürg Hess made it onto the podium. Heartfelt congratulations to the three winners. The sixth edition of the International Scale Helicopter Contest 2009 will also take place in Alpnach at the former military airfield. The exact date has not yet been set, but will be announced by the end of March 2009 at the latest. In addition, a scale flight training session will once again take place in Marbach in the Rhine Valley in the spring of 2009. This date has not yet been set either. Up-to-date information is available at:
www.swiss-scale-helikopters.com

Eric Ribak (FAKO F4)