fit for f3c?

To ensure the pilots were optimally prepared for the second season, another training seminar was held on April 29, 2006. The morning’s theoretical session ended with an interesting discussion and showed that the pilots had spent the winter thoroughly studying the new F3C regulations. The pilots made full use of the afternoon for training flights and fine-tuning their models. So everyone was eager to see how many pilots would be competing in the Cup this year.

“Have you ever flown in strong winds?” That was the central question at the first round of the Swiss Cup F3C on May 20, 2006, at the MG Wangen airfield. For many of the 20 pilots in total, it was likely a new experience to fly competitively in wind speeds that at times exceeded 12 m/s. Hats off to all the pilots who didn’t pack their gear back into their cars. Unfortunately, weather conditions did not allow for a second round, so the competition ended with a group lunch.

On June 25, 2006, 17 pilots gathered for the second round in Aigle. This competition was held in conjunction with the Swiss F3C Championship at the beautifully situated MG Aigle Bex airfield. The

Flying with a view of the Alps and the relaxed, friendly atmosphere of Western Switzerland helped make the competition feel more like a friendly gathering than a fierce contest. Once again, the pilots had to battle through very windy and changeable weather. Nevertheless, two rounds were completed by Saturday evening.

The third round took place on September 30, 2006, in Pfäffikon, Zurich. As they traveled there in pouring rain, every pilot surely wondered whether, after flying in windy conditions in Wangen and Aigle, they would now have to fly in the rain in Pfäffikon. But it cleared up even before the briefing, and so the 20 pilots were able to complete their two rounds in sunny weather.

During the breaks, Lukas Riva impressively demonstrated that, in addition to F3C, he also loves to fly extremely spectacular 3D maneuvers. The beautiful, warm fall day ended with the announcement of the results and the presentation of the trophies and certificates donated by the sponsors.

Compared to the first year, the number of participating pilots has nearly doubled. It is clear that the demand for such entry-level competitions is growing, and participant numbers are rising. Thanks to this trend, it will once again become more appealing for clubs to host an F3C competition in the future.

Looking at the individual races, it’s clear that the pilots’ performance has improved significantly compared to last year

This is particularly evident in the precision and greater harmony of the flight patterns performed. This observation is especially gratifying and makes all the hard work put in by both the organizers and the participants worthwhile.

Encouraged by the success of the second year, the Swiss Cup F3C will be held again next year, and we will continue to pursue the goals we have set. Based on the insights we’ve gained, we will make minor adjustments to the format to avoid the discussions that came up quite often this year.

Once again, a practical training seminar will be organized, and three competitions will be held. We are once again looking for interested clubs to host these events. Here’s a side note on this topic: Although many clubs would like to

For those who would like to host a competition but are hesitant to take on the organizational burden, the Swiss Cup F3C team will be offering the “All-Inclusive Package” starting next year. The club will simply provide the venue and arrange for catering; everything else will be taken care of. More details about this package will be published on our website shortly. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who supported us for the second year in a row and made the successful staging of the Cup possible. Our special thanks go in particular to

the sponsors and the Swiss Model Flying Association. We also thank all the organizers, judges, other volunteers, and, of course, the participating pilots for their support. We’re already looking forward to Year 3 of the Swiss Cup F3C and wish

all pilots a wonderful end to the flying season and, already now, a good start to the 2007 competition season under the motto “fit for f3c?”. As always, further details can be found at www.f3c.ch

Armin Heini