Tradition and Progress Combined

It has been 75 years since a group of model aircraft enthusiasts from Bern and the surrounding area came together to pursue their hobby. This club, the Bern Model Aircraft Group, founded in 1935, still exists today and is thriving in its anniversary year. With nearly 200 members, it is one of the largest model aircraft groups in Switzerland.

At the time the club was founded, model airplanes were built from plywood—their parts were cut out with a jigsaw in hours of painstaking work. Remote controls were still unknown. Over the past 75 years, model aviation has developed rapidly. Today, there are various specialized

disciplines, all of which are represented at MG Bern and are described in more detail on the following pages.

MG Bern provides its members with excellent facilities, including separate flying fields for powered flight, gliding, and helicopters. However, the focus remains on fostering camaraderie, mutual support, and the shared joy of engaging in a meaningful leisure activity.

Joining MG Bern automatically grants membership in the regional association and in the Swiss Model Flying Association (SMV) of the Aero-Club of Switzerland (AeCS). Membership in the SMV is a prerequisite for participating in national and international

competitions.

For some members of MG Bern, competing against one another in contests is a particularly exciting challenge of model aviation. Attending competitions together has led not only to numerous

athletic successes, has also led to unforgettable experiences.

*Andreas Tschanz in collaboration with fellow members*

*More photos on the next spread* →