Vacation Pass at the Schwyz–Uri Model Aircraft Club

The event was aimed at children and teens in grades 6 through 9. Due to the complexity involved in this exciting hobby, participation was limited to those with available spots. As a result, ten interested “Ferienpass” kids were treated to an eventful afternoon. After a brief introduction, during which Stefan Gamma, president of MG Schwyz–Uri, and his assistants introduced themselves, the exciting afternoon program got off to a fast start. To start, several experienced model airplane pilots demonstrated the various disciplines of model aviation during an air show. This allowed the participants to learn right away about the technology behind everything from helicopters to fixed-wing models and even impeller jets.

Three groups were then formed. At the first station, the theory and history of aviation were explained. This information was conveyed to the interested audience using models and simple explanations.

At the second station, participants had to get hands-on. Each participant was able to gain experience by building a small balsa wood glider. The free-flight model, which was partially pre-assembled, was completed in just under half an hour. After a brief practice session, which was used to fine-tune the

model, there was an exciting competition to determine which flight went the farthest.

Third, participants practiced coordinating their controls using a PC simulator equipped with state-of-the-art technology. Thanks to this technology, beginners can learn to fly a model in a nearly realistic way. After a few attempts—and, accordingly, a few crashes—they were ready to tackle the fourth and final station.

Now it was do-or-die. Would just three hours of theory

and hands-on practice to keep a model airplane in the air on his own? Thanks to the “instructor-student” setup, we were able to get to the bottom of this question as well. In this setup, the “instructor” has a controller that’s connected to the “student” via a cable. This gives the student the chance to get used to flying a model airplane. If things get dicey, the “teacher” simply takes control with the flip of a switch and rescues the model from the tricky situation, then hands control back to the “student.” And sure enough, the young model airplane pilots

They handled their maiden flight remarkably well, leaving some club members in awe. After a brief wrap-up briefing and the announcement of the competition results, an eventful day came to a close for the children and volunteers.

Photos and further information are available on our website at www.modellflug-schwyz-uri.ch.

On behalf of the Schwyz–Uri
Model Flying Club, Armin Schuler – Information and Website