The Next Generation of GAM Sierre

It all began in 1982 with the creation of after-school classes. That’s right! For 25 years, André Rudaz—known as Dédé—has been introducing 15 to 20 young students (in groups of 6) each year to our passion. With 2 to 3 classes per week during the first quarter of the school year, they build a glider. The radio control system must be purchased separately, but we offer very favorable purchase terms. Introduction to dual-control flying takes place in the third quarter, with 1 to 4 sessions per week (depending on the number of students in each group of 4).

The construction takes place in a classroom converted into a workshop. Students learn all aspects of the construction process: cutting balsa wood pieces using 5-mm-thick aluminum templates (three sets of templates), assembling the model by gluing the pieces together, sanding, and finishing. The ribs are cut in the workshop on a workbench using a small band saw.

The chosen model is a two-axis glider with a “JEDELS-KI” airfoil profile named RUD.

For the construction, aside from some preparatory work done in Dédé’s workshop—namely, cutting the ribs—students should expect to spend about 20 to 25 hours on the project, or ten weeks at a rate of 2 to 2.5 hours per class.

For flight training, Dédé uses a standard 3-axis trainer equipped with a 4-stroke engine.

During these classes, participants take turns flying with dual controls (in groups of up to four students over a ten-week period).

Each flight lasts about 12 minutes. Depending on conditions and the number of participants, each student completes several flights. After each flight, the students discuss their experiences and compare their progress.

The results of these classes have been very positive, both for our hobby and for our club. We currently have about ten young people—full-fledged active members—who have gone through Dédé’s program.

*Text: Sacha Bregy
Photo: André Rudaz*