10th Free Flight Seminar in Aarau

This year, Fako F1 made an effort to shift from the previous style of seminars—which tended to be theory-heavy—to topics that were more practice-oriented and relevant to current issues.

Once again, a sizeable number of “hardcore” free-flight enthusiasts gathered in the auditorium of the Aarau barracks. Although the seminar was also open to model aircraft enthusiasts from other disciplines, there were none in attendance. It’s actually a shame, since some of them could have learned a thing or two from the modern lightweight construction methods used in free flight. The conference opened with a brief overview by FaKo F1 President Christoph Bachmann regarding the organization’s activities and the SMV:

• Dieter Siebenmann is the new F1 representative to the FAI/CIAM.
• No rule changes for 2008
• F1A competitors flying with “open heels” at the Swiss Championships will be scored separately.
• Recognition of the successful free-flight pilots of 2007
• The F1 Technical Committee has developed a modern free-flight model

which it is happy to make available to newcomers to competition.

• The SMV will have a new sports director in 2008 in the person of Peter Germann.

After the basic principles of promoting young talent within the SMV—and specifically in free flight—were presented and set in motion at last year’s seminar, several of the ideas proposed at that time have since been launched and implemented.

A flyer designed specifically for school shop classes has been created and is available in large quantities. It will be mailed to all model aircraft clubs in the near future, along with a cover letter. The intention is for the clubs to forward these to schools in their local areas. This would also establish direct contact between local model aircraft enthusiasts and the schools. The relevant teachers’ organizations (e.g., technology teachers), cantonal authorities, and educational material suppliers are also being involved in this initiative. Through all these bodies, teachers will be provided with suitable materials, including methodological and didactic supporting documents tailored to the needs of both students and teachers.

In my opinion, this is a promising approach, but one that depends largely on the commitment of model aircraft clubs, since ongoing support for motivated students is essential if the entire initiative is not to fizzle out.

Starting in 2008, a Junior Swiss Championship in free flight is to be announced.

I believe this championship should also be open to “non-SMV members,” such as enthusiastic students who have built their models in shop class. There should also be no restrictions on the models used—regulations or not. What’s important at this stage is to help young people discover the joy of the sport and not to put obstacles in their way out of a misguided sense of formalism!

The SMV’s newly created achievement badges and the accompanying rules are now also available for free flight. Details about this initiative will be published shortly in all SMV publications.

Walter Eggimann, a member of FaKo F1, advocates for the idea of a model pool for newcomers.

It’s a well-known fact that there are a large number of free-flight models “sleeping” unused in basements or attics. Walter Eggimann has his sights set on these models. He believes that these models should be brought back to life and made available primarily to newcomers (young and old).

Anyone who has such free-flight models “lying around” at home and

If you have any you’d like to part with, please contact Eggimann. We’re looking for all types of F1 models, including vintage models such as the Kö-C, Passat, etc., as well as more modern ones.

Contact information: Walter Eggimann, Seftigenstrasse 125, 3123 Belp, Tel. 031 819 17 84, Email: walter.eggimann@belponline.ch.

The afternoon was packed with a variety of practical topics related to free flight:

Christoph Bachmann, Martin Greub, and Christian Gugger

demonstrated the various electronic control systems for F1A models in rotating working groups. These control systems allow for the preprogramming of every conceivable function, though no further adjustments may be made during flight.

Using simple tools, Christian Gugger demonstrated how to configure the basic settings on a new model. This allows engraving-related

with potentially devastating consequences.

Gottfried Bachmann addressed the familiar question: How do I find my model again?

Thanks to the latest technology, such as locators and GPS, finding models has become much easier today.

There are a variety of stringing options, ranging from the old-

From the familiar covering paper over polyester fabric, Milar, and other films, all the way to thin kite films. Each of these types of covering has its own particular challenges. The two experienced free-flight pilots, Kurt Sager and Christian Gugger, demonstrated how to handle them professionally.

Dieter Siebenmann is the undisputed expert on lightweight construction. He is also very actively involved in Bertrand Piccard’s well-known “Solar Impulse” project. Using various examples, he showed us that not all balsa wood is the same and explained the different uses for various types of wood. Thicker wood doesn’t necessarily mean greater strength; what’s much more important is which type of wood you use, how you use it, and where.

It was a highly interesting day in Aarau, which will hopefully attract even more interested participants next year.

Text: Heiner Borer Photos
: Jörg Strub