Tethered flight after 45 years

I visited the Schwalbennest Tethered Flight Center run by the Breitenbach Military Unit with the veterans and had the opportunity to rediscover tethered flight with flight instructor Hugo.

So, after 45 years, I had a lot of fun flying a tethered glider again. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank Hugo once again! Ideas and a rough sketch began to take shape even on the way home. I then found various documents and even a fuel tank (sheet metal, soldered) in my father’s estate. It soon became clear what my new tethered glider might look like. With various helpful tips from Peter Germann, the airframe took shape.

The leading edge of the wing is covered with 1.5 mm balsa. I covered the model with vinyl film. The engine and fuel tank compartments were coated with epoxy to protect them from oil. Given the target weight of approximately 1,400 g, my first OS 4-stroke engine (6.5 cm^³) is sufficient. Obviously—

The nose turned out a bit long, so I had to stow about 40 g of lead under the elevator (or maybe the lightweight tail unit wasn’t necessary after all!).

The maiden flight was exciting and a big surprise. The Miles flies great—it’s stable and responds beautifully. Just the way I imagined my tethered flight trainer would be. The first aerobatic maneuvers were a success, too. I’m thrilled!

*Hansruedi Zeller, Thal*