Model Aircraft Flying: A Passion and a Calling

Reto Schilliger and René Müller have been actively and passionately involved in model aviation for years. In the following interview, they discuss their motivation, provide insight into their work, and reflect on the present and future of model aviation in general.

How do you assess the current state of model aviation in Switzerland—both from a broader perspective and from your personal point of view?

Reto Schilliger: Anyone who views model aviation primarily as a stepping stone to full-scale aviation or as a “minor alternative” for those who can’t make it into a cockpit isn’t doing the hobby justice. I view model building and flying as a fundamentally independent leisure activity—one that is technically and in terms of fine motor skills very demanding, as well as educationally valuable—and which the majority of people pursue primarily for relaxation. Today, model flying competes with a growing variety of interesting leisure activities. To attract new members, the activities on offer must better meet today’s expectations. “Fun” is the name of the game—and it has to be “spontaneous” and “super easy”! The indoor scene sets the example in many ways.

René Müller: Model aviation has seen tremendous technical progress in recent years. Whereas years ago we were still labeled as “noise makers,” today we can fly very quiet yet powerful motorized models that have a far lower environmental impact than just a few years ago. In terms of distance—

New materials are now available that make it possible to operate particularly simple and inexpensive models. This allows even people who aren’t very skilled with their hands—or who simply enjoy flying a model but don’t want to spend hours in their hobby room building one—to participate in our hobby. For young people, it’s possible to pursue this hobby without significant expense and to indulge in a meaningful and endlessly fascinating leisure activity from a young age.

What is your personal motivation for getting involved in model flying as a member of the SMV board?

Reto Schilliger: I’ve always been drawn to making a difference in the field of communication. That’s why I completed a postgraduate course in corporate communications a few years ago. The great thing about the SMV is that while my professional role—which is primarily conceptual and managerial—means I have less to do with creative implementation, I can occasionally apply my skills in this area within the SMV as well.

René Müller: It’s important to me to increase public acceptance of model flying and to secure its future in Switzerland, so that anyone who wants to pursue this hobby can do so.

Question: In your opinion, what are the benefits of actively participating in the SMV, and what skills should someone interested in doing so have?

Reto Schilliger: First and foremost, I’d like to mention the opportunity to advocate for your hobby and for over 7,000 fellow members. Combined with a deeper understanding of all aspects of model flying and the many connections that result from it, this is enriching in and of itself. In an official capacity, you can also

Reto Schilliger was born in 1960 to a Swissair pilot and a Swissair flight attendant, and caught the “aviation bug” at a very early age. Schilliger completed his preliminary flight training and flew privately at Birrfeld for about two decades. He also developed an interest in model aircraft at an early age. In 1978, he joined the MG Wehntal. Today, he mainly flies large gliders and powered models, and has recently started flying jets as well. Since 2001, Reto Schilliger has served as a member of the SMV board, where he is responsible for internal and external communications. For about twenty years, Schilliger has focused his work on the fields of multimedia and e-learning.

In addition, I gained insights that are of immeasurable value in my professional life: In my case, the experience I gained in dealing with federalist structures and a wide variety of interest groups has informed my consulting work and countless projects for the federal government and national and international organizations and companies. Incidentally, the skills I acquired in the SMV are also part of my resume in the form of a letter of recommendation.

René Müller: I don’t think you need any special talent. The most important thing is a love of model flying in general and, within that context, making a difference to ensure the continued existence of our hobby. But you also have to be aware that such a position takes up some of your free time.

Reto Schilliger: Something that can’t be emphasized enough: No prior experience at any other level is required to serve on the SMV Executive Board. People coming from other fields are expressly welcome, as their fresh perspective—unburdened by preconceptions—encourages us to think about things that otherwise would never be questioned.

Question: What particular highlight from your term in office stands out most in your memory?

Reto Schilliger: There are numerous things worth mentioning. One particular highlight was the SMV logo, which we created largely on our own. The stationery and informational materials based on that logo—all the way to the SMV flag for international events, the patches for national teams, and the achievement badges—still fill me with a sense of pride. It’s just like the feeling a model builder gets when a new model they’ve built themselves takes to the runway for the first time.

René Müller: I have fond memories of the international championships held in our country, in which I was able to actively participate. This gave me the opportunity to learn about model aviation beyond our national borders and to come into contact with other cultures.

René Müller, 54, has been an active model aircraft pilot (fixed-wing models, gliders, powered aircraft) since 1990. After several years as a board member of a model aircraft club, he assumed the position of Regional President of RMV 3 Central Switzerland in January 2003. Since the restructuring of the SMV, he has also held the position of “Head of Regional Affairs.” This role involves coordinating the activities of the seven regional model aviation associations. René Müller is self-employed in the field of professional audio and video technology.