Relay Race

Wonderful fall weather greeted the five relay teams on September 21 for their competition in Riggisberg. Yes, it’s called a competition and not a relay meet—our president, Stefan Guillebau, made a point of emphasizing that. That said, it really is a laid-back event and should remain so. The figure catalog allows for a great deal of creativity, and there are virtually no limits to the imagination. This makes it all the more difficult for judges to evaluate the performances, whether on the ground or in the air. Nevertheless, formation flying isn’t quite as simple as it seems—anyone can try it out for themselves at their club sometime—

Give it a try. The largest squadron was the MG Kulm, a lively group flying yellow biplanes. When they’re in the air, things really get going—they gave it their all to the right music, complete with smoke and fireworks. The team from Worb also put on a clean show—they had their Avanti jets under perfect control. The local PC-21 squadron—always a feast for the eyes. Switzerland’s highest-flying model pilot, Adi Eggenberger, didn’t miss the chance to fly alongside his squadron mates from Stetten. I think it’s important—

It’s impressive, and it’s certainly not a given that an official like that would take the time to be out there with the rank and file—and he even had time for a chat—but that’s exactly how we know Adi. The mixed jet formation, featuring Venoms, Tigers, and Mirages, was a bit chaotic in flight. To wrap things up, there was the obligatory monster formation—no record this year, with only 24 aircraft in the air together... Even if it sounds like a cliché, the food was once again outstanding, thanks to our wives.

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