Slope Model Flying at MG Wettingen

(Start from the launch tower): Time: 25 sec, distance: 150 m. Unfortunately, the war years prevented the further development of this precursor to today’s RC gliders, so it remained just the “historic event” described here.

The view stretches out...

The view stretches far across the densely packed rooftops of the Jura village with its vineyard—where, in good years, a smooth local wine matures—all the way to the peaks of the Black Forest. Up here, from October through April, the members of the MG Wettingen meet to indulge in their beloved hobby. They’re all passionate about it—neither snow nor frost can keep them from it.

Today, the MG Wettingen has over 40 members, about 25 of whom are active RC pilots. As early as 1940, a few enterprising club members (then still known as MG Baden), defying all odds, caused a sensation at the National Competition with a radio-controlled glider model. As a curiosity, the flight performances achieved at that time are worth mentioning (Hand-

In the following, I’d like to share some information about our models and our flying activities. With its beautiful flight profile and excellent performance in both moderate and strong winds, the “Windspiel” has won over many fans here and has essentially replaced the “Cirrus” as our standard model. We still recommend the tried-and-true “Amigo” or the particularly easy-to-build “Digistar” for beginners. However, members also frequently build and fly their own designs. An example of this will be described in more detail below.

Now, regarding flight operations: Since virtually all available transmission frequencies here are occupied by two or even three users, mutual consideration and discipline are essential for smooth flight operations, as up to 10 models are often in the air simultaneously under favorable conditions. Pilots stand as close to one another as possible, as this minimizes the risk of interference on adjacent frequencies. During takeoff, “low-altitude flybys,” and landing, special care must be taken to ensure that one’s own model does not fly too close to another pilot’s transmitter. Even seasoned pilots often forget this and are surprised when their system experiences an unexplained glitch. Beginners should always have an experienced pilot on hand to provide guidance. In tricky situations and during difficult landings, the mentor can quickly take over the transmitter. This, however, requires that the control sticks within the group be connected in the same way.

Even though hang gliding doesn’t produce enough engine noise to disturb anyone seeking peace and quiet, I would still like to point out one issue that cannot be emphasized enough. I’m referring to the flying site. If a group has found a site that it would like to use regularly for years to come, the first priority is to establish and maintain a good relationship with landowners and tenants. Respect for their legitimate interests begins with parking the vehicles and does not end until the group leaves the site in the evening. Many beautiful slope-flying sites are also likely to be usable during the winter months. Within model flying clubs, enforcing written or unwritten site rules is relatively straightforward, but difficulties can arise with unsympathetic spectators or “unauthorized” model flyers. It is up to organized model flyers to strike the right tone in such situations. Rolf Girsberger