NOS Region – Organizations in Three Stops / Summer Fun for Teens at MG Uster

The Model Flying Club’s 2020 Summer Camp is over, and we have every reason to be satisfied: The course was able to take place each morning with 10 participants, including two junior members who had joined just a few weeks earlier. But there’s no denying that COVID-19 cast a shadow over the course—not only because of three cancellations (one due to a COVID-19 case in the family, and one involving a volunteer from a high-risk group) and three last-minute sign-ups. But we managed it, thanks to our safety protocol, disinfectant wipes for shared equipment, social distancing between instructors and students via wireless connection, and general caution.

The weather cooperated quite well—on the first day, we even had excellent thermals: After the orientation flight, the batteries were returned to the charging supervisor (the guarantor of fully charged flight batteries) with a charge level of 95–98%! The following three days had little thermal activity, but with virtually no wind, they were still excellent for learning—even if the charging supervisor did end up having a bit more work to do. The organization across the three stations (theory, simulator, flying) was once again well-coordinated and ensured optimal learning outcomes without any downtime. As in previous years, participants were given a compendium containing, among other things, the DMFV training materials and the NOS information sheet, and we were also able to spend time in a large, sponsored tent provided by the Lenzlinger company. This time, the tent even had opaque walls, which significantly improved visibility at the simulators. The course used the Multiplex EasyGlider 4, an electric glider suitable for beginners,

This time, the training was a complete success with no downtime. As in previous years, participants were given a compendium that included, among other things, the DMFV training materials and the NOS information sheet, and we were also able to use a large, sponsored tent provided by Lenzlinger. This time, the tent even had opaque walls, which significantly improved visibility at the simulators. The course used the Multiplex EasyGlider 4, an electric glider suitable for beginners,

After the MG Uster model airfield in Nänikon was ravaged by crows and the grass runway was nearly destroyed, ideas were needed, and a fair amount of work had to be done. The expert and labor-intensive complete renewal of the grass was already entrusted to a specialized landscaping company last year. This summer, the new runway was laid. Individual plastic panels, which fit together like a puzzle, were used for this purpose. Club members were responsible for laying these elements evenly, a task that proved extremely challenging. The results spoke for themselves. This year’s Sportflyers competition served as the big test, so to speak. The runway proved itself magnificently and can only be recommended for other airfields. The Cantonal Sports Association, as well as the region and the SMV, provided financial support for the entire project.

which has now proven itself in our training program for six years, as well as the Spektrum DX6 remote control, which allowed us to establish a wireless instructor-student connection. The model was fully assembled by the Uster Model Flying Club, provided with pre-programmed transmitters, and was “ready to fly”—meaning students learned to fly the model from day one. The EasyGlider not only looked cool (and was easy to distinguish thanks to its colored ailerons and elevators), but it was also a lot of fun (you can even do rolls, loops, and inverted flight with it) and is very sturdy. And if something does happen, it can be repaired “overnight”—though we didn’t have to put that to the test this time.

The participants learned how the model works, how to assemble and maintain it, how the remote control operates, and how to charge and maintain the batteries. After the four mornings, they were therefore able to launch, fly, and land the model safely on their own. The participants were supervised throughout the course by very experienced pilots and members of the Uster Model Flying Club, so they needed absolutely no prior experience with model flying—everything they needed to know was taught.

As mentioned, there were plenty of model flight simulators available for practice, so participants could “fly” even during breaks from actual flight. But the necessary theory sessions were not neglected either, resulting in a well-balanced mix.

To keep things interesting during the breaks, we had various demonstration flights by fellow club members:

• An F3A 3D show
• A helicopter show featuring a scale Alouette II (see photo)
• A demonstration of a Pilatus PC-6 by a participant from last year’s course!
• A high-speed drone demonstration that made it clear just how incredible reaction times are required for this
• An F5J demo by a glider pilot who showed participants where they can go after the Easy-Glider

The success is certainly evident in the following thank-you email:

“I’d like to extend my heartfelt thanks to you and your entire team for the wonderful model flying week my son was able to experience with you. He thoroughly enjoyed the four days. Everyone was so kind and patient. And everything was so well organized, planned, and prepared—simply fantastic.”

A few numbers:

• → 150 flights of about 13 minutes each over 4 mornings
• → 10 participants
• → 9 helpers: 4 flight instructors, 2 simulator supervisors (one of whom served as flight director at times), 1 loading supervisor, 1 site manager (including theory training), 1 “backup”
• → 3 off-field landings (including one in a tree...), no mid-air collisions
• → 0 total losses

We’d like to take this opportunity to once again thank the volunteers who took time off from their vacations for this event, as well as the sponsors, without whom we wouldn’t have been able to hold this summer fun event.