COUPE DES ALPES – OBSERVE AND LEARN

I spent Friday doing three practice flights at the Flaachtal Model Flying Club’s airfield. Fortunately, the runway is located near the edge of a forest, so I was able to escape the intense heat and analyze the other pilots’ flights from the shade.

With Lassi Nurila from Finland, there was even a former world and European champion competing. By closely observing his flights, I was able to learn a tremendous amount. But there’s also a lot to learn from the other participants from Germany, Italy, Norway, France, and Switzerland. After all, as a junior, a lot of things about the competition are still new to me.

But there was more to see than just what was happening in the air. We set out early on Saturday. On the one hand, we wanted to have enough time to prepare; on the other hand, this ensured we’d get a good parking spot. We still weren’t the first ones there, though: Competition Director Emil Giezendanner was already hard at work, getting everything ready.

My two flights in the P-27 program went very well on Saturday, even though the wind made for challenging conditions. On the way back from dinner, we snapped a few photos as mementos of this fantastic weekend.

Sunday was much the same: Emil was once again the first one on the field. Although he could take it easier at his age, you can just tell how much the Coupe des Alpes means to him. That day, I flew another round of the P-27 program, which was enough to secure an excellent 5th place. Since the top six pilots advance to the finals, I was then able to complete two more flights in the challenging F-27 program, which also went well for me. I’m more than satisfied with my 5th-place finish. I’ll proudly show the certificate and the beautiful trophy to my grandfather at home—he’ll definitely be thrilled.

A big thank you goes to This Bosshard, one of my coaches, who has generously supported me. He actively promotes aerobatics and encourages young talent to get involved in the F3A scene—just as he did with me. When I see how close my junior colleagues are to moving up to this category, it makes me very optimistic about the future of the Swiss F3A aerobatics scene.

However, you shouldn’t underestimate the amount of training required. It helps enormously to train with friends or in a group. In Sandro Veronelli from the neighboring club MG Reichenburg, I’ve found an ideal training partner with whom I get along great. We push each other: Whether we’re training at his place or here at MG Buttikon, we always benefit from each other. Anyone who wants to succeed in aerobatics needs iron willpower. Besides, my training as a polymechanic remains my top priority.

This weekend, I also got to experience the outstanding organization of the MFG Flaachtal. Maybe one day I’ll even be part of the organizing committee for an event like this—every bit of experience I gain will help. Many thanks to the MFG Flaachtal for their tremendous effort and this thoroughly successful weekend!