Elbis Model Airfield

The Auenstein Model Aircraft Club (MFGAU) was founded in 1961. Today, the MFGAU is one of 180 model aircraft clubs in the Swiss Model Aircraft Association (SMV). The Auenstein Model Aircraft Club currently has about 70 members ranging in age from 13 to 89. Since 1980, members have had access to an airfield in the “Elbis” area for fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters to pursue their hobby.

We have always been aware that we are not the only ones who enjoy our hobby in the Elbis area. It is a wonderful local recreational area and extremely popular with hikers, horseback riders, and other sports enthusiasts. It has always been important to us to pursue our hobby considerately and in a spirit of mutual respect. This applies not only to people but also to animals and nature. We take our responsibility seriously. That is also why we are organized as a club and as part of the Swiss Model Flying Association, and have had corresponding airfield regulations in place since 1980, in which we impose restrictions on ourselves, such as limited flight times. We deliberately do not permit flying with kerosene-powered turbines due to their often greater range and the associated noise emissions. In recent years, the hobby of model flying has also become significantly lower in emissions overall thanks to major technical advances and the almost exclusive use of electric motors.

In 1997, after 17 years, the airfield was rotated by approximately 90° for safety reasons, as the highway toward Basel had opened a year earlier. The airfield remained at this location until 2016. In 2017, the long-standing airfield of the Auenstein Model Flying Club fell victim to the temporary storage site for excavated material from the new Bözberg Tunnel. Thanks to the support of the landowner and the tenant, we were able to establish a new airfield within the same perimeter, a little closer to the village. In August 2020, we had to relocate our “new” model airfield due to rapidly advancing gravel extraction at the adjacent gravel pit. Once again, thanks to the support of the landowner and the tenant, we were able to establish another airfield in the immediate vicinity. Unfortunately, this location quickly led to various complaints. Furthermore, as we now know, the site was very poorly situated within an important wildlife corridor. The Canton of Aargau issued an immediate ban on its use. In addition, we were required to submit a building permit application to the municipality for a potential new location. We immediately reached out to the responsible officials at the SMV and RMV, and initial discussions took place. The most difficult relocation effort to date began. Together with

The canton, municipality, landowners, and tenants were all consulted in the search for a suitable site for a future model airfield. Considering the many different restrictions, protected areas, the corridors that apply, and, not least, the needs of a model aircraft club, it is not easy to reconcile all these factors. Ultimately, there were only two possible locations between Auenstein and Schinznach. Since we have always had a very good relationship with the landowner in the Elbis area as well as the tenant, it was our wish to keep the airfield there if at all possible. However, that location lies somewhat lower on land that has already been quarried and is currently still surrounded by high gravel walls. Flight operations are not yet possible there. That is why we sought an interim solution. Together with representatives of the SMV, the landowner, the municipality, and the canton, we assessed the situation on site and found a possible interim solution.

It was a momentous occasion when we submitted our ten-page building permit application to the municipality of Schinznach-Dorf. Unfortunately, our fears were confirmed, and four objections were received by the deadline. Two private individuals, as well as the Schenkenberg Hunting Association and BirdLife Aargau, filed objections. This was followed by various discussions and, in some cases, on-site inspections—always with the support of representatives from the SMV and the landowner. Amicable solutions were reached with both organizations. We have agreed to create and maintain several wildlife connectivity features in the immediate vicinity of the airfield for the benefit of nature and its inhabitants. Our airfield is located on the edge of a wildlife corridor. As mentioned at the outset, we do not wish to harm nature, but rather to pursue our hobby with due consideration.

The airfield is now back at its original location, where it was operated from 1980 and from 1997 through 2016 without any incidents. Since the site is located on the edge of—but still within—the wildlife corridor, only a temporary permit valid for the next five years could be issued. The previously mentioned permanent location outside the wildlife corridor will not be available for occupancy for at least five to ten years, depending on the progress of gravel extraction. We are glad that we now have an airfield and already have the prospect of a permanent solution when the time comes.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone involved for their consistently invaluable support. We would especially like to highlight the support provided by Adi Eggenberger (SMV), Martin Bolliger (RMV), and Ruedi Amsler (Samuel Amsler AG). We couldn’t have done it without you!

Auenstein
Model Aircraft Club André Hostettler