Funnel, BladeStop, or Overspeed

“Lower, lower!” Who hasn’t heard spectators cheering on a 3-D helicopter pilot at a model aircraft event, as he hovers just a few millimeters above the ground with his helicopter upside down? But before such flight maneuvers are possible, hard and time-consuming training is required. Outsiders are hardly aware of this—or simply can’t know it. Certainly, electronics and technology have provided a lot of assistance in recent years, but the model pilot still has to do the flying himself.

Since last year, we’ve had a young Swiss pilot who has been making a name for himself at the top of the international scene and turning heads with top results. His name is David Gerster from Wittenbach in the canton of St. Gallen. He is a member of the Amriswil Model Flying Club.

With the model helicopter boom in the early 2000s, people began experimenting with performing flight maneuvers—some of which were previously unimaginable. The scene was invigorated by the large influx of beginners, along with new equipment and specialized events

was given a real boost. After 2005, these national and international gatherings sprang up like mushrooms. The events, which took place almost weekly, continually introduced something new to the scene from the numerous manufacturers. With the

attitude stabilization systems newly introduced to the market—and thus the elimination of the auxiliary rotor surface (paddle)—there seemed to be almost no end to the impossible flight maneuvers. Most beginners at that time wanted to fly “3-D”; they emulated the role models of the day, and in some cases invested in equipment haphazardly. At gatherings, it was common to see model pilots or owners carrying numerous 3-D models from their cars to the airfield and back again in the evening, but no one ever actually saw them fly. Unfortunately, this led many people at the time to open a helicopter shop or even a flight school, and online retailers also entered the market.

But where have all the model pilots with their models—and the stores—gone? Online retail, with its aggressive pricing, is still active, but especially in the model helicopter sector, advice and assistance are very important for beginner

and advanced model pilots. Today, the specialty stores in Switzerland that have tailored their offerings to this segment can be counted on one hand. Unfortunately, the number of manufacturers of 3-D models and accessories has declined drastically, and relevant 3-D events in Switzerland are almost nonexistent.

Inspired and with the active support of his father, David Gerster, born in 2001, began flying model helicopters in 2013. His first helicopter was a Blade MCRX with a Spektrum transmitter, purchased as an RTF kit. After trying out every Blade helicopter available on the market—as well as spending countless hours on the simulator—he upgraded to a TREX 700E in 2014, marking his entry into 3D aerobatics with that model. After switching to a JR Forza 700 in 2015, David

During his apprenticeship as a maintenance mechanic from mid-2016 to the end of 2018, he took a break from flying.

After completing his apprenticeship, he suddenly had plenty of time again and remembered the hobby he had once enjoyed so much. However, his remaining models were replaced by an XLPower Specter 700, which featured the latest setups. As a result, David began an intensive training regimen that included up to 20 flights a day, and usually even more on weekends.

His progress did not go unnoticed even at smaller 3-D gatherings, leading to his acceptance into the MFW Flight Team at the Wicki Model Flying School in Nottwil in March 2019. As an importer of Egodrift brushless motors, company owner Raphael Wicki was able to introduce the motor manufacturer to David’s flying skills and potential. This led Egodrift to sign David as a team pilot in May 2019. In addition to his daily training, which he continued without fail, the end of 2019 brought his driver’s license exam and the switch to

a SAB Goblin Black Thunder.

After purchasing his own car in early 2020, David was able to do without his father’s long-standing and indispensable driving service. From then on, he was also able to attend additional events throughout Europe. In 2021, he was invited to join the team of servo manufacturer GDW—once again thanks to the tremendous support of the importer MFW-SHOP.ch.

2022 was set to be a huge year, marking his entry into the world’s elite. With significant help from Hugo Markes at modellsport.ch, David was accepted into the SAB pilot team in April 2022. Only the world’s best have a place on this team from the Italian manufacturer of 3-D helicopters, and he made it.

With an outstanding 8th place in July at the Global 3D in the Netherlands, a 2nd place at the 4th Styria Heliparty in Holzkirchen, Austria, and, to cap it off, a sensational 5th place at the Thailand Heli Blowout in December, he proved to his sponsors that they were right to bet on him. These results point to top-tier

Hoping for good results; David's goal is to finish in the top five at the Global 3D in the Netherlands.

But anyone who thinks David’s day is already full with his job and hobby is mistaken. As a sort of “hobby within a hobby,” he produces promotional videos and instructional videos on building models and accessories. For him, it’s a welcome and relaxing break from everyday life, as he puts it.

David is currently sponsored by the following companies: SAB Heli Division, Azure Power, ManiaX, GDW Servo, Hobbywing, Egodrift, OMP-Hobby, Modellflugschule Wicki (MFW-SHOP.ch) in Nottwil; Modellsport.ch in Pfäffikon.

Current equipment: Spektrum DX 9, SAB Goblin RAW 700, Egodrift Tengu 4530HT/550KV motor, Hobbywing ESC Platinum PRO 200A V 4.1 ESC HV, GDW G92 HV servo (swashplate), GDW G95 HV servo (tail), FBL system MSH Brain 2, main rotor blades Azure Power AZ 700 mm, tail rotor blades Azure Power AZ 105 mm, Li-Po battery ManiaX 12S 5200 mAh 80C.

As described in this report, it was the specialty retailer that certainly played a major role in supporting David,

to reach the top of the world. But since this isn’t unique to this particular case, it must also be true in other competitive categories of model aircraft building. Online retailers can offer products at lower prices by purchasing larger quantities or by bundling them with other products. Whether this is better for our hobby of model building in the long run, however, is open to question. The next time you make a purchase, please take a moment to reflect on the facts mentioned in this report. →

I wish David Gerster all the best for the future and hope to see him at the top of the rankings in as many national and international competitions as possible.

On April 8, 2023, one of the few 3-D competitions in Switzerland will take place at Loorholz near Leuggern, AG

. Anyone who wants to see David fly will certainly have the chance there. (See also the box on the right) ■

*Photos: David Gerster, Anton Laube*

April 8, 2023 (Easter Saturday), starting at 9:00 a.m.

On Easter Saturday, April 8, 2023, the top 3D pilots will gather at the Spring 3D Helicopter Meet in Loorholz near Leuggern AG. In addition to top pilots from Germany, France, Italy, and Austria, all major manufacturers and specialty stores will be on site with booths and their fly teams. The event is organized by MG Swipair and swiss-scale-helikopter.ch. Beginner pilots are just as welcome as professionals, and everyone will get a chance to fly.

• Large Exhibition Area
• A briefing will take place at 9:30 a.m. This is mandatory for all pilots.
• Spectators are warmly welcome.
• There is no entry fee.

Companies participating on-site:

• Heli-Professional (Soxos) with a booth and Fly Team
• miniature aircraft USA booth and fly team
• Mikado Helicopters booth and fly team
• swiss-scale-helikopter.ch
• Tronhelicopters booth and fly team
• Wicki Model Flying School – Booth and Fly Team

For more information, visit: www.loorholz-flugtage.ch