GAM2000 – Stabio

Stabio is located south of the Ticino River, near the border with Italy. In addition to the free trade zone and an industrial area, there is also a small airfield for model airplanes.

It isn’t large, it’s a bit off the beaten path, and it’s surrounded by trees. It’s like an oasis.

It’s the GAM2000 group’s airfield.

The well-maintained grass runway and the presence of a nice clubhouse for members—used in both summer and winter, with summer gatherings held under a gazebo—invite you to leave your daily routine behind for a few hours in good company.

The GAM2000 Mendrisiotto Model Aircraft Club was founded in 1979 by Gerardo Klay, Marcel Ansermin, Enrico Bianchi, and Giuliano Cinelli. Interest in recreational aviation and model aircraft building developed long before the GAM was founded. In fact, the first model aircraft built in Ticino date back to the late 1930s.

The gliders built between 1935 and 1950 were designed to be hand-launched from a slope or a hilltop. Only rarely were the models towed to altitude using a winch at 100, 200, or more meters (the risk of the model breaking under the strain of the tow was quite high).

Motorized models were also very rare, due to the high cost of the tiny diesel engines of that era. Over time and with advances in technology, model airplanes have evolved, becoming, in some cases, tools in the service of science. Many years have passed since the group was founded, but the enthusiasm that drives the model aircraft enthusiasts—who gather every weekend at the Stabio airfield to watch their creations soar through the air—has not waned.

The modelers’ excitement about testing a new airplane or helicopter and their dedication to training to improve their piloting skills remain as strong as ever.

The sense of freedom that comes from watching one’s own model aircraft soar through the air makes all the effort worthwhile and erases any moments of disappointment. The construction of model aircraft (both helicopters and airplanes) is done individually, making the most of free time at home. Thanks to the Stabio airfield, a true gathering place for model aircraft enthusiasts.

More experienced model aircraft enthusiasts guide beginners—through advice and by example—and help them overcome the challenges they face in building, tuning, and, later on, flying their models.

This is the story of GAM2000.

On behalf of the members, we’d like to thank our maintenance staff, and we’d also like to extend our heartfelt appreciation and thanks to our president, Egidio Maglio, who has kept the club on a steady course for years. Thank you! ■

Text:
GAM2000 History Archive,
Wolf Völler; Photos by Wolf Völler

Finally, summer 2016.

2016 Community Day.

Lunch is served.

Adjustment.

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A field trip by a group of schoolchildren, summer 2017.

A summer weekend.

... obbsss ...

A Meeting of Generations.

Winter flight.

The flight of the phoenix—its wings move just like the real thing.

Our president, Egidio Maglio.

International helicopter rally, held every August.