First Swiss Championship in the FAI F3L Category

Before the flights, however, there was some work to be done. Thanks to an initiative by Niklaus Huggler at the 2022 general meeting, the Signau Model Flying Club decided to host this first F3L Swiss Championship at its model airfield. In the run-up to the event, the neighboring landowners were contacted because, according to FAI regulations, the space required was larger than what our small airfield could accommodate. We are very grateful to the farmers for their cooperation. A catering team organized the food, and a whole host of volunteers were on hand the day before the championship to set up and then on the day of the event itself. The competition area was surveyed, the launch line for ten lanes was marked out, and the anchors for the high-launch ropes were set. A public address system was installed so that the 100-meter-long launch line could be covered with announcements from the competition organizers and flight times.

Shortly before the start, all rubber lines were calibrated to the same tension using a tension gauge and secured to ensure that every competitor had as equal conditions as possible. The start was given on command, and nine models soared into the sky almost simultaneously.

Each participant is entitled to at least four official preliminary round flights. The score for each round is based on flight time and landing points. Within the 9-minute time limit, a flight time of 6 minutes is required. For longer flight times, points are deducted per second. Participants may launch multiple times, but only the last flight within the time limit counts. Landing points are awarded on a sliding scale: from 100 points within a radius of 0.2 meters to 0 points for a distance greater than 15 meters.

But let’s not forget the most important thing: the model itself! We fly unpowered, radio-controlled thermal gliders of the RES/F3L class. Built entirely of wood except for the tail boom, these thermal gliders are flown using only the ailerons, elevator, and air brakes, and are deliberately kept as minimalist as possible. Thanks to its construction and equipment, the F3L class offers an affordable entry point into the world of RC competitions, where anyone with average skills can achieve success. Launches are performed using a rubber bungee launch and a launch line. Variometers and any form of telemetry are not permitted. This category thrives on minimalism and good judgment and is designed to appeal to young model builders and inspire them to take up the sport.

So this Sunday, amid unspeakably high temperatures, the competition was on for points and, ultimately, for the win. The Signau Model Flying Club’s airfield is located in a wide valley in the Emmental region of Bern, flanked on both sides by steep, forested mountain slopes. In addition, the valley features rows of bushes and trees that provide shade, as well as a small stream that helps create temperature differences. Taken together, these factors result in conditions that very often lead to a surprisingly large number of strong thermal lifts. Despite high air temperatures, the pilots were able to take advantage of these conditions during the competition, and many quickly reached altitudes of more than 100 meters, allowing them to position themselves comfortably to fly out the six-minute flight time at a leisurely pace. Time and again, models could be seen rushing toward the landing point in a fast flight from great heights after the time warning was announced over the loudspeaker. At the same time, others—such as the eventual winner—maneuvered at relatively low altitudes from small thermal pockets to minor updrafts in order to reach the vicinity of the landing point at the right moment and end the flight with a precision landing, incurring minimal time penalty. Tactics and teamwork are essential here, and experience clearly plays a major role. After four rounds, the top-ranked pilots competed against each other in three fly-offs to determine the final order within the top ten.

There was great anticipation during the final awards ceremony hosted by Reto Bucher. It took place a little later than planned because shifts in wind direction required the starting apparatus to be reconfigured several times, and broken ropes caused by tangled lines necessitated repairs, which took up time.

The winner was Cedric Duss of MG Wimmis, followed by Reto Schmid of MG Zugerland and Hans Kühni of the host club, MFG Signau. Credit where credit is due: The event’s initiator from our own ranks, Niklaus Huggler, secured a well-deserved fourth place. The atmosphere was fantastic, and the joy was immense. As the 32 pilots and the support crew said their goodbyes after dismantling and cleaning up, everyone was greeted by beaming, joyful faces. There was also a sense of delighted surprise when looking at the license plates of the cars: A glance at the results on the SMV website shows that quite a few had traveled from far away. A heartfelt thank you to everyone involved! We look back on a successful first F3L Swiss Championship! We’d love to welcome you back here at MFG Signau. ■

Michel Wirz
Photos: Hanspeter Lüthi