Gathering of Model Airplane Giants in the Gäu Region

For the fifth time, pilots from Germany and abroad gathered at the Gäu Group’s new model airfield with their heavyweight models. The Gäu Model Aircraft Group, led by its active president, Oskar von Rohr, and his wife, Elsbeth, organized the gathering in a manner that has become the necessary standard for such events today. Separated by a safety net (rented from Region 2), flight operations were able to take place without endangering spectators or the parked models. It didn’t take long for the net to be put to the test. An Ilyushin 76 (20 kg) that made a rough landing veered off course and became entangled in the coarse-mesh nylon net without causing any damage. The owners of the models parked nearby will long be grateful to the organizer for his foresight. On Saturday, a friendly competition took place in which pilots had to adhere as closely as possible to a flight time they had announced. A program of mandatory maneuvers and a maneuver of the pilot’s choice were intended to make the task more difficult, but all pilots managed it without any problems. This led to,

that six competitors had to share the top three spots.

Sunday was reserved for the air show. Starting at 10 a.m., more than 30 pilots with over 60 models—all of whom had registered in advance—were able to take to the skies with almost no restrictions and entertain the large crowd of spectators. From the numerous glider tows to the highlight of the day—the flight of an Ilyushin 76 piloted by Thomas Meyer from Nuremberg, Germany—there was plenty to marvel at in the sky.

The air show proceeded without incident, thanks in part to the pilots’ disciplined flying.

Unfortunately, the announced maiden flight of the “Galaxie” did not take place. The 52-kg model, powered by four 13.5-cc two-stroke engines, was—as might be expected—significantly underpowered. Even at full throttle, it didn’t budge an inch, sinking into the soft plastic runway. Even “pushing it” didn’t help; at least four times as much power will have to be installed if this giant bird is ever to take to the air. However, how this model would have behaved in the air will likely remain its secret forever.

Peter Gubelmann