Flight schedule with few changes

Even today, we still think back on those gasoline-powered, high-revving, and noisy models. Technical solutions—such as precisely timing the cutoff of the fuel supply using an additional servo—along with other ideas for preventing the engine from running too long made the whole thing extremely interesting.

A lot has changed in recent years. Not only has the design of these technically advanced models—equipped with powerful electric motors—evolved, but the number of participants has, unfortunately, also declined sharply for some time now. We fondly look back on the years when we had up to 32 pilots participating—what wonderful events those were, held in a spirit of camaraderie. Even back then, there was fierce competition for every point, with participants from Basel-Kulm all the way to Solothurn meeting early in the morning on the First.

For several years now, interest in the Kyburg Cup and the regional RCSM electric flight competition has declined sharply. We at MG-IE work with great enthusiasm every year to attract participants, for the simple reason that we want both competitions to continue into the future. Even with the extremely low turnout of about 11 to 15 pilots, we provide a first-rate infrastructure. The effort involved is considerable, but the joy of camaraderie among the participants more than makes up for it.

If we ask about the declining interest, a general fatigue with competitions has been evident for quite some time in practically all categories. There are fewer and fewer competitive events, while free flying without stress and the willingness to invest a day for just a few flights are on the rise. We must learn to adapt to this situation; we warmly welcome all interested Kyburg Cup and RCSM E-Flieger pilots again next year.

The flight program has remained virtually unchanged since 1981, with only very few adjustments. This makes the event consistently exciting, because landing precisely on target presents the same challenge to all pilots—even those flying models equipped with all sorts of tricks. The program can also be flown with simpler models; winners flying Easy-Gliders have made their mark on the competition on numerous occasions. This is what makes the Kyburg Cup so popular—there are no restrictions on model types and no complicated electronic measurements.

The Kyburg Cup RCSM-E flight took place on April 26, 2019, with, unfortunately, only twelve pilots. The participants found excellent facilities, and an experienced announcer provided ongoing updates on the competition, ensuring that even the few spectators were kept informed of the action.

Both competitions featured impressive flying with intense battles to hit the target point. Not everyone succeeded equally well, and the pilots’ reactions—accompanied by their commentary—reflected this. The atmosphere was great all day long, almost like being part of a big family.

But now we want to make the Kyburg Cup/RCSM E-Flight attractive to a wider range of participants again, by encouraging members of model flying groups and clubs to get involved. To this end, we’re calling on individual participants to promote the event within their model flying groups and clubs. We would be delighted to welcome 25 participating pilots to the First next year...!

So, dear colleagues, we’re counting on your support and promise today that we at MG Illnau-Effretikon will do everything we can to accommodate as many flying preferences as possible.

See you next year in 2020 at the First!

With a renewed call to all colleagues from MGS and model flying clubs to promote participation in next year’s Kyburg Cup RCSM/regional event, I wish everyone a great and, hopefully, accident-free 2019 flying season.

On behalf of the MG Illnau-Effretikon, I look forward to seeing you in 2020, once again on the First, at the Kyburg Cup RCSM.

With warm
regards, Werni Erismann