Model Airplanes – A Passionate Hobby / A Passionate Hobby

But getting started isn’t that easy. If your father is already a model aircraft builder, you’re off to a good start; otherwise, your only option is to join a model aircraft club or find a friend with experience.

From this perspective, the Aeromodellisti Riviera club, based in Lodrino—where the building workshop is also located—offers model-building courses for interested youth and adults. The courses will be held on Saturday mornings over 10–12 sessions, each lasting about 2.5 hours, led by Giovanni Pedretti.

The model: a simple high-wing airplane with a box-section fuselage.

The entire model is covered with colored film of your choice.

Furthermore, the model is fully flyable, equipped with an electric motor and two-axis radio control. Wingspan: approx. 1,400 mm. Since the model is built entirely of wood, the individual parts must be crafted on-site under Giovanni’s guidance.

The next step is to glue everything together as carefully as possible using white glue.

Particular attention must be paid to the wings, including their ribs and covering. Everything should be straight, horizontal, and free of warping.

Sanding followed by a coat of “Spannlack” forms the basis for applying the film with an iron.

All that remains is to install the electronics and servos for the rudder and elevator, plus the motor.

Once the center of gravity has been checked and the electronics tested, the model is ready for its first flight.

Scheduled for spring through summer, weather permitting, under Giovanni’s guidance. Have fun.

It’s a great way to spark young people’s interest in a passionate hobby and to address the shortage of new talent.

Thanks to Giovanni Pedretti.

The Riviera Model Aircraft Group offers model aircraft building courses to all interested young people.

You’ll start by building a model and eventually get to fly it yourself.

Beginners' Building Course divided into 4 sessions on Wednesday afternoons from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

At the GARIV headquarters at the Sciresa barracks in Lodrino

Interested? Call us at +41 78 681 20 09