Is it all just a “matter of attitude,” or is there more to it?

A few curious pilots wanted to get to the bottom of it and be right in the thick of things rather than just watching from the sidelines. This raises the question: Is it all just a “matter of attitude”? More than 10 pilots were drawn in by the appeal of powered flight training and decided to take part in the training day in Wil, SG. All with the goal of learning and understanding new things in order to ultimately take their skills to the next level.

The pilots already brought a wealth of knowledge and flying skills to the table; for questions and assistance—whether regarding flying, model settings, or controls—Matthias Bosshard made himself available with his extensive expertise. Many thanks again to Matthias. A heartfelt thank you also goes to the organizers from the Wil SG Model Flying Club!

Here’s what matters: What is the optimal control surface deflection, how much progression is needed, which mixers and which

flight modes make sense? How do I check if the center of gravity is correct? What happens if the control levers aren’t mounted optimally? Do both ailerons move smoothly, and do they have the same full-travel deflection? It’s important to measure directly on the control surfaces themselves, as the settings on the transmitter often don’t match the actual deflection values.

These are some topics that are important for all pilots, whether they’re recreational, hobby, or competition pilots. Of course, every pilot can develop their own

Adjust settings, such as those for the switches, etc., according to his usual preferences.

An airplane that’s set up properly—and therefore doesn’t require constant corrections during flight—is much

easier to fly and is definitely more enjoyable. Any pilot who has experienced this is convinced of it.

Even a single adjustment can require up to 20 test flights to determine whether the change has resulted in an improvement.

Once you’ve set the problem, it’s time to practice—just thinking about it isn’t enough.

Instead of getting stuck trying to find solutions on our own, let’s tackle the problem together. If we spend too much time brooding over a problem alone, we tend to get stuck in the same old thought patterns.

The more we know, the greater our creative potential. Even young people can get involved—they actually have an advantage over adults. As a rule, they’re interested in everything that’s new. Something doesn’t have to be valuable in and of itself; as long as it’s mysterious, it deserves attention. Creative individuals—whether young or mature adults—retain this curiosity well into old age.

Anyone who wants to stay sharp well into old age can train their brain

Stay active through challenging hobbies and exercise (sports). Even as we age, the brain retains the ability to form new nerve cells (neural connections) and to

connect them. Take joy in the unknown and the unfamiliar. And because the unknown is endless, so too is the joy.

So here's the thing: We fly just as we set out to—based on our willingness to learn and our training!

Anyone who missed out on participating will get another

(a.jakob23@bluewin.ch). This time, it’ll be held again at the Arbon-Roggwil TG Model Flying Club.

Arnold Jakob