Practice makes perfect

The first F5J competitions were held in the NOS region. At that time, altitude loggers were provided to the competitors—intended as a starting aid. Furthermore, as part of the 2017 Young Silent-Wings (YS) youth development project, a call for entries was issued for the construction of an F5J glider, including test flights and training (in previous years, models had been built from Depron and wood). Eleven junior participants responded to the call. In the years that followed, a few more joined and outfitted the F5J model, Grafas Maxi, until it was ready for competition. Three of them had already competed in the 2018 F5J European Championships in Bulgaria. Today, there are “only” four left. Most

have now outgrown the junior age category (18)—or are no longer active for other reasons. All four participants in the 2023 Swiss Junior Championship in Buttikon found their way to one of the most exciting junior competition classes through YS. It quickly became clear to the organizers that, after building—or rather, equipping—the models, regular training would be necessary. Unfortunately, as is always the case when it comes to regular “work sessions,” the number of training participants had dwindled to fewer than half a dozen. I just wonder in which corner the models subsidized by the region are gathering dust?

Well, the world belongs to those who are active. This year, Andi Schwerzmann has already led three training sessions in the F5J class at various locations. I’d like to congratulate the participants and

thank the clubs that made their fields available. Our sports director, Andi Schwerzmann, will continue to stay on top of things in the future. We are grateful to him for that.

GZ