50th Anniversary Aerobatic Retro Day in Dübendorf

RC aerobatics competitions were already being held in Europe, the U.S., and Japan as early as the 1950s. However, the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) entrusted the Aero Club of Switzerland with organizing the first RC aerobatics world championships—the first world championships featuring remote-controlled model aircraft ever held. The club then hosted the event in the summer of 1960 at the Dübendorf military airfield, drawing significant public attention. To commemorate this World Championship, the MG Dübendorf organized a commemorative fly-in and an exhibition. Numerous models, ranging from gliders to jets, participated in this gathering. Here, we will focus on the topic of “F3A aerobatics.” More photos of the Dübendorf event can be found at www.telesys.ch. (*Editor’s note*)

To mark the 1st FAI RC Aerobatics World Championships held in Dübendorf in 1960, the Dübendorf Model Aircraft Club organized the “50th Anniversary Fly-In.” It was a relaxed get-together where participants shared experiences about F3A aerobatic aircraft, both past and present. Every pilot and spectator was warmly invited to this “birthday celebration” with an international flair. In ideal summer weather, 28 pilots from Switzerland and abroad arrived right on time for the briefing. After all the important details regarding the program schedule had been discussed, the “Anniversary Fly-In” was officially opened. A great many rare models from that era were on display. In the small exhibition in the “Mirage-Stübli,” visitors could marvel at various gems—from RC systems of that era and various historic aerobatic models to the original model built by Fredi Bickel, which competed in the 1st World Championship. Kwik Fly, Carravelle, Orion, Taurus, and, of course, the beautiful designs by the Giezendanner brothers, such as the Marabu MK III and the original Scorpion.

Sebastiano Silvestri, who had traveled all the way from Italy, put on an aerobatic display of the highest caliber with his F3A model “Wind.” Jean-Claude Spillmann of MG Reichenburg flew a Su-29 aerobatic aircraft, performing breathtaking maneuvers close to the ground that almost took your breath away. Noldi Peyer demonstrated perfect aerobatics with his F3A biplane. Many rare models—such as the Curare, Caravelle, Taurus, Marabu, Elektra, Orion, and several others—were showcased in flight by the pilots under ideal weather conditions. Guido Patroncini surprised the crowd with various very neatly built models, such as the Taurus, Tauri, and Trabant—the latter designed by Fred Militky in 1965. These could also be admired in flight.

Urs Leodolter brought this successful event to a close with a replica of the 1960 winning model, the “Orion,” designed by Edward J. Kazmirski. I would like to express my special thanks to my fellow aviator and the organizer of this event, Urs Leodolter from MV Pfäffikon, and the MG-Dübendorf crew. I’d also like to thank all the pilots and spectators. It was a wonderful “birthday celebration.” The atmosphere, the weather—everything was just perfect!!

*Text: Nelo Nero*

*Photos: Hermann Mettler*