Winterthur Vacation Program: Model Glider Construction Course

This year, the model-building course—organized by the Sulzer Model Aircraft Club as part of Winterthur’s vacation program—was held for the 20th time and was once again expanded.

Fourteen children aged 12 to 14 made their way to the workshop at the Schönengrund school building. There, they were welcomed by course instructor Hans Benz and his assistants and briefed on the schedule for the five-day building course. The fact that some children were participating for the second time certainly speaks to the popularity of this event.

Building a small glider requires manual dexterity, patience, and care when handling unfamiliar tools and building materials. The children sanded, glued, sawed, and drilled to their hearts’ content—or rather, to the limits of the balsa wood. More than a few children came up to him saying, “Hey, Mr. Benz, something broke off for me…” Handling the delicate material was a new experience for some. The waiting time for the glue to dry was filled with flying sessions on the school field, leaving no room for boredom. From vertical climbs followed by touch-and-go landings to truly successful glides, there was plenty to marvel at.

Of course, the theoretical side wasn’t neglected either. Materials science, aerodynamics, and—time and again—“why an airplane flies” were the topics covered.

Thanks to the children’s great enthusiasm and the dedication of all the volunteers, the model airplanes were completed on Thursday as planned. On Friday, the flying competition with the new models took place. Every participant hoped that their model airplane would fly the farthest. A written test on the material covered

The theory of flight rounded out the competition portion. As always, there were great prizes to be won, such as a glider flight, tickets to the Dübendorf Aviation Museum, craft supplies, small gliders, and even wristwatches. We’d like to take this opportunity to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our sponsors. Despite the stiff competition, every child was able to take home an undamaged and airworthy

Taking a model glider home. The mothers and fathers were visibly surprised by the size of the aircraft (wingspan 110 cm) their proud offspring was taking home.

The volunteer director and his helpers view this course as a meaningful leisure activity and, not least, as a way to encourage the next generation to take up model aviation.

*E. Grob*