International Antique Helicopter Gathering

The Oberriet Model Aircraft Club hosted the Vintage Helicopter Meet on June 15–16, 2019, and top pilots came from near and far. However, the Russian national team was turned away at the border.

What a gathering of vintage helicopters from the early days! The flying conditions—with light to moderate winds and sunshine—helped ensure a successful event for everyone on both days. At the scenic airfield, there was plenty to see both on the ground and in the air. Seven Müller-Alouettes gathered there, and it was a joy to see Paul Müller—the builder and designer of this beautiful and unique model—skillfully fly his helicopter in person. With his flight demonstration, he showed that his models are still airworthy even today. In addition, Uli Friedgen’s flights with his classic Graupner model, the Bell 212,

A Twin Jet from the 1970s, worthy of admiration. Back then, this model was the

“dream model” for many young model airplane enthusiasts, but at the time it was

practically unaffordable for most.

In addition, numerous “Schlüter” models as well as those from the Kavan company were on display. The approximately 25 pilots who had traveled to the event impressively demonstrated that these models—some of which are over 40 years old—are far from obsolete. In recent years, some of these vintage helicopters have been converted to electric power—out of consideration for the environment. One of these models was also equipped with a sound module, and more than a few people suddenly found themselves wondering whether a turbine was actually powering this helicopter. But fans of methanol and castor oil weren’t left out either; here and there, people secretly took a deep breath of the “exhaust-laden” air and felt years younger again.

On Sunday afternoon, we were treated to a sighting of an AT-6 carrying a pilot, which performed a few rolls and dives at a higher altitude. Some of us surely wished it would make a low flyby. Unfortunately, our thoughts didn’t reach the pilot up there.

We were treated to delicious meals on both days, and the lunch breaks were actively used to exchange ideas and talk shop. When it comes to sourcing spare parts for these old helicopters, you need to have the right connections—and that’s part of the reason for these gatherings, in addition to nurturing long-standing friendships and flying together. The overwhelmingly positive feedback toward the end of the event showed that this

was due not only to the pilots’ skill, but also to the excellent organization provided by many volunteers.

Early Sunday afternoon, it was already time to say goodbye to the first visitors, some of whom had a return trip of over 400 kilometers ahead of them. So: see you next year in Kitzingen and, hopefully, back in Oberriet in 2021! We’d like to take this opportunity to once again extend our heartfelt thanks to the organizers and volunteers who made this unforgettable weekend possible; we’d also like to thank the helicopter pilots who traveled here. ■

*Text: Kurt Bär
Photos: Klaus Schneider,
Kurt Bär*