Workshop Hours

Dear Reader

Who can afford not to feel unsettled these days? I’m no better off myself. When I write about the global pandemic, some people are sure to say, “Yawn! Not this again.” If I don’t write about it, others think I’m arrogantly ignoring the major problems. I am neither above all this misery, nor do I want to get swept up in the media frenzy—not even by all the videos and cartoons, whether beautiful or not. Airfields are closed to us, and hundreds of events have been canceled. What remains is our passion for flying. Flying everything from vintage aircraft to the most state-of-the-art jets. Research, new technologies, and materials spark our interest. Homebuilding is not on the verge of extinction

as our cultural pessimists keep claiming. Quite the opposite. The growing selection of high-quality model-building supplies, construction and assembly kits, etc., proves otherwise. Many of us are currently spending more time in our hobby rooms. CAD design and machine control are all the rage. There’s no question about it: anyone who wants to can bring their most amazing projects to life.

Unfortunately—especially today—we lack a “workshop” where we can develop ideas on how to convince society and policymakers of the great value of our hobby. When I follow all the past and current airfield projects, I’m sorry to say that in most cases I see a bleak picture of the work

of the responsible authorities. To me, it’s crystal clear today: Model aviation is being discriminated against! This cannot continue! May this enforced period of quiet help us equip our new workshop with tools and ideas. I’d be happy to hear your good suggestions and thank you in advance.

Warm regards

Emil Ch. Giezendanner