Club history

1949

On April 29, the Wels model gliding club „Weisse Möve“ is launched at the „Roter Krebs“ inn. By the end of the year, the club already has 62 members.

1950

After the Allies partially open up the airspace over Austria on December 22 of the previous year, as a Christmas present so to speak, the Welser take the three "Babies", the "Kranich" and the "SG 38" out of hiding. The gliders are transported to the rented workshop and given a general overhaul. A plot of land measuring 1846 m² is purchased on the northern edge of the glider site.

1951

The 1st Fliegerball is held on January 6 in the hall of the train station restaurant.

1952

Governor Dr. Heinrich Gleißner christens the five „Weisse Möve“ gliders in the Volksgarten with the names „Greif“, „Himmelsstürmer“, „Cumulus“, “Hans Sachs“ and „Wels“.

1953

In October, Walter Markl dares to make the first parachute jump in Austria since the war without permission from the authorities. 250 m above the ground, he jumps out of the "Kranich" with an automatic parachute and lands safely.

1954

As early as 1953, a fierce battle broke out with the authorities over the airfield, which was to be turned over to agriculture. After some anxious months, the goal is achieved: the former "glider airfield" is officially designated an the official designation "airfield".

1955

On June 8, the first performance aircraft - an „L-Spatz“ - is towed to the start. After the 13th take-off, the Spatz crashes from 100 meters. Fortunately, the pilot is uninjured, but the glider is completely demolished. In July the first Austrian National Gliding Championship takes place in Wels, and the Americans leave Wels airfield for good.

1956

After tough negotiations with the authorities, the „Weisse Möve“ can finally move into the aircraft hangar in September.

1957

In September, the Wels-based company organizes the first International Large Flight Day in Hörsching - 30,000 visitors are a great success.

1958

August 2, a heavy storm pushes in the hangar door and damages part of the hangar roof. Four of the ten guest aircraft are destroyed and all of the club's own aircraft are damaged.

1959

Mayor Dr. Oskar Koss opens the Wels Motor Aviation School on July 19.

1960

The school's traditional coat of arms, a blue catfish on a yellow background, is ceremoniously handed over to the civilian training company.

1961

The expansion of the airfield - e.g. a second runway - is being planned. However, there is a lack of financial resources for its realization.

1962

Despite great performances, only 15,000 spectators came to the 4th International Major Aviation Day in Wels due to the bad weather - a deficit.

1963

This year's air show is a brilliant success. For the first time, pilots from the USSR and CSSR also show outstanding performances.

1964

Otto Schwingshandl, one of the now 160 active "Welser Möwen", flies a gliding distance of more than 300 kilometers for the first time - a condition for the "Gold-C": Mayor Leopold Spitzer christens the glider "Blanik L 13" "Ovilabis". "Ovilabis" and the motorized aerobatic plane "Zlin-Trainer" with the name "Wels".

1965

On December 31, aviation death strikes the Weisse Möwe for the first time. Franz Lauber, Eduard Mauterndorfer and Hermann Weninger crash in Marchtrenk with a Jodel from the Aero Club during an end-of-year flight. The three Wels club members are killed.

1966

The airfield in Wels is a hive of activity: with almost 17,000 powered take-offs and around 5,000 glider take-offs, Wels is second only to Graz and Aspern in terms of aircraft movements. This has an impact on model airplanes. They unfortunately have to look for another site.

1967

Twelve members jointly purchase a "Klemm 35" sports airplane for 50,000 ATS.

1968

In July, the new „Piper PA 18“ towing machine is put into service.

1969

Glider pilot Franz Kitzberger sets a club record with a 328-km flight to the Germanic cult site „Walhalla“ and back.

1970

It becomes public that the lease agreement with the Republic, which expires in 1977, is no longer to be extended and the Austrian Armed Forces are laying claim to the airfield site. This would mean the end of aviation in Wels. Even a even an appeal to Federal Chancellor Dr. Bruno Kreisky remains unsuccessful for the time being.

1971

The first asphalting work begins on the Ostrollweg. During his 1000th parachute jump, Wels dentist Erich Felbermayr sets a new record with a jump from 9,600 meters.

1972

The provincial government approves the rededication as a public civil airfield. With a long-term lease agreement (99 years) for the city of Wels and a maintenance agreement for the „Weisse Möwe“ association (30 years), the airport's secured for the long term.

1973

In rain and fog, 40-year-old parachutist and sports pilot Erich Felbermayr from Wels near Grein crashes to his death in a Cessna 150. The well-known man from Wels, who had repeatedly caused a sensation with his jumps, was on his return flight from Aspern to Wels.

1974

The city council of Wels establishes the "Airfield Administration Office" with two full-time operations managers - Hans Dorant and Helmut Track.

1975

Austrian record set by the Intersport skydiving team on May 20. Ten jumpers form a circle in free fall.

1976

Dr. Helmut Aumayr achieves the third condition for the "Gold-C" with an effective altitude gain of 3000 m - the first in the club.

1977

In August, the 2nd World Championships for Light Aircraft is held with large international participation. A terrible accident occurs during the opening ceremony: the BMfI helicopter crashes during take-off, causing three deaths. fatalities.

1978

The completely run-down "Fliegerbar" is rebuilt and opened under the name "Möwenstuben" as an airfield restaurant adapted to the requirements.

1979

If you add up all the flight times, the Wels glider pilots were in the air for a total of 23 days with 1,093 take-offs in the anniversary year. The two club-owned motor gliders also flew 440 hours with 1,109 take-offs.

1980

The bad weather during the summer months was to blame for the fact that the gliders only managed to fly 2,700 km this year.

1981

The narrow and bumpy airfield access road is finally being expanded and adapted to the requirements.

1982

For the first time in 40 years, an „Me 109 G6“ lands at Wels airfield. This only original Messerschmitt still flying, out of the 35,000 originally built, naturally caused quite a stir, and all the all the „camera ears“.

1983

The Weisse Möwe already has 350 members, and the public civil airfield in Wels is in 12th place in terms of frequency.

1984

Johann Dorant, honorary member and founding member of the Weisse Möwe, dies on April 29. As a flight instructor and training manager, he made a significant contribution to the revival of aviation after the war

1985

Wels is a public airfield and Weisse Möwe is obliged to keep movement areas clear of snow and other obstacles. A used snow clearing vehicle is purchased. This makes the airfield winterized.

1986

The "Air Tech" air show takes place in Wels for the first time. It will later be held every two years, alternating with Friedrichshafen. However, it will remain a premiere.

1987

A 420 hp turboprop machine is purchased for the skydiving section for 3.4 million schillings. This opens up the skies for the skydivers (up to 5000 m), while the extremely quiet machine the extremely quiet machine provides relief at the front with the airfield neighbors.

1988

A new, computer-controlled flight simulator is a major step towards improving the training situation at the Wels flight school.

1989

Almost 3000 hours are flown on the 13 club-owned aircraft of the powered flight section. Apart from a few bent sheet metal parts and an artistically deformed propeller, there is no damage to report.

1990

After more than 30 years as an official, President Franz Hamader is handing over the reins of the club to younger hands. His successor is Peter Rudolph.

1991

Culture is also moving into the Wels airfield. The newly founded association "Friends of Wels Civil Airfield" initiates an exhibition on the subject of "Flying and the environment".

1992

Jubilation among the Wels aerobatic pilots: after bronze in 1986 and silver in 1988, Walter Egger wins gold at the national championships.

1993

The word „castling“ has been alarming the members of Weisse Möwe for months. According to the Wels Economic Forum, the airfield is to be abandoned and the site used primarily as a new location for the exhibition center. exhibition center. After a discussion, State Secretary Maria Fekter makes it clear that the Ministry of Economic Affairs is not considering an early termination of the contract with the city of Wels, which runs until 2073.

1994

The desire for a strong renewal becomes clear at the Annual General Meeting: for the first time, there are two nominations, and the largely young team around the new President Friedrich Zinnhobler is given an overwhelming vote of confidence. was given the vote of confidence.

1995

An air show with around 50 old propeller planes from the Me 109 to the Spitfire and the DC 3 is expected to attract 50,000 visitors to the Wels airfield. The state government, with Josef Ackerl as the responsible officer and does not grant permission.

1996

Around 30,000 visitors storm the airfield - not for an air show, however, but for the Bon Jovi rock concert.

1997

On April 26, a four-engine passenger plane lands in Wels for the first time, a Dash 7 operated by Tyrolean Airlines with 46 passengers. The pilot is no stranger. It is the former ski jumping world champion Armin Kogler. This year year, the new 1000 m² aircraft hangar will also be put into operation.

1998

Yes, no, yes, no ... the reports alternate at short intervals. The topic: a flying day to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Weisse Möwe in 1999. But there is news of success on another front: the sublease agreement with the city of Wels is extended for a further 25 years. This means that the existence of the public civil airfield in Wels is secured until 2030.

1999

The major event „Breitling Flugshow 1999“ on July 10 and 11, planned again after many years, is denied to us due to the arbitrariness of the authorities. Instead, a meager participation in the „Statik Show“ at Linz Airport. The parachutists are very successful at the national championships and the model pilots at the European championships. The Wels airfield ecology project is launched. The WMW celebrates its 50th anniversary.

2000

The legendary „Fieseler Storch“ Fi 156 (Ecker) flies again - Naderhirn IWC Cup (with Miss Austria Patricia Kaiser)-Formation flight of all Wels aircraft on the occasion of the Wels trade fair - Club excursions to Prague and Portoroz - FLY & JUMP on Portoroz - FLY & JUMP on Whitsunday - Fire brigade exercise on 26.5. - IGO-ETRICH meeting on 13.8. (170 participants) - Visit to the traditional association „Flugzeugführerschule A/B 115„ on 16.9. (50 participants) - Foundation of the “Ultralight„ section of the “Ultralight„ section - with the “Super Dimona" to Elba and the "Lancair Super" to Oshkosh - Aircraft exhibition as part of CARS & BIKES from 26 to 29 October - Visit by the Culwell family from America

2001

The SIZ organizes first aid and radiation protection courses for our members ? Naderhirn IWC Cup 2nd edition on 19.5. a complete success - 8.7.: Aircraft inauguration D-MPRI „Hans Strauss“) and hangar festival - With 3 motor gliders to Poland: „Old Eagles“ conquer Krakow on 22.7. - Banner towing in Wels is strongly promoted - PR campaign: „Wels airfield in harmony with peace + nature - a trip is worthwhile“ - Helicopters are nesting in Wels - Our airfield is increasingly becoming a breeding ground for rare animal species (ÖKO project) - Elba-Corsica with OE-DGB - IGO ETRICH meeting with record participation (30 Czechs, Swiss, etc.) - WMW parachutists win the 1st Freestyle National Championships - Rarity at the airfield: turbine-powered racing car being tested - 2 state champions in powered flight: Wolfgang Schneckenreither & Hans Gutmann - more and more business flights with WMW gliders or WMW pilots provided - Various club outings (Eggenfelden, Krems etc.)

2002

Acquisition of a tanker for JET A 1 with 18,000 liter capacity - Ultralight section gets a new addition: 2nd UL D-MWWM - new tow plane ROTAX SF 25 CS for quieter and cheaper glider tows - 5.7.: Aircraft christening D-MWWM ("Karl Bablich") + OE-9465 (BAUMAX) with 2nd Hangar Festival - Extensive maintenance work on runways (marking, rolling etc.), training rooms and meeting rooms: major hangar door renovation project - At the General Meeting on 23.5. a new board is elected: A breath of fresh air is expected with regard to the upcoming problems - WMW pilots are increasingly urged or trained to comply with the airfield rules in order to reduce noise - IFR exam 27-28.5.: successful courses well attended (8) - 8.6. FLY&JUMP: a beautiful day in the Wels flying sky with live radio and parachuting president & mayor - PIPER meeting 31.5.-2.6.: 78 "Cups" and J3Cs from Italy, Luxembourg, Switzerland, Germany, Slovakia, England and Austria: a resounding success with many letters of praise from home and abroad - balloon flights from the Wels airfield are also becoming increasingly popular - Club trips to Hungary and Sicily (Catania) ? For noise and cost reasons, the winch launching method is to be revived with a winch on loan from Micheldorf - Monument Day at Wels airfield: huge crowds at this special exhibition (airfield history, vintage car show) ? 14/15.9.: 27th meeting of the traditional association "Flugzeugführerschule A/B 115" from Wels to Munsteuer airfield (Reichersberg): thanks and appreciation for the successful event - The company AERIAL Helicopter establishes itself with school and sightseeing flights at FLP Wels - Traditional New Year's Eve flying of the "little ones" (model flying section)

2003

Well-attended course for operational leaders 8/9 February - Club excursions to Damme (Bremen), Holland, Speyer (FRG), Rügen - Celebration at Air Treff: Fritz Zinnhobler 10 years president of WMW - ECOLOGY PROJECT Wels airfield: no fertilization and agricultural use for 10 years: Flora & fauna of the last heathland area in Wels intact again! Recognition from experts, conservationists and Provincial Councillor Dr. Silvia Stöger in association with the WWF - LIONS CLUB Linz-Puchenau at the airfield - Two successful national championships of our parachutists on 14.6. and 2.8. (with suckling pig) - RED BULL 4 Continental Flight with Hans Gutmann from FLP Wels (15.7.). Return to to Salzburg on 10.12. - Nostalgic visit from South Tyrol: contemporary witness + Stieglitz pilot Karl Mitterdorfer from the former pilot school 8A 40 - 19th International IGO ETRICH meeting on 9.8. with hangar festival - WMW Cup of gliders on 27.9. - Aircraft christening Katana OE-ANZ („Alois Himsl“) and Diskus D-KMKN („Franz Kitzberger“) - WMW membership in 1993 (448) and today 2003 (629) - Zeppelin Days in Wels from 13 to 19.10. (type LZ No7) ? again numerous training successes in gliding/powered flight/parachuting (23 students in total)

2004

„As every year, the “Airmen's Ball„ is a great success - Changes to the airspace structure of the LINZ/WELS airfields - The public civil airfield in Wels, a “jewel„ of the city of Wels: status, catalog of measures to reduce aircraft noise, marketing, economic benefits of the airfield - a memorandum for general information - 26.3.: General Assembly with again 2 election proposals: Revolution failed! ? Club excursions to Poland with motor gliders, Elba (CMS) The airfield restaurant AIR TREFF with Andrea & Helmut celebrates an Arabian night ? Traditional hangar festival on August 14 - official start of the summer season with the Wels town band and our “WMW March„. - World record at Wels airfield! Stuntman with truck on two wheels: 3.5 km circuit completed in 31 min. 16.4 km (world record to date 10.8 km) - Animals and plants at the airfield: promotion of the Wels airfield ecology project - Campaign “Naturaktives Oberösterreich - Neue Biotope in jeder Gemeinde„ (Upper Austria, nature conservation department) - The fight to preserve the airfield is heating up again, our opponents are mobilizing! That is why contacts with airfield opponents are being intensified, local residents by means of CUMULUS, ÖKO flyers and personal contacts - The city of Wels is letting the “cat out of the bag„ with ideas to build on parts of the airfield site - Airship in Wels again, which is becoming a coveted The airfield fencing (approx. 4 km) is repaired/renovated with the help of our “neighbor„ BH ? Motorized flight school successful: 11 PPL, 4 IFR authorizations by the end of June - On the initiative of the mayor of Thalheim disabled children experience a “private" flying day with club aircraft - After a 40-year break, the glider pilots in Wels revive the winch launch method: nostalgic & silent! - Also the St. Nicholas also likes to land at Wels airfield every year and makes children's hearts beat faster

2005

Airmen's flower ball: always a glittering highlight of the Wels ball season! The flower decorations are then donated to kindergartens and retirement homes - the parachutists also help to liven up the airfield: Season Opening on February 5 - FLP Wels in harmony with its neighbors: pilots are increasingly made aware of noise-reducing procedures - Priority projects: Ecology project, parking garage, repair of parking area and taxiways, renovation of the hangar roof, contacts with neighbors to reduce the flood of advertisements, purchase of new operating vehicles (snow plough, fire department) - A racy „racehorse“ (Christen Eagle II) is purchased instead of the „oldie Bücker“ 131 is purchased. Professional aerobatics are now also possible again in Wels - Club trips with UL to Spain + Portugal (8 flying days, 5800 km, 35 flying hours), Unije (Croatia) - ÖAMTC Ambulance Jet in Wels: you fly for your life - the Wels airfield gives you the security of having a landing site available in an emergency! - Headlines in the press„ Other plans for airfield“, „Businesses at the airfield“, „The city is getting serious“, „Using the airfield and Business Park East“ depress the owner of Austria's largest public civil airfield - Harvest time at the airfield: valuable grass seed from the Wels heath is carefully secured for special further use - FC Weisse Möwe Wels: the only guarantor for the preservation of the last area of heathland in Wels (regular information in Cumulus, which is also distributed to local residents to raise awareness) - Focke Wulf P 149D stationed in Wels (year of construction 1960, used by the German BW) - BIRD-MAN over Wels: parachuting/flying of a special kind in June - runway renovation + marking of the glider runway with own, free forces - aircraft christening on 17.7.: Christen Eagle N 14KH („Karl Bregartner“) and UL CTSW OE-7106 („Hans Schön“) - „Open Day“ with Hessenkaserne Wels (10 years of Army Logistics Wels) on 10.9.: Symbiosis BH+WMW together for the interested public with shuttle service Military/aircraft - ZEUS 2005: 1500 helpers at the Red Cross regional disaster exercise - visit by the „little ones“ from VS Pernau to the „little“ UL aircraft from WMW - new fast FLP emergency vehicle KLF 350/250: presentation and exercise with the „big brothers“. and exercise with the „big brothers“ of the Wels FF - Our memorial stone, dedicated to the fallen pilots of the A/B 115 pilot school, is not only stylishly maintained by our "Waldemar" on All Souls' Day ? Honorary President Franz Hamader celebrates his 80th birthday on November 12 - St. Nicholas lands on time in Wels on December 4 in front of 100 people, including 50 enthusiastic children

2006

A glittering event is the Fliegerball followed by the presentation of flowers to Mrs. StR. Silvia Huber - Motorized Flight Section wants to modernize aircraft fleet with „glass cockpits“ (Ce 172+Ce 182). Some older aircraft are for sale - Powered flight training adapts to the circumstances and wants to develop further in the direction of FTO (Flight Training Organization) - From 1 April, flight preparation will be switched to „selfbriefing/homebriefing“ via the Internet - The gliding section presents itself at the „Open Day“ at the FH Wels with the „Diskus“, among other things. Motto: Technology in the aircraft industry with cooperation in the eco-energy sector - Club excursions to Zadar, among other places (Croatia) - Patient and accident transports via the public civil airfield in Wels are already the norm - The refurbishment of the airfield filling station is in full swing - The winter service to keep traffic areas clean (an obligation!) again demanded full commitment from the FBL - 13 May: record attempt „Symphony of Balloons“ with supporting program and „Johann Schön Memorial Flight“ - 7.9.: Fritz Leber (member number 001, club founder and president) was (Hamader, Stockinger) - „Open European Skies“: 6 WMW aircraft fly at the invitation of the twin town TABOR (Czech Republic) at their airfield. With Mayor Koits and StR. Silvia Huber - Messerschmitt Me 109 lands at the public civil airfield in Wels and finds ideal conditions with the landing gear-friendly grass runways. Further visits are therefore already pre-programmed - Participants in the Salzburg-Capetown rally meet in Wels and are escorted to Hangar 7 in Salzburg by WMW pilots and aircraft

2007

Experts from the Upper Austrian nature conservation department confirm that the Wels airfield site is one of the „treasure troves“ of nature conservation in the province. with ÖLS (Graz) and AERONAUTX (Linz). For the first time „ski flying“ in Wels: the towing falcon OE-9045 was alternately equipped with „boards“, which enables winter operations on snow-covered slopes - and all of this with the brand name „Skifliegen“. First experiences with the glass cockpit gliders OE-DBA&OE-DBS show that a lot of practice is required to use the multitude of information and not to look at „egg timers“. Civil aviation personnel VO 2006 and JAR-FCL also pose new challenges for WMW pilots - An extraordinary general meeting on 22.6. elects a new board, as the old one was not discharged - The Bundes-Immobilien-GesmbH. (BIG), the administrator of the airfield site, plans to build on 40 hectares of the existing site with the city of Wels despite existing long-term contracts and presents initial concrete plans - Honey extraction at the airfield Wels: two beekeepers set up beehives and are surprised by the excellent quality of the unique Heideflora honey. Sales are brisk - Club excursions: BMW-Dingolfing (Germany), Mali Losinj (Croatia) - Successful aerobatics meeting with our „Eagle“. aerobatic meeting with our „Eagle“ in Reinsdorf (FRG) and participation in the German national championships in powered aerobatics (Cochstedt, FRG) with sensational fourth + fifth places (Hackenberg + Rohn) - In-depth Inspection of Wels airfield/biotop on May 17 with nature conservationists and local residents (chief forester Martin Plasser) - Several changes of tenant at the airfield restaurant, new opening under the „Kaiser“ on July 2 - Unfortunately a black July: 2.7.: UL OE-7106 crash in Croatia (pilot Pater Pius + passenger seriously injured, aircraft total loss), 20.7.: MS Diskus D-KMKN crash in Mauterndorf (pilot Wolfgang Matthes slightly injured, aircraft total loss) - At the junior championship in cross-country gliding (Krems) our "young eagles" Fabian & Tobias achieve very good places (2+5) - 1st ROTAX model aircraft meeting 2007 of the MOD section on August 18 a complete success - traditional Bücker meeting in LOLW from 31.8. to 2.9. with formation and aerobatic flights - black October 17: the parachute jump section has to sell its OE-KFS drop plane and is therefore grounded for the time being - Santa Claus at the airfield has many wishes to receive this time

2008

With the new VLA TECNAM P 2002 JF, the UL+MOT section is making „common cause“. This cooperation is also to be extended to other club aircraft - New changes to the airspace structures over LOWL and LOLW - Sensational find at the Wels airfield: the „furrow bee“ (Lasioglossum setulosum). This steppe dweller has not been recorded for 57 years (wild bee specialist P. Andreas Ebner from Linz-Puchenau) - Rohn Peter gives the Rohn Peter gives the club homepage a contemporary outfit and an informative members„ area: www.wmw.at and www.lolw.at - Club excursions: e.g. with the Katana to Florence-Verona-Bolzano, motor glider and private yodel to Berlin/Tempelhof, OE-KLS to Dubrovnik - It's all about survival: YES/NO to airfield restructuring (info evening on 28.3., general meeting therefore postponed) - “Wels - the city of aviation?„ Due to the imminent dangers for the dedicated area intensive research is being carried out and the history of the traditional airfield is also being “rummaged through„. Unfortunately, the commitment of the current city politicians to “their„ airfield is very poor. Even among their own members members, there is a fierce debate FOR+AGAINST, with the threat of division. Our local residents have mutated from opponents to friends and advocates: they know what threatens them after a construction project! Lists of signatures PRO FLUGPLATZ are brought to the attention of the mayor. The general assembly on May 15 rejects FLUGPLATZ NEU by an overwhelming majority, as there are too many inconsistencies, flawed plans and superficial interests. Negotiations with the city of Wels are stopped - As a result, there are also changes to the board due to the resignation of officials - A “team of the best minds„ is formed to save the muddled airfield situation and develop possible solutions - Major event 36th International Vintage Glider Meeting from 30.7. to 10.8.: An overwhelming success! 104 glider rarities with approx. 500 vintage friends from all over the world. Thanks to sponsor FRONIUS and friends from the Wasserkuppe. Wasserkuppe. Result: 800 launches with two winches and four tow planes - complete satisfaction of the participants - PR campaign “The meadow birds at the Wels airfield, the last remnant of the Wels heathland„ (English/German) is being promoted with Cumulus, own folders also distributed free of charge to airfield neighbors and other interested parties - ROTAX FLY IN from August 21 to 24: next major event with a performance show of ultralight aircraft and their proven ROTAX engines, as well as a factory tour, banner flights etc. (representatives from 15 nations) - 50 years of tradition of the former A/B 115 pilots“ school: meeting also at Wels airfield in Sepp Ecker's nostalgic "aircraft museum" on September 20th

2009

With the help of the OeAeC, contact is made with the responsible ministries to clarify the airfield issue - A fiscal step in the right direction for the future: the filling station is removed from the non-profit status of WMW. status of WMW. This means that our customers can be issued with VAT-deductible and, if applicable, VAT-free invoices. Further economic measures are planned - ÖSV eagles on the move: tracks in the snow through our „Brettlflieger“ OE-9465 (27.1.) - The University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences at the University of Vienna is also looking at the flora and fauna of the airfield site as part of a spatial planning concept - Preview: Major event „Welser Flugtage“ and „International Bücker Meeting“ on the occasion of 75 years of Bücker aircraft from July 10 to 12 with anniversary evening in the marquee - We celebrate 60 years of Fliegerclub Weisse Möwe Wels.

2010

The end of a 60-year tradition. With the 60th Fliegerball in 2010, this highlight will disappear for the time being - some things were dug up, some things were brought to light. In the end, the whole operation turned out to be turned out to be much less dangerous than the AC/DC concert 2 months later. - On May 6, 2010, our long-standing President, Friedrich Zinnhobler, was appointed Consul of the Province of Upper Austria by Provincial Councillor Viktor Sigl. In his laudatory speech, State Councillor Viktor Sigl praised the Welser Flugtage, which in his view is a great thing for the sporting state of Upper Austria, and wished us all the best for the Großflugtage 2010 - Schlachtfeld on and off the glider runway at Wels airfield after the AC/DC concert on May 22, 2010, we have to relocate the event area for our large-scale flight days in July - The building has already been repainted and on July 7, shortly before the flight days, the The building has already been repainted and the WMW logo was mounted on the hangar on July 7, shortly before the flight days - On July 10 and 11, 2010, we were able to offer the interested public impressive flight demonstrations in the best weather. The blue of the sky was only marred by various artificial clouds from the demonstration aircraft. The Austrian Armed Forces were represented with almost all types both on the ground and in the air. Also the Flying Bulls from Salzburg. Many thanks to the Messerschmitt Foundation under the direction of Dr. Heinrich v. Srbik. In Wels, the legendary Messerschmitt Me 262 „Schwalbe“ made an appearance in Austria. - One day after our flying days, we received a notification from the city of Wels. Now you can also understand why the city of Wels and Wels city marketing did not show the slightest interest in this great event of the Weissen Möwe. The first measures are being taken.

2011

„My late husband was an enthusiastic motor pilot and member of the Weissen Möwe club for decades. I often accompanied him and was able to experience the beauty of the Wels airfield with its rich flora and fauna many years ago. many years ago.“ I can quote these words from this great woman, mother of a company and a dear friend. Brigitte Strauß stepped up to help with all her might to preserve the airfield area in its current and to prevent it from being destroyed by the construction of an industrial estate. Her tireless support led us to where we are flying today. She stepped down in March 2019 - The fourth Katana is being purchased. Christian Sixt, head of the powered flight section, sums it up. We are now 20 knots faster than with the Cessnas, which makes a big difference, especially in headwinds. For example Wels-Portoroz in just under 01:40, which is also better for the wallet. Finance officer Walter Koll tracked them down in Germany - New winch in Wels: Egger double drum winch; built in 2001; drive: Daimler Benz diesel engine MB-QM401 LA; power: 229 kW at 2100 rpm; displacement: 11,000 ccm; ZF converter WSK 400/440; body on Mercedes truck tipper chassis (LAK 1113B); cable length 1,000 meters - The computer age has also arrived at the glider launch. has also arrived at the glider launch. WMW managing director and webmaster Andreas Grosch has looked around the free market and procured a starter acquisition program that plays all the pieces - Poster campaigns for the preservation of the last piece of the Welser Heide are launched - every seat is a window seat. We were fully booked in 2011. Kuoni hosts the overflights from Dübendorf/Switzerland to Wels and back. This was the third approach to Wels since 2009. was flown with the Ju-52 in Wels until 2018. After the devastating crash three weeks after she was with us, it was clear to everyone that this type of flying would no longer take place in this way - A picture from the press conferences, organized by the Weissen Möwe Wels club management. Over 50 newspaper articles, several television appearances and interviews with our president speak for themselves. Bernd Lötsch was also at the table. Our association is being listened to. The Board is working hard to ensure that the Wels airfield can continue to be a meeting place for all flying sections - Our flying club was represented at the Wels Health Fair in November with a professional stand. with a professional stand. As in previous years, we had the largest area in the club hall, which had to be filled with equipment from the Weissen Möwe.

2012

Flight Day of the Upper Austrian Children's Cancer Aid: President Josef Ecker and his colleagues immediately gave the green light to make this event a reality. Good ideas and targeted campaigns are a matter close to the a matter close to the heart. (Report: Cumulus 2012, page 7) - Welser Heide airfield naming ceremony: On August 4, 2012, Weisse Möwe Wels invited guests to the festive naming of our airfield. The Austrian Aero Club top management as well as the most important representatives of the Austrian nature conscience. We were particularly pleased that so many interested members and friends of the Weissen Möwe Wels responded to our call despite the summery atmosphere and sultry temperature. and friends of Weissen Möwe Wels responded to our call and celebrated with us. (Report: Cumulus 2012, page 14) - On June 14, 2012, another zeppelin landed in Wels. This time it was the largest in the world. It had a technical Stop, Welser Heide airfield is predestined to receive such aircraft - There are many young people who are enthusiastic about flying, but very few of them dare to go to an airfield at the age of 15. That's why the club goes to schools and presents this fantastic sport. Campaigns such as the „smoke-free class“ are very much in the spirit of youth development and take away the fear of first contact with a flying club. We look forward to further ideas so that flying in Wels continues to be refreshed with young blood - Gliding youth course 2012: In summer 2012, the gliding section organized a gliding course for young pilots for the first time during the vacations. Four interested were between 14.5 and 19 years old. (Report: Cumulus 2012, page 56) - As in the previous two years, the Weisse Möwe Wels presented itself at the Healthy Living Fair in Wels. This year the focus was on powered flight. Our Katana OE-ANZ was a great eye-catcher in the exhibition hall. Hundreds of visitors came to our stand over three days to take a close look at a modern powered aircraft. to take a close look at a modern powered aircraft, to try out the Katana, to fly the simulator or to inspect the new ROTAX 912 iS engine - a picture from the press conference on December 7. The Upper Austrian Environmental Ombudsman's Office invited and WMW was asked to participate. The topic: the EU's request to Austria to place the airfield site under nature protection. The mood among the editors was clearly pro-airfield. Over the year There were many newspaper articles, several television appearances and interviews with our President.

2013

A new towing machine is under construction and the model flying workshop has been refurbished under the direction of the new section manager, Gerhard Krenn. An unusually large number of people showed an interest in our club and its activities at the Wels model fair. club and its activities. - PART-FCL & Language Proficiency will be required from 2013. „Pilots of aircraft ... who participate in radiotelephony in the aeronautical radio service may only exercise the rights and authorizations associated with their licenses. privileges and ratings associated with their licenses only if they have a language endorsement on their license for either English or the language used for radiotelephony in flight.“ (PART-FCL.055 Language proficiency) - The first Air Scout Camp at Wels airfield was a complete success. Chris Shaw brought the »belt up« concept with him from England. The scouts were given a crash course in flying over the weekend. Camping included only without open fire. The kids received the Airscout patch as an award. - Herbert Ortbauer wrote another great travel report, here is the itinerary: Slovenia - Croatia - Montenegro - Albania - Greece - Turkey - Bulgaria - Romania - Hungary. Bulgaria - Romania - Hungary. Roman Aschl, Herbert Ortbauer, Christian Neuhauser, Heinz Preuer and Christian Klopf flew in the rotating system with the OE-CSC (Katana DA20) and OE-KMV (Piper PA28) - club trip with Rotax: Every year, Rotax employees are rewarded for special achievements with special events. This time, they went from Wels to Salzburg and back in club aircraft. Hangar 7 was visited in between. - Health fair 2013: Nothing but Nothing but expenses. What was already apparent in 2012 continued in November 2013. Attendance in Hall 6 (where all Wels sports clubs exhibit) reached an all-time low. Our efforts were great, the WMW stand was one of the most impressive, but interest was still disappointing. Apparently the public does not expect anything to do with air sports at a health fair. Nevertheless, we will continue to exhibit, but on a much smaller scale smaller scale than the Weisse Möwe has done so far. - Thanks to our president, who works tirelessly in press matters for the preservation of the airfield. With all due respect, Sepp Ecker is probably the only flying club president in the world who writes his own newspaper column. Great success for nature at Welser Heide airfield - Upper Austria must decree protected area according to EU! Sometimes perseverance and persistence are are rewarded. The Nature Conservation Association has been successful in its efforts to protect the last Wels Heath in recent years!

2014

The conversion from an RF to an ATO in accordance with Regulation (EU) 290/2012 PARTORA is very complex and is subject to an approval procedure by the responsible aviation authority, in Austria ACG (Austro Control GmbH). For this reason For this reason, we worked intensively on the necessary manuals and structures for the conversion to an ATO and submitted the application to the ACG on 01.10.2014 in order to obtain approval in good time and to be able to continue training operations be able to continue training operations without interruption. We expect to receive approval in spring 2015 at the latest and, as in the past, plan to offer professional training based on European standards. (Report: Cumulus 2014, page 12) - The dream of flying came true for 34 „taster pilots“ in 2014! In 2014, the new „Pilot for a day“ project that I launched took place on 7 Saturdays. The aim was and is to give all to give anyone interested in flying, from young to old, an unforgettable insight into our wonderful hobby. - WMW member Wolfgang Burgstaller has been looking after some bee colonies at the airfield for several years now. An important contribution to the pollination of flowers and the preservation of the diversity of our Wels heathland. - ARADO AR 96 AS A REBUILD: As a child, Alois Krennmeir discovered the Ar 96 for himself, and as an adult he rebuilt it together with his son. It took them 13 years, and now the two-seater - scaled down and made of wood - flies charismatically like the original! - Onlookers lined the road, despite the bright light of day, flashbulbs went off as we drove through Friedhofstraße, turned left at the traffic circle at Vogelweiderplatz and had the whole width of Salzburgerstraße to ourselves. The aircraft transfer went very quickly and we were at the exhibition center in 40 minutes. Christen Eagle was the eye-catcher at the 2014 model building fair. In an UL from Wels to England: Can you fly across the continent in an ultralight aircraft? Of course you can! But it requires a little extra planning. Alex Mitter put it to the test. Our new Wilga tow plane with a wingspan of 3.5 m was completed over the winter. Our section now finally has a tool for towing gliders again. available.

2015

It was no April Fool's joke: on April 1, 2015, our beautiful airfield became a nature conservation area. Our collaboration with nature conservation experts and associations ultimately bore fruit - the home of curlews and co. the status of a European nature reserve this year. The necessary decision by the Upper Austrian state government was even unanimous. The great thing about this is that we, Weisse Möwe Wels as the airfield operator, can continue to use this nature reserve, the beautiful airfield site, without any restrictions. - Our powered flight school has been an ATO since April 1, 2015. What is behind this abbreviation: AT = Austria,, ATO = APPROVED TRAINIGS ORGANIZATION, 158 = the consecutive number, the official name of the respective school. EASA is an almost never-ending story, many people are already groaning under the regulatory frenzy. However, there are also positive effects for our school. We can train flight instructors if required, install IFR training, etc. The gliding school will also be converted into an ATO. This will again give us a competitive advantage (instructor training, etc.). - The D-ERCM, which needs a new engine anyway new engine anyway, is finally fitted with a 912iSc from Siegi Heer. Siegi approached the Board of Directors with this idea back in summer 2014. At the time, the President could not come to terms with this change. Despite the one-year delay, it was the world's first installation. Since then, Katanas have been continuously retrofitted worldwide. Two scout camps were held at Wels airfield in 2015. The second was an international one, with six of the participating teenagers came from Györ. They were able to communicate with us in German and English, and it was also the first time that Christian Sixt and Siegi Heer held the flying lessons in English. Their supervisor was very happy, not only because they traveled to Wels for the scout camp, no, the teenagers took a lot with them for life, the most important thing is to learn a foreign language. - Haberkorn / Shell Event: In the tireless search to enrich the airfield with activities, Siegi Heer was able to organize a very special customer incentive event. That's why the Shell stickers are everywhere.

2016

The first gliding instructor course takes place in Wels. We decided to hold this course because we have four candidates in the gliding section. Another one came from Scharnstein. - The Reims Cessna 172 Rocket is the successor to our long-serving Cessna 172 with 180 hp, and there are actually none of the more modern models that have the characteristics of a Reims Rocket. Since these airplanes were built in the 1970s, they are only available in old. The Rocket is a successful compromise of the following characteristics: affordable operating costs, low purchase price, good payload, cruising speed, IFR capability, short take-off distance, climb performance, amazingly low fuel consumption, simple operation, comfortable seating. - A highlight of the 2016 season was once again our stand at the Wels Model Fair - the Weisse Möwe presented itself there with a wonderful stand and with an exhibition of the wonderful stand and with the LS4 on display as an eye-catcher. - Our Super Cub at the Hahnweide 2016. The vintage aircraft meeting at the „Hahnweide“ is one of the largest and oldest vintage aircraft meetings in Europe. The first event took place 35 years ago. - Three sponsors were also found under the „Gliding Youth Development“ project, which enabled us to purchase an ASK 23. The ASK 23 serves as a replacement for the K8 and and is used for basic training for the first solo flights. - Operational exercise and fire drill at the public civil airfield in Wels: In September 2016, an operational and fire drill was held at our airfield together with the Wels volunteer fire brigade. with the Wels volunteer fire department. - The industry finally dares! Rotax dared to make a revolution: the proven and globally popular 912 ULS engine with 100 hp was equipped with electronic injection technology. What at first glance gives the impression of a small „facelift“ was in fact the result of years of research work, global development cooperation and courageous investments worth millions in our unfortunately very small leisure flying market. small leisure flight market.

2017

Josef Ecker has surprisingly stepped down as President, the Managing Director has seamlessly followed in his footsteps - WMW has purchased the „Aquila property“. This investment is intended for the long term. Owning your own Owning a plot of land in the middle of the airfield is strategically extremely important for WMW. Our primary goal is to build on these 6,000 m² or rent them out. It will also give us much more space and possibilities for our own aircraft. space and possibilities. We already have more than enough inquiries and interested parties. - This aircraft was purchased 2 years ago as the successor to the „grounded“ Cessna 172 (180 HP). We have now completed the last phase 3 behind us, so we have had the plane repainted, fitted with new windows and had the seats and side panels reupholstered. It has turned out really nice and the members flying it like it. - As part of the „Tolerance and Respect“ project of the city of Wels, the „Weisse Möwe Wels“ flying club organized an interfaith service on Sunday, 23.04.2017. - The Wels mountain pilots: The Weisse Möwe Wels has been has been known for decades for its aeronautical diversity: all forms of gliding, ultralight, test center for Rotax engines, location for historic aircraft, aerobatics and a diverse fleet of aircraft - from turbo/retractable landing gear to the real Piper Supercub. Now a small group of adventurous pilots from Wels can be found on the Almen. - The „Weisse Möwe Wels flight school training room“, which was already getting on in years, has undergone a „general renovation“. renovation. - For the first time in the history of Weissen Möwe Wels, the board decided to appoint a lady to the management team. - We went to great lengths as WMW to organize an incomparable customer event for Shell-Haberkorn for 50 people at the Wels airfield. Our WMW pilots provided us with powerful flying support. - Ceremonial opening of the nature experience trail at Wels airfield Many prominent figures from politics and nature conservation took part in the opening of the nature experience trail designed by the Chairman of the Nature Conservation Association of Upper Austria at Wels airfield on 20 May 2017, led by Deputy Governor and State Councillor for Nature Conservation Dr. Manfred Haimbuchner, the Mayor of the City of Wels Dr. Andreas Rabl, Deputy Mayor Gerhard Kroiß, Member of Parliament Silke Lackner. From the OÖ. Alexander Schuster and Ing. Gerald Neubacher were present. were present. The Honorary President of the Austrian Nature Conservation Association, Prof. Dr. Eberhard Stüber, also came from Salzburg. Hans Uhl and Martin Plasser from BirdLife attended the ceremony.

2018

The 2018 model flying season was primarily characterized by the conversion and partial new construction of the model flying field. All approvals were received in good time before the planned start of construction - WMW received the rezoning notice at the beginning of January and the building permit at the beginning of March. This meant that nothing stood in the way of the project and work really got underway in mid-March. - In 1987, an interest group of around 15 people got together in Wels and decided to officially found a club. foundation of a club. (see amateurflugzeugbau.at). In the following years, interest in amateur aircraft construction grew rapidly. In 2018 there was another meeting of the Ingo Etrich Club in Wels. - The Crazy Pilots, Roman Aschl and Christian Neuhauser went on a big tour again. Due to bad weather, the trip to England turned into a Spanish flying adventure - The gliding section organized a gliding camp in the 2018 flying season at the Trieben airfield. With ten members, five gliders and a tow plane, we set off for Styria on June 30. - After 10 years without interruption as the only flying club in Austria to bring the glider to our federal territory, we will be offering this unique flying experience again as soon as Ju-Air has overhauled the aircraft. Flight operations will hopefully restart in 2021.

2019

The 2019 model flying season is already in full swing. In June, the new airfield and the hut will be inaugurated with a nice party. Thanks to all the helpers! The construction negotiations for our new hangar were successfully concluded in May. After more than 20 years, there is a new construction project in the Weissen Möwe Wels at the »Welser Heide« airfield. - Cockpit modernization of the Piper PA- 28 Turbo-Arrow with a Garmin G 500 TXI - Since March 30, 2019 the runway alignment is in Wels 08-26 On July 13th we celebrate »70 years WMW«.

2020

This was the year of renovation, and many areas of the building, including the restaurant, were „prettied up“. Hangar 3 is a milestone in our club's history, as it stands on a plot of land that belongs to the club itself. Aeronautx move from Linz Airport to Wels. Welcome!

2021

Another visit by a zeppelin in summer. The Welser Heide airfield is regularly visited by these airships, as there is enough space here. The zeppelin always has to turn into the wind and is also constantly on the constantly in motion on the ground. This is a fixed point and highlight of our gliding season every year. Eleven pilots and six gliders from Wels made their way to Trieben again. A wonderful airfield to explore the Alps.

2022

The swift initiative has reached many young people, the festival was a great success

2023

An extensive hangar cleaning was carried out in 2023. The Herkules from the Austrian Armed Forces had an exercise with us. The aircraft was admired by many visitors at our flying day in 2010.

2024

The Weisse Möwe invites the employees of the rolling angels, pilots of the Weisse Möwe give people great pleasure by flying with them. The 75th anniversary celebration takes place in the Air-Treff restaurant.