GMR Gruyère Request for Support Petition

Dear friends who are passionate about all kinds of flying objects

For several years now, aviation in all its forms has suffered many setbacks and had to face numerous challenges!

Is it a consequence of climate change? A widespread trend toward individualism? People who can no longer tolerate their fellow citizens? Or, even worse, a Switzerland in which there is a desire to suppress the “non-standard” activities of minorities? Today, we—the members of the Groupement des Modélistes de la Gruyère—are facing these restrictions.

Our club was founded in 1971 and has had its own airfield since 1974. This airfield, well known among model aircraft enthusiasts, is located in the village of “Cuquerens,” within the municipality of Bulle. It is equipped with a runway and extensive infrastructure. Since 1971, our club has held five building permits issued by the city of Bulle and/or the La Gruyère Prefecture. On this property, we built a new clubhouse in 2010 with a building permit from the City of Bulle (!). This replaces the original clubhouse, which was in danger of falling into disrepair.

We are currently fighting against various authorities that have been trying for seven years to invalidate our building permits and prohibit us from practicing our hobby on this historic land that belongs to us!

The authorities rely primarily on the fact that our facility is located in an agricultural zone. Furthermore, a completely new residential area was built as early as 2014, more than 500 meters away from our runway. Some residents of this neighborhood (a very small minority), which is located more than 500 meters from our property, have decided to do everything in their power to drive us away, even though they built or bought their homes knowing we were there. Our club has more than 60 members. We train young people and advise them on their activities. For your information, “wild model airplane enthusiasts” who pursue their hobbies individually fly wherever they want, any day of the week, with no time restrictions, except within airfield areas or airports (FOCA).

But for a model-building club, the situation is completely different! We are actually required to have a special operating permit (Art. 24 LAT) from the canton. This is being denied to us today, after 48 years of operation without major problems and despite the fact that we comply with all applicable noise standards! Our runway began operating before the Spatial Planning Act (LAT) came into effect on June 22, 1979. Why do our political authorities want us to disappear? In light of this unacceptable situation, our club filed an appeal with the Federal Supreme Court on May 27, 2019. Last April, the Cantonal Court of the Canton of Fribourg declared our appeal against the decision of the cantonal authorities invalid.

It should also be noted that model aircraft flying serves as the “gateway” to all other aviation-related activities. The elimination or significant hindrance of model aircraft clubs’ activities also means a significant reduction in the opportunity for young people to get involved in aviation. Claude Nicollier, a former model aircraft builder, would certainly agree with us.

A model club offers many benefits to its members and the public:

• Increased safety at a controlled and familiar airfield.
• Flight schedules are tailored to the neighborhood and the days of the week.
• Training young people in the safe practice of this exciting hobby.

That’s why we need your support!

Sign and share the petition to keep our airfield open—it’s been here for 47 years!

Use the link provided on our website: www.gmr-gruyere.ch

You can also download a signature sheet, print it out, and return it to the address provided. Thank you very much for joining us in preserving our airfield, defending our recreational activities, and training our young people.

Thank you again for your support.

Laurent Chappuis, President
(president@gmr-gruyere.ch)
Roland Galley, Founding
Member