MG Schaffhausen Gets a New Airfield

It has been about ten years since the MG Schaffhausen, a member of the Northeast Switzerland Model Flying Region (NOS) and thus also of the SMV, moved into a new airfield in Griesbach with great confidence. Flight operations were governed by a comprehensive airfield regulation, including a noise measurement protocol, which was also part of the lease agreement. There were no clouds on the horizon, and flying was relaxed for some time. Or so we thought… At some point, the local equestrian club applied to have the area rezoned as a sports zone for the purpose of building an indoor riding arena. During the associated investigations, the nature conservation authorities discovered a provision in the Randen Protection Ordinance stating that the operation of motorized model aircraft is prohibited within the inner Randen protection zone. And it was precisely this zone that the combustion-engine models of the MG Schaffhausen were flying over!

Unfortunately, initial negotiations with Pro Natura and the canton
failed to produce a solution, resulting in a flight ban on combustion-engine models taking effect in 2004. This was certainly bad news for the members of MG Schaffhausen, who subsequently sought support. Together with the SMV’s Infrastructure Department (Adi Eggenberger), its representative in the Regional Model Flying Association NOS (Rolf Kessler), and
with the support of the SMV’s CAP legal protection insurance, an attempt was made to apply for a relocation of the zone, since the MG Schaffhausen only flew over its outskirts. Unfortunately, this was unsuccessful. Parallel to the above negotiations, the MG Schaffhausen evaluated around 10 (!) alternative locations in the canton and, in the fall of 2006, discovered the current flying site, “Oberi Ticki.”

The MG Schaffhausen’s odyssey appears to have come to a positive conclusion with the new airfield.

On behalf of our members, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the Swiss Model Flying Association (SMV), the Northeast Switzerland Model Flying Region, and the SMV’s legal protection insurance for their dedicated technical, legal, and—last but not least—financial support!

Markus Splanemann
, President of MG Schaffhausen

At a town meeting in the municipality of Büttenhardt, the proposal for model aircraft flying was approved by a majority in a consultative vote. Subsequently, the Schaffhausen Model Aviation Club (MG Schaffhausen) submitted the necessary building permit applications through the proper channels. The runway, weather shelter, equipment shed, and airfield regulations were approved by the municipality. Were the problems solved?

No! Shortly thereafter, the Büttenhardt Municipal Council and several other parties filed appeals. Among them were

Pro Natura also weighed in, citing a nearby biotope. Support from the Infrastructure Department was once again sought.

The cantonal government’s decision on the appeals filed included several restrictions for the MG: YES to the runway, NO to the weather shelter and equipment shed, and a reduction in parking spaces from 20 to 15 vehicles. In addition, flying times for combustion-engine models were restricted to Mondays and Wednesdays from 2:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., as well as Saturdays from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The municipality of Büttenhardt and the MG Schaffhausen filed an appeal with the Higher Court against the above decision. After various reviews, the municipality of Büttenhardt withdrew its appeal. The MG’s appeal for extended flight times was still pending but was later suspended by the MG until further notice.

In the winter of 2008, construction of the runway and parking lots began, based on the decisions made and in compliance with the associated current requirements.

On August 16, the new airfield was officially inaugurated with a reception and speeches by club president Markus Splanemann and State Councilor Reto Dubach. The event received positive coverage in the regional press.

After a long period of uncertainty, members can once again fly their combustion-engine models. Although there is currently no weather shelter or equipment shed, that, too, could still change.

SMV/rs