SMV Takes on Team Black Sheep

Team Black Sheep, known for its spectacular FPV proximity flights and which has been featured multiple times in the local media, provoked strong, mixed reactions in the manned aviation community as well as among model aircraft pilots. In nearly all of the responses, the issue of flight safety was specifically raised. Prompted by a newspaper article, the SMV board felt compelled to arrange a meeting with Team Black Sheep, attended by several representatives from the board and the FOCA, to discuss the current situation and safety issues. This was also welcomed by Team Black Sheep, and so the parties met on September 25 in Birrfeld for a roundtable discussion. The roundtable discussion took place in a very open and collegial atmosphere. Team Black Sheep—specifically Raphael Pirker and Christoph Dunkel—aim to promote FPV model flying and make it safer; to this end, they also incorporate in-house developments into their models. All components used in Switzerland to date are BAKOM-compliant and meet current legal requirements.

However, there are currently no operational regulations in Switzerland specific to FPV flight or drone flight, so the legal framework applicable to model aircraft generally applies.

Future regulations must establish a framework to ensure the safety of all airspace users as well as third parties on the ground. The creation of such standards faces significant challenges due to rapid technological developments and possibilities and is currently being addressed in international forums.

The standards currently in effect for model aircraft flight—in particular Article 17 of the Ordinance on Special Categories of Aircraft (VLK; SR 748.941)—stipulate that the operator of an aircraft must maintain direct visual contact with the model at all times. It is precisely on this point that the regulations in Switzerland

The footage captured—and the Team Black Sheep flights on which it is based—are problematic and, for this reason, have been classified as a “hazard” in the FOCA’s risk portfolio by Christian Hanke, Safety Officer at the FOCA.

Since, despite the measures planned by Team Black Sheep—such as additional receivers and a third pilot equipped with appropriate radio remote controls—the requirements of Art. 17 VLK cannot be met along the flight path, Team Black Sheep is currently refraining from flights in Switzerland outside the operator’s direct line of sight.

Christian Hanke has taken note of the FPV community’s desire for a simpler, standardized approval process through the FOCA for such flights, as well as for national and international events of this nature. FPV flights outside the pilot’s line of sight generally require authorization (see Art. 18, para. 1, letter b of the VLK). It was explained that there are military flight zones in Switzerland where such flights and FPV events might be approved more easily, provided they are not currently in use by the military. In any case, however, a case-by-case review is required. The Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA) continuously updates the requirements for this case-by-case review in light of the latest technical developments and findings.

Team Black Sheep is inviting representatives of the SMV to a demonstration of FPV flight and the equipment currently in use, conducted in accordance with regulations. The date will be set in the coming weeks. The SMV Board would, however, welcome further close collaboration with Team Black Sheep, as their extensive expertise in FPV, technology, and safety could be made available to members in a way that benefits both sides. This would give the FPV community an additional boost, provide the FOCA and legislative bodies with a clear point of contact, and—in the medium to long term—likely help reform the “black sheep” of the community. After all, it is not just THE FPV pilot who fails to follow the rules, but ALL model aircraft pilots who, if the worst comes to the worst, will have to bear the consequences of the restrictions or a ban.