SMV Annual Report 2020

As we look back on 2020, even we model aviators can’t avoid the topic of COVID-19. The SMV Delegates’ Assembly was still able to take place in person, but starting in March, our activities became increasingly restricted, and the resulting uncertainties also had a significant impact. Fortunately, after a few weeks of a complete ban on club flight operations, flying was able to resume at model airfields, provided that safety protocols were followed. However, nearly all major events—such as air shows and competitions—and, unfortunately, countless youth events were canceled. In the spring, CIAM canceled all Category 1 and 2 competitions for the entire year. Events that were held nonetheless required a great deal of extra effort. We would like to extend our heartfelt thanks to the clubs, organizers, and technical committees for making it possible to hold smaller events such as summer camps, model-building and flying courses, and individual competitions. Thanks to their efforts, youth development and the sport itself have not been entirely lost to the pandemic. Statistical club and association activities were able to proceed smoothly using video conferences and other tools. However, personal contact and shared experiences have been lacking. It is precisely this aspect of our leisure activity that is enormously refreshing in these times marked by reduced work hours and working from home. Spending a few hours at the model airfield or on a hillside with friends, fully focused on model flying, is invigorating and a welcome source of energy. This is perfectly captured in the photo of the SMV president, who—unfortunately alone due to COVID-19 restrictions—is enjoying an evening thermal flight with his electric glider right outside his home.

Our collaboration with the AeCS is going very well and has even been expanded further. We are very grateful for the support provided by our model aviation coordinator, Christophe Petitpierre, and the International, Airspace, and Environment departments. Thank you very much for this, as well as for the extensive network of our Secretary General and the AeCS President, and for the tremendous work of the other departments that support us behind the scenes every day.

One of our current projects with the AeCS is to enhance the functionality of the AeCS membership management system. This valuable tool is intended to be made more accessible to our members and clubs, with easier access to their own data and improved tools for the clubs—such as the ability to add club-specific information using additional fields.

Teamwork with the regional associations is going well. That’s a good thing, because the world isn’t getting any easier. One example of this is securing our flying fields. Here, too, local efforts must be combined with nationwide expertise and networks, because the threats to our model flying fields are constantly growing. In 2020, the clubs, regional associations, the SMV, and the AeCS made enormous contributions to the benefit of the flying fields. Progress and success were achieved in most legal cases, but there were also

Swiss Model Aircraft Association
(Fédération Suisse d'Aéromodélisme
/ Federazione Svizzera di Aeromodellismo)

Setbacks and even the loss of sites. This teaches us that every model aviation club must be aware of the extent to which its model airfield is at risk and what measures need to be taken. Clubs that are well-integrated into their local communities and know what to do in an emergency will not be caught off guard and will not put their infrastructure at risk. Several new cases have already arisen in recent months. The issue therefore remains serious. Please act with foresight.

A fine example of cooperation across all levels was the successful passage of the model aviation motion by both chambers of parliament. It shows what is possible when we all pull together. I’m happy to repeat myself here: “Together we are strong.” However, the association’s operations also depend on all the people working behind the scenes and at the grassroots level, who make the whole thing possible in the first place. A big thank you to all of you.

Over the past year, the Swiss Model Aircraft Association faced a unique and political challenge. Due to the impending adoption—driven by the Federal Council—of EU Regulations 2019/945 and 2019/947, our hobby faced the threat of further significant restrictions and bureaucratic requirements. These two regulations are intended to establish uniform drone regulations for the EU. There is nothing wrong with that. However, we do object to the fact that model aircraft are to be treated the same as drones in this context. Age and altitude restrictions, mandatory registration, and the requirement to join a club are just a few of the measures to which model aircraft pilots would be subject. Since negotiations with the Federal Office of Civil Aviation unfortunately failed to yield a satisfactory and sustainable outcome, the Swiss Model Aviation Association had to take a political stand against this in the interest of its members and all model aviators. And it did so at the highest level—in the National Council and the Council of States.

The task was challenging, and the outcome uncertain. Yet the association was ready and willing to embark on this path and make it a success. A working group compiled analyses and position papers, communicated with other stakeholders in this political process, and sought out contacts among federal legislators through the model aviation community at the grassroots level. The next step was to speak with these politicians and convince them of our cause. The goal was to have model aircraft exempted from drone regulations. It was hard work, and we were able to count on the support of the Aero-Club. Our political opponents in this matter—the Federal Council and the left-wing parties—painted a very bleak picture of what would happen if model aircraft were exempted from drone regulations: the collapse of the framework agreement with the EU, retaliatory measures from Brussels, and job losses.

Ultimately, however, we model aviators were able to win over the majority through our work and our arguments, as well as through our enthusiasm and sense of responsibility for our wonderful hobby. Both transportation committees recommended that their respective councils exempt model aviation from drone regulations. And both councils followed this recommendation by a majority vote and stood behind us model aviators. For the relatively small community of model aviators, this success is important because it allows us to pursue our hobby without additional restrictions, obstacles, or harassment. The Swiss Model Aviation Federation has prevailed against a multitude of competing interests and influential opponents. That was not easy; we are all the more relieved. The new Swiss model aviation legislation has not yet been finalized or taken effect in a way that meets our expectations. There is still more hard work ahead of us, but we are well on our way.

The Swiss Model Aviation Federation is pleased to have achieved this success in the interest of its members. In doing so, it has drawn political attention to the issue. While that was not the goal, it means that model aviators—no matter how small a group they may be—will henceforth be taken seriously in the political arena. We have gained stature, which will benefit us in future disputes with the authorities. With all due modesty, we can also take a little pride in that.

Thanks to technical aids and safety measures, the board’s work at the Model Flying Association was able to proceed smoothly, albeit in a somewhat unfamiliar way and with some extra effort. At the end of September, we were even able to meet at the beautiful MFG Zugerland model airfield to fly together before the board meeting. We would like to express our gratitude for the hospitality. The SMV Executive Board is characterized by a spirit of camaraderie and cooperation—each member brings the concerns of their respective department to the table, and together we find solutions to pending issues, all in the spirit of model aviation.

Unfortunately, the vacancy created by Adi Bruni’s resignation as head of the Communications Department following the 2020 General Assembly has not yet been filled, so the most important tasks have had to be distributed among the board members. Thank you to my fellow board members, who have taken on individual communication tasks depending on their respective departments. For 2021, we have found a solution with the company visàvis AG Kommunikationsnetzwerk that will allow us to strengthen our internal and external communications once again. This means we are once again well-positioned in the area of communications for the new year, though we must also expect higher external costs in the long term as a result. We are still looking for a director who would like to take over this department. Through our work on the board, we can directly support and promote model aviation, which is a source of great joy. New members are warmly welcomed by the board—please get in touch with us!

Our sports director, Peter Georgi, announced his resignation at the beginning of 2020, effective as of the 2021 General Assembly. We are very pleased to have found a successor in Faruk Yeginsoy, whom we will recommend for election at the 2021 General Assembly. Following discussions over the summer, Faruk has already been introduced by Peter and has participated as a guest in both board meetings and committee meetings. The transition will therefore be seamless. This winter, Daniel Dietziker announced his resignation as head of the Safety Working Group. We have not yet found a successor for him, and we look forward to your suggestions. We would like to thank Daniel and Peter in advance, as well as the outgoing Fako presidents Fredi Andrist and Peter Oberli, for their tremendous work, and we hope to give them a fitting send-off at the 2021 General Assembly.

To conclude the 2020 Annual Report, I would like to thank everyone for their dedication to model aviation in Switzerland. I look forward to a fulfilling and successful 2021 with all of you.

Adrian Eggenberger