Strong Winds Pose a Challenge for Model Aviation – 2023 FAI F5J World Championships in Dupnitsa, Bulgaria

The opening ceremony on Dupnitsa’s town square was, once again, simple and festive. The people here are masters of improvisation. This was evident throughout the entire World Championship. Sotir Lazarkov led the event with a firm hand. His entire organizing committee worked reliably and cheerfully. Unlike the 2022 European Championship in Hungary, there is absolutely no infrastructure on the large, beautiful field. Everything has to be transported there first.

It became clear early on who would be among the top contenders. This includes not only the sometimes perfect flights and landings, but also “subtle” organizational details and excellent coaching of the pilots. These aren’t
the big, spectacular things, but often the small ones—which are indispensable at the decisive moment.

Time and again, I saw competitors trying to approach the landing field backward with the help of the wind—or to fly slightly over it—and then land facing forward. An interesting landing technique, but one that can quickly turn into a “wild ride” due to gusts. There were also numerous crashes, however.

The importance of the coach—often rather innocuously referred to as a “helper”—is also massively underestimated here. Studies from other sports show that
coaching accounts for a very high percentage of success. Coaches do not necessarily have to be trainers, and certainly not team managers. There is a close relationship between the coach and the athlete. Ideally, the two work together over an extended period of time. The coach knows the pilot’s strengths and weaknesses and must act as a balancing force.

Three years ago, the Austrian Aero Club—impressed by the “great” EASA drone regulations—submitted a proposal to restrict the pilot’s “movement” during the competition flight. In Austria, model airfields are limited in size due to the increasing bureaucracy at Austro Control GmbH, which is fully in line with the EU trend. The motion was approved. Unfortunately, there was no

In addition, practical experience regarding the implementation of the rule. In this context, each individual organizer could impose such restrictions on their own based on the current situation. No more CIAM applications without sufficient practical experience. This helps prevent wasted effort. The discussions during the World Championships led those in charge to ultimately consult the CIAM protocols.

The juniors finished in good mid-pack positions—but they were close to doing even better. A bit of bad luck and a
few misjudgments prevented them from achieving more. Flavio Meier finished 14th and Alain Schad 18th. A total of 26 pilots competed.

Our seniors had a dismal showing due to bad luck and mishaps. Thomas Wackerlin (48th), acting as a coach for two or three pilots—in addition to his own flights—had to work far too hard for others—and this over 14 runs. In between, his advice and assistance with repairs were also in demand. In my view, the whole situation bordered on being overwhelming! Thierry Ruef finished 72nd and Pierre Maquelin 86th. A total of 88 pilots.