International Activities of the Swiss Model Aviation Federation

Since 2017, the SMV has expanded its international activities. The reason for this is that, in 2018, responsibility for regulating unmanned aircraft weighing less than 150 kg was transferred from the member states to the European Union (EU). This has led to the complete replacement of the existing regulations governing our sport. This decision—and, above all, Switzerland’s decision to adopt the new EU regulations—had a significant impact on the work of national model aviation federations. The new reality required us to expand our work to the European level to ensure that our voice is heard. It also required significant efforts at the national level to ensure that the exemptions secured at the EU level were fully utilized so that we could continue to fly without major new restrictions.

The EU, as well as national decision-makers, were very ignorant of the needs of model aviation, especially in the beginning. To make our views heard, concerted action was required from a broad range of organizations, associations, and individuals in Europe and Switzerland. These results were achieved only through increased cooperation among model aviation associations in Europe, as well as through collaboration with our colleagues from other sectors of general aviation. In Switzerland, this work was carried out by the SMV’s international team and its regional associations, together with colleagues from the AeCS. At the international level, we worked closely with international federations and colleagues from neighboring countries, including the European Model Flying Union (EMFU), the German Model Flying Association (DMFV), Europe Air Sports, and the World Air Sports Federation (FAI).

Model gliding on a hillside—it’s not without its limits either...

Recent years have shown how important it is to get involved early on in decision-making processes at the European and national levels—before opinions are set in stone and proposals are formally published. Although we have generally been able to successfully defend model flying and ensure that we can continue to fly without major new restrictions, we must remain vigilant.

As we move forward with our work, we face the following challenges, among others: U-Space and electronic visibility: Authorities in Switzerland and the EU are striving to promote the development of drone technology by establishing drone operational zones (U-Space zones) with centralized and automated traffic management and mandatory electronic visibility.

We have succeeded in exempting our sport from all U-Space and electronic visibility requirements. National authorities have now begun to designate the first U-Space zones, some of which, however, overlap with areas where we fly. In addition, pressure is mounting on all airspace users to be electronically visible.

Drones and Security: Drones have become an important tool (and an effective weapon in conflicts) throughout the world. At the same time, policymakers are increasingly concerned about the security implications of drones. In early 2023, the EU launched a public consultation on the security aspects of drones. New initiatives in this area—at both the national and EU levels—are expected and could also affect our sport.

Revision and Further Development of Current EU Regulations: The current EU regulations for unmanned aircraft date back to 2019. The EU has begun reviewing these regulations and is expected to present proposals for their revision in the coming years. In addition to the specific challenges mentioned above, the recent EU elections and the resulting new European Parliament, as well as the appointment of a new EU executive later this year, will bring new political agendas and priorities that may impact our sport.

On most of these issues, the work of the AeCS will continue to play an important role and support us in establishing the necessary contacts and making the necessary contributions. However, the past has shown just how valuable and necessary the SMV’s specific expertise and its own contributions are. To support the SMV’s work, we will further strengthen cooperation and alliances with associations in other European countries (including bilateral relationships with associations in neighboring countries) and support the work of our European and international representatives (EMFU, Europe Air Sports, and FAI). In addition, we will continue our regular exchanges and contacts with European and Swiss decision-makers. It is crucial that we keep our members informed about all changes to rules and requirements. Another benefit for our members is supporting pilots who wish to fly in other European countries. We do this by providing them with information, but also, for example, by facilitating access for guest pilots through our collaboration with associations in neighboring countries.

Our work is most successful when our members don’t even notice it (when they can continue flying just as they have been). With the support of our members, we will continue to do our best to ensure that this remains the case.

In 2014, Jürgen rediscovered the joy of building and flying model airplanes and soon began focusing on large gliders. He was accepted into the active group of glider builders and pilots at the Erlenbach-Herliberg Model Flying Club, where he currently serves as vice president. Jürgen prefers to design and build his gliders himself, together with colleagues from his club. You can follow his progress on his latest projects on his blog (modellflug.lefevere.eu).

The wonderful Moswey from MG Erlenbach-Herliberg.

In addition to his advisory work for the SMV, Jürgen is a member of the board of the European Model Flying Union (EMFU) and the EMFU representative at Europe Air Sports. He also regularly assists associations throughout Europe with EU legal matters. In this work, Jürgen draws on his background as an expert in EU law and a negotiator, as well as his experience working for the European Commission as an advisor and civil servant between 1998 and 2014.

Jürgen Lefevere with a JS3.

keep them up to date. Another benefit for our members is that we support pilots who wish to fly in other European countries. We do this by providing them with information, but also, for example, by facilitating access for guest pilots through our collaboration with associations in neighboring countries.

Our work is most successful when our members don’t even notice it (when they can continue flying just as they have been). With the support of our members, we will continue to do our best to ensure that this remains the case.

*SMV International,
Jürgen Lefevere*

**Report in French:**
<https://www.modellflug.ch/FR/home>