A path that isn't exactly easy

The Niederwil Model Aircraft Club was founded on October 10, 2008. A total of 26 active members and 3 passive members were present at the founding meeting. We set ourselves the common goal of leasing a club-owned airfield in our region.

It was clear to all of us that the path we had chosen wasn’t exactly
easy. Nevertheless, we wanted to reach our goal together. When we founded the club, a farmer had promised to lease us a piece of land so we could pursue our hobby there. Together with the SMV’s Infrastructure Department, we had to identify and address any issues that might hinder our project. To successfully carry out such a project, it’s important to resolve any outstanding questions in advance. We contacted
the nearest residents and informed them of our plans. After finding little to no opposition, we were able to conduct an environmental impact assessment through the Sempach Bird Observatory in collaboration with the SMV. This procedure had been developed several years ago by the Infrastructure Department in cooperation with the Bird Observatory to ensure clear information
regarding the bird population in the area. The assessment was in our favor—that is, there are no endangered bird species within a 500-meter radius of our airfield. However, it was pointed out that the compatibility with a nearby amphibian sanctuary still needed to be examined. After sending a letter to the Cantonal Office for Nature Conservation and meeting with the local
nature conservation chairman, it quickly became clear that they also saw no issues, provided we adhered to the airspace restrictions as planned. Once we had successfully cleared these hurdles, we submitted a building permit application to the municipality. When the application was then published in the official gazette, we eagerly awaited the reactions. After the deadline passed, we had received no official objections; nevertheless, according to the municipality, two residents had expressed certain reservations regarding noise.
An agreement was reached to use 4-stroke internal combustion engines. To ensure we can demonstrably comply with the noise control ordinance, we will measure our models in accordance with SMV guidelines. We are therefore confident that we can prove the noise issue can be kept well within acceptable limits.

In May 2009, we were finally able to hold our small, club-internal airfield opening
fly-in, and in July, we organized a demonstration flight for the residents of Niederwil. In the morning, noise measurements were taken with representatives from the municipal council. It turned out that the agreed-upon limits could be met without any issues. In the afternoon, we were able to demonstrate our models to the visitors in attendance. People watched our demonstrations with interest. Oski Engeler, representing the SMV, explained the various propulsion systems and models—along with their
advantages and disadvantages—to the spectators. Finally, the club treated all visitors to grilled sausages and drinks.

The Niederwil Model Flying Club would like to thank everyone who helped make it possible for us to have an airfield. This includes the SMV Infrastructure Working Group—with Adi Eggenberger and Oski Engeler—as well as René Lüscher from the RMV Zentralschweiz, who actively supported us with their expertise. We couldn’t have done it without them. *Martin Bolliger*

Since our planned model airfield is located in an agricultural zone, the Canton of Lucerne must issue a rezoning permit. To obtain this special permit, we must be able to demonstrate that the project cannot be located anywhere else. We had to explain our evaluation process for this location in detail and demonstrate which alternatives would not be feasible and why. Thanks to the support of Adrian Eggenberger and Oski Engeler at the cantonal and municipal levels, we were able to successfully resolve this issue. During a further meeting with municipal representatives, Oski Engeler from the SMV, and the president of the MV Niederwil, a solution was also found for the noise problem.