Region 5 Airfield Commission

As of today, over the past year, the Airfield Commission (see MFS 2/78, p. 22) has had to process a considerable number of special permits for the operation of model airfields in the vicinity of the Dübendorf military airfield, but especially at Zurich Airport. This work is particularly complicated in the Kloten Airport area

Kloten because, unlike Geneva (which has one runway), Kloten Airport has three main runways facing different directions. The approach and departure zones therefore cover practically the entire Zurich Unterland region. Despite this traffic density—which is unique in Switzerland—we have succeeded in obtaining permits for a surprisingly large number of model airfields, albeit in some cases with significant restrictions, such as a height limit of 90 meters. However, several model airfields also had to be closed. The Airfield Commission now asks model aircraft pilots to adhere to the regulations and urges the executive boards of model aircraft clubs to ensure compliance. It should be clearly stated here that flying outside these authorized sites—or even at restricted sites—is not only illegal but also irresponsible. The Airfield Commission is happy to answer any questions in this regard. Please contact us before any complaints are filed.

Now that the Airfield Commission has completed the bulk of its work on special permits, it has enough capacity to address other issues concerning model airfields. The Commission and the Regional Board have observed that groups repeatedly make critical mistakes when planning a model airfield. For example, they forget to inform neighboring groups, to reach out to the local municipality, to submit the airfield regulations to all affected parties, and so on. In addition, flight paths should be laid out as environmentally friendly as possible—namely, in such a way that the greatest possible distance from residential areas can be maintained, and so on. Over time, a substantial body of documentation—as well as a wealth of practical experience—has accumulated in the region. We would like as many groups as possible to benefit from this experience. Unfortunately, groups usually only reach out once too much damage has already been done.