CIAM Meeting at the FAI in Lausanne: The Proliferation of New Classes Shows No Signs of Slowing

The annual CIAM meeting is the plenary session of the FAI Model Aircraft Commission. After three years of holding the event online, the delegates and the secretariat were finally able to meet in person again. Antonis Papadopoulos presided over the meeting in an efficient manner. The delegates approved all motions that had been unanimously adopted at the technical meetings. These included, once again, new classes.

The adoption of electric propulsion has led to various categories gaining an electric version through the use of electric motors—in parallel with internal combustion engines. In the F3J and F5J glider classes, for example, this seems to me to be a practical solution. Even better: In many classes, traditional internal-combustion and electric flight regulations have been successfully merged (F3A/F5A RC aerobatics or F3C and F5C helicopters). That was and remains exemplary. I could imagine something similar in free flight, such as F1C (internal combustion) and F1Q electric free-flight models. Or in circuit flying, the old F2A Speed class and the new electric F2G Speed class. Given the relatively low number of participants, practical sense would surely argue in favor of merging these classes rather than letting them remain small and insignificant. One issue that strikes me as rather contrived is F3G—or, to put it simply, F3B with an electric motor? There are still other examples that could be mentioned. Unfortunately, the entire model aviation system has become too cumbersome and confusing. There is anything but unanimity on whether the drone competitions F9A Drone Soccer and F9U Drone Racing should truly be considered model aviation classes, whether within or outside the FAI. What strikes me as peculiar is the fact that both classes are designated as “provisional” categories in the current Sporting Code, even though world championships are being held. Such contradictions undermine the credibility of the whole endeavor—even for the FAI.

SMV Delegate: Faruk Yeginsoy
; Alternate Delegate: Emil Giezendanner

As our former model aircraft president, Werner Koelliker, once said: “To me, the way the FAI works is a wonder of the world.” Back then, the entire structure was even simpler and more straightforward. The fact that it still works today is thanks to all the volunteer aviation enthusiasts from around the world. The Executive Board—called the “Bureau” in CIAM—is elected annually. This includes the heads of the subcommittees. This time, a new chairman for tethered flight and a technical secretary had to be elected. They face a massive task ahead, as they must incorporate the annual rule changes into the existing regulations. It’s a bottomless pit! Here, too, a sports organization is taking on more and more administrative tasks. There’s no denying the danger that much innovation and creativity will be lost in the process.