Mount Lema

Every thing has three sides: a positive one, a negative one, and a funny one. Karl Valentin (1882–1948)

It is probably human nature that, when people gather in large numbers in one place, they should follow certain rules of conduct.

This was also the case on Monte Lema, in Malcantone.

Since model gliders—some of which are manned—and paragliders share part of the airspace, and that space was becoming increasingly limited, regulations were inevitably needed. As you can see from the code of conduct, this does not restrict flying operations. Thus, the joy of flying remains assured. ■

Photo/Text: Wolf Völler

You're a model airplane pilot or paraglider and would like to fly on Monte Lema.

We hope the weather and the thermals are on your side and that you’ll enjoy one or more wonderful days on the mountain and in the air.

Monte Lema is a popular tourist destination. It’s also popular with hikers, such as those doing the famous Monte Tamaro–Monte Lema hike and planning to spend the night here. Or with glider pilots who take off from Varese and find the first strong updrafts here before flying further north into the Alps.

There are very few hotspots of this caliber in the Alpine region and the surrounding area. That’s why they’re so popular, and on certain days of the year—especially in the spring—space in the sky for model aircraft pilots is limited.

The landowners, the operators of the railway and the Ostello, as well as the local and Swiss model aircraft and hang gliding associations, want to ensure that safe and carefree flying on Monte Lema remains possible in the future without restrictions imposed by outside parties.

To ensure that you can continue to pursue your passion for aviation, it is important that you read this information and adhere to the code of conduct at the end of this flyer.

As is well known, intensive efforts are currently underway in Switzerland to maintain the liberal and easily implementable model aircraft legislation. The draft regulations from the EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency), which now also cover model aviation, contain many provisions that would severely impact slope flying, such as here at Monte Lema. One of the key factors for a sensible Swiss solution regarding model aviation is maintaining the sport’s excellent safety record. Accidents quickly lead to calls for stricter laws. That is not in our interest.

Only model aircraft pilots can avoid paragliders and gliders; the reverse is hardly possible. The latter rely on model aircraft pilots to give them a wide berth.

Model aircraft pilots remain at the launch site during flight. They rely on paragliders and gliders to spend as little time as possible in the airspace they use. How the coexistence of these three airspace users works is described in the following rules: “Model Aircraft Code of Conduct” and “Paragliding Code of Conduct.”

For the “Manntagenden,” there’s one important rule: Safety first!—it’s no surprise that this rule tops the list for hang gliders as well. Preventing accidents is a hot topic among them. It’s interesting to compare glider pilots with model airplane pilots. Unfortunately, fatal gliding accidents occur every year. However, there is no known case worldwide in which a bystander was killed by a glider. This is not the case with model airplane pilots. Several fatalities and accidents resulting in serious injuries to bystanders have already been documented. That is why safety is also a concern for model aircraft enthusiasts.

When model airplane pilots and paragliders interact, the main thing is to greet each other and let each other know what they’re planning to do. If model airplane pilots know that passenger flights are taking place, they’ll increase the distance between themselves and the paraglider even further. The flight should also be an enjoyable experience for the passenger. If, shortly after the biplane takes off, a model aircraft whizzes past behind them at 200 km/h, it may not be particularly dangerous, but it is very frightening—for both the pilot and the passenger—and therefore unnecessary.

Every pilot is responsible for ensuring that his or her aircraft functions properly. The same applies to his or her conduct toward fellow pilots and in the air (airmanship). So far, so clear...

Our demeanor and behavior toward others—that is, toward railway and Ostello staff as well as tourists—are also of central importance to the reputation of our hobby. Ask yourself whether your actions are in keeping with the spirit of our sport and would stand up to public scrutiny (Code of Conduct). For example: flying in the evening from the terrace, flying from a moving gondola, reprimanding one another while flying, or flying with “hotliners.”

1. All pilots must be in the same location. This is the only way to ensure communication among them.
2. Pilots must announce takeoffs, landings, and low-altitude flybys aloud, specifying the approach direction. These are: Monte Lema, Caslano, Luino, Monte Cucco.
3. Observed paraglider takeoffs, close flybys, and approaching or circling gliders must also be announced aloud.
4. Pilots must maintain a significantly greater distance when flying around paragliders and gliders than when flying around model airplanes. The benchmark is the estimated safety distance as perceived by the pilot in flight.
5. Consideration for less experienced pilots: On days with many pilots, frequent airspace occupation around the launch site is not desired (reducing speed during circling, horizontal speed turns). Pilots flying slow models and less experienced pilots should also be able to take full advantage of the day’s best thermal conditions without hindrance.
6. High-speed approaches from Monte Lema must be made at a greater distance from the edge of the slope out of consideration for hikers. The benchmark is also the estimated safety distance from the hikers’ perspective.
7. Takeoffs from the summit of Monte Lema are not permitted. Exceptions: When there is a north wind and after 5:00 p.m.
8. Model aircraft pilots should treat paragliders with courtesy. Paragliders use the same updrafts near the launch site but cannot avoid model aircraft and have reduced visibility. Model aircraft pilots are aware that human lives are at stake when it comes to paragliding.

1. Paragliders should make eye contact with the model airplane pilots and signal with a wave toward the model airplane pilots that they will be taking off within the next 10 minutes or so.
2. After takeoff, they should seek out thermals as soon as possible outside the model aircraft pilots’ immediate airspace (approx. 100 m). Paragliders can only see a limited portion of the airspace at any given time. The same applies to model aircraft pilots, who must constantly focus on their own model. The greatest danger to them comes from paragliders approaching from behind at low altitude.
3. Avoid gliding back and forth at eye level with the model aircraft pilots. Maneuvering out of the way can be difficult even for experienced model aircraft pilots—especially in weak thermals—when flying close to the ground. Furthermore, model aircraft pilots do not have the option of flying elsewhere.
4. Paragliders treat model aircraft pilots with goodwill. The latter make a sincere effort to fly around paragliders while maintaining a safe distance. They are aware that human lives are at stake when it comes to paragliding.
5. The route to the launch site via the model aircraft launch site is only slightly longer. Introducing yourselves to one another before the flight and informing the model aircraft pilots of your flight plans contributes to mutual understanding.

1. Model
Aircraft Launch Site 2. Hang Glider Launch Site

If you have any questions or encounter any issues, please contact the Central Secretariat of the Aero-Club of Switzerland in Lucerne at 041 375 01 01.
Many happy landings

Monte Lema SA
Swiss Model Aircraft Association (SMV
) Swiss Hang Gliding Association (SHV)