As if we no longer understood the world

Anyone who goes through life with an open mind from time to time—though doing so too often isn’t healthy—can’t help but get the impression that many people no longer understand the world. This is by no means limited to the older generation. Depending on how personally affected we are, we encounter head-shaking and puzzled expressions. For example, when it comes to the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA)’s EU model aircraft regulations, there is constant talk of a “liberal” solution—which, to us model aircraft enthusiasts, sounds more like a pragmatic one—to the point where one is practically forced to remain skeptical. We model aviators must never become the sacrificial lambs of large corporations or the EU’s regulatory frenzy simply because the federal government constantly gives in. Just go ahead and use a

The issue mentioned at the beginning—along with the increasingly aggressive behavior of certain nature conservation groups—is a concern for the model aviation community. In recent years, through my contacts with model aviation clubs, I have come across some truly hair-raising stories. Anyone who, as part of an objection process, objectively inquires about what exactly is supposed to be protected in that area is dismissed as if they had called nature and environmental protection itself into question (as I’ve heard, there are also committed individuals within the conservation groups who are quite understanding of our hobby). Of course, it’s easier to push model aviators aside than, say, to prevent a planned large-scale development project. That people who pursue a meaningful hobby also

The idea that we might actually benefit nature conservation rather than harm it—and even make a small donation now and then—is out of the question given all this fanaticism. “Unfortunately,” we model aviators are in need of harmony and let ourselves be taken advantage of time and again by the feared and ideologized nature conservation movement. There’s not a trace of objective weighing of the pros and cons. The disappearance of model flying fields will lead to us flying more and more just anywhere and everywhere. The trend is already in full swing! Not even nature conservation can bring together as many police officers and female ranchers as this. Perhaps it’s already worth setting up a fund today to cover the fines for our “fly-anywhere” pilots who are forced to fly elsewhere. It’ll probably be cheaper than model flying fields.

because I don't want a 30-kilo drone—which, according to federal regulations, can be operated without a permit—landing on my foot. The

Sincerely,
Emil Ch. Giezendanner