Found a Career Through MFS—A Tribute to Peter Krüger as He Retires

Then one day the phone rang. A man named Peter Krüger from Wallisellen answered. He said he was a law student about to graduate. His idea was to write a licentiate thesis on the topic of “model aircraft.” That convinced me, and we met in Kloten for our first conversation. I was impressed by his well-thought-out and clear statements, as well as his expertise in both model aviation and aviation legislation (thorough research was much more time-consuming back then without the internet). Soon, however, doubts arose as to whether the topic would provide enough material. A short time later, he calls again and informs me that our concerns have been confirmed. We soon agree that he would write a series titled “Legal Foundations of Model Aviation” for *Modell Flugsport*, which, of course, delights me immensely. The first article

in Issue 6-1980 (which, by the way, was the anniversary issue marking MFS’s 10th year of publication). In his introduction, he writes that the legal issues surrounding model aviation “must be viewed in the context of aviation legislation as a whole—within which model aviation is embedded.” From today’s perspective, this statement must be regarded as an expression of truly phenomenal foresight. This has proven to be true—in a truly dramatic way—more than thirty years later, particularly in the vicinity of airports, and could become even more acute in the wake of GPS-guided approaches. (Unfortunately, this perspective on aviation policy did not find a receptive audience within his Niederhasli model aviation group—the group later withdrew from the AeCS—not everyone is blessed with such foresight.) In this issue, Peter focuses primarily on the “Ordinance on Certain Aircraft and Aerial Vehicles” of September 6, 1976. The second part follows in issue 2-1981, in which he provides information mainly on jurisdiction, government agencies, and associations. The title of his third installment (MFS 4-1981) is “Model Aircraft: Aircraft or Toy?”

Peter Krüger, a lawyer, headed the agency’s legal department from 1992 to 2001 and the Legal Competence Center from 2002 to 2004. Since 2005, he has served as the Office Management’s representative for special tasks on the Executive Staff. Throughout all these years, he dealt not only with legal issues in specialized technical areas of aviation, such as hang gliding, model aircraft, and ultralight and Ecolight aircraft. He was equally interested in the latter. In addition, Peter Krüger served as the Office’s Data Protection and Public Relations Officer. The Office’s management extends its heartfelt thanks to Peter Krüger for his many years of service at the FOCA and wishes him and his family all the best for this new chapter in his life.

CHH

The various types of airspace users are defined in great detail, as are the differing views of international aviation organizations and authorities on this matter.

After completing his studies, Peter Krüger applied for a position at the Aviation Authority (now the Federal Office of Civil Aviation (FOCA)). His very well-researched articles in our journal were intended, among other things, to pave the way for him. Because his in-depth research had also given him a profound understanding of international developments in model aviation law, he was quickly entrusted with this portfolio within the agency—a move that would subsequently prove to be a positive development for us model aviators. As early as the 1990s, Peter Krüger was working on the revision of the regulation (VLK). As a delegate of the then-AeCS Model Aviation Commission (chaired by Werner Koelliker), I was involved in his work from the very beginning. I am still

grateful that, in our case (at least in this area), German—and later European—standards were not adopted in the regulation. Peter Krüger exemplifies the role of head of an official legal department by also offering a certain degree of protection to the more vulnerable airspace users (hang gliders, model aircraft pilots) (I have made it abundantly clear that there are forces that would prefer to ban model aircraft flying). It would be wonderful if other sectors and agencies would adopt this noble and democratic approach, which protects the “little guys” from being swallowed up. Dear Peter, to me you are not just a “civil servant,” but a highly competent lawyer, model aircraft enthusiast, and tech geek with a passion for flying. Thank you very much for everything you’ve done for us model aviators. I wish you and your family all the best in this new chapter of your life and hope you continue to enjoy your wonderful hobby. ■

Emil Ch. Giezendanner

**...live your passion!**