National F3A Judge Training Course in Grenchen

To ensure that grading in such competitions (several per year) is as fair and consistent as possible, the judges must be trained.

Such a training session took place on Saturday, April 25, 2009, at the MG Grenchen model airfield.

All judges who score the F3A class were invited to attend. A total of

a total of 25 people and 2 “newcomers.” In addition, five pilots volunteered to fly the various programs to demonstrate realistic scoring.

Starting at 9:30 a.m., the clubhouse was taken over. Under the expert guidance of our F3A chief judge, Daniela Schmitter, the currently valid FAI programs P 09 and F 09 were discussed. The required maneuvers were explained using an engaging and informative PowerPoint presentation from the German Aero Club, accompanied by detailed explanations. About five-quarters of an hour later, everyone crossed the newly built bridge to the model airfield, where the “demonstration pilots” were standing by, ready for takeoff.

We had to coordinate each test flight with the skydivers, since their landing area is right next to the model airfield. On this very sunny and slightly windy Saturday, the skydivers were in full swing.

But we were able to work things out just fine.

For lunch, everyone headed back across the stream to the “construction site” near the clubhouse. We filled our bellies with grilled sausages or steaks (pre-ordered) and potato salad. →

After a good hour, two groups were again formed with the judges, who took turns scoring the two FAI programs. One group noted the individual errors or corners on the Aresti figure sheet, while the other group evaluated and discussed the program based on those notes. Meanwhile, Daniela instructed the two “newcomers” in the clubhouse and familiarized them with the Regional F3A and Interregional programs. The two groups of judges at the Mo-

dell airfield were led by Regina Schmitter and Hugo Peyer. Thus, the well-utilized and efficiently run afternoon was a great success for everyone involved, and by around 4:45 p.m., everyone began to say their goodbyes. In closing, I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to the organizer, Daniela Schmitter; the president of MG Grenchen, Fredi von Aesch; his helpers; and everyone who contributed to the success of this course.

*Rolf Weyermann,
President of FAKO F3 Aerobatics*

The F3 classes are the only ones in the SMV for which the judging system has been clearly regulated. The entire organizational structure begins at the regional level, where the regions are responsible for the basic training of their judges. Within the regions, the regional chief judges are responsible for training and continuing education, as well as for sending judges to national courses. Upon request by the region and the technical committee, judges may also be added to the list of the international federation (FAI). All F3 judges require the approval of both their club and their region. The regions—or rather, their chief judges—have the right to nominate a judge for Swiss Championships and IRMs. Unfortunately, these responsibilities are not always fulfilled. National courses with exclusively German-speaking Swiss participants are, unfortunately, not as “national” as they should be.

GZ