Interview with Roger Soom (President of the Gäu Model Aircraft Club)

With its spacious, well-maintained airfield, the Gäu Model Flying Club is particularly appealing to jet and large-scale model pilots. As a result, an above-average number of members here fly precisely these challenging models. On the one hand, such models are always a feast for the eyes, but on the other hand, special attention must be paid to safety, especially with these heavyweights.

Popular events, such as the radial engine meet, as well as competitions and championships in Gäu, are always well-attended. To ensure that such events and daily flight operations run smoothly year after year, it takes not only a great deal of organizational effort but also clear rules, especially regarding safety. And, of course, it also takes people who ensure that these rules are followed.

Roger Soom is one of them. He is the president of the Gäu Model Flying Club, and together with the entire board, he works as a team to—

ensures that these various events and daily flight operations run safely and smoothly.

Yes, we’ve had a safety officer on the board for over 20 years. But since he can’t always be on site, any board member takes on this role as soon as they’re at the airfield. Basically, every member should do the same if they see that safety rules aren’t being followed. Of course, it can be difficult to bring this up with a fellow member. With the right tone, you can do so without coming across as patronizing. If you’re unable to do that, you’re required by the airfield regulations to report the incident to the board. After all, it’s our shared goal to ensure safe flight operations so that we can all enjoy our wonderful hobby.

Yes, that is part of our airfield regulations, which outline all the essential points. Clear safety guidelines are absolutely essential. It is very difficult, if not impossible, to maintain safe flight operations solely through members’ personal responsibility. That is why we need clear rules, which we must also enforce.

The safety officer must be a good communicator and have a thorough understanding of the entire spectrum of model building and model flying. However, he must also be able to assert himself clearly and decisively when necessary. He should be able to raise awareness among pilots in a collegial manner, without coming across as a police officer. The whole thing is sometimes like walking a tightrope and places high demands on the person in this role.

Unfortunately, there are also those who refuse to learn. If someone continues to violate the rules even after repeated warnings, the board will issue a written warning. If that, too, fails to bring about the desired improvement, the board may ground the offending member by imposing a flight ban. The next step is then a motion for expulsion to be brought before the next General Assembly. That sounds very harsh, but as already mentioned, our main goal is safe flight operations without accidents. We have farmland and the highway very close to the airfield. The fact that you’re not allowed to fly over the highway or fly low over workers in the fields should really be obvious to anyone with common sense. Our top priority is the well-being of our club. We don’t need troublemakers around.

No, thank God, we haven't had any significant, serious accidents so far.

Jet pilots are generally experienced pilots, not beginners. They are aware of the specific risks associated with their models. However, jet models have also become larger and heavier in recent years. This means they require an ever-larger airspace. This isn’t yet an urgent problem, but they are getting closer to the first houses in Oberbuchsiten. So jet pilots in particular must take special care to stay within the permitted airspace, which has worked well so far.

Not yet. But since the Gäu Model Aircraft Club always holds its general meeting on a Sunday morning, that might still be difficult. But we'll think about it.

This interview can be found in the "F" and "I" sections of the SMV website.