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URS FLUEELER
![Going it alone with the rules for model flying could create new problems for Switzerland with the EU. (Archive image)]()
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Going it alone with the rules for model flying could cause Switzerland new problems with the EU. (Archive image)
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VALENTIN FLAURAUD
![A model airplane crashed in a rape field: Going it alone with the rules for model airplanes could further damage Switzerland's relationship with the EU. (Archive image)]()
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A model airplane crashed in a rape field: Going it alone with the rules for model airplanes could further damage Switzerland’s relationship with the EU. (Archive image)
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At the same time, the decision to introduce the stricter drone rules has been postponed indefinitely. The Council of States decided with 20 to 18 votes with four abstentions in favor of less strict model flying rules than the EU.
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Model pilots have probably never had such political weight in parliament. And with her emphatic vote, Federal President Simonetta Sommaruga almost managed to change the Council of States’ minds and thus to forego a test of strength with the EU or to bring the National Council into play again.
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In addition to drones, the EU also wants to regulate model aircraft more closely. In September, however, the National Council decided to exempt traditional model flying from the tightening of the EU standard for the operation of unmanned aircraft and to leave it under national law.
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According to the Federal Council, the new EU rules are essential in order to continue to guarantee the safe operation of these aircraft. The EU could also take countermeasures if its law were not adopted, it was feared. “They are forcing the Federal Council to negotiate things that have long been decided in Brussels,” said Sommaruga, visibly angry in the Council of States. In addition, Switzerland itself worked on the EU regulation.
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With this “cherry picking”, Switzerland is blocking the way to continue to play an international leading role in a central, innovative economic sector. Access to the drone and robotics industry is very important for Switzerland. You risk losing technological leadership in this area.
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In addition, she finds it a bit nonchalant to ignore the security needs expressed by the councils in connection with the operation of unmanned drones, said Sommaruga. The corresponding tightening is also currently in place.
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Ultimately, however, the stance that Commission President Hans Wicki (FDP / NW) had previously outlined on behalf of the majority of the Commission prevailed. The Federal Council wanted to adopt EU rules in full and prematurely, although no security gain was understandable. In addition, the administrative effort for model flying will be increased and in fact a compulsory association will be introduced.
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After the National Council accepted the motion in September, the federal government postponed the introduction of the stricter EU rules planned for early 2021. The Federal Office for Civil Aviation (Bazl) wanted to wait and see what the Council of States would do with the request. Now the Federal Council has to find a solution with Brussels.
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Around 15,000 people practice model flying in Switzerland. Accidents with damage or even injuries to the detriment of third parties are extremely rare.
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Published: December 8th, 2020, 50 minutes ago-Last updated: December 8, 2020, 14 minutes ago–
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