FAI Aeromodelling Commission (CIAM)

Authors: Tony Aarts and Peter Keim

1980

CIAM Bureau Meeting April 18 in Paris. Following a discussion on judging problems at the 1979 RC-Aerobatic World Championships, the Bureau ruled that two judges are not to be considered for international contests for the next two years (reason: too great national bias in scores).

CIAM Plenary Meeting December 1/2 in Paris, attended by representatives and observers from 31 countries (78 people).
For all classes proxy flying is from now on no longer allowed.
The revised provisional rules for helicopters were approved and upgraded to official status. Starting 1985 it will be possible to organize World Championships for RC Helicopters.
Changes in the Bureau were: 1st V-P L. Bovo, 2nd V-P P. Freebrey (was 3rd.), 3rd V-P O. Saffek (was 1st).
Changes with S/C Chairmen: Scale D. Thumpston GBR (replaces H. Ziegler), Noise T. Paulsen NOR (replaces Nenin), Helicopters F. DeProft BEL (replaces Chapman), Pylon Race D. Day GBR (replaces DeBolt).

1981

CIAM Bureau Meeting April 24 in Paris
The overall RC working group chairman has been asked to develop a proposal for reorganizing the RC subcommittee work for the various RC disciplines. December 3/4 in Paris, attended by representatives and observers from 31 countries (82 people).
The function of Overall RC Subcommittee Chairman became extinct. From now on each RC class subcommittee will operate separately and have its own responsibility.
In general the maximum weight of contest models had been changed from 5 kg with fuel into 5 kg without fuel. The maximum weight for RC helicopters had been raised from 5 kg to 6 kg without fuel. The maximum weight for single engine control line scale models had also been raised to 6 kg.
The 4-stroke engine is becoming popular because it produces less noise, but also less power. Therefore the maximum swept volume for these engines in class F3A has been set at 20 cm3. For scale models the max. swept volume of 4-stroke engines has been set to 15 cm3 for single engine models and a total of 30 cm3 for multi-engine models.
Setting a general noise limit for aeromodels could not be established. Each subcommittee was charged to propose noise limits for their own particular classes.
Following the reports on this year’s Free Flight and RC Aerobatics World Championships the Bureau noted the necessity to take greater responsibility when reviewing plans for these events, particularly concerning sites and organization.
For long duration records the help of an assistant pilot for a certain part of the flight will be allowed.
There were no changes among the Bureau members. For the S/C Chairmen C. Olsen stepped down as Overall RC S/C chairman and Don Lindley (USA) became chairman of the Noise S/C i.l.o. T. Paulsen. R. Chidgey (USA) will chair the RC Aerobatics S/C.

1982

April 16 in Paris
According to new FAI rules the organizer of world championships cannot locally issue a provisional Sporting License to an individual competitor who does not present to the organizer in advance of official flying a Sporting License issued by his National Aero Club.
The Bureau discussed and approved for Plenary Meeting consideration that in addition to the Alphonse Pénaud Diplome a program of FAI recognition for other aeromodelling achievements be established.

CIAM Plenary Meeting December 2/3 in Paris, attended by representatives and observers from 29 countries (78 people).
Approved for inclusion in the Sporting Code rules for payment/reimbursement of travel expenses of invited officials for World and Continental Championships.
New issue of Sporting Code Section 4 planned for 1984.
There were no changes in the composition of the Bureau. Only one subcommittee changed the chairman: G. Burford (AUS) was elected chairman of the Pylon Race S/C i.l.o. D. Day.
Awards: The Alphonse Penaud Diploma Richard Weber, USA.

1983

CIAM Bureau Meeting April 11 in Paris
Preparations were started for the 1984 edition of the Sporting Code Section 4, Aeromodels/Space models.
It was noted by the president that the number of subcommittees (11) seemed to be out of proportion in relation to the work performed. It was agreed that any S/C, which did not report in time for the Bureau Meeting, should be considered to be out of action for the balance of the year and the Plenary Meeting to decide whether the S/C would be reactivated for the following year. Rules were also set for the reporting of S/C activities to Bureau and Technical Secretary prior to Bureau and Plenary Meetings.
The Bureau noted concern for future World Championship schedules if and when new World Championships are approved. The Bureau advised that the current number (7, i.e. 3 Aeromodelling each year and one Spacemodelling every other year) not be increased.

December 1/2 in Paris, attended by representatives and observers from 31 countries (92 people).
The classes RC-Helicopters and RC-Pylon Race now meet the requirements for upgrading to World Championship status. Canada has offered to organize the first RC-Helicopter W. Ch. in 1985. This increases the number of world championships to nine. Proposal for realistic W/Ch. schedule still requested!
It was reported by the Director General that in future presidents of FAI Committees (such as CIAM) are automatically invited to CASI meetings.
So-called normalizing of scores for RC-aerobatics approved. This decision is important to reduce the difference in judging standards when more than one set of judges is used.
Awards: Alphonse Penaud Diploma E. Krill (AUT).
Changes in the bureau: W. Groth (GER) was elected 1st Vice-President i.l.o. L. Bovo. The only change with the S/C chairmen was that D. Day replaces G. Burford as RC-Pylon Race S/C Chairman.

A judge’s course for RC aerobatics was to be held in September in Genk, Belgium.

1984

April 12/13 in Paris
Noting the need to accommodate three new world championships (F3C RC-helicopters, F3D RC Pylon Race and in the very near future F3E (F5) Electric) the Bureau approved a two-year cycle for recommendation by the plenary meeting as follows: 1st year F1A, B, C, F3A, F3B, F3C, F3D and Space. Second year: F2A, B, C, D, F4B, C, F1D, F3E. The latter after obtaining World Championships status.
The Bureau decided positive on a proposal to interchange the dates of Bureau Meeting and Plenary Meeting. This means that starting in 1986 the Bureau Meeting will be held at the end of the year (late November/early December) and the Plenary Meeting in the spring, late March/early April. This schedule will better correspond with the main contest season in the northern hemisphere. The Plenary Meeting 1984 has the final decision on this proposal.
First Continental (European) Championship for RC-Helicopters organized in The Netherlands.
The first (limited) number of copies of the 1984 edition of the Sporting Code was distributed at the meeting.
The text of this edition has been stored in the computer of the AMA. This will considerably facilitate inserting future amendments.

CIAM Plenary Meeting December 6/7 in Paris, attended by representatives and observers from 28 countries (91 people).
The Plenary Meeting had approved the date change as proposed by the Bureau unanimously. As a consequence there will be no Plenary Meeting in 1985, but only two Bureau Meetings.
1984 Control Line Subcommittee1984 Control Line Subcommittee
World Championships schedule: discussion and voting on proposals from the Bureau (see 1984 Bureau meeting), Switzerland and Italy resulted in approval of the Bureau proposal, i.e. retaining the 2-year cycle, in accordance with the listing in the Bureau Minutes. In this respect the desirability was discussed of combining RC world championships in the future whenever possible.

Awards: The Alphonse Penaud diploma Werner Koelliker (SUI).
Changes in the Bureau: 1st V-P O. Saffek (was 3rd V-P); 2nd V-P W. Groth (was 1st V-P); 3rd V-P P. Freebrey. The only change with the Subcommittee Chairmen was that R. Brown (USA) was elected i.l.o. D. Day for RC-Pylon Race.

1985

CIAM Bureau Meeting April 25/26 in Paris
RC Electric Motor Gliders (F3E) has obtained world championship status. RC Electric aerobatics and Pylon Racing do not yet have W. Ch. status.

No Plenary Meeting due to changed meeting schedule for 1985/86.

First World Championship for RC-Helicopters organized in Canada. There were 37 participants from 17 countries.
First World Championship for RC-Pylon Race organized in the U.S.A., attended by 18 competitors from 6 countries.

CIAM Bureau Meeting December 5/6 in Paris
As a consequence of the new schedule of Bureau and Plenary Meetings the Bureau set up a time schedule for presenting offers for organizing World Championships and what (detail) information is be presented at what meeting.
A draft guideline for calculating entry fees has been approved by the Bureau. It will be presented to the Plenary Meeting for final approval and inclusion in the Organizers Guide.
Because it becomes still more difficult to enforce the Builder of the Model Rule proposals can be expected for complete or partial canceling of this rule.
The AMA has been requested to prepare an updated version of the Sporting Code Supplement for the April 1986 Plenary Meeting.

1986

CIAM Plenary Meeting April 24/25 in Paris, attended by representatives and observers from 29 countries (71 people).
In a letter to the CIAM the FAI President stated that CIAM participation in youth programs is desired; the term “Junior” needs to be defined by 1987.
The 1985 FAI General Conference approved more freedom for technical committees to establish or change rules.
Class F1E, Free Flight Slope Soaring obtained Continental Championship Status (not W.Ch. status).
First World Championship for Electric Motor Gliders, Class F3E (later recoded to F5B), organized by Belgium.
The “Builder of the Model” rule no longer applicable for classes F3A and F3C, RC-Aerobatics and RC-Helicopters respectively.
Changes in the Bureau: Vice-Presidents changed position viz. 1st V-P P. Freebrey, 2nd V-P O. Saffek and 3rd V-P W. Groth.
There was only one change for the S/C Chairmen: RC-Soaring S/C J. Grigg, USA replaces D. Pruss who is seriously ill.
Awards: Alphonse Penaud Diploma J. Kalina (CZE)

CIAM Bureau Meeting December 4/5 in Paris
As a result of scores evaluation of the 1986 Scale World Championships the Bureau suspended one of the judges who had shown extreme national bias for two years from judging any events on the FAI/CIAM Contest Calendar (1987-1988).
The Bureau approved a previous proposal to invite model press representatives to the next Plenary Meeting.
Because of irregularities in receiving some proposals for the forthcoming Plenary Meeting agenda, the Bureau decided that proposals for the agenda of the Plenary Meeting have to be received by the FAI office no later than 15 November with at the same time sending a copy to the CIAM President.

1987

CIAM Plenary Meeting April 2/3 in Paris, attended by representatives and observers from 30 countries, of which three by proxy, totaling 76 people.
“Builder of the Model” rule declared no longer applicable for class F3A RC Aerobatics, F3B RC Soaring and F3D, RC-Pylon Race.
Broader specification limits are needed for RC Scale models. Approved were the increase of the maximum weight to 7 kg, the maximum surface area to 250 dm2 and no limit at all for motive power.
Restructuring of the Noise Subcommittee. The noise problem is becoming so important that all subcommittees involved in flying with models equipped with internal combustion engines should be active in developing noise reducing measures. The chairmen of these S/C should form the new Noise subcommittee.
Introduction of the international class for Large Scale Models. This class will not be eligible for World or Continental Championships.
The Free Flight Subcommittee will organize the first World Cup competition.
Awards: Alphonse Penaud Diploma A. Meczner (HUN)
New CIAM awards proposed by the USSR have been adopted viz. Aeromodelling Gold Medal for outstanding merits in organizational activities and the Antonov Diploma for technical innovations. In this respect the requirements for the Alphonse Penaud Diploma have been modified to now being applicable to sporting achievements only.
Changes of Officers: All Bureau Members and Subcommittee Chairmen were re-elected.
The Plenary Meeting approved a statement to the FAI that the CIAM fully supports the significant changes in procedural and financial operations considered by the FAI President.

CIAM Bureau Meeting December 3/4 in Paris
The new Noise Subcommittee (composed of the S/C chairmen with combustion engine power activities) met for the first time at this Bureau Meeting. The Bureau expressed its strong desire in promoting the overall need for noise reduction in order to encourage greater public acceptance of aeromodelling activity in general. The Bureau also emphasized that performance need not to suffer from noise reduction as shown by the F3A rules, which resulted in higher performance with less noise over the past years.
The FAI Presidents proposals (see 1987 Plenary Meeting) were discussed at length with the Director General with among others the possibility of future fund raising by sponsoring of events.
The Bureau approved the printing of the new 1989 edition of the Sporting Code and outlined the procedure for checking the draft by Bureau members and S/C chairmen.
The French edition of the Sporting Code will not be printed but be available in photocopy form on request.

1988

CIAM Plenary Meeting April 21/22 in Paris, attended by representatives and observers from 33 countries, of which one by proxy (91 people).
At the end of the first day (April 21) all subcommittee chairmen met to discuss:
Safety: the Education/Information S/C chairman will make general set of safety recommendations applicable to all categories to be included in the next issue of the Sporting Code.
Noise: all S/C concerned are requested by the Bureau to develop in time for the next Bureau meeting either specific proposals for noise reduction or a plan of action to deal with the noise reduction problem. In case a S/C fails the Bureau intends to pursue some specific course of noise reduction effort.
On April 22nd FAI President Mr. Peter Lloyd addressed the meeting explaining the intended changes in he FAI organization, and stressed the need for positive thinking regarding new ideas and proposals. One of the new ideas was the introduction of sponsorship for World Championships so that they can be organized without loss.
The meeting unanimously approved the plans outlined by the FAI President.
The CIAM President reported the idea for so-called World Air Games, somewhat related to the Olympics in being scheduled at four year intervals. The first of these games is scheduled for 1991 in France.
Preparations were started for the 1989 issue of the Sporting Code Section 4.
Free flight slope soaring (Class F1E gliders with automatic steering) obtained World Championship status.

The “Builder of the Model” rule will no longer be applicable to the Free Flight classes (F1A thru F1J).
Poland will organize the first Free Flight World Championships for juniors.
The Free Flight S/C chairman reported a very successful first World Cup competition in 1987. The Bureau recommended that the appropriate subcommittees consider World Cup events for other categories.
Officer changes: Bureau no change; S/C Chairmen: R. Ruijsink (NED) elected chairman of the Electric Flight S/C i.l.o. P. Blommaart, no other changes.
Awards: Alphonse Penaud Diploma H. Prettner (AUT)

CIAM Bureau Meeting December 1/2 in Paris
Copies of the new 1989 edition of Sporting Code Section 4 were distributed at the meeting. Printing in the USA saved considerable cost.
It was reported that the first World Air Games had been scheduled for 1991 in France. CIAM will look what aeromodelling/spacemodelling classes are suitable for participation in the Games

1989

CIAM Plenary Meeting March 30/31 in Paris, attended by representatives and observers from 34 countries (107 people!) of which two by proxy.
Due to lack of proposals from the noise-related subcommittees (except the F3A S/C) a general noise-limiting rule has been approved as a Bureau proposal, e.g. for all power classes 96 dB(A) at 3 meters. The S/C still have the possibility to come with specific and acceptable noise limits before the December 1989 Bureau Meeting.
The 1989 Sporting Code Section 4 is again subject to a rule freeze until 1993, except for safety items and clarifications.
The increasing power of RC soaring winch motors has been limited by introducing compulsory limiting electric specifications for battery and winch motor.
Officer changes: Bureau no changes; Subcommittee Chairmen: for RC Soaring R. Girsberger (SWI) replaces J. Grigg and for Education/Information A. Schoeder (USA) replaces M. Dilly.
Awards: Aeromodelling Gold Medal P. Freebrey (GBR)
Antonov Diploma N. Astley Cooper (GBR)
Alphonse Penaud Diploma J. Richmond (USA)
For the second time a combined World Championships for F3A (RC Aerobatics, F3C (RC Helicopters) and F3D (RC Pylon Race), a so-called “AerOlympics II”, will be organized in the U.S.A. this year.
First World Championship for Class F1E (Gliders with automatic steering) organized by Poland.

CIAM Bureau Meeting November 30 - December 1 in Paris