Annual Report to FAI General Conference 2005-2006

During the Third Quarter of 2005, FAI Centenary Year, the last World Championship was held in Rouen, France. Consequent from that event together with input from a number of participating teams the Commission instructed its Rules Committee to continue its work. A number of trials have been held at National Championships and training camps. The result is that the use of Data loggers becomes mandatory with effect from the next Plenary Meeting. Thanks are given to individual technical experts from other Commissions for providing input and guidance. The Commission took on board, on an ongoing basis, a detailed assessment as to how to improve upon media events. This brought forward new ideas to make helicopter flying attractive both to the media and to the public. The results of this will be demonstrated during the General Conference. These new proposals have been and are continuing to be evaluated. The Commission is keeping a very open mind to a changing situation whereby our media attractive events, be it for Grand Prix or World Air Games, will be updated on a regular basis and in conjunction with careful testing. One of the most important aspects is the desire to make events more (user) friendly and to excite those who watch. We have added to this by carrying out tests using miniature cameras, the results of which have been very encouraging. Our research is by no means at an end. Just beginning. One of the major steps is to double up on such events as slalom and fender. Where in the past these comprised a single helicopter flight we have redesigned slalom to emulate a ski race and placed two courses side by side to encourage the visual aspect that the helicopters are racing each other. The Open German Championship (2007) is a pre-runner to the next World Championship in 2008. The opening day has been brought forward. An additional day is being added as a full media day. The Commission intend to invite television and representatives from both the aviation and news press, They will see and participate in what we have to offer. A number of our crews will provide facilities for the press to be airborne with cameras. Events will be staged for their benefit. We have appointed a Media Advisor who, himself, is a highly experienced helicopter pilot. We will build on what we have already achieved. The next two events in 2007 and 2008 have already resulted in attracting new countries to participate. We welcome this. We continue to strive to spread the word further. We can and will offer any help that is required both to individuals and to NAC’s. I anticipate that, at our next Plenary Meeting, we will announce the commencement of a Continental Championship in Europe. We will continue to strive to encourage a similar event in the Far East. Last year I touched on the difficulty that helicopter crews have particularly in training. The situation does not change. Again I stress the necessity of action in this area. Perhaps we should consider, with help from the Environmental Commission, good policies and standards to adhere to that FAI supports in connection with Air Sports. I congratulate members of the Commission and the Bureau for their hard work and dedication over the last twelve months. In particular 1st Vice President Konrad Geissler, 2nd Vice President Irina Grushina but, above all, our Secretary and Chairman of the Rules Committee Wolfgang Perplies. No Commission is effective without the help, guidance and contribution made to their business and its operation by Max Bishop and his Colleagues in Lausanne. Again I express the Commission’s whole hearted appreciation and thanks for their contribution in making the Rotorcraft Commission a success. David Hamilton - President