24 Oct 2023

CIACA President's Report to the 116th FAI General Conference 2023

FAI By-Laws:

3.2.6 Presidents of FAI Commissions shall have the following duties:

3.2.6.3 - To prepare in writing a yearly report on the work done by their Commission and submit this report to the General Conference. When invited, the President shall present the report in person, verbally, to the General Conference. Further, special reports shall be made when requested by the FAI General Conference, the FAI Executive Board, or the FAI President.

Main activities, projects or events since last FAI General Conference

In the Annual Report of the President of CIACA, it is my privilege to highlight the significant strides and achievements that our organization has made over the past year. CIACA President played an active role in representing our association on the international stage, participating in various key meetings, with a noteworthy mention of our presence at the EFLEVA conference.

Furthermore, we continued to extend our support to numerous aviation events, exemplified by our involvement in the Electrifly-In at Bern Airport (SUI). This reaffirms our commitment to promoting and nurturing the global community of homebuilt aircraft enthusiasts.

One of the most remarkable highlights of the year was our General Assembly in April 2023, where we witnessed a substantial increase in the number of participants. This demonstrates the growing interest and engagement of our members, both old and new, in the collective endeavors of CIACA. During this gathering, we engaged in thought-provoking discussions about the latest and most innovative homebuilt aircraft projects from around the world. The conversations were enlightening, delving into the ecological and technological dimensions that will shape the future of homebuilt aircraft.

In recognition of exceptional achievements in the field, we were proud to award HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco for his historic first flight by a head of state in an Experimental Aircraft. This achievement is a testament to the global impact of our community and the remarkable milestones being reached within the field (see top picture).

One of the most personally gratifying moments for me as the President of CIACA was the first presentation of the GYRON.PRO Aircraft at the AERO2023 exhibition in Friedrichshafen. This gyrocopter had been introduced to our members years ago at a General Assembly as a future project, and it is with immense pride that I can now report its realization.

The AERO2023 exhibition provided the perfect platform for this momentous occasion. The GYRON.PRO Aircraft, once just a concept discussed amongst our dedicated members, was now a tangible reality. As we unveiled this remarkable gyrocopter to the public, it was heartening to see how the audience responded. Spectators from various corners of the world piled up to witness this groundbreaking achievement.

The GYRON.PRO Aircraft serves as a testament to the power of our community and its ability to turn dreams into reality. It showcases the incredible progress and innovation within the realm of homebuilt aircraft, underlining the very essence of what CIACA stands for.

Main challenge(s) encountered and solutions adopted

Over the past year, CIACA has been actively addressing the issue of limited NAC support and the declining number of diploma applications. These awards have always held significant importance within our community, and the reduction in the number of diplomas awarded was a cause for concern.

Fortunately, at this year's General Assembly, we witnessed progress in this regard, and all CIACA diplomas were successfully awarded. In recent years, we have transitioned to conducting our annual General Assembly online, with the aim of making participation more accessible for all, particularly our NAC partners.

This adaptation has proven to be a positive step forward, ensuring that all Members have the opportunity to engage in our activities and contribute to the growth and development of homebuilt aviation within the CIACA community.

We are aware of the importance of reaching out to our members and delegates through various communication channels, including social media and newsletters. However, it is essential to emphasize that achieving positive results in this regard will be challenging without the active support of our delegates.

Main activities and projects for next years (2023 onwards)

Our main activities and projects are aimed at advancing our mission and strengthening our community.

We will be looking forward for possibilities to organize Experimental and Amateur Built Aircraft competitions to provide enthusiasts with a platform to showcase their innovations and skills.

A special focus is on youth engagement. We firmly believe that the next generation of aviation enthusiasts must be nurtured and inspired. To achieve this, we will be looking forward for cooperations to organize more events tailored to young aviation enthusiasts, providing them with opportunities to learn and grow.

We are closely collaborating with our National Aircraft Commissions (NAC) delegates to ensure their active support in our initiatives. Strong cooperation and a supportive environment are of particular importance to us.

Finally, we will continue to actively participate in surveys and studies concerning the worldwide development of new energy sources and technologies in aviation. This will help keep our community at the forefront of innovation in our industry.

Free reporting

In closing, I would like to express my sincere gratitude. We could not achieve our goals and projects without the tireless dedication and support of our members, delegates, and partners. Your contributions and efforts are the driving force behind CIACA, making our community stronger.

Alfons Hubmann
CIACA President