At the recent FAI General Aviation Commission (GAC) Annual Meeting, held in Catania, Italy, Delegates elected a new President to lead the Commission into its next chapter. Stepping into the role is Ralf Grunwald, who succeeds Hans Schwebel following his decision to step down.

Ralf brings a wealth of experience to the presidency. Aged 51 and based in Berlin, Germany, he has worked in aviation since 1993. His career began as an avionics technician for a German regional airline, followed by a role at Bombardier Aviation Services. Today, he oversees projects and IT at a service centre in Berlin, combining technical expertise with a strategic outlook.

We spoke with Ralf about his new role, his vision for the GAC, and the path that led to him becoming President:

Can you tell us about your journey in air sports? How did you get involved in GAC?

I have been flying gliders since I was 13, later also touring motor gliders and Single Engine Piston (SEP) aircraft. In 2006, I was elected as the German Aero Club (DAeC) Sports Representative for Precision Flying, and later also for Rally Flying. I have also been attending GAC Annual Meetings since 2006. Initially, I was a DAeC National Representative on the Precision Flying Subcommittee and was elected as GNSS Technical Advisor in 2011. Then in 2019 I was elected Vice President.

What inspired you to take on the role of President of the FAI General Aviation Commission?

Thanks to my many years in the GAC and especially in the last few years as Vice President, I already have a thorough understanding of the work and the tasks involved. My predecessor, Hans Schwebel, played an incredibly important role in me standing for election and I would like to take this opportunity to thank him once again for his support.

How does your professional background equip you for this role, and how do you plan to apply your experience to your presidency?

My knowledge of aviation comes from both a professional and a sporting perspective. However, my current job as a project manager gives me a lot of skills to work in a structured and successful way, which will definitely be useful in the work of the Bureau. My affinity for IT should be helpful for digitalisation.

What are your main priorities as the new President?

I would like to encourage the GAC Bureau and all Subcommittee Chairpersons to commit to our new goals as quickly as possible. We have already held regular Zoom meetings for coordination purposes so we will continue to expand the use of this tool. Furthermore, I will hold 1-to-1 discussions with them very soon and share my ideas and vision in person.

How do you see the future of GAC evolving?

In a very positive direction, even if there is still a lot for us to do. People all over the world are talking about Industry 4.0 and digitalisation. We are still sending PDF documents back and forth between us instead of relying on new technologies. With the headquarters in Lausanne, we have strong support in this area. I would like to accept this support and drive GAC forward in the direction of digitalisation and modern processes.

What are the biggest challenges currently facing GAC, and how do you plan to address them?

GAC must continue to work hard to attract applicants to host FAI Category 1 or 2 events in the coming years. The lead time for decision and voting needs to be longer.

What positive impacts can the GAC, through records and championships, have on global General Aviation?

Competitions are always an incentive for young (and less young) pilots to improve their skills and performance. This applies to national competitions as well as FAI World Championships. At FAI World Championships, we can demonstrate the current level of performance of our pilots.

GAC is one of the most active Commissions in terms of records. How do you see the role of record-setting in promoting innovation and progress in General Aviation?

I believe that the role of records has been underestimated in the past. Here, too, I see great potential to make performance measurable and presentable. I have records in mind that also make efficiency and environmental friendliness measurable. With GAC Records Subcommittee Chair Art Greenfield, the Commission has one of the most competent FAI Officials for this.

Sustainability and efficiency are becoming increasingly important in air sports. What role do you see GAC playing in this area, and what initiatives would you like to pursue?

As I said before, I see a lot of possibilities with new record categories. There is no question that General Aviation will be measured by its environmental impact in the future. But we have already achieved quite a lot. We just have to learn to present and communicate these successes.

Do you have a favourite flying experience or memorable moment in your air sports career?

I still clearly remember the day I flew my first Air Navigation Race (ANR) competition. The concept of this sport had already convinced me beforehand, but the fun and inner fulfillment at the end of the flight showed once again how much potential there is in this sport.

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