German Model Aviation Association

The German Model Aviation Association (Deutscher Modellflieger Verband e.V., DMFV) is the largest interest group dedicated to model flying in Germany, with more than 84,000 members organized in around 1,350 member clubs. It was founded on 3 November 1972 by entry in the register of associations at the Bad Vilbel local court. Its stated purpose is to preserve, cultivate and further develop model flying as a sport, particularly by promoting and supporting club work and youth work. The DMFV operates as a registered association (e.V.) and is recognized under German aviation law. Under § 4a of the Ordinance on the Commissioning of Aviation Sports Associations (BeauftrV), it is entrusted, on equal footing with the DAeC, with public tasks related to the use of airspace by model aircraft under the LuftVZO. These tasks include issuing type approvals for model aircraft with a maximum take-off mass above 25 kg and up to 150 kg, issuing permits for pilots of such aircraft, issuing training permits for their pilots, and levying fees under the aviation administration cost ordinance. Under § 21g of the LuftVO, the DMFV is also authorized to issue the knowledge certificate (Kenntnisnachweis) under § 21f for pilots of model aircraft and privately used multicopters. A further important function is its role as an insurance provider in model sports, in cooperation with the German industrial insurer HDI Global SE. Members receive comprehensive insurance coverage as well as support from the head office and the association's legal counsel. The association publishes the monthly magazine Modellflieger twelve times a year, with four print and eight digital issues, and represents the interests of model flyers in Germany before politicians and authorities. The DMFV is structured around a five-member presidium elected at the annual general meeting, comprising the president, vice-president, treasurer and the chairs of the sports advisory board and the members' advisory board. Twenty-one sports officers represent the model classes covered by the DMFV, from electric flight, engine flight and gliding to slowflyers and model helicopters. A total of 36 member representatives (as of June 2025) act as links between the presidium and the members and clubs they represent, assisting with legal and organizational questions such as organizing flying days and competitions. The independent youth organization JUMP! Junge Modellpiloten looks after young members with camps, championships and seminars, giving young people their own voice in the association. The head office in Bonn employs nine staff to handle member matters, and the association's legal counsel offers free advice on legal questions. DMFV Service GmbH conducts the commercial business operations on behalf of the DMFV e.V. The association is a member of the European Model Flying Union. On its official website, the DMFV presents itself as a community built around enthusiasm for model flying, emphasizing sport and technology, drones and FPV, flying in clubs, insurance and youth programs. It describes itself as Europe's largest model flying association and invites clubs to become member clubs and have their flying sites designated under simplified rules. The association also organizes events and competitions, including the International German Championship, and maintains a presence at trade fairs such as Faszination Modellbau.

The German Model Aviation Association (Deutscher Modellflieger Verband e.V., DMFV) was founded on 3 November 1972 through entry in the register of associations at the Bad Vilbel local court. From its beginnings, the association aimed to preserve, cultivate and further develop model flying as a sport, with a particular focus on promoting club work and youth work. Over the decades, the DMFV grew into the largest interest group specifically dedicated to model flying in Germany, reaching over 84,000 members in approximately 1,350 member clubs. Its role expanded beyond sport promotion into legal and regulatory representation. Under § 4a of the Ordinance on the Commissioning of Aviation Sports Associations (BeauftrV), the DMFV was entrusted, on equal footing with the DAeC, with public tasks related to the use of airspace by model aircraft under the LuftVZO. These include issuing type approvals for model aircraft with a maximum take-off mass above 25 kg and up to 150 kg, issuing permits for pilots of such aircraft, issuing training permits for their pilots, and levying fees under the aviation administration cost ordinance. Under § 21g of the LuftVO, the DMFV is authorized to issue the knowledge certificate (Kenntnisnachweis) under § 21f for pilots of model aircraft and privately used multicopters. Another key development was the association's function as an insurance provider in model sports, in cooperation with the German industrial insurer HDI Global SE. This insurance role became a central benefit of membership, alongside support from the head office and the association's legal counsel. In 2008, from April to October, the DMFV organized its first nationwide youth media competition under the title "Überflieger," aimed at supporting young people aged 7 to 25 in their journalistic engagement and informing them about model flying. The jury included tennis professional Michael Stich, actor Jan Sosniok and media entrepreneur Thomas Aigner. In 2019, the DMFV proclaimed the "Tag des Modellflugs" (Day of Model Flying), first held on 9 June 2019 and since then annually on a Sunday in early June. The association's structure evolved to include a five-member presidium elected at the annual general meeting, 21 sports officers representing model classes from electric flight, engine flight and gliding to slowflyers and model helicopters, and 36 member representatives (as of June 2025) acting as links between the presidium and members. The independent youth organization JUMP! Junge Modellpiloten was established to look after young members with camps, championships and seminars. The head office in Bonn employs nine staff, and DMFV Service GmbH handles commercial business operations on behalf of the association. The DMFV is a member of the European Model Flying Union. On its official website, the DMFV describes itself as Europe's largest model flying association and emphasizes community, responsibility and the fascination of model flying. It promotes sport and technology, drones and FPV, flying in clubs, insurance and youth programs, and invites clubs to become member clubs and have their flying sites designated under simplified rules. The association continues to organize events such as the International German Championship and maintains a presence at trade fairs like Faszination Modellbau.

• Founded by entry in the register of associations at the Bad Vilbel local court.

• First nationwide youth media competition "Überflieger" held from April to October.

• First "Tag des Modellflugs" (Day of Model Flying) held.

• 36 member representatives active as of June 2025.

Lobby and service organization for model flyers in Germany, combining sport promotion, legal representation, insurance and youth work.

• Membership

  Membership in the DMFV, including insurance coverage, legal support, and the Modellflieger magazine.

• Insurance

  Comprehensive insurance coverage for model flying, in cooperation with HDI Global SE.

• Knowledge certificate (Kenntnisnachweis)

  Certificate issued under § 21f LuftVO for pilots of model aircraft and privately used multicopters.

• Type approvals for large model aircraft

  Type approvals for model aircraft with a maximum take-off mass above 25 kg and up to 150 kg.

• Modellflieger magazine

  Monthly magazine with four print and eight digital issues per year.

• JUMP! youth organization

  Independent youth organization offering camps, championships and seminars for young members.

1. 1DMFV | Deutscher Modellflieger Verband e.V.dmfv.aero
2. 2German Model Aviation Association - Wikidatawikidata.org
3. 3Deutscher Modellfliegerverband - Wikipediade.wikipedia.org