Jan Fridrich is vice-president of the Light Aircraft Association of the Czech Republic and of the European Microlight Federation, and secretary general of the Light Aircraft Manufacturers Association - Europe
When did you first want a job in aviation?
As far as I remember I always wanted to do what my father did. He was working in Let Aeronautical Works producing the L-410 and L13 Blanik, so I wanted to work there as well. I made models, became a glider pilot and studied aircraft design at the Technical University in Brno.
What was your first aviation job?
I started in the stress department in Let Kunovice as a structural engineer. As a starting point it was the best possible place. I realised that I like more technical-organisation type of work rather than strict calculations. At the age of 28 I was given work that is normally given to much older people - I became certification manager of the L33 glider and we quickly received the Czech and US type certificate. I always wanted to get foreign experience so I worked at Andersen Consulting for almost five years before returning to aviation.
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Fridrich: regulators do not understand the needs of light aircraft |
Why is light aviation so strong in the Czech Republic?
During socialism, access to flying was very limited. The big aviation industry collapsed in the Czech Republic around 1992 and a lot of their employees found work in new small microlight companies. The foundation of the Light Aircraft Association of the Czech Republic in 1990 created a legal framework for microlight activities.
Have you ever been attracted to a job in a heavier sector?
In a big company you usually work on small assembly or subassembly, while on small aircraft you can do much more. You can design, produce and even fly the aircraft.
At Evektor-Aerotechnik I was responsible for marketing and later for service support of EV-97 microlights. At the same time I become involved with Light Aircraft Association of the Czech Republic, where I work as some sort of "foreign minister".
I have set my personal goal, which is to have a light sport aircraft category in Europe. Until that is achieved I do not think about any other roles.
Is the European Aviation Safety Agency on the right path to make the most of light sport?
I am afraid it's not. The main problem with EASA is that its main purpose is to care about commercial air transport. Sport and recreational aviation is not as well known to them and they apply the same rules to both. One possible solution could be if EASA creates a special directorate devoted to sports and recreation aviation, which would be independent from the rest of EASA. What EASA is proposing is the integration of an LSA-like code for initial airworthiness into the EASA system. This inevitably means that EASA fees and charges will apply. The original freedom of LSA manufacturers will disappear. The only way out of this is political lobbying on a European Union level supported by each country's government.
The best part of your job?
Attending international meetings to talk to people I would never otherwise meet. I hope that I have some influence on the rules for the lighter end of aviation.
What do you dislike?
I miss direct contact with manufacturing. I do not have enough time to fly. Some meetings are too political - I prefer straight dealing. Sometimes it is too much travelling. I would like a button that I could press and I would be at home. Maybe in couple of decades!
Source: Flight International
