The CNFTE carries on more than ever!
The federation's mechanical training and testing centre (CNFTE) has been part of the Federation's history almost from the start. But behind the acronym and the institution there is a man, Pierre Pouchès, known as "Peyo", who, beyond being an outstanding technician with unique experience, has always been something of the "shaman" of microlight mechanics.
Our dear Peyo has decided to stop and take a well-deserved retirement. The CNFTE, which has been an association independent of the federation for 20 years, will be dissolved by the end of the year in favour of the federation, transferring all its assets to it. This is an opportunity for the federation because, more than ever, we need to ensure independent expertise in the interest of all pilots. The microlight regulations we have always defended assume that the owner-pilot is responsible for maintaining their aircraft. They can of course call on professionals, but they must be able to carry out most of the maintenance on their aircraft themselves.
The current trend in mechanics, which gives ever more room to IT, the commercial concentration of the players and the scheduled, though very vague, end of carbon-based energy are all worrying issues. More than ever, they require the federation to take charge of all these questions with all the players and in its proper role: serving the general interest, in the interest of all pilots.
In practical terms, most of the equipment will be brought back to the Valenton premises while a lasting solution is put in place. From the end of the year, a new specification for federation mechanics will be introduced. Pilots can be reassured from now on: all mechanics professionals have realised the need to preserve our freedom, which is also the guarantee of their own development, and everything will be done to give every pilot a quality mechanical training framework.
40 years of “Peyo” at the FFPLUM
A few years ago, Peyo (centre) in his workshop
Peyo with the French team (2nd crouching from the right)
Peyo at the Tour ULM!
The mechanics tutorials, filmed with Thomas Gadaud
