As AOPA Luxembourg approaches its General Assembly and elections on 17 January, it is time to acknowledge and thank the members of the outgoing committee—a team of dedicated volunteers who have served General Aviation in Luxembourg with commitment, professionalism and passion.
Over the years, this committee has represented pilots’ interests, strengthened the AOPA community, modernised communication and IT, and consistently engaged with authorities and stakeholders in an increasingly challenging environment for General Aviation.
The Outgoing Committee (from left to right)
Etienne Haumont
Etienne transitioned from classic General Aviation (PPL) to high-end ULM flying and now owns a Bristell aircraft. He is the initiator and organiser of the popular Navigation Refresher, where randomly composed teams of three pilots each fly a leg of approximately 100 NM. The event regularly attracts up to 25 aircraft.
Etienne also served as an IAOPA delegate and contributed to the development of the member benefit programme.
Based at Micheville, on the French border.
Peter Sodermans
Peter has served well over a decade on the board of AOPA Luxembourg, including the last eight years as President. A long-time Mooney pilot who now flies a Blackwing ULM, he focused on connecting the dots—between pilots, authorities, international AOPA structures and future generations.
Based at Sterpenich, on the Belgian border.
Paul Farmer
As Secretary General, Paul brought structure, rigour and continuity to AOPA Luxembourg. A dedicated Mooney pilot for many years, he has extensive experience in long-distance flying.
Based at Luxembourg Airport.
Christophe Englebert
Christophe is a flight instructor at Aéro-Sport and closely follows Findel-related matters, representing AOPA members’ interests vis-à-vis local authorities and airport stakeholders.
Based at Luxembourg Airport.
Cristina Menendez
Often described as the beating heart of AOPA Luxembourg, Cristina is responsible for the monthly newsletters, community news and member communication. She organises the annual Flight Safety Seminar and was a key driver behind the successful International IAOPA Conference hosted in Luxembourg.
She flies Aéro-Sport club aircraft and has a remarkable ability to connect people.
Based at Luxembourg Airport.
Reinhard Krommes
Reinhard is the driving force behind the AOPA Yearbook, published every winter and spanning around 100 pages of aviation news and stories. A long-serving board member and former Secretary General, he is widely regarded as a true monument of AOPA Luxembourg. He’s also the silent force behind the AOPA newsletter, brought every Month to our members with an update whet happens in Luxembourg
He flies club aircraft at Aéro-Sport.
Based at Luxembourg Airport.
Julien Larigaldie
A newer board member, Julien has taken charge of IT modernisation, including AOPA email addresses and infrastructure upgrades—keeping the engine running behind the scenes.
He also stepped in as interim Treasurer, replacing Marina Paralingova, and ensured compliance with Luxembourg’s increasingly complex ASBL legislation.
Flying at Aéro-Sport (Luxembourg Airport) and soon also based in Porto.
Chris Scott
Chris (a former Miss Luxembourg) flies her Dynamic aircraft and is currently completing her Basic Instrument Rating. Based at Micheville, she brings a strong and welcome female perspective to the board.
She represents AOPA at the FAL, consistently brings fresh ideas, and previously served as Secretary General and Vice-President.
Daniel Schiltz
Daniel is a newer board member who flies club aircraft at Aviasport. Working at ANA, he has helped AOPA navigate operational realities at Findel, including organising a tower visit.
Based at Luxembourg Airport.
Looking Ahead
This General Assembly marks a generational transition. Several long-serving members are stepping down, and it is now time for new volunteers to step up and take responsibility within the board.
General Aviation in Luxembourg is currently facing significant challenges:
- Suspension of activities of LFTA, the country’s main flight school, by the DAC
- Increasing pressure from ANA, including aggressive collection of disputable landing fees
- Ongoing uncertainty around the AVGAS transition
- The need of finding a new airstrip for General Aviation in Luxembourg
- Absence of a national ULM legislation
- Addressing the nonacceptance of high-end ULM aircraft at Luxembourg Airport
- A general lack of political and institutional support for General Aviation as such in Luxembourg
- working alongside with IAOPA to address pan European themes (reducing medical consraints, maintenance, …)
In this context, a strong, motivated and engaged AOPA board ij Luxembourg is more important than ever.
AOPA Luxembourg needs new energy, new ideas and new volunteers who are willing to invest time for the collective interest of pilots and General Aviation.
To the outgoing committee: thank you for your dedication, your time and your unwavering commitment.
To the next generation: now is your turn.
