Swiss helicopter crew Stefan Meier and Ruedi Boser topped the podium at the 2025 International Helicopter Races in Płock, Poland. 

Across the two challenging FAI Rotorcraft competition disciplines of Slalom and Fender Rigging, the Swiss pair showed immense skill to claim their gold medals in this Category 2 FAI event, held from 12-15 June.

Twenty-four competitors made up the twelve crews participating in each of the two disciplines:

• Fender Rigging – a test of accuracy and finesse
• Slalom – a fast-paced challenge requiring exceptional agility and skill

FAI Rotorcraft Commission President, Serafina Ogonczyk-Makowska, was present at the event, and the international judging panel included experts from Germany, Thailand, England, Sweden, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Albania, and Poland.

• See pictures from the event

Results

Slalom

1. Stefan Meier / Ruedi Boser (Switzerland)
2. Marcin Szamborski / Wojciech Sanecki (Poland)
3. Łukasz Wilk / Janusz Kryściak (Poland)

Fender

1. Stefan Meier / Ruedi Boser (Switzerland)
2. Łukasz Wilk / Janusz Kryściak (Poland)
3. Marcin Szamborski / Wojciech Sanecki (Poland)

Organised in cooperation with the Polish Aeroclub, the International Helicopter Races 2025 aimed to foster international cooperation in the aviation community. The competition was held as part a wider event - the 3rd World Helicopter Rally - to promote helicopter aviation, with a focus rescue operations, safety, transport, and youth participation.

Images: FAI