Riyadh, Saudi Arabia's vibrant capital, stands as a fusion of ancient heritage and modern grandeur. For delegates and participants attending the 118th FAI General Conference in November 2024, the city offers a wealth of experiences in which to immerse oneself.

From the majestic Al Masmak Fortress to the awe-inspiring National Museum, Riyadh's diverse array of attractions promise to captivate all who visit. Find out more in this guide to six major attractions in Riyadh for FAI General Conference visitors:

The 2024 FAI F1ABP Junior World Championships for Free Flight Model Aircraft took place in Prilep, North Macedonia, from 6 to 10 August 2024.

Over the course of three exciting days, the competition showcased exceptional talent and camaraderie among participants. Despite the warm temperatures, the event benefited from low winds and excellent visibility.

By Paul Gibeault - Media Director for the 2024 F2 World Championships for Control Line Models

The Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA) welcomes the world to the 2024 F2 World Championships for Control Line Model Aircraft starting today in Muncie Indiana, USA.

The ninth and final task of the 1st FAI World Endurance Paramotor Championships on Friday 9 August is fuel economy: pilots have a 2 kilogram quantity of fuel weighed out and must stay in the air for as long as possible, trying to locate thermals to stay aloft for longer. 

The FAI World Gliding Championships returns to Uvalde, Texas on 17 August 2024 for the 38th edition of this prestigious competition. This is the fifth time the world’s premier gliding event will be held in the United States, and the third time in Uvalde, renowned for its outstanding gliding conditions: daily task lengths of over 500 kilometres and achieved winning speeds approaching 160 kph are regularly achieved here.

Estimated Speed, Constant Speed, Bowling Landings, Snakes… The strategic skills of the pilots taking on these tasks at the 1st FAI World Paramotor Endurance Championships have been put to the test in the first days of the competition at Manston Airport, Kent, UK.

The control and concentration demonstrated by the pilots has been impressive across both the foot launch and trike classes (PF1 and PL1).

Glorious sunny days at the 18th FAI World Microlight Championships at Deenethorpe, UK, made for a cheerful atmosphere among the 55 crews representing 12 nations competing to become 2024 champions.

Ten tasks in navigation, precision and economy were set by competition director, Owain Jones and his team, for the crews in the five classes. A range of demanding flights with varied elements challenged the pilots' skills to the max.  

The 18th FAI World Microlight Championships got off to a flying start after a big bang from a military canon opened the event, being held at Deenethorpe Airfield in Great Britain from 27 July to 3 August 2024.

The cannon!

It is with sadness that we report the news that a long-standing friend of FAI, Bob Clipsham, passed away on 15 July 2024. 

Bob was a well-known and much respected figure within the international air sports community. He dedicated many years of service to FAI in various functions, and his expertise and passion for aviation made a lasting mark on our organisation and those who worked with him. 

The Saudi Aviation Club (SAC) is poised to host the prestigious 118th FAI General Conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 19 to 21 November 2024. The SAC is the country’s National Air Sports Control and represents over 600 members, both male and female.

For the SAC, “hosting the Conference marks a significant milestone for the organisation, as it positions Riyadh on the global aviation stage, enhancing international recognition and attracting air sports leaders.