With bad weather looming, competitors at the 23rd FAI European Hot Air Balloon Championship 2025 knew they’d get one more long flight in before the rain, with precious points up for grabs.
By Jonathan Perron-Clow of the FAI Ballooning Commission's Public & Media Relations Sub-Committee
No one said it would be easy. Competitors at this year’s 23rd FAI European Hot Air Balloon Championship have got more than they bargained for. Unrelenting good weather combined with challenging tasks have sent pilots moving up and down the standings just as much as they’ve done in the sky.
Top picture: Team leaders on the podium
The 19th FAI World Microlight Championships wrapped up last week in the Metz region with a close contest between host nation France and long-time rivals Czechia.
Team France
Story by Jonathan Perron-Clow of the FAI Ballooning Commission's Public & Media Relations Sub-Committee
Story by Jonathan Perron-Clow of the FAI Ballooning Commission's Public & Media Relations Sub-Committee
Pilots woke up on the second day of the 23rd FAI European Hot Air Balloon Championship Wieselburg, Austria, to spectacular conditions and light winds. Their skills, patience and endurance were tested over two flights leading to nine tasks.
Story by Jonathan Perron-Clow of the FAI Ballooning Commission's Public & Media Relations Sub-Committee
A little bit of rain couldn’t hold back the 82 competitors assembled in Wieselburg, Austria at the 23rd FAI European Hot Air Balloon Championship. After the Opening Ceremony on Saturday 16 August 2025, on Sunday (after a brief weather delay), the pilots took off to commence their weeklong quest to determine the best pilot in Europe.
The skies above Raná, Czech Republic, provided the stage for the 2025 FAI F1E World Championship for Free Flight Slope Soaring Gliders, held from 11 to 15 August. Pilots from around the world gathered to test their skill and precision in one of Aeromodelling’s most demanding disciplines.
The competition featured both Senior and Junior categories. The Juniors enjoyed good weather and fair conditions, while the Seniors faced more demanding flying challenges. In both categories, champions rose to the occasion with outstanding performances.
Host of the FAI General Conference 2025, Finland has been represented in a variety of air sports at FAI World and FAI European Championships, World Cups, and the FAI World Air Games, with some major successes. There are also several air sports athletes putting Finland on the map with FAI records.
