Defending champion Petr Jonáš (on right in photo) will head to Italy this August with his trusty navigator Marek Velát (left) to compete at the FAI World Rally Flying Championships.
FAI congratulates Ronald Schnitker of the Netherlands on the receipt of his FAI Air Sport Medal for his efforts to improve and protect the rights of air sports and his long, dedicated and outstanding services to aviation.
Header image shows (left to right): Joonas Sjöroos received the Pilvenveikkot trophy, Matias Rautava, representative of Tervalentäjät ry, winner of the community series of the Airfield Competition, Jukka Helminen received the golden medal of merit, Esko Tilli received the Finnish Aviation Statue, Kim Toppari received the Harmon statue and Sara Salonen received the Plum trophy.
By Aika Hotta, Japan (Balloon pilot /Official PR, Tokyo Gakugei University)
From 14-16 March 2025, the 29th All Japan Inter-College Hot Air Balloon Championship took place in the Watarase area of Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. Organised by students from the Ibaraki University and two universities in Tokyo – Gakugei and the Metropolitan University International University of Health and Welfare – a total of 18 enthusiastic pilots (representing 12 universities) with varying experience gathered to compete in the tasks.
The 3rd FAI World Hang Gliding Class 1 Sport Championships have successfully concluded in Laveno-Mombello, Italy.
The event took place from June 1 to June 14, 2025. A total of six valid tasks were flown, with 48 pilots from 15 countries competing.
The Hang Gliding Sport Class World Champions are:
1. Peter Song (USA)
2. Alan Arcos (ECU)
Header image: Finland is full of lake airfields – free and available to all. [OH-POK Piper PA-18-180 Super Cub Mod]
2024 was another great year in the evolution of the Rookie Project. Lots of activities took place in schools, clubs, and organised through national aero clubs. An update for 2025 will see two new classes, aimed at encouraging youngsters to let their imaginations loose and design their own aircraft!
By Jonathan Perron-Clow, FAI Ballooning Commission PMR subcommittee member and 2024 Canadian Hot Air Balloon Championship Committee Member and Deputy Director.
Header photo: Eventual champion Martin Unsworth has his eyes on the prize as he approaches a target during the 2024 Canadian Championship. Credit: Laurianne Gervais.
