10 years ago today: balloonist Pauline Baker set two FAI World Records with her impressive 4272m flight

Today, marks the 10th anniversary of Pauline Baker's record hot air balloon flight. On 24 January 2008, the Irish pilot broke the female altitude FAI World Records in class AX-03 (Hot-air balloons: 400 to 600 m³) and AX-04 (Hot-air balloons: 600 to 900 m³) after taking off from Mondovi (ITA) and reaching the altitude of 4272m. The records are still standing.

FAI Young Artists Contest 2018: 'Flight into the Future'

The theme for the 2018 FAI Young Artists Contest is ‘Flight into the Future’ – and entries are open.

The FAI has announced the theme for its popular annual FAI Young Artists Contest for 2018. Youngsters between the ages of 6 and 17 are invited to submit drawings and paintings working under the theme of ‘Flight into the Future’.

Gold, Silver and Bronze FAI Medals will be awarded to the winners for three age categories (6-9, 10-13, 14-17 years old) following a Jury decision next year in April 2018.

Aviation and Space: Diary-notifications and anniversaries for 2018

The first transatlantic crossing in a gas balloon, two of the longest human-powered flights ever recorded, and an over-6000 km airship flight completed in 1928: just four of the incredible, record-breaking feats the anniversaries of which will be celebrated by the FAI in 2018. 

Dating back to the early 1900s, each one still stands as a record in the air sports field, and represents the triumph of human determination, bravery and skill when pitted against often seemingly insurmountable odds.

Breaking down barriers: how aviation pioneer Yvonne van den Dool became South Africa’s first female career pilot

In 1955, Yvonne van den Dool became the first woman to hold a Senior Commercial Pilot's Licence in South Africa.

She remained the only female pilot to do so for the next 17 years.

Born in Johannesburg in 1930, van den Dool began flying at the age of 19 and was forced to work for free, and to take on dangerous missions her male peers didn’t want, to achieve her dreams.

The future of air sports event organisation is here – and its name is eNavigator

Organising and running a world-class air sports event is now easier than ever before, thanks to the eNavigator system designed by FAI Global Technical Partner Noosphere Ventures, founded by Max Polyakov.

The cutting edge event management system, which continues to be developed by Noosphere in cooperation with the FAI, aims to provide everything needed to organise and host a successful sports competition.

Flying high! Team USA wins gold in the 2017 FAI F3A World Championship for Aerobatic Model Aircraft

Reigning F3A World Champion Team USA triumphed once again in the 2017 FAI F3A World Championship for Aerobatic Model Aircraft, claiming the gold medal and hanging on to the “MAP Trophy” for another two years period.

More than 60 pilots took part in the championship which took place at Villa Gesell Airport in Villa Gesell, Argentina.

The event ran from November 4 (Opening Ceremony) to November 12 (Closing Ceremony).

Completing the team podium line up were Team Japan in silver medal position and Team France in third place.

Huge Turnout for the first FAI – ASFC World Fly-In Expo in Wuhan, China

  • China International Hot Air Balloon Tournament, International Paramotor Invitational Championships, and International Skydiving Championship winners crowned
  • Huge exhibitions and awe-inspiring air show attract 300,000 attendees
  • 100 happy couples tie the knot in hot air balloons


More than 1,000 pilots, athletes, coaches and referees from 37 countries converged on Wuhan, China, for the first edition of the FAI – ASFC World Fly-in Expo (WFE).

2017 FAI World Fly-in Expo: a mega-event in Wuhan, China

The first edition of the FAI World Fly-in Expo (WFE) will be held from 4 to 7 November 2017 in Wuhan, China. The event promises to be a mega-event with more than 1000 pilots, athletes, coaches and referees from more than 30 countries to take part in the air shows and competitions. It will feature 788 aircraft - 588 for the air shows and 200 for the exhibition.

100 exhibitors from general aviation companies and other air sports federations, clubs and enterprises will be present.

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