Prince Alvaro de Orleans Borbon Grant awarded to Reichert for the "Atlas" Human-Powered Helicopter project

Friday, 19 October 2012 12:04

Todd Reichert-Cameron Robertson During yesterday's Awards Ceremony of the 106th FAI General Conference in Antalya, Turkey, Todd Reichert was announced to be selected as the winner of the prize of the Prince Alvaro de Orleans Borbon Grant for the project called "Atlas" Human-Powered Helicopter.

The AeroVelo team, co-founded and led by Todd Reichert and Cameron Robertson (left picture), works in collaboration with the Human-Powered Vehicle Design Team at the University of Toronto. Over the last five years nearly 100 students have been involved in the various human-powered projects such as the Snowbird Human-Powered Ornithopter and high-speed streamlined bicycles.

By awarding this prize to Reichert, the FAI Executive Board wished to recognise his activity blending science, technology and sport, which is not only academic in nature, but also highly visible to the public and media organisations. The unique projects that Todd Reichert, Cameron Robertson and AeroVelo have developed have become symbols for creativity and encourage youth participation and interest in sport aviation. The FAI Executive Directors were also convinced by the fact that this project was not only the result of innovative research but also directly enhanced the capability and understanding of students.

"Cameron and I were absolutely ecstatic after hearing news of the award. Not only does it recognise our efforts on an international scale and give us motivation to continue our work, but it also provides the crucial funding to do so. The direct impact of this grant means more projects like the Snowbird Human-Powered Ornithopter and the Atlas Human-Powered Helicopter, more hands on learning for students, and more public attention for aviation," said Todd Reichert.

The Prince Alvaro de Orleans Borbon Grant is awarded to persons or institutions who have devoted themselves to create and/or promote technical developments and innovation in sport aviation. It is in principle (but not necessarily) awarded every two years with the goal of supporting research and innovation focused on the advancement of sport aviation and simulated flying. The value of the prize is 20'000 USD.

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General Awards

FAI medals and diplomas aim at giving public recognition to those who have made outstanding contributions to aeronautics and astronautics, especially in the field of sporting aviation. They are awarded each year at the Opening Ceremony of the annual FAI General Conference. Many of the recipients honoured have had their names closely associated with the history and developments of aeronautics and astronautics.

Individual Awards

The awards are to reward individuals for their contributions or achievements in the individual disciplines of airsports. FAI medals and diplomas aim at giving public recognition to those who have made outstanding contributions to aeronautics and astronautics, especially in the field of sporting aviation. They are awarded each year at the Opening Ceremony of the annual FAI General Conference.