Access to air space is to the air sports pilot what water is to the walker in the desert - It is absolutely essential.

The Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI), is the world governing body for air sports and aeronautics. It is very much concerned that access to airspace for its pilots of all kinds is under increasing pressure worldwide.

FAI, which is in its second century of existence, believes that the governments of the world have an obligation to ensure adequate access to airspace for all who wish to fly, which has been the dream of mankind over the ages.

It becomes increasingly clear that the growing use of airspace by many users, particularly commercial aviation, has brought further pressures to restrict access to airspace for air sport enthusiasts. Often such restrictions have been imposed without reasonable assessment of the impact of decisions on air sports.

FAI challenges airspace regulators to respect the need of airsport people to use air space and to provide equitable access. Restrictions should be considered only where necessary to meet real and established risks, and solutions should be based on the best cost/benefit option.

Aviation would not be where it is today without the exceptional progress made over the last century by extremely dedicated air sports and recreational aviation men and women of the world. The exploits of these people have pioneered new aviation world records and led to new technologies, not only enabling many others to enjoy the freedom of the world’s airspace but supporting one of the world’s high achieving industries.

The sky is big enough for us all. It only requires a sensible approach by airspace administrators using, where necessary, best available technology to allow fair access for all.

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2. Airspace.  The principal FAI objective is to preserve freedom of access for the air sports community.  To further this objective, CANS will:

2.1 Implement any necessary action with the aim to preserve freedom of access for the airsports community.

2.2 Identify Airspace and Air Traffic Management (ATM) issues as they may affect FAI activities.

2.3 Facilitate support to Nations to assist in the defence of airspace access for air sports.

2.4 Collect information on relevant National and Regional rules and procedures and make available to FAI members in a useful form. In the European area, fraternal relations with Europe Air Sports (EAS) are to be maintained.

2.5 Liase with the principal world Aviation Regulatory Bodies such as the EASA, FAA and other equivalent and complementary bodies.

2.6 Communicate with ICAO in a manner approved by the FAI Executive Board and the FAI representative, on behalf of Sport Aviation.  

3.  Navigation Systems. It is appropriate for FAI to have a knowledge of the technology of navigational and reporting systems. This will enable FAI to liaise, and have credibility, with Air Traffic Management (ATM) bodies, Government Departments and others as appropriate.  CANS shall acquire, promote and disseminate such knowledge on behalf of FAI.  This includes the evaluation of navigation and position and altitude recording equipment designed to maintain separation from other air space users and for the avoidance of restricted airspace.  Such knowledge is also to aid compliance with FAI, National and International rules and procedures.

4. FAI Information Resource.  To produce and maintain an information resource for use by FAI members on the above and related subjects.

5. To make regular reports to General Conference and to other FAI meetings and events as requested.

6. To attend conferences and events and make presentations to and on behalf of FAI where necessary.

7. Commission structure and procedures are to be those in Statutes and By-laws for Technical Commissions. Experts in relevant areas of expertise may be co-opted.

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• List of Bureau Members
• List of Delegates

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• US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) http://www.faa.gov/
• International Committee on GNSS (ICG) : Industry Consultation Group sponsored by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)
• http://www.oosa.unvienna.org/oosa/en/SAP/gnss/icg.html
• http://www.oosa.unvienna.org/
• ICAO http://www.icao.int/

Aircraft user bodies

• EAS http://www.europe-airsports.fai.org/
• IAOPA (International Council of Aircraft Owner and Pilot Associations ) http://www.iaopa.org/
• Regional AOPAs

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It also includes some more general FAI terms and references

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Resolution on Airspace

Considering that air sports activities in many countries, especially in Europe, were under grave threat because of constantly encroaching airspace restrictions, that many restrictions were exaggerated in scope and went well beyond the real requirements of flight safety, and that air sports were challenging, healthy and character-building activities that contribute to society as a whole by giving physical and intellectual training to young people, the 100th FAI Annual General Conference resolved:

1. To urge all international and national aviation authorities to have special regard for the effects of any new airspace restrictions on the practice of air sports, and

2. To urge all FAI Members to establish procedures for constant close consultation on airspace matters between national civil aviation and air traffic authorities and national air sport governing bodies.

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