2015 FAI Annual Report

4-5 / 68

FAI ANNUAL REPORT–2015 FAI ANNUAL REPORT–2015 4 5
The 2015 competition scene, while occupied by the FAI
World Air Games at the end of the year, also featured 710
Championships and regional competitions. Three events
were selected and supported by our sponsor Breitling,
with whom we continued our collaboration: the 59th
Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett in Pau, France; the
28th FAI World Aerobatic Championships in Châteauroux,
also France; and the 6th FAI World Sailplane Grand Prix
Championship in Varese, Italy. I congratulate the organisers
on turning their competitions into great popular events,
on location and in the media.
Our partnership with Red Bull Air Race , which includes
providing a Safety Delegate, the approval of the sporting
rules and the production of medals for the winners by
FAI, carried on successfully. We are delighted to be linked
to such a captivating event which offers flying aces the
chance tomeasure up to each other in thrilling competitions
followed by millions of fans.
Exceptionalskillsarenotonlyinevidenceatcompetitions,but
alsoduring recordflights. I find the incredible performances
such as that of the Solar Impulse team, but also the less
known achievements, inspiring and moving. Along with
ratifying the 2015 records, we celebrated all year long the
most striking and interesting performances drawn from
our record archives.
The 2015 FAI Awards Ceremony at the 109th FAI General
Conference in Rotterdam, The Netherlands, saw themost
active contributors to air sports celebrated. I was delighted
to present our prestigious medals and diplomas to such
esteemed members of our community. The FAI Gold Air
Medal was awarded to Hans Akerstedt fromSweden, who
was rewarded for his outstanding role in the progress of
aeronautics through his involvement and dedication to
Ballooning. Alan Eustace received the BreitlingMilestone
Trophy for his breath-taking parachuting record, and
fellow American Jarett Martin, the only wheelchair bound
skydiver to have participated in an FAI WorldChampionship,
received the Breitling Youngster Award.
At the General Conference the “FAI 2020” concept was
presented. Its objective is to redesign the FAI brand, so
as to better fulfil FAI’s mission in favour of its Members
and Community around the world, now and in the coming
years. The concept, together with the action plan, will
shape the future of our Federation and sports.
The Conference voted the inclusion of two new Active
Members: the Fédération Algérienne des Sports Aériens
and the Aeronautical Federation of Kosovo. To both
organisations I convey my warm welcome. I look forward
to working with them on the promotion and expansion of
air sports.
Finally, I would like to thank all of you, Event Organisers,
Commissions, Members, volunteers, officials, sponsor,
partner andHeadOffice staff, for your work and dedication
to the service of FAI and air sports.
Dr. John Grubbström
FAI President