The Fédération Aéronautique Internationale, FAI – The World Air Sports Federation, was founded in 1905.

It is a non-governmental and non-profit making international organisation with the basic aim of furthering aeronautical and astronautical activities worldwide, ratifying world and continental records and coordinating the organisation of international competitions. After a century of steady growth, FAI is now an organisation of more than 100 member countries, forming a strong network linking all those who participate in air sports worldwide.

What FAI does

FAI activities include:

• the establishment of rules for the control and certification of world records
• regulations for air sporting events which are organised by member countries
• promotion of skill, proficiency and safety in aeronautical sports
• confering of medals, diplomas and other awards

Within the framework of FAI, each air sport has an International Commission which is responsible for making the rules for competitions and which generally oversees the activities of their particular air sport.

All FAI Contests, Championships and Record Setting activities are conducted under the direction of the FAI Air Sport Commissions. Regulations, rules or recommendations which have been accepted by the Commissions during their annual meetings are followed up by the delegates themselves at the national level and with Member countries which need help developing their air sports.