[FAI] 118th FAI General Conference

The 118th FAI General Conference was held from 19-21 November 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with 120 registered participants in attendance. The event, hosted by the Saudi Aviation Club, saw representation from 55 FAI Members and 14 FAI Commissions.

American Greg Principato was elected as the new FAI President.

He said: "FAI is the oldest global air sports organisation. It has a rich history – FAI history in many ways is the history of flight. I am so excited and honoured to have been chosen to lead FAI as President. There is much to do, and I can’t wait to get started."

Gliding pilot Sebastian Kawa awarded with FAI Gold Air Medal : Gliding champion Sebastian Kawa received the FAI Gold Air Medal at the 2024 FAI Awards Ceremony in Riyadh, becoming the first Polish recipient of the Federation's most prestigious honour.

Polish gliding legend Sebastian Kawa is the latest recipient of the prestigious FAI Gold Air Medal at the 2024 FAI Awards Ceremony. Attendees at the glittering event, held yesterday as part of the 118th FAI General Conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, watched FAI President David Monks and and SAC General Supervisor Dr. Ahmed F. Alfahaid present the award to Kawa in recognition of his great contribution to aeronautics. He is the very first Polish name to join a long list of air sports women and men, past and present, who have received the FAI Gold Air Medal, standing out from the crowd through their outstanding achievements.

Sebastian Kawa is a double victor of the World Air Games and boasts an impressive collection of accolades. His triumphs include securing 23 medals in FAI World Championships and an additional 16 medals in European Championships.

Together with the National Championships, he has earned over 100, predominantly gold, medals throughout his gliding career. Sebastian has also set numerous gliding-related records and has been a leader in the FAI world rankings for several years.

Beyond his participation in various competitions, Sebastian has succeeded on challenging flights over the Himalayas and blazed the gliding trails across the Caucasus. His active promotion of aviation is evidenced by his authorship of numerous publications, his engagements in televised programs, and his presence in social events. He willingly shares his knowledge and experience with the aviation community and actively conducts training sessions for young pilots.

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