All Roads Lead to the Gem City

In October 2023, the United States will host the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale’s (FAI) 117th Annual Conference. 

The event, which will take place in Dayton, Ohio—Aviation’s birthplace and the final resting place of both Orville and Wilbur Wright—will welcome FAI delegates, designated representatives of international affiliate members, FAI elected officers, presidents of honor, honorary patrons of FAI, designated representatives of corporate patrons of FAI, companions of honor, and delegates appointed by presidents of commissions.

The conference’s major highlight will be the 25 October awards dinner, which recognizes the achievements of distinguished members in air sports.

A unique feature of the conference will be the 27 October drone event, at which attendees will be provided hands-on experience with emergent Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) technologies. Additionally, the conference program and digital display recognition will acknowledge the valuable contributions of presenters and sponsors.

Featuring a full schedule of engaging events, 2023’s the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale Annual Conference is apt to prove an enriching and memorable experience for all attendees.

The event will close with an optional 28 October event at Dayton, Ohio’s National Museum of the United States Air Force (NMUSAF). While subject events are still being finalized, it is known that preferential treatment and special tours of the facility and its exhibits will be available to conference attendees. The National Aeronautic Association (NAA)—the U.S. chapter of the FAI and a founding member thereof—will work with conference groups to ensure aircraft and exhibits are shared in advance that their visit will be impactful and personal. Additionally, the NAA plans to invite American Air Sport Members to not only attend the tours, but have the opportunity to “show-off” and perform for FAI General Conference attendees and the community at large.

National Aeronautic Association president and CEO Greg Principato stated: “From aviation’s earliest days, FAI has taken a leading role in supporting and promoting the art, sport, and science of aviation. As a founding member of FAI, the National Aeronautic Association is proud to welcome FAI, for the first time, to the Birthplace of Aviation: Dayton, Ohio. The Wright Brothers themselves played key roles in both organizations so it is natural that the aviation world should reconvene in Dayton. NAA looks forward to welcoming all of you.”

Founded in 1905, the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale is the world governing body for air sports, and also stewards definitions regarding human spaceflight. The organization is headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland, where it maintains world records for aeronautical activities, including ballooning, aeromodeling (flying and non-flying model aircraft), and unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), as well as flights into space.

FMI: www.fai.org