Monks Caught The Bug For Aviation When Learning To Fly Helicopters In 1995

David Monks has been elected as the new President of FAI, the World Air Sports Federation for a two-year term. His election took place today at the 114th FAI General Conference held online from 2 to 5 December 2020.

An electrical engineer by profession, Monks, 53, from the United Kingdom, caught the bug for aviation when learning to fly helicopters in 1995. Since then, he has held positions in several air sports organisations, including Chairman of the Royal Aero Club of the United Kingdom and of the Helicopter Club of Great Britain at the time of his election. He has also been very active within FAI, namely the FAI Rotorcraft Commission and the FAI Air Sport General Commission, since 2009.

Over the years, David Monks has participated in many FAI Championships and regional competitions, winning the bronze medal at the 2008 FAI World Helicopter Championships and two silver medals at the 2012 FAI WHC. An ardent promoter of air sports, he is the organiser of all UK competitions and introduced new competition formats in his country. He is also a holder of three FAI World records.

Reacting to his election, he said: “I'm delighted with my appointment. I am pleased to have a newly elected Executive Board behind me to ensure we all deliver on the vision we have for FAI responding to the current challenges we are presented with.”

David Monks’s mandate commenced immediately at the end of the Conference. He succeeds Bob Henderson, who held the reins of FAI for two years.

FAI, the World Air Sports Federation, is the world governing body for air sports and for certifying world aviation and space records. The FAI was founded in 1905 and is a non-governmental and non-profit-making organisation recognised by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). FAI activities include Aerobatics, Aeromodelling, Airships, Amateur-Built and Experimental Aircraft, Balloons, Drones, Gliding, Hang Gliding, Helicopters, Manpowered Flying, Microlights, Parachuting, Paragliding, Paramotors, Power Flying and all other Aeronautic activities and Space records.

FMI: https://www.fai.org/