FAI Commission on Airspace and Navigation Systems

Airspace restrictions for sporting aircraft are becoming more critical in many geographic areas where other air traffic is growing. At the same time the accuracy of navigational systems is getting better, particularly those that are based on satellites in earth orbit (GPS and similar systems). Such systems are already in use in many areas of FAI for the recording of evidence for Sporting purposes, but they have wider uses.

In 2006 the FAI General Conference adopted the following policy on airspace:

1. To urge all international and national aviation authorities to have special regard for the effects of any new airspace restrictions on the practice of air sports, and

2. To urge all FAI Members to establish procedures for constant close consultation on airspace matters between national civil aviation and air traffic authorities and national air sport governing bodies.

The 2008 FAI General Conference formally established a new FAI Technical Commission on Airspace and Navigation Systems. This web page will host the information made available in this important area for the future of air sports worldwide.

Meetings

2010

The 2010 Plenary Meeting will be held in Frankfurt (GER) on 1/2 February. More details will be available nearer the time.

2009

The 2009 Plenary meeting was held in Frankfurt (GER) on 8/9 March .

2008

The inaugural meeting of the Official Commission was held on 6/7 October 2008 in Frankfurt, Germany.

Reports:

CANS policy statement on airspace

Access to air space is to the air sports pilot what water is to the walker in the desert - It is absolutely essential.

The Federation Aeronautique Internationale (FAI), is the world governing body for air sports and aeronautics. It is very much concerned that access to airspace for its pilots of all kinds is under increasing pressure worldwide.

FAI, which is in its second century of existence, believes that the governments of the world have an obligation to ensure adequate access to airspace for all who wish to fly, which has been the dream of mankind over the ages.

It becomes increasingly clear that the growing use of airspace by many users, particularly commercial aviation, has brought further pressures to restrict access to airspace for air sport enthusiasts. Often such restrictions have been imposed without reasonable assessment of the impact of decisions on air sports.

FAI challenges airspace regulators to respect the need of airsport people to use air space and to provide equitable access. Restrictions should be considered only where necessary to meet real and established risks, and solutions should be based on the best cost/benefit option.

Aviation would not be where it is today without the exceptional progress made over the last century by extremely dedicated air sports and recreational aviation men and women of the world. The exploits of these people have pioneered new aviation world records and led to new technologies, not only enabling many others to enjoy the freedom of the world’s airspace but supporting one of the world’s high achieving industries.

The sky is big enough for us all. It only requires a sensible approach by airspace administrators using, where necessary, best available technology to allow fair access for all.

Documents

Below is a list of general documents regarding the Commission. For specific documents concerning airspace or navigation systems, please see the pages airspace and navigation.

Are you confused by all the abbreviations? The CANS glossary contains a list of acronyms and terms used when discussing airspace and navigation systems.

Documents:

Airspace

The 2006 FAI General Conference in Santiago, Chile, adopted the following resolution:

Resolution on Airspace

Considering that air sports activities in many countries, especially in Europe, were under grave threat because of constantly encroaching airspace restrictions, that many restrictions were exaggerated in scope and went well beyond the real requirements of flight safety, and that air sports were challenging, healthy and character-building activities that contribute to society as a whole by giving physical and intellectual training to young people, the 100th FAI Annual General Conference resolved:

1. To urge all international and national aviation authorities to have special regard for the effects of any new airspace restrictions on the practice of air sports, and

2. To urge all FAI Members to establish procedures for constant close consultation on airspace matters between national civil aviation and air traffic authorities and national air sport governing bodies.

 

Documents: Airspace Accessibility

Navigation Systems

The following documents covering the subject of navigation systems are available:

Documents:

Position Papers from FAI Members: