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Welcome to the Commission Internationale de Vol Libre, the Hang Gliding and Paragliding Commission of the FAI. CIVL oversees several activities related to these sports including Competitions (cross-country, aerobatics, accuracy) and world records.

Latest News

Headline news from the CIVL Plenary in Lausanne

The CIVL Plenary meeting took place last weekend following two days of subcommittee meetings.
John Aldridge takes over as CIVL President as Flip Koetsier steps downThe Cross Country magazine view of the CIVL PlenaryThe Cross Country magazine view of the CIVL Plenary
Prototype hang gliders will be banned from Cat 1 competitions from 1 September 2010
• The definitions of a prototype hang glider and uncertified hang glider have been clarified
• A paraglider Open Class Technical Working Group has been set up to establish manufacturers’ self-certification procedures for open class paragliders to enter Cat 1 competitions from 2011
• The proposal on qualifying the definition of a paraglider to exclude less flexible components was withdrawn
• Instead, the Working Group will consider design limitations for paragliders in Cat 1 competitions from 2012.
• The decision to mandate EN966 certified helmets in Cat 1 competitions from 1 January 2010 has been ratified.
• From 1 May 2011, PG harnesses and back protectors used in Cat 1 competitions must be certified to EN1651 and LTF09 or equivalent.
• The Safety & Training Subcommittee will be completely restructured. More responsibility for safety in the separate discipline subcommittees.
• The way is clear for organisers to provide tracking devices with no data delay in Cat 1 competitions, starting with the upcoming European PG Championships, Abtenau in May

David Barish 1921-2009: The forgotten father of paragliding

The death of David Barish on 15 December 2009, so soon after that of Francis Rogallo, marks the loss of another of the visionaries which led to paragliding becoming the most popular world-wide aviation sport.

New FAI Secretary General Appointed

Stéphane Desprez, former Competition Director of the 2008 Rugby World Cup in France, has been appointed as the new Secretary General of the FAI – the World Air Sports Federation. He will formally take up his appointment in Lausanne, Switzerland, on 1st February 2010.

2010 Plenary Planning – Proposal deadline approaching

Planning is underway for the CIVL Plenary, 18th to 21st February 2010, in Lausanne, Switzerland. The deadline for proposals on the Agenda and for bids for 2012 Category 1 competitions is approaching: 18 December, 2009. Further information about the CIVL Plenary Meeting can be found here.

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Upcoming Hang Gliding & Paragliding Events

29 Apr 2010 2nd FAI Asian Paragliding Championship Nishiawa (JPN)
08 May 2010 18th FAI World Hang Gliding Class 2 Championship Tegelberg (GER)
08 May 2010 12th FAI Women's World Hang Gliding Championship Tegelberg (GER)
08 May 2010 5th FAI World Hang Gliding Class 5 Championship Tegelberg (GER)

Latest FAI Hang Gliding & Paragliding World Record Claims

29 Jan 2010 Hang Gliders: Speed over a triangular course of 200 km: 52 km/h Armand ACCHIONE (USA)
26 Jan 2010 Hang Gliders: Speed over a triangular course of 200 km: 46.19 km/h Phil SCHRODER (AUS)
11 Jan 2010 Hang Gliders: Out-and-return distance: 337.7 km Jacques BOTT (FRA)