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The “FAI Corporate Patrons” Programme will start early in 2003 and offer exclusive services to manufacturers whose products contribute to the setting of aeronautical or astronautical World Records. A resolution to this effect was adopted by the 95th FAI General Conference held from 7 to 13 October 2002 in Dubrovnik. FAI “Corporate Patrons” - a new link between industry and air sports.

FAI World Records Promote Products
FAI recognises the achievements of pilots and parachutists (the holders of FAI sporting licenses who establish World Records), but until now has not recognised the manufacturers of the various aircraft and equipment used to achieve these performances. Manufacturers nevertheless show great interest in the FAI World Record system : some of them (Boeing or Airwave for example) already successfully use FAI World Records to promote and sell their products.

A Direct Link between Industry and Air Sports
In launching the new “Corporate Patrons” Programme, FAI offers its future corporate affiliates a range of services and benefits to maximize their exposure after having set FAI World Records. By joining the programme, Patrons will publicly demonstrate their support for Air Sports. FAI affiliation will not form a prerequisite for records to be considered, but will be offered as an additional option with two levels of affiliation, each giving rights to specific benefits. Corporate Patrons will be free to select their level of affiliation.

The Basic Package: “Gold Patron”
Usually, FAI ratifies a World Record only in the name of the pilot, parachutist or crew. Gold Patron companies will also have the record ratified in the name of the aircraft/equipment manufacturer, sponsor and/or organiser of the performance. An FAI Corporate Patron will be entitled to have a limited number of World Records ratified each year free of any FAI administration fee. Other services include special discount rates to use the FAI logo, an invitation to the FAI Awards Ceremony to collect record diploma(s), a free subscription to FAI newsletter, a special mention on the FAI Web site and priority treatment for exclusive invitation or sponsorship opportunities at FAI Events and Championships.

Tailor-made Services for “Platinum Patrons”
In addition to all benefits granted to Gold Patrons, Platinum Patrons will benefit from special additional customized services : a co-branded FAI/Patron Web page displaying the history of the record set by the Patron, and the possibility to organise company or product presentations at FAI General Conferences. Finally, Platinum Patrons will be invited to nominate a representative to the FAI World Records Advisory Forum. This forum will give them the opportunity to submit feedback and technical recommendations on rules governing World Records, or to bring to the attention of FAI areas of technological development where new records might be achieved.

Launch of the “FAI Corporate Patrons” Programme: Early 2003
Detailed information about “FAI Corporate Patrons” will be available early in 2003 at www.fai.org. Companies wishing to automatically receive further information when published are kindly invited to show their interest by sending a short message to our specially dedicated e-mail address : corporate-info@fai.org.

Lausanne, 31 October 2002