FAI

Swedish doctor and hot air balloon pilot John Grubbström was elected the FAI's new president at the organisation's general conference in Dublin this month. He succeeds Pierre Portmann, who held the post for six years and has now been made 'President of honour'.

Paragliding competitions could be revolutionised following the decision of the Paraglider Manufacturers Association to support Serial Class for FAI Cat 1 competition, effectively banning Open Class paragliders

Swiss pilot Werner 'Werni' Jacober has entered the first FAI triangle flight of 200+ km to be flown on an EN B glider, onto XContest.

The FAI has cancelled Armand Acchione (US)’s record claim for speed over a 200 km triangle on a rigid wing hang glider, which he flew on his Aeriane Swift Light in January.

World records recently ratified by the FAI include 3 by Brazilian female champion Kamira Pereira, and a HG out-and-return by Carlos Puñet.

The Paraglider Manufacturers' Association has printed answers to some frequently asked questions relating to the FAI paraglider class debate, on their website.

In 1999 the Serial Class debate was raging around the world of competition paragliding. 'Come on CIVL, make your mind up,' said this impassioned plea from the editorial pages of Cross Country magazine at the time