By CIAM President Antonis Papadopoulos

The Bureau of the FAI Aeromodelling Commission (CIAM) met in Lausanne, Switzerland this past weekend to review the 2025 activity plan, assess current developments, and lay the groundwork for 2026. We also had the opportunity to exchange in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere with the FAI staff who assist and guide us throughout the year.

2025 Sporting Activities

In 2025, CIAM successfully organised 15 World and Continental Championships, with the majority enjoying strong participation. Several events attracted new partners and sponsors thanks to the efforts of their organisers, an encouraging trend that opens opportunities for further growth.

A milestone achievement this year was the inaugural FAI World Drone Soccer Championships (WDSC) held in Shanghai, China. This event represents the first FAI team sport competition in the spirit of traditional team disciplines such as football and basketball. Participation was excellent and, notably, 71% of the competitors were juniors aged 9 to 18, underscoring the sport’s enormous youth appeal.

In terms of World Cup and Open International events, the calendar is returning to pre-COVID volume, reflecting a strong recovery. CIAM also supported FAI’s participation in The World Games in China, where Drone Racing was featured and received highly positive feedback.

Overall, 2025 has been a very successful year for CIAM sporting activities.

Other Activities

CIAM was actively represented at the FAI General Conference, CASI, and in joint meetings between the FAI Executive Board and Commission Presidents. We held our Plenary Meeting in Lausanne, along with two Bureau meetings during the year.

A Working Group was established to develop solutions for electronic timekeeping in order to reduce reliance on the large number of volunteers required for competitions. This group will continue its work in 2026, with a focus on Free Flight (F1) classes and F5J.

Plans for 2026

Sporting Activities

The complete calendar of CAT 1 and CAT 2 events will soon be available on the FAI website.

Unfortunately, the bid to host the next World Drone Racing Championship (WDRC) in Saudi Arabia has been withdrawn. CIAM is currently evaluating alternative proposals and expects to announce the new host and dates early next year.

Additionally, preparations are under way for the 1st e-Drone Racing Grand Final, which is progressing within the planned timeline.

Plenary Meeting

The 2026 CIAM Plenary Meeting will be held in Lausanne from 27–28 March. The agenda will be published in January to allow delegates and technical experts sufficient time to prepare for the Technical Meetings, which will once again be conducted via Zoom, a format that has proved highly efficient and well attended.

Key Topics for 2026

International Day for Air Sports

A CIAM proposal adopted at the FAI General Conference designates 14 October, the anniversary of FAI, as the annual International Day for Air Sports starting in 2026. The FAI Executive Board will announce details early next year, and CIAM will provide guidance to Member Federations on how to use this celebration to promote aeromodelling activities.

Athletes Working Group

Following a decision of the FAI General Conference, a new Athletes Working Group will be formed to strengthen athlete representation within FAI. The Executive Board will soon publish additional information, and this topic will be included on the 2026 CIAM Plenary agenda.

Open Forum Session at the Plenary

For the first time, CIAM will host an Open Forum Session during the Plenary under the theme “Looking to the Future”. A professional facilitator will guide discussions on our current situation, challenges, and long-term objectives. This session will provide a valuable opportunity for members to contribute to shaping CIAM’s strategic direction. Further details will be announced shortly.

FAI Official Provider/Supplier Programme

A CIAM proposal endorsed by the FAI Executive Board will allow CIAM to introduce an Official Provider/Supplier Programme, designed to benefit both organisers and participants. Similar programmes exist successfully in other sports federations, and further information will follow soon.