119th FAI General Conference

For visitors to the FAI General Conference 2025 in Finland, here are the answers to commonly asked questions about travelling to and around the country:

Airspace

Airspace for general aviation and air sports is widely open and free to use; there is a lot of uncontrolled airspace. In total there are around 90 airfields and airports in Finland. Most Finnish airfields are free of charge, and in addition, commercial airports can be used outside ATC operation hours for free. Co-operation with commercial and military aviation is frequent and good.

Aviators

The number of aviators in Finland is around 15,000 including all FAI classes. Of them, around half are members of the Finnish Aeronautical Association, which was established in 1919 and has been an FAI member since 1921. 

Brands

Brands from Finland are usually well known but their origin may surprise: F-Secure, Fazer, Fiskars, Genelec, Iittala, Linux, Marimekko, Moomin, Kone, Nokia, Nokian tyres, Oura (ring), Rapala, Rovio (Angry birds), Sako, Supercell (Clash of clans), Vaisala, Wärtsilä - more at https://www.touchoffinland.com/pages/finnish-brands 

Economy

The economy in Finland is stable, the service industry being the biggest contributor (72% of GDP) with ICT, manufacturing, and forestry on top. Intermediate salaries are 4100€/month (median 3300€/month). The Finnish currency has been the Euro since the year 2000, when the Finnish Mark became relegated to history.

Education

Education is free for students, including at universities. In addition, free lunches are offered to all pupils from their first year of school until the end of high school.

Equality

Equality overall - and especially between genders - is on high level. In 1906, both men and women were granted an equal right to vote in any election (a first in Europe). There are no gender related pronouns in Finnish language, so both "he" and "she" are called "hän" [haen]. 

Europe

European union membership started in 1995 and NATO membership commenced in 2023. Finland is part of the Shengen area meaning that travel within most of Europe is very simple - no border controls after you enter Shengen.

Freedom

People in Finland may access and enjoy nature - including walking, camping, picking berries and mushrooms, and fishing with a rod and line - without permission from landowners, provided no harm or disturbance is caused to people, property, or the environment. This right is restricted only in private yards, cultivated fields, national parks, and some protected areas. It is expected that you behave respectfully, not leaving litter or disturbing wildlife. Therefore, trespassers will not be prosecuted.

Healthcare

Healthcare is free for Finns and every one of you is entitled to urgent medical care in public healthcare services regardless of your nationality or reason for staying in Finland. Further treatment is available for European citizens with a European health insurance card but it is adviseable to hold additional travel insurance as well.

Lakes

Many, many lakes! There are 187 888 lakes of which 2530 are over one square kilometre in size (ie. usable for seaplanes). Most lakes are free to use for landing and take-off with very few exceptions. The Lapp town of Inari has 8033 lakes.

Midnight sun

Midnight sun is available over the polar circle during summertime, but most of Finland enjoys 24 hr civil daylight between May and July - VFR all day round! The longest day is in Nuorgam, with 74 days having no sunset. On the other hand, it is pretty dark during wintertime - from the end of November until mid January there is no sun for 52 days, but you should see the moon and stars!

Police

Police in Finland are generally regarded as highly reliable and trustworthy. They are known for their professionalism, integrity, and commitment to upholding the law. The Finnish police force enjoys a high level of public confidence (>90% of Finns), and their operations are characterised by transparency and accountability. Effective community policing and a strong focus on human rights contribute to their positive reputation both domestically and internationally. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from them if you need it. 

President

The President is elected every six years and is responsible for foreign politics together with the government that is formed from the 200 person parliament that is voted every four years. The Prime Minister leads internal politics. There are currently nine parties in the parliament of which four are in the government. 

Public transport

Public transport is reasonably priced, safe and modern. Local trains in the capital area follow schedules well. In the capital area, you can use any form of public transport with the same ticket (train, bus, metro, tram). The ticket is valid for 80 minutes. You can use your debit/credit card as the ticket and if asked, it will show the time left in your ticket. Mobile apps are also available.

Recycling

Recycling is built into the Finnish backbone! Way over 90% of bottles and cans are returned to be reused and a deposit of 10-40c is paid back to the returning person. Recycling is also an everyday thing in households - plastic, metal, glass and bio are separated from mixed waste.

Santa Claus

Santa Claus lives in Finland. You can go and meet him at Rovaniemi, Lapland.

Sauna

Sauna is integral to Finnish life. It is a hot room (around 80 C) where you spend from 15 minutes to several hours to relax and forget your worries. After the sauna you wash - shower, lake or even snow. There are approximately 3 million saunas in Finland, more than the number of cars.

Shoes

Shoes are usually removed when entering someone's home. It is exceptional and separately mentioned, if you should keep your shoes on. Even the schoolchildren take off their shoes when they go into the classroom. 

Silence

Silence is golden for some Finns, but it does not mean that they would be sad or angry, it is just the way we are. Small talk may be very small - just a few words that really mean something. But ultimately, they do like to talk with visitors! Most Finns speak fluent English, the majority also speak Swedish (the second national language of Finland). Both Finnish and Swedish languages are obligatory subjects in basic education.

Size

The size of the country is pretty big: 338 462 km2, meaning that Finland is 1157 km long and 542 km wide. Finland has only 5,6 million inhabitants so each one has 6 hectares of living space. Half of the Finns live in detached houses and 70% of Finns own their homes. About 20% live in the capital area (Helsinki, Vantaa, Espoo + smaller towns) and only 15% in the northern half of the country.

Taxis

Taxi regulation was dismissed a few years ago, and led to uncertainty - there are lots of “wild” taxis. Each taxi must have their price list visible outside the car. The taxis at the Helsinki-Vantaa airport are trustworthy: Taxi Helsinki, Menevä, Lähitaksi. You will find that Ûber and Bolt work well in the capital area.

Tipping

Tips are included in prices and all service personnel are paid full according to national agreements. Tips are not expected even though some restaurants have started to offer that possibility. Of course it is up to you if you get exceptional service, but the price is as it says in the price list, including tax, tip and Sunday extra.

Water

Water is drinkable from tap everywhere in Finland. Studies have shown that Finnish tap water beats bottled water in purity and structure.