A week of intense aeromodelling competition has begun in Tarp, Germany, with a total of 28 countries are represented at the 2025 FAI F3K World Championships for Model Gliders which will include both junior and senior events.

At the end of the competition, held between 26 July and 2 August, three champions will be announced, including, for the first time in this aeromodelling class, a senior female champion. This level of both junior and female participation is encouraging for the future of this popular radio-control soaring class, which requires a mastery of technique and physical fitness. 

The hosts, German Model Flying Association and the Tarp Model Aeroclub have organised an excellent set up for the teams, with plenty of facilities and large tents, as well as many volunteers to ensure the smooth running of the event. Sport Deutschland TV channel will film the action on the last day of the preliminary rounds (1 August) and on the final day (2 August), livestreaming the competition (see below for links to watch).

The model processing and registration took place on Saturday 26 July, followed by the Opening Ceremony and Team Managers meeting. Official flights will commence on Sunday 27 July, with up to 25 preliminary rounds scheduled for both seniors and juniors.

Opening Ceremony

All teams gathered at the airfield as officials gave speeches, and Jury President (and FAI Aeromodelling Commission President) Antonis Papadopoulos declared the competition open. The local Mayor Jorg Uhle was also present to witness this world championship event taking place within the local community.

FAI Aeromodelling Commission (CIAM) President and Jury President Antonis Papadopoulos stated:

“I would like to welcome all the participants. It is going to be a very challenging competition with Preliminary and Final rounds taking place all week, and with variable weather conditions. I wish all participants the very best of luck!”

Follow the action

Sport Deutschland TV channel will livestream the competition on last day of the preliminary rounds (1 August) and on the final day (2 August).

• Event organiser website
• FAI mini-site for results and news
• Event photos from FAI Flickr
• FAI updates on Facebook
• FAI updates on Instagram
• Event organiser Facebook page
• Sport Deutschland TV Link 1 (1 August)
• Sport Deutschland TV Link 2 (2 August)
   

Image credits: Antonis Papadopoulos