Over the past year there have been multiple accidents during FAI Hang Gliding and Paragliding competitions with two resulting fatalities. We mourn the competitors who have passed away and will keep them in our hearts forever. For those injured we wish a speedy recovery.

After considerable discussion and deliberations, including listening to pilot feedback, we've decided to put a pause on Category 1 FAI Paragliding and Hang Gliding Cross Country events so that we have time to put in place some rule changes and additional process changes that will improve overall event quality and enhance safety at the competitions.

The next Category 1 Cross Country event on the calendar is the 7th FAI Pan American Paragliding Championships in April of next year. The FAI Hang Gliding and Paragliding Commission (CIVL) will work directly with the Brazilian National Airsport Control (NAC) and organisers for the event to implement needed changes over the coming months. A final review and decision on whether the changes put in place are sufficient for the event to safely go forward will be made in December 2025 by FAI and CIVL.

We plan to have significant changes in place before the subsequent event, which is the FAI European Hang Gliding Championship in June of next year, so we fully expect it will be able to go forth as planned, under the new rules and guidelines.

Implementing a “Safety Stand Down”

Furthermore, prior to the most recent accidents, the FAI Executive Board and Commission Presidents Group agreed to organise and hold a temporary "Safety Stand Down" which will take place at the conclusion of the northern hemisphere flying season. This will allow all air sports to come together, examine safety rules and protocols and ensure we have best in class standards for our competitors.

For 120 years, FAI has been committed to advancements in air sports.  Our events are, and must continue to be, the gold standard.  We will take all actions necessary to ensure that continues to be the case.