The Saudi Aviation Club (SAC) is poised to host the prestigious 118th FAI General Conference in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, from 19 to 21 November 2024. The SAC is the country’s National Air Sports Control and represents over 600 members, both male and female.

For the SAC, “hosting the Conference marks a significant milestone for the organisation, as it positions Riyadh on the global aviation stage, enhancing international recognition and attracting air sports leaders.

“This event aligns with Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 by showcasing the Kingdom's commitment to diversifying its economy and developing its aviation sector.

“The conference provides a platform to highlight Saudi innovation and infrastructure, fostering potential investments and collaborations. It strengthens international partnerships, facilitating knowledge exchange and best practices. 

“Additionally, the influx of international delegates promotes tourism, boosting the local economy and encouraging cultural exchange.”

Establishing the Saudi Aviation Club

The journey to establishing the SAC was not without its challenges.

It was the brainchild of HRH Prince Sultan bin Salman bin Abdulaziz, an FAI Companion of Honour, who “hoped to spread the hobby loved and favoured by all people, especially our youth, who are known for their ambition, strong determination and high energy”.

After years of meticulous planning, negotiations, and persistent efforts, the SAC was finally approved in 2000. This landmark decision paved the way for the club to become an FAI Active Member in 2002, solidifying its role as a key player in the global air sports landscape.

Embracing the FAI community

For the SAC, “Becoming an FAI Member has been important for the SAC, to help it align with global aviation and air sports standards and practices, and giving access to expertise, resources, and international competitions.

“FAI Membership has also provided us with opportunities to collaborate with aviation and air sports professionals worldwide, empowering the club to elevate its standards and contribute significantly to the advancement of aviation in Saudi Arabia and beyond.”

A look into the future

The SAC is focused on expanding facilities for training and maintenance, promoting air sports through competitions and events, and enhancing educational programs in aviation sciences and pilot training.

For the SAC, “The organisation aims to integrate technological advancements like drone technology and sustainable practices into its operations while developing international networks with organisations such as FAI.”

SAC’s wide ranging and ambitious mission

1. Providing opportunities for learning about general and sports aviation activities, as well as the technological and technical specialisations of aviation.
2. Disseminating aviation culture and sciences among all members of society.
3. Organising and supporting the participation of club members in public and sports aviation events at both local and international levels.
4. Enabling the use of SAC airports and facilities for practicing general and sports aviation activities.
5. Holding general and sports aviation forums, exhibitions, and airshows.
6. Developing talents in the field of general and sports aviation.
7. Managing, maintaining, and operating a variety of aircraft types.

SAC activity

General and Sports Aviation

• SAC provides support services to its individual members, professionals and aviation enthusiasts in all air operations.
• A SAC member obtains access to SAC Airports and facilities for aviation purposes and can have access to services at competitive prices.

Paramotoring (Powered Paragliding)

An individual sport in which a person flies powered paraglider, requiring courage, intelligence, willpower and high physical fitness. The paramotor achieves balance by relying on air masses within which it hovers to keep it in the air for a long time.

Ultra-light Sports Aviation (Ultralight Vehicles)

Taken from paramotoring, ultra-light sports aviation is an individual and tandem sport in which a person flies a vehicle with lightweight lower wheels connected to an upper wing.

Model Aircraft

SAC provides the opportunity to use airport facilities for model aircraft and drone flight. Model aircraft are remotely controlled within the line-of-sight range and are operated under the General Authority of Civil Aviation Regulations (GACAR 101 Subpart E).

Skydiving

Skydiving activities depend on free fall from an aircraft, helicopter, or air balloon, then flying by parachute. Skydiving requires multiple abilities and skills, and its most prominent types include tandem skydiving for those who do not have a license to jump, and formation skydiving. Other types include wing suit flying, canopy piloting.

Programs

These programs are offered in light of SAC vision and aspirations aimed at spreading the culture of aviation and contributing to enabling the ambitious generation of young people to define their expectations of the aviation sector, which is part of the social responsibility of the club.

Training Courses

The SAC periodically offers a number of theoretical courses in the fields of aviation and air safety in order to raise the level of knowledge and awareness of operational safety for club members these courses are presented by SAC-licensed trainers and are offered throughout the year.

Fly-In program

The club launches an annual schedule for Fly-In flights; these are group flights in which a group of SAC members and owners of light and sports aircraft participate . Pilots travel to various regions of the Kingdom in order to introduce the general aviation activity to the public, represent this sector, and spread its culture to a wider audience.

Hanger-Talk

These are regular lectures on various topics in the field of aviation that host speakers specialised in the field.

Social Responsibility

As part of its social responsibility, SAC hosted a number of charities throughout the year. These activities are directed to families and children who are members of these societies. SAC invites them to spend a recreational day at its headquarters in SAC Airports where they can learn about the shapes of aircraft and can board.

Aircraft Hangers

SAC provides aircraft hangers to hold all types of aircraft: gyrocopters, light sports aircraft, and other various types of aircraft.

Jet Fuel

SAC provides several types of jet fuel, including Jet-A1, AVGAS and Auto Gas 95.

Maintenance Services

SAC offers a full set of maintenance and inspection programs, and provides the upgrades required for all private and sports aircraft and gyrocopters, in accordance with the regulations and maintenance schedules for each aircraft as recorded in its register.