Having dreamed of flying since she was a young child, Rahaf Al Judaie was proud to gain her pilot’s licence last year with the Saudi Aviation Club.
She believes that, “Every Saudi woman is capable of achieving her dream,” and as a pilot, she has become a role model for females who wish to share in a love of aviation.
The 2024 Phoenix Diploma, an esteemed FAI Award recognising the best reconstruction or restoration of a vintage (more than 30-year-old) aircraft achieved by an individual amateur, has found its deserving recipient in Benvenutas Ivanauskas from Lithuania.
This prestigious honour, bestowed by the FAI Amateur-Build and Experimental Aircraft Commission (CIACA), acknowledges Ivanauskas' unwavering commitment to the preservation of gliding’s rich heritage.
Update - 29 October 2024: Enjoy the video of the Hall of Fame Induction ceremony held at the Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque Balloon Museum on October 4, 2024, honoring Neil Robertson and Aleš Kubíček!
By Lynne Newton, Exhibitions Curator, Anderson Abruzzo Albuquerque International Balloon Museum
Huge congratulations to our candidate Luisa Rizzo of Italy, the first runner-up in The World Games Athlete of the Year 2023 poll. With over 50,000 votes, this represents the most outstanding performance by an Air Sports athlete in The World Games Athlete of the Year poll! The FAI is thrilled with the visibility Luisa has generated for drone racing and air sports overall. Thank you to Luisa and all those who voted for her!
