FAI General Aviation Commission (GAC)

FAI medals and diplomas aim at giving public recognition to those who have made outstanding contributions to aeronautics and astronautics, especially in the field of sporting aviation. They are awarded each year at the Opening Ceremony of the annual FAI General Conference. Many of the recipients honoured have had their names closely associated with the history and developments of aeronautics and astronautics.

FAI-Breitling Pilot of the Year

Breitling Milestone Trophy

This award was established in 2012 by the FAI and Breitling, a Global Sponsor of the FAI since 2012, to associate Breitling with a significant milestone in aeronautics or astronautics. The Breitling Milestone Trophy is reserved for an individual or a group of individuals having achieved a significant milestone, technological step or invention in aeronautics or astronautics (first flight, new technology, etc.) during the 12 months preceeding the nomination deadline and that might contribute to future developments, especially for the practice of air sports.

Breitling Youngster Award

This award was established in 2012 by the FAI and Breitling, a Global Sponsor of the FAI since 2012, to associate Breitling with an outstanding sporting performance or contribution to aeronautics or astronautics achieved by a youngster. The Breitling Youngster Award is reserved for a youngster who, during the 12 months preceeding the nomination deadline and before the date of his 26th birthday : achieved an outstanding sporting performance (this means a performance which is considered by the nominating authority as beyond the normal level of performance compared to what can usually be done; or excelled in a certain area of his sport and is considered as a reference; or significantly contributed to the development and promotion of aeronautics or astronautics.

FAI Gold Medal for Special Achievement

Past Presidents Diploma

This Diploma was established by the FAI in 1973. It may be awarded to past Presidents of the FAI in recognition of eminent services rendered to the FAI.

Special Diploma for Outstanding Sportsmanship

The De la Vaulx Medal

This Medal was established by the FAI in 1933 in memory of the Comte de la Vaulx, founder-member and past President of the FAI who lost his life in an aircraft accident while on a mission for the promotion of Aviation. De la Vaulx Medals are awarded to the holders of recognised absolute world records set during the previous year.

The Diploma for Outstanding Airmanship

This Diploma was established by the FAI in 1985. It shall be awarded to a person or a group of persons for a feat of outstanding airmanship in sub-orbital flight during one of the previous two years and which resulted in the saving of life of others or was carried out with that objective. Not more than one Diploma shall be awarded each year.

The FAI Air Sport Medal

This medal was established by the FAI Council for the 100th anniversary of Lilienthal's first flights. It may be awarded, at any time, to individuals or groups for outstanding services in connection with air sport activities like work in FAI commissions, organising World and Continental Championships, training and educating new pilots, or for promoting aviation in general, especially with regard to young people.

The FAI Bronze Medal

This Medal was established by the FAI in June 1962. It may be awarded annually, upon nomination by the Secretary General, to a person having rendered eminent services to the FAI in administrative work, in Commissions or Committees, or in the organization of FAI sporting events.

The FAI Gold Air Medal

This Medal was established in 1924 and was first awarded in 1925. It is one of FAI's two highest awards. it is reserved for those who have contributed greatly to the development of aeronautics by their activities, work, achievements, initiative or devotion to the cause of Aviation.

The FAI Honorary Group Diploma (for Aeronautics)

These Diplomas were established in 1965 by the FAI to recognize groups of people (design offices, scientific bodies, aeronautical publications, etc) that have contributed significantly to the progress of Aeronautics and Astronautics during the previous year or years. Each year, an FAI Member may submit the names of two candidates, one for Aeronautics and one for Astronautics.

The FAI Honorary Group Diploma (for Astronautics)

These Diplomas were established in 1965 by the FAI to recognize groups of people (design offices, scientific bodies, aeronautical publications, etc) that have contributed significantly to the progress of Aeronautics and Astronautics during the previous year or years. Each year, an FAI Member may submit the names of two candidates, one for Aeronautics and one for Astronautics.

The FAI Sabiha Gökçen Medal

The Sabiha Gökcen Medal was created in 2002, upon a proposal from Turk Hava Kurumu, and is supplied by the Turkish NAC. Sabiha Gökcen, winner of the FAI Gold Air Medal, was Turkey's first woman pilot and in 1937 became the world's first female military pilot. She was an inspiration to women pilots.

The FAI Silver Medal

The Silver Medal is reserved for persons who have occupied high office in FAI or in an aeronautical organisation in one ot its member countries, and in the discharge of their duties have shown exceptional powers of leadership and influence, to the benefit of the whole international air sport community. Only one silver medal may be awarded annually.

The Gold Space Medal

The Gold Space Medal, established by the FAI in 1963, is of equal stature with the FAI Gold Air Medal. It is reserved for those who have contributed greatly to the development of Astronautics by their activities, work, achievements, initiative or devotion to the cause of Space.

The Louis Blériot Medal

This Medal was established in 1936 in memory of Louis Blériot, the Great Aviation pioneer and former Vice-President of the FAI. Three Medals may be awarded each year to the respective holders of the highest records for speed, altitude and distance in a straight line established in the previous year by light aircraft of the first three sub-classes, as defined in Section 2 of the Sporting Code.

The Paul Tissandier Diploma

This Diploma, established by the FAI in 1952, is named after Mr. Paul Tissandier, Secretary General of FAI from 1919 to 1945. It shall be awarded to those who have served the cause of Aviation in general and Sporting Aviation in particular, by their work, initiative, devotion or in other ways.