This year’s International Youth Camp was the 20th edition of this ballooning camp for young people. IYC originated in Germany, where the camp has been held most years. This was the third time IYC was held in the Czech Republic with the previous two times being held in the Kubicek family castle in Radešín, however, this year we had the opportunity to organise the camp at a new location in Velká Jesenice.
34-year-old Hiroki Ito is well-known in the Remote Control Helicopter world for his intense focus and skill. Since 2005, this Japanese pilot, who lives in Shizuoka Prefecture, has clocked up seven world champion titles in the aeromodelling class of F3C aerobatic helicopters. In 2023 he was awarded a CIAM Legends medal for his outstanding achievements. This medal recognises world champions who have won the title at least three times.
34-year-old Hiroki Ito is well-known in the Remote Control Helicopter world for his intense focus and skill. Since 2005, this Japanese pilot, who lives in Shizuoka Prefecture, has clocked up seven world champion titles in the aeromodelling class of F3C aerobatic helicopters. In 2023 he was awarded a CIAM Legends medal for his outstanding achievements. This medal recognises world champions who have won the title at least three times.
By Barrie Lever, CIAM F3 Pylon Racing Chairman
The exciting World of RC Pylon Racing visited Doha (Qatar) between the 22nd and 25th November for the 2023 Qatar International Pylon Race Meet.
The Qatar RC Sport Centre were the hosts for this prestigious event, all four CIAM RC pylon racing classes (F3D, F3E, F3T and F3R) were flown at the meeting. Competitors came from around the World to experience for the first time this inaugural RC pylon race meet in the Middle East.
By Barrie Lever, CIAM F3 Pylon Racing Chairman
The exciting World of RC Pylon Racing visited Doha (Qatar) between the 22nd and 25th November for the 2023 Qatar International Pylon Race Meet.
The Qatar RC Sport Centre were the hosts for this prestigious event, all four CIAM RC pylon racing classes (F3D, F3E, F3T and F3R) were flown at the meeting. Competitors came from around the World to experience for the first time this inaugural RC pylon race meet in the Middle East.
On Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd December the CIAM Bureau meeting was held in Lausanne, Switzerland. This was the first face-to-face gathering since 2019, as previous meetings had been conducted via Zoom due to Covid-19 restrictions. It highlighted the undeniable benefit of personal interaction compared to previous virtual meetings. While Zoom allowed for important discussions to continue to take place, the absence of personal interaction was keenly felt.
On Friday 1st and Saturday 2nd December the CIAM Bureau meeting was held in Lausanne, Switzerland. This was the first face-to-face gathering since 2019, as previous meetings had been conducted via Zoom due to Covid-19 restrictions. It highlighted the undeniable benefit of personal interaction compared to previous virtual meetings. While Zoom allowed for important discussions to continue to take place, the absence of personal interaction was keenly felt.
By Katie Griggs, BFA Youth Program Chairman
In 2023, the Ballooning Federation of America (BFA) had a total of 60 young people attending three sleepover camps and two Event Camps. All camps were successful, in that the campers could learn from experienced pilots and get hands on experiences with the balloons.
Since 2014, more than 37 campers have gone on to become pilots themselves.
