This Saturday, 30 August, marks the start of the 24th FAI World Rally Flying Championships in Ferrara, Italy, where the world's best pilot-navigator crews will compete in tough challenges combining aerial navigation, accuracy landing and precision timing, until Friday, 5 September 2025.
Organised by the Aero Club d'Italia and the Aero Club Ferrara, the Championships mark Italy's return as host nation after a 26-year break, the last event having been held in Ravenna in 1999.
A total of 17 nations will be represented, with 45 crews from Austria, Chile, China, Czechia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Lithuania, Norway, Poland, Slovakia, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom challenging reigning champions Petr Jonáš and Marek Velát of Czechia for the Individual title, and France for the Team title.
Ralf Grunwald, President of the FAI General Aviation Commission (GAC), will officiate as International Chief Judge. Speaking ahead of the competition, he underlined the importance of the event: "The FAI World Championships are a unique opportunity to showcase the skill, accuracy, and teamwork that define Rally Flying. Competitions like this are an incentive for pilots of all ages to sharpen their abilities, and to demonstrate the high level of performance in our sport.
"I am delighted to see Ferrara welcoming the world's best crews, and I am confident this event will inspire future hosts and participants alike."
Seasoned Competition Director and former competitor Filippo Papale added: "The area surrounding Ferrara is ideal for hosting a World Rally Flying Championship, thanks to its central location in Europe and favorable flying conditions. With our experience in organising various events, including the Italian Rally Flying Championships, we look forward to welcoming pilots and spectators to what promises to be a world-class event.
According to Papale, it would be interesting to build on the experience gained from this international event to pursue new goals, such as further refining the regulations and developing new projects with the FAI Members, with a particular focus on involving them in the extraordinary experience of Rally Flying.
The Championships will feature daily competition flights from 1–4 September, with results available via GPS tracking and online updates.
What is Rally Flying?
Rally Flying is not simply a race against time. Success depends on expert cartography, navigational accuracy, aerial proficiency and split-second timing.
Each day, two-person crews receive an envelope - just minutes before take-off - containing clues and photographs that indicate turning points. The navigator must plot the track and declare a finish time, while the pilot endeavours to follow the route precisely and capture aerial photos along the way. Each flight also includes a landing task where accuracy is key.
Competition Schedule
- 25-29 August: Practice days
- 30 August: Opening ceremony
- 31 August: General briefing
- 1-4 September: Competition flights
- 5 September: Closing ceremony