2026 FAI F5J European Championshipfor Electric Powered Thermal Duration Gliders to take place in Abbeville, France

 FAI, the World Air Sports Federation, is pleased to announce that the 2026 FAI F5J European Championship for Electric Powered Thermal Duration Gliders will take place in Abbeville, France, from 16 to 22 August 2026.

The championship will bring together senior and junior pilots from across Europe for a week of high-level competition at the airfield of the Aeroclub of Abbeville – Buigny – Baie de Somme (LFOI). Around 25 nations are expected to take part in the competition.

The event is organised by Aeromodelling Valley of Bresle – Normandy Picardy, a French aeromodelling club with more than 40 years of history and strong experience in the thermal duration category. The club is affiliated with the Fédération Française d’Aéromodélisme (FFAM) and will host the championship in Abbeville with the support of local partners, volunteers and the wider aeromodelling community.

For the first time, France will host this international championship, marking an important moment for the discipline and for the French aeromodelling community.

Antonis Papadopoulos, President of the FAI Aeromodelling Commission (CIAM), said: “The 2026 FAI F5J European Championship for Electric Powered Thermal Duration Gliders in Abbeville will be an important opportunity for Europe’s leading senior and junior pilots to compete at the highest level, while also showcasing the accessibility and innovation of this class. F5J brings together technical precision, tactical skill and a deep understanding of the natural elements. We look forward to following the competition and to seeing the community come together in France.”

The championship venue offers a vast, open and flat flying area with unobstructed airspace and excellent visibility in all directions, providing suitable conditions for high-level competition.

As part of the event, the organisers also plan to promote aeromodelling and aviation through two open days designed to introduce visitors to the discipline and highlight aviation careers.

Schedule

• 16 Aug: registration, model processing, opening ceremony
• 17-21 Aug: qualification rounds
• 22 Aug: fly-offs, closing ceremony

About F5J

F5J is an aeromodelling discipline for radio controlled electric powered thermal duration gliders with wingspan up to 4 m. Pilots launch their models using an electric motor for a maximum of 30 seconds, then aim to fly as close as possible to 10 minutes by finding and using rising air currents. Motor starting height penalty points encourage pilots to launch their gliders as low as possible while still finding rising air and managing the 10-minute flight window.

The discipline combines technical skill, tactical decision-making and precise control. Pilots are challenged to manage start height, read the air, make efficient use of thermals and complete a precision landing as close as possible to the target.

During the preliminary rounds, pilots will compete to secure a place among the top-ranked competitors and earn qualification for the final rounds, where the title of European Champion will be decided.

F5J is governed under FAI rules and is recognised for its combination of endurance, accuracy and technical excellence.