2026 FAI F5J European Championship underway from 16-22 Aug 2026...
- 16 August: registration, model processing, opening ceremony
- 17-21 August: qualification rounds
- 22 August: final fly-offs, closing ceremony
Event schedule
Abbeville, France, 11 August 2026 – The 2026 FAI F5J European Championship for Electric Powered Thermal Duration Gliders will begin on Sunday 16 August in Abbeville, France, bringing together senior and junior pilots from across Europe for a week of international aeromodelling competition.
The championship will take place from 16 to 22 August 2026 at the airfield of the Aeroclub of Abbeville-Buigny-Baie de Somme (LFOI). It 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. For the first time, France will host this international F5J championship, marking an important moment for the discipline and for the French aeromodelling community.
The official entry list includes 96 competitors—75 seniors and 21 juniors—reflecting the strength and growing popularity of F5J across Europe. Among them are experienced contenders, rising junior talents and the reigning European champions: Slovenia's Primož Rižner, who claimed the senior title in 2024, and France's Romain Gallet, the 2024 junior champion.
Antonis Papadopoulos, President of the FAI Aeromodelling Commission (CIAM), said: “The start of the 2026 FAI F5J European Championship in Abbeville marks an exciting moment for the aeromodelling community. This discipline demands technical precision, tactical skill and a deep understanding of the air. With senior and junior pilots from across Europe coming together in France, we look forward to a week of fair, challenging and inspiring 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.
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.
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 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.