Honors for Air Sports’ Greats at the 2019 FAI Awards Ceremony

Dec. 6, 2019

The dedication and achievements of air sports’ heroes was honored last night at the 2019 FAI Awards Ceremony held at the Olympic Museum in Lausanne, Switzerland.

The FAI Gold Air Medal, which is FAI’s most prestigious award, was awarded posthumously to Domina Jalbert from the USA. Greg Principato, the President of the National Aeronautic Association, received the award in Jalbert’s name from FAI President Bob Henderson at the beginning of the second day of the FAI General Conference.

The FAI Awards recognize individuals from around the world for their contribution to global air sports, or their prowess in a particular discipline.

Mr Henderson said: “The FAI is delighted to honor outstanding pilots, athletes and supporters at our annual Awards Ceremony.

“I extend my sincere congratulations to all those recognized for their courage, skill and commitment.”

The FAI Awards Ceremony is part of the federation’s General Conference, which is being held over two days on 5 and 6 December in Lausanne.

FAI General Awards

FAI Gold Air Medal

Domina Jalbert (USA)

For his great contribution to the development of Aeronautics through design innovation in parachuting and paragliding, which has benefited hundreds of thousands of pilots throughout the world

FAI Gold Space Medal

Viktor SAVINYKH (RUS)

For his great contribution to the development of Astronautics through his remarkable career in scientific research and his achievements as a pilot-cosmonaut

FAI Bronze Medal

Suzie GEBB (FRA)

For her eminent long-term services rendered to the FAI, especially as coordinator of the FAI Young Artist Contest

De La Vaulx Medal

James M. PAYNE (USA) / Timothy GARDNER (USA)

For the World Record of 22 657 m as absolute altitude on 2 September 2018

Sabiha Gökcen Medal

Alexandra SEREBRENNIKOVA (RUS)

For her outstanding achievements in hang gliding and her two World Records in 2018

Paul Tissandier Diploma

Georges DE MOURA FERREIRA (BRA)

For his remarkable services to Aviation and Sporting Aviation, particularly Ballooning

Castor FANTOBA LERENDEGUI (ESP)

For his remarkable services to Aviation and Sporting Aviation

Pankul MATHUR (IND)

For his remarkable services to Aviation and Sporting Aviation, particularly Gliding

Barbara SONZOGNI (ITA)

For her remarkable services to Aviation and Sporting Aviation, particularly Paragliding

Bernard VAILLOT (FRA)

For his remarkable services to Aviation and Sporting Aviation

Yuri YABLOKOV (RUS)

For his remarkable services to Aviation and Sporting Aviation, particularly Rotorcraft

Group Diploma of Honour

Red Bull Air Race (AUT)

For their significant contribution to the progress of aeronautics, particularly in air racing

Aerathlitiki Enosi Magnesias (GRE)

For their significant contribution to the progress of aeronautics, particularly in aeromodelling in Greece

Perlan II Team (USA)

For their significant contribution to the progress of aeronautics, particularly in gliding and for their research relating to the stratosphere

Russian National Hot Air Balloon Team (RUS)

For their significant contribution to the progress of aeronautics, particularly in ballooning in Russia

Museum of Cosmonautics (RUS)

For their significant contribution to the progress of astronautics, particularly in Russia

FAI Awards for Individual Disciplines

Leonardo Da Vinci Parachuting Diploma

Christian FREI (SUI)