Calling all drone enthusiasts! Are you – or do you know – someone who is using drones for the good of humanity?

The FAI is on a quest to find an inspirational recipient worthy of the Prince Alvaro de Orleans-Borbon Grant – a $20,000 cash injection for air sports pioneers involved in research and innovation.

Open to both individuals and institutions, the theme of the 2018 grant is: Drones for humanity.

FAI President Frits Brink said: “As the world governing body for all air sports, the FAI is responsible for the exciting world of drone sports. We are also heavily involved in the global drone community, within which we are keen to create greater understanding about how drones can be used by everyone from hobbyists to huge companies. As part of this, the FAI wants to recognise those working with drones to improve people’s lives and make the world a safer place.”

How drones are changing the world

Drones are now an integral part of many industries. From revolutionising farming to making delivery services faster and more efficient, they are changing our lives in myriad ways. And new applications are emerging all the time.

These include improving how rescue teams search for those trapped due to floods or fires, and delivering humanitarian and medical aid to civilians in need in remote areas around the world.

The aim of this year’s Prince Alvaro de Orleans-Borbon Grant is to reward those who have devoted themselves to the technology necessary to facilitate such deserving projects using drones.

About the Prince Alvaro de Orleans-Borbon Grant 2018

The Prince Alvaro de Orleans-Borbon Grant is for people and/or institutions involved in the creation and/or promotion of technical developments and innovation in sport aviation.

In 2018, the theme is: Drones for humanity.

So special consideration will be given to projects that focus on remotely piloted aircraft, particularly those dedicated to humanitarian and/or search and rescue projects.

The $20,000 grant will be presented to the 2018 winner at the 2nd FAI International Drones Conference and Expo, which will be held at the EPFL (Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne) Rolex Learning Center in Lausanne, Switzerland from August 31 to September 2, 2018.

Frits Brink said: “The aim of the FAI International Drones Conference and Expo is to enable stakeholders from across the drone universe to collaborate and learn from one another.

“This makes it the perfect event at which to award the 2018 grant, thus continuing the FAI’s long history of promoting innovation in aviation in all its forms.”

How to nominate a person/organisation

Nominations must be made in writing using the Prince Alvaro de Orleans-Borbon Grant Nomination Form below.

Organisations and individuals that can nominate people or projects include FAI Air Sports Commission Presidents, FAI Members and other, FAI-related scientific bodies.

The deadline by which the FAI Head Office must receive all nominations is June 30, 2018.

For more information, please contact Ségolène Rouillon at members@fai.org.