Directors of the Australian Aerobatic Academy receive the 2020 FAI Paul Tissandier Diploma for their continued support of competition aerobatics!
The FAI and competition aerobatics:
The FAI (FÉDÉRATION AÉRONAUTIQUE INTERNATIONALE) is the governing body for air sports worldwide. It was founded in 1905. Air sports such as parachuting, hang gliding, aeromodelling and aerobatics are all regulated by the FAI.
One of the awards issued yearly by the FAI is the Paul Tissandier Diploma. The award is named after the Secretary General of the FAI from 1919 to 1945. Tissandier was an avid balloonist and student of Wilbur Wright.
The FAI Paul Tissandier Diploma:
Each year, member states can nominate individuals for FAI awards. Individuals who display exemplary commitment to the sport of aerobatics can be nominated for the Paul Tissandier Diploma.
The Diploma may be awarded to “those who have served the cause of Aviation in general and Sporting Aviation in particular, by their work, initiative, devotion or in other ways.”
Australian Aerobatic Club nomination:
The Australian Aerobatic Club (AAC) nominated company directors Peter and Cassandra for the Diploma in 2020:
“Cassandra “Cass” Moeller and Peter Townsend have been involved in aerobatics for some 20+ years. They have established an unrivalled commitment to the growth and development of the sport of aerobatics in Australia. Cass and Peter operate an aerobatic flying school in Australia, whereby they introduce aerobatics into the flying curriculum from the first flight.
They understand the importance of aerobatics and advanced handling as part of basic flying training. Their school provides industry leading upset prevention and recovery training along with basic and advanced aerobatic instruction.
Cass and Peter’s inspiration to the next generation of pilots promotes an ongoing interest in competition aerobatics and the Australian Aerobatic Club. This is demonstrated by their students making a significant contribution to the national membership numbers.
Cass and Peter’s dedication to aerobatics is not limited to flying but also extends to the administration of the sport. They have held numerous committee and competition appointments over a number of years. Furthermore, they facilitate judging courses, training camps and inter-school competitions on a regular basis.
Cass and Peter go above and beyond to support each state and national competition. Their regular attendance at these competitions, along with encouraging as many of their protégés to attend, can always be relied upon.
Cass and Peter have enjoyed success at all levels of competition. Recent triumphs in their Extra 330SC include Cass becoming the Australian Unlimited Aerobatic Champion in 2018 and Peter taking third place in the Unlimited category in 2019.
Cass and Peter’s dedication to the sport of aerobatics in Australia is deserving of recognition and therefore makes them worthy recipients of the Paul Tissandier Diploma.”
AAA says “Thank you!”
We are extremely proud and thankful to have received not only national, but international recognition for our commitment to aviation and the sport of aerobatics. We are also hugely grateful to share the journey with our students and graduates – past, present and future.
Whether you are considering learning to fly for fun, or a career, interested in the sport of competition aerobatics, or looking to enhance your piloting skills with UPRT or an aerobatics endorsement, look no further than AAA – Australia’s INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNISED aerobatic flight training organisation.