CIMA History home

Since it’s founding in 1980, the FAI Microlight and Paramotor Commission (CIMA) has developed FAI Class R contests and records for the worldwide air sport community. FAI mainly provides the public with information on results, meeting minutes and the like. But those of us who have participated in CIMA activities know there are colorful and uplifting stories of people and events behind what is published.

Who remembers the infamous meeting in Rome or the “goose” championships or the first official scores for Kicking Sticks? Where was the first world microlight championships held in the southern hemisphere? What did it take to have gone the highest, fastest or longest in their respective FAI Class R record class? CIMA’s rich history should be captured for future generations to learn about the character and decisions of those who have pioneered the sport as well as those who have had special experiences to share.  

In 2013, CIMA created the position of Historian and asked me to take it. Reflecting back, taking over secretary duties from CIMA founder Ann Welch at the 1993 plenary in Poznan, Poland was my initiation to a long path of service to CIMA as commission bureau member and championships official. I am honored to take on this new role to help capture and preserve our history.

Much material has been collected over the years by competitors and the media on people and events. We will use this space to share some of that to preserve the spirit and heart of what makes participation in CIMA activities a fulfilling and rewarding experience.

Tom Gunnarson, CIMA Historian