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 The Formative Years (1978 - 1984)The first indication of activity from the FAI archives was in a 20 December 1978 FAI notice The introduction of small gas engines attached to hang gliders and lightweight fixed wing designs in the mid-1970s opened up the possibilities of sport and recreational flight to a new generation of enthusiasts. A short takeoff from a small field with sustained flight over the local countryside fulfilled many dreams of bird-like flight. Interest in this those early pioneering efforts quickly turned into an explosive growth of activity, with mass-produced microlights (also called “ultralights”) populating the skies. Public interest, and concern over noise, privacy and safety warranted the need for national advocacy organizations and new sections of National Aero Clubs to educate and advocate for this new segment of aviators. A few enlightened aviation personalities at the time could see the natural progression of the competitive spirit, from manufacturers vying for customers to adventuresome souls eager to test their new aircraft to the limits and against their peers. Two such people were Ann Welch, president of the British Microlight Aircraft Association (BMAA) and well established within FAI, and Paul Poberezny of the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) who’s Oshkosh airshow was the largest civil aviation event on the planet. Ann Welch was already a well-known and respected figure in the gliding and hang gliding scene. The first indication in the archives of her intent to formalize microlights under the FAI air sport framework comes from a 2 January 1981 FAI letter In a letter dated 19 Nov 1981 to Robert Buck The First Championships & Records (1985 - 1990)The Age of ParamotorsIntroduction of Light Sport
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