Photo above – Greg Principato with a US drone racing athlete at the World Games in Chengdu China, August 2025.
By Kim J Stevens
Throughout his life Greg Prinicipato has never taken for granted the men and women that he has worked with and met during his day to day regimen leading organizations like ACI-NA, NASAO, NAA and currently finishing up his second year as president of the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale World Air Sports Federation.
“When I was at NAA the legendary flight instructor and pioneer John King used to tell me I get to hang around with “unusual people” meaning people who have done unusual, unique, and great things,” said Principato. “I never take that for granted.”
Notably, Principato was the first American elected President to the FAI board since Clifton F. von Kann – 1988-1990. And, before that Jacqueline Cochran – 1958-60. “When I learned that I would be in the same sentence as Jackie Cochrane I was honored and more than humbled,” said Principato. “There is no world where that should be possible.”
The FAI President is elected by a vote of the global membership at the General Conference. At the time, Principato’s name was suggested by the Swedish representative. “I had put forward a pretty aggressive reform agenda and got 84% of the vote, which was nice,” said Principato. His two-year term ends in October.
Outside the air sports world, FAI is very little known. Until Greg began working at NAA in 2016, he’d never heard of them, even though FAI is the oldest global aviation organization, having been founded in 1905. “I think most people assume world records are certified and acknowledged by the Guiness people, but in reality, FAI is the record certifying body,” noted Principato. Rigorous procedures and rules are in place that ensure all records are certified with integrity. “I also don’t think most people know that FAI is recognized as the global air sports federation by the International Olympic Committee,” continued Principato. “FAI is to air sports what FIFA is to soccer, for example. You may also not know that the Karman line, which for generations has defined the boundaries of space, was established by the FAI.”
In preparation for his role at FAI, Principato had already spoken with a majority of the members, so he had a good sense of what was on their minds, and to date there have been few surprises. NAA is the U.S. member of FAI, so Principato was well familiar with the workings of the organization. “FAI is viewed differently in many countries. In some, the national organization is part of that country’s Olympic Committee and may have a very close association with a ministry of sports. That is not the case here,” said Principato. “Some national organizations tightly control air sports in their countries; others delegate much of this authority to airsport organizations as is the case in the United States. So, that poses a challenge, though it is one I was well prepared for having been so involved in the global airport community as a part of Airports Council International earlier in my career and, of course, NAA’s involvement in FAI when I was CEO there.”
Principato said in terms of tensions, political or otherwise, that tends to be kept to a minimum, though it occasionally creeps in. “Russia and Belarus, for example, were suspended after the Invasion of Ukraine in 2022.”
Reflecting on his time at FAI, Principato said he is always amazed at how many people he has met who are involved in the aviation industry – from bag slingers to astronauts – who got started with air sports. Whether flying their own models or perhaps being inspired by someone at an air show like Oshkosh, Principato believes you are never too young, or too old, to be inspired by, or to inspire someone, through air sports. “Air sports are a gateway to aviation careers, and I am always especially impressed with those who want to share their career path with youngsters.”
Several months ago, Greg had a chance to meet Bertrand Picard, who flew the Solar Impulse around the world, powered by solar power. He talked to him at a bookstore, where he was talking about a book he had written for children. “He was inspiring to listen to and also struck by the fact that he was inspired by the fact that he could inspire others.”
Although Principato’s term expires later in this year, he is eligible to run again. “There are a lot of changes we are bringing forth into FAI. Our members have asked for many of these things for a long time, and we are now acting on them. We will see what happens.”
