Finland, a country rich in natural beauty and a unique aviation landscape, is gearing up to host the 119th Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI) General Conference in 2025. Timo Hyvönen, the main organizer of the conference, emphasizes that "Flying in Finland is a joy whatever your chosen air sport." He aims to invite aviators from around the globe to experience the diverse air sports activities available in Finland.
The country boasts relaxed airspace regulations and enjoys long summer days, creating an optimal environment for diverse air sports, including paragliding, hang gliding, aeromodelling, drone racing, gliding, skydiving, and powered aviation. With around 90 official airfields dedicated to powered flight, along with numerous air sport centers, Finland provides ample opportunities for both beginners and seasoned aviators to explore the skies.
One of the standout features of Finnish aviation is the prominence of seaplanes. With approximately 188,000 lakes scattered throughout the country, ultralight seaplanes are a common sight. They offer an attractive value proposition for travelers looking to experience Finland’s stunning landscapes from the air. As Hyvönen beautifully puts it, "What a wonderful way to travel around, meet new people, maybe even camp under your wing and go for an evening sauna with local aviators.”
In Finland, pilots benefit from easy and flexible flying conditions thanks to the mostly uncontrolled airfields. The Area Control Centre Finland provides essential air navigation services, while the majority of airfields remain at the pilots’ disposal, free from landing or parking fees. The Finnish state-owned airport operator, Finavia, controls 20 airports, five of which operate 24 hours a day, while others open for commercial operations but allow general use afterward.
Summer in Finland offers breathtakingly long days, especially in the northern regions where pilots can fly all around the clock. In the capital area, official night lasts only about one full hour during midsummer. As the seasons shift and winter sets in, daylight can shrink to as little as seven hours. However, air sports enthusiasts are adept at maximizing their flying opportunities during the abundant daylight of summer.
The flying season in Finland typically runs from April to November. During this period, the weather is generally mild and predictable, with quick-moving weather fronts from west to east, making it ideal for flying. As autumn approaches, daytime hours dwindle, but weather conditions often remain favorable for flying. Many Finnish pilots embrace night flying training during this time, and the stunning autumn landscapes provide a beautiful backdrop for flights. “The Ruska is amazing, especially in Lapland. The scenery is unbelievably amazing!” Hyvönen adds, reflecting on the vibrant colors of autumn foliage across the landscape.
Finland hosts a plethora of summer aviation events that draw participants and spectators from across the region. The flying clubs, eager to engage the community, regularly organize fly-ins starting as early as March. One unique event takes place at Lake Nummijärvi, contingent on ice conditions for safe landings. As June arrives, the aviation calendar fills with busy events, including the Finnish Aeronautical Association’s main airshow, which showcases various air sports and aircraft types.
During July, enthusiasts can participate in Finnish Experimental Summer Days, which feature long-distance paragliding camps and a multitude of competitions in parachuting and skydiving. Additionally, Finnish athletes participate in national competitions across various air sports, including aerobatics and paragliding. Most events welcome international participants, thus fostering friendships among aviators.
Hyvönen shares a lighthearted insight into gliding in Finland: “Don’t book your holiday at the beginning of June on the same dates as the Finnish Gliding Championships – the chance of rain is very close to 100%!” Nonetheless, he reassures that the country’s open airspace, combined with its generally favorable weather, makes it an excellent location for gliding.
One of the interesting competitions available is the Airfield Competition, aimed at fixed-wing powered flying. Pilots accumulate points by landing at various airfields, which encourages exploration and camaraderie within the aviation community. This unique aspect of Finnish aviation culture highlights the joy and community spirit shared among pilots. As Hyvönen humorously notes, “If someone tries to cheat, the judges are allowed to remove their ears from their head. Nobody has tried. Yet.”
For anyone eager to experience the rich tapestry of air sports in Finland, the upcoming FAI General Conference in 2025 serves as a perfect gateway to understanding the country’s vibrant aviation culture. Those interested in this exceptional chance to immerse themselves in Finland’s burgeoning air sports activities should keep their eyes open for updates from the FAI and local aviation clubs.
In a world where air sports activities are continuously evolving, Finland offers the unique blend of breathtaking landscapes, relaxed regulations, and a welcoming community of aviators. With the country’s soaring seaplanes, diverse airfields, and a vibrant calendar of events, there has never been a better time to consider Finland as your next aviation destination.
As Timo Hyvönen aptly states, the beauty of flying in Finland lies in the joy, community, and adventure that awaits every aviator, whether they are soaring through the skies in a glider or exploring the azure lakes in a seaplane. So, pack your bags, get your gear, and prepare to make the skies your playground in one of the most enchanting countries for air sports.
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