Where do you start? From choosing the right record category and understanding the rules to submitting your application, planning your attempt, and documenting your results, there are several important steps to follow. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process step by step, helping you understand what it takes to turn your world-record ambition into an officially recognized achievement.
World Record Application Process
1. Record Flight Notification
Once a potential world record flight has been completed, the applicant must notify the appropriate organizations within 7 days of the flight. Initial notification must be sent by email to the following:
- Academy of Model Aeronautics (AMA): records@modelaircraft.org
- National Aeronautic Association (NAA): records@naa.aero
- Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI): record@fai.org
The initial notification to the FAI must include a copy to the NAA. For additional information, visit the FAI website.
2. Record Application Deadlines
The following deadlines apply to the world record application process:
- Within 7 days: Submit the initial or preliminary record claim by email to the FAI at record@fai.org, with a copy to the NAA at records@naa.aero.
- Within 14 days: Submit the physical completed record claim documents to AMA Headquarters.
- Within 60 days: The AMA Technical Director reviews the record claim and forwards the dossier to the NAA.
- Within 120 days: The NAA approves the record as a U.S. National Record and forwards it to the FAI for international review and processing.
3. Submission and Review of the Record Dossier
Following the record flight, the Observer (an authorized representative of a National Airsport Control [NAC] and the World Air Sports Federation [FAI] who oversees and certifies air sports activities) must ensure that the completed FAI National Record Dossier is submitted to:
Academy of Model Aeronautics
Attn: Technical Director
5161 E. Memorial Dr.
Muncie, IN 47302
The dossier may be submitted electronically by email; however, a hard copy of the original documents must also be sent by postal or delivery service, such as USPS, UPS, or FedEx.
Upon receipt, the AMA Technical Director will review the application to verify that all required documentation and applicable fees have been included. If any information or documentation is missing, the applicant will be contacted.
Once the dossier has been reviewed and approved by AMA, it will be forwarded to the NAA for review and approval as a U.S. National Record. The NAA will then forward the approved record to the FAI for final review and processing.
Applicants should ensure that all required documentation is complete and submitted within the applicable deadlines to help avoid delays.
4. Required Documents and Resources
The following resources are available to assist applicants in preparing and submitting a world record claim:
- FAI Sporting Code – Aeromodeling Records – SC4_volume_CIAM_Records_2026.pdf
- FAI World Record Notification – record_claim_form_UPDATE
- Application for Record Confirmation – Model Aircraft – application_for_record_confirmation-model_aircraft.pdf
- Record Dossier Checklist – checklist_record_dossier_-_model_aircrafts.pdf
- Aeromodeling World Record Fees
5. World Record Application Fees
The following fees apply to F (Model Aircraft), S (Space Models), and U (UAVs) Class records:
| Service | Fee |
| Review of record claim (U.S. only) | $100 |
| Review of record claim (U.S. and international) | $150 |
| FAI surcharge | $375 |
| FAI Proficiency/Achievement Badge | $150 |
| Additional review time exceeding 1.5 hours | $50 per additional half hour |
Applicants should confirm the applicable fees and payment requirements before submitting their dossier.
Important: Applicants are responsible for meeting the notification and submission deadlines and ensuring that all required documents and fees are included with their record claim.