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A non-profit organization, the FAI is represented
by 85 member countries. Founder of the
Gordon Bennett Cup races, James Gordon Bennett, Jr., turned to the
FAI for assistance in organizing the first Coupe Aéronautique
Gordon Bennett, launched from Tuileries Gardens in Paris, France
on September 30, 1906. The inaugural event was such a success, Bennett
turned its future over to the FAI while he continued to provide
the prestigious trophy under his name. It
is the Commission Internationale D'Aerostation (CIA), also
known today as the FAI Ballooning Commission, that is responsible
for making sure rules are followed for this event, as well as
other sanctioned ballooning competitions. |
